Mrigadayavan Palace — the "Palace of Love and Hope" — is one of the most beautiful royal buildings in Thailand, and it sees relatively few visitors despite sitting just 14 km south of Cha-am. King Vajiravudh had it built as a seaside retreat in 1923, and the result is a sweeping complex of interconnected teak pavilions raised on stilts among the casuarina trees, with the sea breezes flowing freely through every room. The architecture manages to be grand and airy at the same time.
The palace is open to visitors and is largely intact, with period furniture, royal portraits, and information panels in Thai and English. The setting among the pines is as much the draw as the building itself — it is one of those places that actually rewards taking your time. Allow an hour and a half. The palace is on Route 4, between Cha-am and Hua Hin, and is easily reached by songthaew (shared pickup truck) or motorbike taxi.