Hua Hin has long, wide stretches of sand running from Cha Am in the north all the way past Khao Takiab hill to the south. The main town beach is right in the center, easy to reach on foot, with no roads to cross, stretching from the old fishing pier in the north down past the Hilton and beyond. Vendors sell grilled squid, fresh fruit, and corn on the cob along the shore, and pony rides are available for kids. Weekdays are quiet, but the beach fills up on weekends when Bangkok families make the three-hour drive south.
South of town, Khao Takiab beach is quieter and backed by a hill with a temple and troop of monkeys at the top. Beyond that, Suan Son beach is lined with casuarina pines and feels almost empty on weekdays. North toward Cha Am the beach is wider and more resort-oriented but still pleasant for a long walk. For swimming, head south past the Sofitel, where the water is a bit cleaner than the town centre.