Long famous as the holiday home of the Thai royal family, the seaside city of Hua Hin continues to attract visitors from across the globe to relax on the golden beaches lining its shores. Once here, it's clear why the city has established itself as one of Thailand’s most popular beach resorts. 

The fact that it's easy to get here helps, it's one of the closest beaches to Bangkok, just a 3-hour journey by bus or train. Plus there's an airport nearby with flights to destinations across Thailand and Asia. 

The town’s major attraction is the beach. Here you'll find Thai day trippers, western expats and international holidaymakers side by side on the striking yellow sand. Children will be keen to go on a donkey ride along the beach, giving parents an hour of peace. 

Of course, there's also plenty of fun to be had as a family on the beach. Kids and adults alike will love the speedboat rides, as you careen across the waves at high speed. Families with older children might want to consider trying a more hands-on activity on the water. Ever tried kitesurfing? If not, that's not a problem, there's several kitesurfing schools that offer beginners lessons in this fast-growing sport. You'll all spend a day in the water learning to control the kite and practicing keeping your balance before being let loose on the waves. It's great fun and a more challenging alternative to the banana boat rides that are on offer as well. 

All children love animals so make sure your family doesn't leave without taking a trip to “Monkey Mountain”! When you're standing on the beach looking out to sea, turn right and gaze along the sand, it's the mountain in the distance and no prizes for guessing which animals live there. Take a songthaew (a public bus that looks more like a truck) along Naresdamri road to the end of the line, from there it's a short walk to the beach and the steps that lead you to the summit. Make sure you don't have any food with you as these cheeky monkeys enjoy nothing more than snatching a snack from unsuspecting tourists. In the evening, parents can enjoy the beautiful sunset from this hill whilst the kids take photos of the resident monkeys!

Children can't get enough of water so they'll be delighted to hear that there's not one but two water parks close to Hua Hin. “Black Mountain Water Park” is a little way out of the city but there's a free shuttle bus that will pick you up. Kids will be occupied for hours here giving parents the chance to relax and top up their tans. Tickets cost 600 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. 

“Vans Nava Water Jungle” is another option for families, here there are slides and rides set in lush gardens. It's tempting to spend the entire day floating around the lazy river, relaxing and trying to decide what you'll have for dinner. Tickets are priced at 1,000 baht for adults and 600 baht for children, although discounts are available with advance bookings. 

If you're all a bit tired of the beach and want a change of scenery, there's plenty to do in the surrounding area. Hua Hin is close to several national parks including the largest in Thailand, “Kaeng Krachan National Park”, which make excellent day trips. You'll be able to spot wildlife including wild elephant herds, monkeys and over 400 species of birds. One of the most famous sites in the park is the huge “Namtok Pa La-u” waterfall, it's a spectacular sight and well worth the walk. It's a bit of a climb up the waterfall so it is not suitable for younger children. The park is around a 90 minute drive from Hua Hin so it is possible to visit for a long day trip. 

Image by Rushenb

“Sam Roi Yot National Park” is slightly closer to Hua Hin, just 40km north of the city, and has a wide variety of landscapes that families can explore. There are more beaches here, as well as caves and mountains. It's even possible to take boat trips to visit some of the caves and islands off the shores of the national park. 

There're some stunning scenery in these areas, ideal for anything from a gentle stroll suitable for younger children to more challenging treks if you're visiting with teenagers. If you want to stay as close to the water as possible, you can hire kayaks and explore the parks from a different viewpoint. 

In terms of food, Hua Hin has a huge selection. There're all the recognisable international names you would expect in a tourist town as well as many hidden gems. But the most exciting dining option has to be the town’s night market! A wide variety of foods are on offer here, all prepared quickly and at deliciously low prices, with even the fussiest eaters being well catered for. Unlike many other food markets around the country, it's even possible to get western staples such as burgers or fried chicken, if that's what the kids are insisting on! But if they're adventurous, you might just find your new favourite food here and they'll be begging you to make it once you're all back home. 

When picturing Thai beaches, most will immediately think of the islands in the south of the country but these can sometimes by unsuitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed break. Hua Hin manages to offer visitors the best of both worlds. With stunning beaches and activities suitable for all ages, it’s easy to see why many visitors come back year after year.