'Hua Hin: a vacation and golf paradise, with clean beaches and no unnecessary comments.'

Activities off the golf course In contrast to its golf identity, much of Hua Hin's appeal is its location by the sea. Irin Phuayem, public relations manager for Sotheby'\''s International Realty Thailand, says Hua Hin's reputation as a beautiful coastal town within reach of Bangkok put it on Asia's vacation map long before golfers or other Western travelers became keen on it.

"From Bangkok, Hua Hin can be reached in just three to four hours," Ms. Phuayem said. "The city is known for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, seafood, water sports and nightlife." There are various resorts along the coast,''with or without a golf course, intertwined with private homes with beach access. One of the largest resorts is Aleenta Hua Hin Pranburi Resort & Spa, located on a stretch of Pak Nam Pran Beach, where new homes by the water are popping up.

Anchalika Kijkanakorn, executive director and founder of Akaryn Hotel Group, describes a scene where everyone from windsurfers to cyclists enjoy clear skies and miles of trails leading to parks.

G-ja''Kijkanakorn says it is Hua Hin's cultural and historical identity, not its activities, that attract potential property owners and thousands of resort guests. Hua Hin resorts such as Pranburi serve as a destination for a community of repeat resort guests, long-term foreign residents and frequent local visitors.