Prachuap Khiri Khan

Hua Hin Night Market every evening — touristy yes, but grilled prawns and mango sticky rice still hit. Skewers 20–60 baht. Do central market one night, Cicada + Tamarind another (Fri–Sun only, Khao Takiab area). Green songthaew runs south cheap.

Khao Takiab ("Chopstick Hill") south end of the beach — calmer water, monkey temple on the hill (watch your bags). Stayed south of Hilton, walk beach mornings, tuk-tuk to central at night. 6km beach is long — pick your section.

KL → Hat Yai train then short hop — wait, we did Hua Hin instead for the beach. Halal seafood on the north beach strip, whole fish 300–500 baht feet-in-sand style. Soi Bintabaht beer bars if you want nightlife without Pattaya intensity.

Hua Hin railway station — oldest in Thailand vibes, red and white wood, worth 20 min even if you flew in. Morning Chatchai Market nearby for curry pastes and fruit. This town is walkable in pieces, not as one loop.

Pranburi day trip — 20 min south, Walking Pranburi market felt like only farang in the crowd. Authentic Thai night market without the resort-town polish. Narrow streets, go before driving yourself at peak.