Hua Hin Railway Station

One of the prettiest railway stations in Thailand: a red-and-cream wooden pavilion built in the 1920s for the royal family, who made Hua Hin their seaside retreat. It's still a working station on the line from Bangkok, and the old royal waiting room is a favourite photo spot.

Hua Hin, a few hours south of Bangkok, is cheaper and calmer than most Thai resorts and keeps the feel of a real Thai seaside town, as most visitors are Thais from Bangkok. You can get there by road, train or plane. Hotels and food are good value, and there are beaches south of the town, such as Khao Takiab.