Khao Takiab, the beach directly to the south of Hua Hin, is a good alternative for people who wish to avoid Hua Hin's busier scene; tourists who stay in Takiab are mostly well-off Thais who prefer Takiab's exclusivity to Hua Hin's touristy atmosphere, and you can find many upscale condos and small luxury hotels here. The beach itself is wide and long, but the water is quite murky and shallow, and not very suitable for swimming.
Sunbathing is the ideal activity here, especially during the low tide when the golden, sandy beach is flat and dry. The usual water activities like jet skiing and banana-boating are available here, and are more enjoyable than in Hua Hin, as the beach and water are less crowded. The southern part of the beach ends at a big cliff, which has a tall, standing image of the Buddha. You can hike to the top of the hill, where you find a small Buddhist monastery and several restaurants with excellent views.
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