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Hua Hin has long been a favourite seaside getaway for Bangkokians, who flock in their thousands to the cute, peaceful beach town only a few hours away by car or bus. But that means that sometimes, especially over long weekends, Hua Hin can get busy. Venture a little farther off the beaten tracks of the town's main streets, though, and there's a stylish, laid-back cafe where you can sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Let's Sea made a splashy entrance onto Hua Hin's dining scene five years ago. Tables for two or small groups are offered overlooking the garden in a house open on all sides to the cool, refreshing sea breezes.

This traditional, 40-year-old construction was once the beach retreat of a rich Bangkok family. Its wooden walls have been removed completely but the frame has been kept intact, leaving the house bare and airy.

The most popular spot is the veranda that protrudes on to the beach, giving spectacular views of the ocean. Too bad only a few people can fit into the small space. Alternatively, you can study the changing colours of sky and sea reclining on one of the wooden benches lined up under the pine trees in the garden. Or, get in touch with your roots by lying on the grass and shutting yourself away from the world for a few minutes.

Thanks to its garden lawns, tall leafy trees and wide patch of fine sand, Let's Sea draws those seeking solitude and natural beauty, but don't want to try too hard to find it.

"I like it here a lot," says Nuttarika Boonchoo, a university student from Bangkok who comes every other weekend with her friends for a peaceful break. "This place is quiet, green and only a few minutes away from Hua Hin town. We come here when the beach gets too crowded or noisy. And even though it's a coffee place, we're still close to the sea. I can sit here all day long sipping coffee and admiring the scenery."

Let's Sea is a perfect sanctuary if you have a whole lazy day to spend in Hua Hin. Begin the day with breakfast, (served from 7am) and then stay on for lunch and afternoon tea.

A wide selection of teas is served all day long, and then there's the coffee. The signature cup is mocha banana (Bt135) - a lip-smacking marriage of sweet, rich mocha and banana-flavoured syrup. Regular coffees are priced from Bt90 to Bt120 and Irish coffee is Bt290. Iced tea, juices and soft drinks are offered, too.

The dessert menu also brims with temptations. The highlight is probably the banana fritter served with vanilla ice cream (Bt145) - or you can choose to have your banana with honey or cream instead. Peach Melba (Bt135) and raisin cake with jasmine tea (Bt145) are also a must. For a cooling treat on a hot sunny day try a sherbet (Bt90), or mix your own sundae (Bt115) at the counter.

In the evening, grab some dinner, watch the sun go down and start the night with drinks at the bar. After dinner, the coffee and snack bar in the middle of the house transforms into a small bar with all kinds of drinks on offer. Cocktails, beers, red or white wine and aperitifs can be had from Bt195.

Food-wise, the Thai cuisine is highly recommended - particularly the grilled pork and sticky rice, fish patties, and kale stems in spicy herb salad. Western food is also available on request.

And there's good news for those who want to extend their stay overnight. Let's Sea recently put the finishing touches to its new hotel complex. The alfresco-style low-rise resort comprises a big pool which can be accessed from all guestrooms and is surrounded by a sand lounge, a lobby bar at the hotel's entrance, and the rooftop Gaia Spa. Room rates start from Bt8,000.

Let's Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort

83/188 Soi Talay 12 Khao Takieb,

Hua Hin Daily, 7am to 10.30pm  (032) 536 888 www.letussea.com 

Manta Klangboonkrong