Hua Hin

Though most visitors to Thailand head to the islands, if you only have a few days and want to get away, consider a trip to Hua Hin. It's just a couple of hours by car from Bangkok, has reasonable hotels and resorts (and a wide selection of them), and pretty beaches. The scenery isn't as amazing as what you'll find if you head further south, but considering how convenient it is to the capital, it's a great place to head for a break. If you want a destination that's a little less crowded, consider Pranburi, which is just another 30 minutes away and is less developed and more upscale.