In spite of the development of its coastline much of the province has kept its rural character with palm trees, mountains, pineapple farms and rice fields dominating the landscape.
The oldest beach resort in the country, Hua Hin, is located in this province. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) had a Palace named Klai Kang Won built here that opened in 1929. The Palace is still being used today by the Royal Family. With the opening of the railway from Bangkok, Hua Hin started to become a popular beach resort destination. It is now also the centre of nightlife in the province.