Lotus's Market Village Hua Hin

Come here for groceries, not for a day out. The supermarket is the whole point: food and drink from just about every cuisine you can name, meat, local produce, and an alcohol section that's better than you'd expect. Chicken and pork are cheap. Imported bits like peppers cost a lot more, so shop the way the locals do and you'll spend very little.

The basement is the bit I'd actually make a detour for. It's a street food market with air conditioning, a big spread of stalls and prices that stay low, which makes it a far more comfortable dinner than standing over a hot wok on the pavement. Upstairs, the shops and the general feel of the place are gentler than the big city malls, no harsh lighting, no din, easy to stroll through.

It isn't flawless. Some shoppers have hit stacked boxes in the aisles and tired-looking fruit, so if you need one specific thing, have a backup plan. Staff get consistent praise, including in the appliance section if you're kitting out a rental.