Unless you're travellingunder your own steam, the usual ways to get from Hua Hin to Bangkok are either by taxi, air conditioned bus or train. There is another quick alternative, however, and that's by minivan.

It's definitely one of the quickest ways to reach the capital, taking as little as 2.5 hours - depending on traffic - and one of the other major advantages is that the journey there terminates in the city centre, at Victory Monument. This location is right on the skytrain which makes your onward journey easy.

In Hua Hin, the minivans arrive and depart from a site just off Petchkasem Road in the centre of town. You will see the soi on the western side of Petchkasem, opposite the Esso garage, just north of Chomsin Road.

As mentioned, in Bangkok, the arrival/departure point is Victory Monument. This is essentially a huge roundabout and the easiest way to describe where the transport is, is after exiting the skytrain, keep above the traffic and follow the circular walkway in a clockwise direction. After a short distance, you will see a hospital on your left. Descend to street level and the minibusses are parked behind the shops there. Just ask for Hua Hin and you'll be directed to the right place to buy your ticket.

The only disadvantage of this method of transport is that you may be asked to buy extra seats if you have a lot of luggage. If you're travelling light, it's a great way to go.

Minivans from Hua Hin to Bangkok leave approximately every half hour from 05.00-18.00. In practice, one will depart as soon as it's full, so you'll never have to wait long.

The same proceedure happens from Bangkok to Hua Hin, the first departure being at 05.30 and the last at 18.00.

The cost of a one-way trip is 180 baht.