A Weekend in Hua Hin With an Old Mixed-Breed Dog

Fluffy is twelve, so I was not sure she would enjoy a weekend away. We drove to Hua Hin on a Friday evening, which took about three hours with traffic. I would recommend leaving before four in the afternoon if you can. The hotel we chose allowed pets for a small extra fee, which I confirmed by phone before booking. Check that first, because many places do not allow dogs at all. We walked her on the beach early in the morning, when the sand was cool and the crowds were not there yet. She loves the water's edge but tires quickly, so we kept the walks short and brought a bottle of water for her every time. Practical tips: avoid the midday sun on the sand, bring a collapsible bowl, and pack more poop bags than you think you need. Midday heat is hard on older dogs, so we spent the afternoons in the air-conditioned room with her resting on the bed. She slept better that night than she had in months. We will go again, probably in the cooler months, and I will book a ground-floor room so she does not have to struggle with stairs.