It’s a VERY subjective topic (of course) as each person has their own ideal of what makes for the ‘nicest’ and combined with the category ‘nicest small beach town in Thailand’ a number of towns would rightly come up for consideration.
Will put my own bias right up front as Prachuap Khiri Khan (PKK;) town has long been a fav go-to getaway from my home in Bangkok. With its idyllic backdrop, nearby gorgeous beaches, superb National parks, plus great amenities for a small town and proximity to Bangkok, PKK is an absolute gem and always a genuine pleasure to visit.
Yet PKK is far less visited than its deservedly renowned Royal neighbour to the North (Hua Hin) which is an hour or so closer to Bangkok. Most Expats looking for a short central coast beach break opt for Hua Hin. Most tourists travelling via road or rail heading South either stop in Hua Hin as a solo / or enroute destination, or go straight on through to hop a ferry in Surat Thani to Koh Samui & surrounding Islands. One pities those in both groups who for whatever reason have not visited absolutely sublime PKK. One is also certain most local Expats & tourists living or regularly vacationing in PKK might comment ‘Nothing to see here, no need to visit’.… (with wry and knowing grins;)
Thanks for viewing & commenting on my 2 new hobbies (steem & vids, lots to learn, thx for patience;)
Cheers!
STPasia