I spent a month learning to kite in Pranburi which is 20mins south of Hua Hin.
What attracted me to the area was a quite coastal village without all the seedy things other areas in Thailand are known for; and of course consistent wind and plenty of beach.
If you want a little bit of night life and some more western restaurants then Hua Hin is only 20 mins on a scooter. Otherwise Pranburi is pretty quite at night.
A nice side shore wind nearly everyday 15-25 knots in December, really picks up late Jan -Feb and a great 5km down winder, which is great when your learning.
I think Jay and the gang at Kiteboarding Asia are moving to a new spot, but they are an outstanding bunch of guys and great to sit back and have a bbq and some beers with in the afternoon and late into the night.
Everyone from all other the place always drops in to say high and comes for a kite, which is what I love about this sport.
Basic costs of my month (approx):
3 day course $345 (11,000 B)
Accommodation: $30 night (1000B)
Food: $6-12 (200-400 B)
Beer: 0.60 (20 B)
Hong Tong 700ml Rum (165B) Yummy
Scooter $5 (150-200B) day
Basically $50/day to kite your ass off.
There are some other bungalow options down the beach where you can kite straight from your backdoor also.
More info :
www.kiteboardingasia.com/?id=1012Disclosure: I am in no way affiliated with them, just a beginner kite boarder who loves that particular spot.
Also kites and gear in most cases is $500-$1000 cheaper than Aus