Prachuap Khiri Khan is located some 281 kms. south of Bangkok.
After the old town was abandoned during the fall of Ayutthaya,
a new settlement was established in 1845 in the reign of King
Rama IV. The province, today, is more famous for its natural charm
of beaches and mountains than historical attractions. Hua Hin,
its major attraction, is one of Thailand’s most popular seaside
resorts among overseas visitors as well as Thais.
Attractions
Hua Hin –
This is Thailand’s oldest beach
resort for the elite of Bangkok society. Hua Hin is noted for
its long and white sandy beach, superb seafood restaurants and
a wide range of accommodation.
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre – This is located
on Naepkhehat Road in Hua Hin. There is an old typical house,
more than 80 years old. It has a collection and exhibition of
many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture
and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past.
Khao Takiap – This hill is only 4 kms. south
of Hua Hin. There is a road leading to the top where a temple
is situated.
The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow
accommodation. To get to this beach, visitors may take a local
minibus from Hua Hin.
Suan Son Pradiphat or Sea Pine Tree Garden –
This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is
open to the public. It is some 8 kms. south of Hua Hin. Accommodation
is available.
Khao Tao – This hill is located about 10 kms.
south of Hua Hin and 1 km. Along an access road. Next to the hill
is two quiet beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai, which
are the locations for some bungalows and fishing villages.
Namtok Pa La-u – This waterfall is located within
a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies
found, especially in the morning. It is composed of 11 tiers of
rocks, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail parallel
to the stream. To get there, visitors may take local transport
from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kms.
Sam Roi Yot National Park – This park is located
63 kms. south of Hua Hin. It occupies an area of 98 square kilometers
with undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps,
and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating
birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a large
number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks)
stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter
for ships during a storm.
Hat Laem Sala – is located 16 kms. north of
the park office. It can be reached by boat or walking across a
hill from Bang Pu Village. Walking up a beachside mountain for
a while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called “Tham Phraya
Nakhon”. The cave has a big hole through which a shaft of light
reaches and permits the growth of various kinds of plants. Phra
Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat, a Thai style pavilion, lends the most
attractive sight to the cave and has become the symbol of Prachuap
Khiri Khan. It is a four-proched building first constructed in
Bangkok in 1890 during the reign of King Rama V, then dismantled
and moved to the cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops
were raised by the King himself.
In addition, there is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng, 400 metres from
the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, a canalside village, which
is the starting point for a boat trip to watch wild birds.
Khao Chong Krachok –
This hill is located in
the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan. From the foot of the hill, up
395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. The stupa here contains
the relic of Lord Buddha. The hill also offers a spectacular view
of the town and the southern seacoast.
Ao Manao – This beautiful curved bay is under
the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. It is some 5 kms. south of
the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai
and Japanese
armies during Second World War. Accomodation should
be reserved in advance at the 53rd Squadron.
Wa Ko – This locality has had historical importance
since the reign of King Rama IV. The King made a trip to Wa Ko
to witness the full moon eclipse. A long white sandy beach lined
with pine trees offers a pleasant atmosphere.
Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing – These three
islands suitable for fishing can be reached within 20 minutes
by boat from Ban Pak Khlong, 3 kms. east of Bang Saphan.
Local Products
In addition to plenty of dried seafood, Prachuap
Khiri Khan offers various food products made from pineapples,
coconuts, bananas and aloe vera. Typical “Khomaphat” printed cotton
is a famous souvenir available at Hua Hin.