Thailand Guides - Prachuap Khiri Khan

The province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, is at last starting to receive the attention it deserves. This narrow strip of land has more than 200 kilometres of coastline, dotted with low-key resorts and fishing villages.

Overview

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is best known for the royal seaside resort town and popular Bangkok-getaway, Hua Hin. The town itself, once a sleepy resort of undoubted charm and character, has in recent years a make-over and, some would say, is becoming a victim of its own success. The increasing popularity of Hua Hin has forced some locals and expatriates to explore the coastline further south. However, the province has more to offer visitors than sun, sea and sand. Prachuap Khiri Khan boasts some fine national parks and a scenic former royal beachside mansion. Accessible from Bangkok by road and rail, the province is an ideal spot for a break from the city.

Attractions

Hua Hin Beach
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s first and most famous beach town, holds variable names from the royal beach town and the romantic getaway to the town of chic boutique resorts.

If you are seeking a serene beach near Hua Hin, Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is probably a good place to go. This 2.8 kilometre long beach is located next to Hua Hin beach but divided by Takiap Hill. The atmosphere of Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is similar to Hua Hin yet quieter. The beach is shady with a line of pine trees stretching a long curved bay while the water is shallow – suitable for swimming. The area belongs to the navy but is open to public.

Father south of Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is another beach named Khao Tao. The beach is wide and long. You can go up to Khao Tao hill for a viewpoint of Hua Hin. The beach is good for swimming and ideal for a picnic. There are some food stalls and sun decks for rent available near the beach.

Pranburi beach
Pranburi is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. The beach itself may not be spectacular but its peaceful environment infuses a sense of privacy and exclusivity. It becomes a popular getaway among travelers from Bangkok who seek to relax in style. That contributes to the increase in the number of chic and boutique resorts. Some resorts in Pranburi offer a shuttle van service for their customers who want to go to Hua Hin for a night out.

Khao Kalok Beach
Not so far away from Pranburi is another beach called Naresuan Beach or locally known as Khao Kalok Beach. It has a very long beach stretching out of sight. The beach is clean and peaceful with some parts covered with dead sea shells brought in by the waves. There is a limestone hill at the end of the beach which can be reached during the low tide. Kayak boats and canvas sundecks are available for rent as well as bathrooms and toilet service. There are a few resorts and restaurants on this beach.

Sam Roi Yod National Park
Sam Roi Yod is a small sub district and a registered national park. Its name, which means ‘Three hundred peaks’, derives from its mountainous terrain. There are a few beaches worth visiting; namely Sam Phra Ya, Laem Sala and Nom Sao Beach.

Sam Phra Ya Beach is 5 kilometres northeast of the National Park Headquarter. It is about one kilometer long with brown sand beach. The atmosphere is quiet and shady of pine trees. There is a small limestone hill at the end of beach, making a good camping.