PRACHUAPKHIRIKHAN

Hat Hua Hin

Hat Hua Hin is a 5-kilometer white sandy beach lined with a wide range of accommodations, from bungalows to five-star hotels and resorts. Located at the sunrise side of the city, the beach runs from a rocky headland which separates it from a tiny fishing pier, and gently curves for some three kilometers to the south where the Giant Standing Buddha Sculpture is located at the foot of Khao Takiap. While offering a tranquil atmosphere, the beach is also the place for fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, walking, sun bathing, horse riding, kite boarding, and other kinds of water sports.

Namtok Huai Yang National Park

This 16-square kilometre-park covers a forested area on the Tanao Si Mountain Range. A 5-layer waterfall, Namtok Huai Yang, near the park office is its main attraction. The highest elevation is the 1,251-metre Khao Luang mountain. Admission is 200 baht per person. Accommodation is available near the park headquarters.

Pran Buri

Pran Buri is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. There are several beach resorts in peaceful atmosphere. The Pran Buri Forest Park occupies a large area with a 1-kilometre pine-fringed beach and mangrove nature trails.

Sam Roi Yot National Park

Located 63 kilometres south of Hua Hin in the vicinity of Kui Buri district, this coastal national park covers an area of 98 square kilometres with 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. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometres at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively. Admission is 200 baht per person.

Attractions within the park area include:

Hat Sam Phraya, located 3.5 kilometres north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with pine trees. Accommodation is available.
Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kilometres from Pran Buri or 15 kilometres north of the park office. This cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village for exploring the cave.
Tham Sai, is 9 kilometres north of the park office. Exploration inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be rented at nearby Khung Tanot Village.
Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kilometres 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-porched 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 1 hour boat trip to watch wild birds.

Ao Mae Ramphueng and Ao Bo Thonglang

Situated in the southern extremities of the province, both are scenic bays in the Bang Saphan district area. Travel about 75 kilometres south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometres via Bang Saphan Market to Ao Mae Ramphueng. Ao Bo Thonglang is 4 kilometres away. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available.