- Map
- General Information
- How To Get There
- Festivals
- Travel Guide
- Accommodations
Prachuap Khiri Khan is located some 281 kilometers 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. Prachuap Khiri Khan is now divided into 7 districts and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Bang Saphan, Amphoe Bang Saphan Noi, Amphoe Hua Hin, Amphoe Kui Buri, Amphoe Pran Buri, Amphoe Thap Sakae, and King Amphoe Sam Roi Yot.
Borders
□ North: Phetchaburi
□ South: Chumporn
□ East: Gulf of Thailand
□ West: The Union of Myanmar
Distance from Prachuap Khiri Khan city to its districts
| □ Bang Saphan | 75 kms. |  |
| □ Bang Saphan Noi | 112 kms. | |
| □ Hua Hin | 90 kms. | |
| □ Kui Buri | 30 kms. | |
| □ Pran Buri | 57 kms. | |
| □ Thap Sakae | 42 kms. | |
| □ Sam Roi Yot subdistrict | 45 kms. |
The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.
Hua Hin
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.
Hua Hin's consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country's first standard golf course.
Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand's oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.
By car
Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin Total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.
By Air
SGA Airlines provides 3 - 4 flights daily to Hua Hin (45 minutes). For more information, please contact SGA Airport office Bangkok (662) 664 6099 or Hua Hin (6632) 522 300. Website : www.sga.co.th
By Bus
Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 bahts for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 bahts for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 bahts (ordinary). The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 baht per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel. In addition, there are air-conditioned buses leaving for Chumpon Province (125 baht, 4 hours), Surat Thani Province (210 baht, 7hours), Phuket Province (305 baht, 10 hours) and Krabi Province (280 baht, 9 hours)
By Train
The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 baht (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 baht (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 baht. Call 1690 for more details.
Getting Around
Local buses/songthaews from Hua Hin to the Hat (beach) of Khao Takiap, Khao Tam and Suan Son cost 7-10 baht / person. These buses run from around 6 a.m. until 5.50 p.m.
Buses to Pranburi are 10 baht and leave from the same area of Chomsin Road.
Samlors may cost 40 baht / trip in to town.
Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented from a couple of places on Damnoen Kasem Road near the Jed Pee Nong Hotel. Motorcycle rates are from 150 baht to 200 baht per day for 100cc and 250 baht to 300 baht for 125cc. Occasionally larger bikes - 400 to 750cc - are available for 500 baht to 600 baht a day. Bicycles are 30 baht to 70 baht per day.
At the fishing pier visitors can charter boats to Ko Singtoh for 800 baht a day. On Hat Takiap it is possible to get cheaper fares for 700 baht.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival (หัวหิน แจ๊ส เฟสติวัล) is a festival presenting the musical performances of a large number of Thai and international musicians. It is organised nearby the Hua Hin seaside around June.
Khao Chong Krachok Tak Bat Devo Ceremony (ตักบาตรเทโวเขาช่องกระจก) is organized at Wat Thammikaram Worawihan, at the foot of Khao Chong Krachok, Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan during the End of Buddhist Lent every year. Besides an exhibition of votive tablets and Buddha images, there is also a traditional Chak Phra Festival and float parade of the Lord Buddha’s biography.
A Fair to Commemorate the “Heroic Deeds of 8 December 1941” (งานรำลึก “วีรกรรม 8 ธันวาคม 2484”) is organised at Ao Manao within the compound of Wing 53, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, from 7-10 December to commemorate and honour the heroic deeds of the Thai civilians, police and soldiers who fought in the battle with the Japanese army which brought their troops into Thailand at Ao Manao during World War II on 8 December, 1941. In the event, there are academic exhibitions of the air force authorities and various other governmental offices, booths offering local products, and various forms of entertainment such as Lam Tat - a performance presenting an exchange of impromptu poetic verse, and Khon - a mask dance - in impromptu style.
Hat Wanakon National Park
Hat Wanakon National ParkThis is 22 kms. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. and another 3.5 kilometers on an access road. It offers a 7-km. long beach lined with sea pine trees. For accommodation, contact the Faculty of Forest Affairs, Kasetsart University, Tel: 579-0520.
Namtok Huai Yang National Park
This park covers a forested area on the Tanaosi Mountain Range. Follow a sign at Km. 351 of Highway No. 4 and drive along a 7-km. access road to the park office. Namtok Huai Yang near the park office is its main attraction. The waterfall is composed of 5 small cascades situated among recreational surroundings.
Ao Bo Thonglang
Ao Bo ThonglangThis is located 4 kilometers beyond Ao Mae Ramphung along a beach road. There is a clean and white sandy beach suitable for swimming.
Ao Mae Ramphung
This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan. Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometers via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available.
Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing
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.
Khao Chong Krachok or Mirror Mount
Khao Chong Krachok or Mirror MountFrom the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and a troop of playful monkeys. The hill also offers a splendid panorama of the coastline and seascape.
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. It is located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 4, about 12 kilometers south of the town.
Ao Manao
Ao ManaoThis beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal Thai Air force. It is some 5 kilometers south of the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during Second World War.
□ Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: (032) 611017, 611031 ext. 2146.
Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park
Khao Hin Thoen Stone ParkThis is located to the west of the town. Travel along Highway No. 4 till Km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 kms. Among large stones placed by nature in the area, there are narrow walks leading to wide rocky fields on the mountain top overlooking the view of the city and the sea.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
Sam Roi Yot National ParkThis park is located 63 kilometers 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. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometers at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively.
Attractions within the park area include
Tham Sai□ Tham Sai
is 9 kilometers 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 Sam Phraya
located 3.5 kilometers north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with pine trees. Accommodation is available.
□ Tham Kaeo
is situated some 23 kilometers from Pran Buri or 15 kilometers 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.
□ Hat Laem Sala
Hat Laem Salais located 16 kilometers 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 meters from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng , a canal side village, which is the starting point for a boat trip to watch wild birds.
