Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ) is a coastal town of roughly 27,000 inhabitants (2012) in western Thailand, roughly 100 km south of Hua Hin and 200 km north of Chumphon. Culturally it could be considered part of the central plains, but is geographically connected to southern Thailand as it is a part of the Malay Peninsula. It possesses various interesting tourism attractions such as beaches, islands, forests, and mountains.
Thailand's royal family were the first to set this location on the map as the original beach resort in Thailand. The long white sandy beaches themselves are clean, spotless, and pretty, much more so than Pattaya's, and the sea is relatively clean. Besides just sunbathing snorkelling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is warm and laid-back making it ideal for families and couples.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is in fact more of a holiday destination for Thais than foreigners. Many Bangkokians purchase condominiums here. This guarantees a bit of a quiet atmosphere if you are fed up with noisy foreign tourists at their favourite locations, such as Pattaya or Ko Samui.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province covers an area of 6,368 square kilometres. It is a long and narrow coast stretching to the south. At the Singkhon Pass in the Mueang district, there is a border crossing into Burma. Near there, the distance from the Burmese border to the Gulf of Thailand is only 13 km. The length of the province from the north to the south is approximately 212 km.
Once known as Muang Bang Nong Rom, Prachuap Khiri Khan was left to decay after the sacking of Ayutthaya at the end of the 18th century. The town was rebuilt at the mouth of the Ron River during the 19th century and renamed Prachuap Khiri Khan.
It was an old seaside resort during the reign of King Rama V. From historical evidence, Prachuap Khiri Khan was a location of Mueang Na Rang during the Ayutthaya period. In the reign of King Rama II of Rattanakosin, a new city was established at the mouth of the I Rom Canal and was named Mueang Bang Nang Rom. During the reign of King Rama IV, Mueang Bang Nang Rom, Mueang Kui, and Mueang Khlong Wan were combined into Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan which means "city of mountains". The city hall was at Mueang Kui until 1898, when it was moved to Ao Ko Lak or Ao Prachuap, the site of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan today.
- Ao Manao Beach. It lies several kilometres south of the town. It is on Wing 5, an air force base, so you must pass by guard posts at either end to get to the beach. This is a formality. Just slow down, salute, and get waved through. Chaises longues and beach umbrellas can be rented for 20 baht. Ao Manao was a battlefield in World War II between Thai and Japanese armies. It is a clean beach suitable for swimming. Opposite the beach stands Khao Lom Muak. At ebb tide, a long sand bar will appear. At the summit of Khao Lom Muak, there is a replica of the Buddha's footprint. At the foot of the mountain stands a shrine of Chaopho Khao Lom Muak. On Ao Manao you can ride horses, do some archery and have a Western BBQ. Free.
- City Pillar. Reputedly one of the prettiest in Thailand. The photo on this page is of the gate, typical of most towns in Thailand. The pillar is near the pier and is the pride of the townspeople. Free.
- Monkey Temple. The "monkey temple", Wat Thammikaram, is just north of town on a steep hill. Many monkeys (macaques) live in the temple and a monkey fountain statue is at the base of the hill. The temple provides excellent views of the bay and countryside, and many locals there go to feed or watch the monkeys.
- Wat Khao Hinturn. Surreal temple formed / built around a formation of giant rocks, it's outside the town located at this location Definitely worth a visit. To get a taste of the surreal experience visit their website first: http://watkhaohinturn.net/
- Hat Wanakon National Park. It is a mixed deciduous forest generally comprising sparse woods and various shed-leaf plants mixed together such as Phai Pa and Bambusa bambos Originally, this area was a planted forest, mixed with a natural-grown one, which was just recovered. Fish found are fresh-water fish such as catfish, snake-headed fish, climbing perch, Nile tilapia, and various kinds of sea fish. The beach is 7 kilometres long, lined with Horsetail trees.
- Khao Chong Krachok. A small mountain where a large number of stump-tailed macaques reside. Its entrance is behind the City Hall with 396 steps to the summit, being a height of 245 metres from sea level. It is the location of Wat Khao Chong Krachok where a replica of the Buddha's footprint and the relics of the Buddha, which the king came to attend its containing ceremony on 12 June 1958, and planted a bodhi tree, are enshrined.
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It includes high and steep limestone mountains by the beach and a wet mud plain beach combining with shallow sea, as well as limestone islets lined up near the shore, where various kinds of birds reside during November and February. It was named a national park on 28 June 1966, the fourth national park of the country and the first marine national park of Thailand. There are many attractions within the park: Khao Daeng View Point, Tham Sai, Thung Sam Rot, and Hat Laem Sala.
- Ko Thalu, Ko Sang, Ko Sing. Small islands close to one another. Beaches, mountains and coconut groves with abundant white sandy beaches such as Ao Muk (อ่าวมุก), surrounded by a scenic atmosphere, white sand and a nicely coloured sea and corals.
- Namtok Huai Yang. A small nine-tiered waterfall near the office of the Huai Yang National Park. It is popular for those wanting to relax due to its scenery and interesting nature study route.
- Pran Buri Forest Park. Pran Buri Forest Park possesses a white sandy beach that is shady with a one kilometre line of pine trees on the east of the park. Moreover, from the park, the scenery of the sea, are the islands of Ko Singto, Khao Takiap and Khao Tao. This forest originally began as a royal project under the patronage of Queen Sirikit.
- Rajabhakti Park. Larger than life statues of seven prominent Thai kings.
- Waghor Aquarium. Part of the King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology.
Ao Manao Beach. It lies several kilometres south of the town. It is on Wing 5, an air force base, so you must pass by guard posts at either end to get to the beach. This is a formality. Just slow down, salute, and get waved through. Chaises longues and beach umbrellas can be rented for 20 baht. Ao Manao was a battlefield in World War II between Thai and Japanese armies. It is a clean beach suitable for swimming. Opposite the beach stands Khao Lom Muak. At ebb tide, a long sand bar will appear. At the summit of Khao Lom Muak, there is a replica of the Buddha's footprint. At the foot of the mountain stands a shrine of Chaopho Khao Lom Muak. On Ao Manao you can ride horses, do some archery and have a Western BBQ. Free.
City Pillar. Reputedly one of the prettiest in Thailand. The photo on this page is of the gate, typical of most towns in Thailand. The pillar is near the pier and is the pride of the townspeople. Free.
Monkey Temple. The "monkey temple", Wat Thammikaram, is just north of town on a steep hill. Many monkeys (macaques) live in the temple and a monkey fountain statue is at the base of the hill. The temple provides excellent views of the bay and countryside, and many locals there go to feed or watch the monkeys.
Wat Khao Hinturn. Surreal temple formed / built around a formation of giant rocks, it's outside the town located at this location Definitely worth a visit. To get a taste of the surreal experience visit their website first: http://watkhaohinturn.net/
Hat Wanakon National Park. It is a mixed deciduous forest generally comprising sparse woods and various shed-leaf plants mixed together such as Phai Pa and Bambusa bambos Originally, this area was a planted forest, mixed with a natural-grown one, which was just recovered. Fish found are fresh-water fish such as catfish, snake-headed fish, climbing perch, Nile tilapia, and various kinds of sea fish. The beach is 7 kilometres long, lined with Horsetail trees.
Khao Chong Krachok. A small mountain where a large number of stump-tailed macaques reside. Its entrance is behind the City Hall with 396 steps to the summit, being a height of 245 metres from sea level. It is the location of Wat Khao Chong Krachok where a replica of the Buddha's footprint and the relics of the Buddha, which the king came to attend its containing ceremony on 12 June 1958, and planted a bodhi tree, are enshrined.
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. It includes high and steep limestone mountains by the beach and a wet mud plain beach combining with shallow sea, as well as limestone islets lined up near the shore, where various kinds of birds reside during November and February. It was named a national park on 28 June 1966, the fourth national park of the country and the first marine national park of Thailand. There are many attractions within the park: Khao Daeng View Point, Tham Sai, Thung Sam Rot, and Hat Laem Sala.
Ko Thalu, Ko Sang, Ko Sing. Small islands close to one another. Beaches, mountains and coconut groves with abundant white sandy beaches such as Ao Muk (อ่าวมุก), surrounded by a scenic atmosphere, white sand and a nicely coloured sea and corals.
Namtok Huai Yang. A small nine-tiered waterfall near the office of the Huai Yang National Park. It is popular for those wanting to relax due to its scenery and interesting nature study route.
Pran Buri Forest Park. Pran Buri Forest Park possesses a white sandy beach that is shady with a one kilometre line of pine trees on the east of the park. Moreover, from the park, the scenery of the sea, are the islands of Ko Singto, Khao Takiap and Khao Tao. This forest originally began as a royal project under the patronage of Queen Sirikit.
Rajabhakti Park. Larger than life statues of seven prominent Thai kings.
Waghor Aquarium. Part of the King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology.
- Sea Kayaking. You can rent sea kayaks at the vet's office near the waterfront. Don't hesitate to ring as she is not always in the front of the store.
- Fair to Commemorate the Heroic Deeds of 8 December 1941. 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 battled the invading Japanese army at Ao Manao on 8 December 1941. There are air force exhibitions, booths offering local products, and various entertainments such as Lam Tat, a performance presenting an exchange of impromptu poetic verse, and Khon, a masked dance in impromptu style.
- Khao Chong Krachok Tak Bat Devo Ceremony. Organized at 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 Buddha’s biography.
- Cruising the Pran River. The Pran River originates in the Kaeng Krachan forest, passing mountains in the west before flowing into the sea at the mouth of the Pran River. Long-tail boats ply past important local attractions such as the city pillar shrine and Chaomae Thapthim Shrine.
- Ban Fang Tha Wildlife Preservation Village. A village with agro-tourism activities. Long-tailed boats float along the Pran Buri River passing mangrove forest, protected birds and water animals. Other attractions are aromatic coconuts (maphrao namhom), pineapples, pomelos, sapodillas, mangoes, and bananas. It can be considered a mixed cultivation garden.
- Diving. Diving in Prachuap Khiri Khan may not be the kingdom's best but there is still opportunity to experience exotic coral and marine life. Bang Sapan, in the southern part of Prachuap Khiri Khan, is home to a couple of islands for decent snorkeling and diving. Ko Thalu is the most appealing area in the vicinity for diving. The island offers divers shallow fringing reef and coral gardens with large schools of snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional large ray. Besides Ko Thalu, there is also Ko Sang and Ko Lamla.
- Trekking. The forest around Pa La-U Waterfall is a well-known place for trekking. There are various species of birds and butterflies and some species of wild animals in the area.
Sea Kayaking. You can rent sea kayaks at the vet's office near the waterfront. Don't hesitate to ring as she is not always in the front of the store.
Fair to Commemorate the Heroic Deeds of 8 December 1941. 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 battled the invading Japanese army at Ao Manao on 8 December 1941. There are air force exhibitions, booths offering local products, and various entertainments such as Lam Tat, a performance presenting an exchange of impromptu poetic verse, and Khon, a masked dance in impromptu style.
Khao Chong Krachok Tak Bat Devo Ceremony. Organized at 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 Buddha’s biography.
Cruising the Pran River. The Pran River originates in the Kaeng Krachan forest, passing mountains in the west before flowing into the sea at the mouth of the Pran River. Long-tail boats ply past important local attractions such as the city pillar shrine and Chaomae Thapthim Shrine.
Ban Fang Tha Wildlife Preservation Village. A village with agro-tourism activities. Long-tailed boats float along the Pran Buri River passing mangrove forest, protected birds and water animals. Other attractions are aromatic coconuts (maphrao namhom), pineapples, pomelos, sapodillas, mangoes, and bananas. It can be considered a mixed cultivation garden.
Diving. Diving in Prachuap Khiri Khan may not be the kingdom's best but there is still opportunity to experience exotic coral and marine life. Bang Sapan, in the southern part of Prachuap Khiri Khan, is home to a couple of islands for decent snorkeling and diving. Ko Thalu is the most appealing area in the vicinity for diving. The island offers divers shallow fringing reef and coral gardens with large schools of snappers, fusiliers, and the occasional large ray. Besides Ko Thalu, there is also Ko Sang and Ko Lamla.
Trekking. The forest around Pa La-U Waterfall is a well-known place for trekking. There are various species of birds and butterflies and some species of wild animals in the area.
There is a little breakfast joint/ice cream parlour near the night market where you can buy organic coconut-shaped soaps, massage oils, and body scrubs. Great quality for a more than reasonable price. They make great gifts.
- Krua Chaiwat, 143/1 Sarachip Rd, +66 32 604534. 09:00-20:30. Dynamite little restaurant serving Thai and Western food at very reasonable prices. Fast and efficient service. Frequently packed with both Thai and Westerners, a sign of good food and fair pricing. Meal for two, 200 baht.
- Night Market. Open every night and offers a variety of meals for around 25-30 baht.
- Shoreline Restaurants. There are a few restaurants along the shoreline. The first one, in the vicinity of the Suksant Hotel offers great crab with curry for 100 baht. The next one over has great green pepper hot plate crab.
- Vegetarian restaurant. Early morning till 15:00 or so. In the vicinity of the Suksant Hotel, the street south of Suksant Hotel with a tiny garden outside. Look for the yellow sign indicating vegetarian fare. It offers jasmine rice or natural rice with two curry toppings for 30 baht (as of 2014). It is run by religiously motivated women, and sells a variety of vegetarian/health products, teas, coffees etc.
- La Vite, 342 Sala Cheep Rd (Between Wat Ko Lak and the military base entrance, on the right (same side of the temple), +66 87 154 5943, +66 87 839 7853. Tu-Su, 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00. Closed Monday. Typical Italian restaurant runned by family with traditional oven for pizzas, bread, and roasts. All food is prepared with primary quality ingredients and strictly following the original Italian recipe. Price are reasonable, ambience is warm, and soft music will let you better enjoy your experience. 250-700 baht.
Krua Chaiwat, 143/1 Sarachip Rd, +66 32 604534. 09:00-20:30. Dynamite little restaurant serving Thai and Western food at very reasonable prices. Fast and efficient service. Frequently packed with both Thai and Westerners, a sign of good food and fair pricing. Meal for two, 200 baht.
Night Market. Open every night and offers a variety of meals for around 25-30 baht.
Shoreline Restaurants. There are a few restaurants along the shoreline. The first one, in the vicinity of the Suksant Hotel offers great crab with curry for 100 baht. The next one over has great green pepper hot plate crab.
Vegetarian restaurant. Early morning till 15:00 or so. In the vicinity of the Suksant Hotel, the street south of Suksant Hotel with a tiny garden outside. Look for the yellow sign indicating vegetarian fare. It offers jasmine rice or natural rice with two curry toppings for 30 baht (as of 2014). It is run by religiously motivated women, and sells a variety of vegetarian/health products, teas, coffees etc.
La Vite, 342 Sala Cheep Rd (Between Wat Ko Lak and the military base entrance, on the right (same side of the temple), +66 87 154 5943, +66 87 839 7853. Tu-Su, 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-22:00. Closed Monday. Typical Italian restaurant runned by family with traditional oven for pizzas, bread, and roasts. All food is prepared with primary quality ingredients and strictly following the original Italian recipe. Price are reasonable, ambience is warm, and soft music will let you better enjoy your experience. 250-700 baht.
There is an Internet cafe down Salacheep Rd near the school.
- Hua Hin
- Chumphon