PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan

Prachuap Khiri Khan

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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.

Geography:

The district is located on the Kra Isthmus, the narrow landbridge connecting the Malay Peninsula with mainland Asia. The province contains the narrowest part of Thailand - directly south of the capital it is just 13 kilometers from the coast of the Gulf of Thailand to the border with Myanmar. The narrowest point of the Isthmus is however further south in the province Chumphon.

The long coast to the Gulf of Thailand has many sandy beaches, the most famous one being at Hua Hin, which has been a popular resort since King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) built a summer palace there. From the coast the land quickly rises into the mountain chain which forms the border to Myanmar, the highest elevation in the province being the 1494-meter-high Khao Luang. Due to this narrow watershed the rivers in the province are all small, the only bigger one is the Pran Buri River in the north of the province.

The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park was established in 1966 to protect Thailand's largest freshwater marshes, but also contains some mangrove woods and mudflats. Sadly most of the marshes were converted into shrimp farms, despite being in a national park.

History:

The city of Prachuap Khiri Khan was reconstructed in 1845, after it was abandoned during the fall of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767.

In 1868 King Mongkut invited several guests to watch the solar eclipse on September 18. Being fond of science he predicted the event by himself, but the chosen observation point was the marshes near Sam Roi Yot where he contracted malaria, of which he died two weeks later.

During World War II Japanese troops occupied Thailand. On December 8, 1941 they first landed near the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. After one day of battle the Thai troops resigned and had to allow Japan to use Thailand as a base for their war operations.

Attractions:

Klai Kangwon Palace King Rama Vll commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions facing the sea. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call (032) 511115 for more information.

Hua Hin This is Thailand's oldest beach resort for the elite of Bangkok society. It is east of Km. 232 of Highway No. 4, about 195 kms. from Bangkok or 85 kms. north of Prachuap Khiri Khan. 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 that 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.

Hua Hin Railway Station Built in the reign of King Rama Vl, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very proud.

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.

Ko Singto Fishing lovers can enjoy a day's outing to this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hinor Khao Takiap where some boats for hire are available.

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 at Km. 241, 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 year long verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. It is composed of 11 tiers of rock, 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 kilometres 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 seaman 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 kms. at Km. 256 and Km. 286.5, respectively.

Hat Sam Phraya located 3.5 kmorth of the park office, is a beautiful beach. lined with pine trees. Accommodation is available.

Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kms. from Pran Buri or 15 kms north of the park office. This cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Oils lamps can be rented at a nearby Khung Tanot Village.

Tham Sai is 9 kms. north of the park office. Exploration inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be ranted at nearby Khung Tanot Village.

Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kms. north of the park office. lt 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.

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 Air France. It is some 5 kms. south of the town. This area use to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during the Second World War. Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: (032) 611017, 611031 ext. 2146.

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, 12 kms. south of town.

Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park This 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.

Dan Singkhon This Myanmar-Thailand border pass is located in Tambon Khlong Wan, 4 kms. from Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. It used to be a strategic line for military movement in the past.

Hat Wanakon National Park This park is 22 kms. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. and another 3.5 kms. 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 Mae Ramphung This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan. Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khanto km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kms. via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available.

Ao Bo Thonglang This is located 4 kms. beyond Ao Mae Ramphung along a beach road. There is a clean and white sandy beach suitable for swimming.

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 products made from pineapples, coconuts, bananas and aloe vera. Typical "Khomaphat" printed cotton is a famous souvenir available at Hua Hin.