Popular Sights In Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachuap Khiri Khan, known among Thais as Prachuap, lies just north of Thailand's southern provinces. The long name means the city where mountains meet.
As the name suggests, part of Prachuap is hilly, which creates rich natural surroundings; from unique mountains, to gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful beaches and islands.
Check out these places and discover your favorite sights!
Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park
Original photo by: Tourism Authority Of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Office
In Thai, Sam Roi Yod means three hundred peaks. The 38-square-mile or 98-square-kilometer national park covers a big mountainous area and fresh water marshland, along Prachuap's coastline. The highlight of the park is trekking to view a magnificent sight of the sun-lit royal pavilion called Kuha Karuhas inside Phraya Nakon cave. Best time to visit is between 10:30 - 11:30 in the morning. The Kuha Karuhas pavilion logo is officially used as the symbol for Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
Original photo by: Tourism Authority Of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Office
Bird lovers shouldn't miss the spectacular sight of migrating birds at the Rong Jae vantage point between November and February. Anyone interested in viewing thousands of blooming lotus flowers, aim to visit the Lotus Swamp from March till April. If you wish to observe natural wildlife in the fresh water marshes, you can take a long-tail boat trip along Klong Khao Daeng. The canal runs through a mangrove amongst lush limestone mountains. Best time to view the marsh birds and swamp habitats is at dawn or at dusk, around 4:00 - 7:00 in the- afternoon. The phone number to Khao Sam Roi Yod national park headquarter: 0-3282-1568.
Kui Buri National Park
Original photo by: Khun Chaiwat Saad-Yam
Kui Buri National Park is located south of Kaeng Krachan National Park, that is the biggest national park in the country. Since the park sits on Tanaosri Mountain range, which is the headwaters of Kui Buri and Pranburi rivers, it's a wildlife sanctuary for many animals such as gaur, banteng, serow, leopard, panther, wild boar, tapir, barking deer, porcupine, musk, gibbon and various species of birds.
The highlight of this "Thai safari" is watching wild Thai elephants on their daily walking route. Jungle trekking and overnight camping with a trained park ranger, is also available.
It's possible to sponsor the elephants' food by purchasing souvenir t-shirts and polo shirts, made by Kui Buri District office. You can buy them either at the office or the PTT gas station in Kui Buri.
The phone number to Kui Buri National Park headquarter: 0-3264-6292
Khao Chong Krajok
Khao Chong Krajok is a well known mountain in Prachuap and the first landmark you'll see before entering the town. Its name is from a rock that's shaped like a mirror frame, with a big hole in the middle. You can see the rock formation clearly while crossing the bridge over the railroad, leading into town. Just look to your left, toward the ocean.
Khao Chong Krajok is part of Wat Thammikaram or Wat Khao Chong Krajok, which is a temple that is nestled at the base of the mountain. There are 396 steps leading to the top, where there is a temple and a Buddha's footprint replica.
Khao Chong Krajok is a natural habitat for long-tailed macaques, which is a grayish-brown monkey. It can be a lot of fun to feed them fruits and vegetables. At the same time, they can get somewhat aggressive. So, hide your belongings in a closed bag.
Ao Manao Beach In Wing 5
South of Prachuap Bay lies Manao Bay. This beautiful half-circular bay is in Wing 5 air force base, which is located on the southern end of Sala Cheep Road.
Food, accommodation and activities such as touring the bay on a speed boat, cycling, pool and golf are available at affordable prices.
In addition, you can visit The Learning Center, inspired by King Bhumibol’s Philosophy of Economic Sufficiency. Admission is free of charge, but it's possible to give a donation. You can feed, take pictures and learn about economic animals like goats, rabbits, turkeys, ostriches and Rusa deers. It's open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nearby, lies an orchid farm and a hippotherapy center. Other activities in this part of Wing 5 include archery, canoeing, kayaking and ATV. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
King Mongkut Memorial Park And Waghor Aquarium
This science and technology park is named after King Mongkut or King Rama IV, who was made Thailand's Father of Science, due to his outstanding astronomical accomplishment. Two years beforehand, he had accurately predicted the best spot and time to observe the total solar eclipse of 18th Aug, 1868, that was observed in both India and Thailand.
The science center features a planetarium, a King Mongkut monument, a butterfly farm and educational science stations for school kids. Waghor Aquarium carries both fresh and salt water fishes and a variety of marine life. Daily schedule for fish feeding at the walk-in tunnel and the Big Tank is at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
Dan Singkhon
Dan Singkhon is a border post, located in the narrowest part of Thailand. Here, Thailand is only 12 km wide. Dan Singkhon connects Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma.)
This mountain pass has been a historic site since Sukhothai reign, in the 15th century. In recent years, it's been developed into a border market where you can find different types of gemstones jewelry, hardwood furniture, wild and domestic orchids, Burmese cosmetics and goods from Myanmar.
This market is the liveliest on early Saturday mornings, when both Thais and Burmese vendors gather to sell their merchandise.
During the Songkran holiday or Thai traditional New Year, which is from 13th to 15th of April, Dan Singkhon offers free entertainment like a singing contest and folk performances.
Hat Wanakon National Park And Ko Chan
Hat Wanakon, or Wanakon beach, is a seven-kilometer long white sandy beach. Hat Wanakon National Park covers a one-kilometer stretch of that beach. Since the beach park is lined with casuarina trees, it's home to various species of birds; such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Asian Koel, Indian Roller, Pacific Reef Egret and Spotted Owl. The best time for bird watching is when they leave their nests to look for food, around 6:00 - 8:00 a.m.
There are also seasonal birds like the Blue-throated Bee-eater, that migrates to Hat Wanakon from March to July. It's a great sight to see when these colorful birds dig holes in the ground to lay eggs.
Nature lovers can follow a few nature trails located in the northern part of the park.
Hat Wanakon National Park also includes two islands, called Ko Chan and Ko Thaisi, where thousands of swallows live in caves. Ko Chan boasts a 200-meter stretch of white sandy beach and is good for snorkeling. The islands are known to have plenty of purple sea anemones.
The park arranges daily snorkeling trips to Ko Chan. The excursion lasts for about 3 hours, with a 15-minute speed boat ride each way. Popular times to visit the island is from December to May, with the water at its clearest during th summer months of March till May.
The phone number to reserve the boat trip to Ko Chan is 0-3261-9030. It's best to avoid long weekends and public holidays, which are often busy.
Huay Yang Waterfall National Park
Huay Yang Waterfall National Park covers part of Tanao Sri mountain range, along the Thai-Myanmar border, which is 200 to 800 meters above sea level. It's the source of headwaters as well as a watershed of many river streams.
The park is covered by evergreen and dry evergreen forest. This 7-tier waterfall has steps leading up to the 5th level only. From there onwards, there are steep cliffs. The highest peak is called Khao Luang, which rises up to 1,250 meters.
The streams on top of Khao Luang peak is a natural habitat for panda crabs, which are white, with blackish purple eyes and legs. Around October to November, part of the peak is covered with Siam tulips, making it a spectacular sight.
The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season, from August to October. Beware that the rocks can be slippery whenever it's damp.
An overnight jungle trek, where you will be accompanied by a professional park ranger, can be arranged at the park's administration building. Please note that the guides have really limited English skills.
If you only visit for the day, it's a good idea to bring a picnic. Keep in mind though, that there can be a lot of mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season.
The phone number to Huay Yang Waterfall National Park is 0-3264-6291 and 08-4701-2795.
Here is a link to a website with many nice photos from the park.
Wat Tang Sai
At the northern end of Ban Krut beach lies a hill known as Khao Thong Chai. On top of the hill is a temple called either Wat Tang Sai or Wat Khao Thong Chai.
On the temple grounds you will see Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat, which is the beautiful nine-peak pagoda, named by King Rama IX. More importantly, there are Buddha relics on the top floor, that only opens to the public three days a year, during a Buddhist holiday called Vesak, which usually falls in May.
Thais also go there to pay respect to several statues of importance, including the big golden Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Kitti Sirichai, the statue of a prince named Krom Luang Chumphon who is the father of the Royal Thai Navy and a number of statues of highly respected monks.
Additional Notes On Thai National Parks
There are bungalows and tents for rent at all these national parks, walk-in guests are welcome. Up to 60-day advance reservations, can be arranged through this webpage or by calling 0-2562-0760.
You can use the same entrance ticket to enter more than one park, as long as the parks are located in the same province and it's during the same day.
If you just have one day to visit national parks in Prachuap Khiri Khan, my best suggestions for day trips are Wanakon National Park in the morning and Huay Yang National Park in the afternoon, or the combination of Sam Roi Yod National Park and Kuiburi National Park.
Prachuap Khiri Khan, known among Thais as Prachuap, lies just north of Thailand's southern provinces. The long name means the city where mountains meet.
As the name suggests, part of Prachuap is hilly, which creates rich natural surroundings; from unique mountains, to gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful beaches and islands.
Check out these places and discover your favorite sights!
As the name suggests, part of Prachuap is hilly, which creates rich natural surroundings; from unique mountains, to gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful beaches and islands.
Check out these places and discover your favorite sights!
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Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park
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Original photo by: Tourism Authority Of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Office
In Thai, Sam Roi Yod means three hundred peaks. The 38-square-mile or 98-square-kilometer national park covers a big mountainous area and fresh water marshland, along Prachuap's coastline. The highlight of the park is trekking to view a magnificent sight of the sun-lit royal pavilion called Kuha Karuhas inside Phraya Nakon cave. Best time to visit is between 10:30 - 11:30 in the morning. The Kuha Karuhas pavilion logo is officially used as the symbol for Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
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Original photo by: Tourism Authority Of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan Office
Bird lovers shouldn't miss the spectacular sight of migrating birds at the Rong Jae vantage point between November and February. Anyone interested in viewing thousands of blooming lotus flowers, aim to visit the Lotus Swamp from March till April. If you wish to observe natural wildlife in the fresh water marshes, you can take a long-tail boat trip along Klong Khao Daeng. The canal runs through a mangrove amongst lush limestone mountains. Best time to view the marsh birds and swamp habitats is at dawn or at dusk, around 4:00 - 7:00 in the- afternoon. The phone number to Khao Sam Roi Yod national park headquarter: 0-3282-1568.
Kui Buri National Park
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Original photo by: Khun Chaiwat Saad-Yam
Kui Buri National Park is located south of Kaeng Krachan National Park, that is the biggest national park in the country. Since the park sits on Tanaosri Mountain range, which is the headwaters of Kui Buri and Pranburi rivers, it's a wildlife sanctuary for many animals such as gaur, banteng, serow, leopard, panther, wild boar, tapir, barking deer, porcupine, musk, gibbon and various species of birds.
The highlight of this "Thai safari" is watching wild Thai elephants on their daily walking route. Jungle trekking and overnight camping with a trained park ranger, is also available.
It's possible to sponsor the elephants' food by purchasing souvenir t-shirts and polo shirts, made by Kui Buri District office. You can buy them either at the office or the PTT gas station in Kui Buri.
The phone number to Kui Buri National Park headquarter: 0-3264-6292
The highlight of this "Thai safari" is watching wild Thai elephants on their daily walking route. Jungle trekking and overnight camping with a trained park ranger, is also available.
It's possible to sponsor the elephants' food by purchasing souvenir t-shirts and polo shirts, made by Kui Buri District office. You can buy them either at the office or the PTT gas station in Kui Buri.
The phone number to Kui Buri National Park headquarter: 0-3264-6292
Khao Chong Krajok
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Khao Chong Krajok is a well known mountain in Prachuap and the first landmark you'll see before entering the town. Its name is from a rock that's shaped like a mirror frame, with a big hole in the middle. You can see the rock formation clearly while crossing the bridge over the railroad, leading into town. Just look to your left, toward the ocean.
Khao Chong Krajok is part of Wat Thammikaram or Wat Khao Chong Krajok, which is a temple that is nestled at the base of the mountain. There are 396 steps leading to the top, where there is a temple and a Buddha's footprint replica.
Khao Chong Krajok is a natural habitat for long-tailed macaques, which is a grayish-brown monkey. It can be a lot of fun to feed them fruits and vegetables. At the same time, they can get somewhat aggressive. So, hide your belongings in a closed bag.
Khao Chong Krajok is part of Wat Thammikaram or Wat Khao Chong Krajok, which is a temple that is nestled at the base of the mountain. There are 396 steps leading to the top, where there is a temple and a Buddha's footprint replica.
Khao Chong Krajok is a natural habitat for long-tailed macaques, which is a grayish-brown monkey. It can be a lot of fun to feed them fruits and vegetables. At the same time, they can get somewhat aggressive. So, hide your belongings in a closed bag.
Ao Manao Beach In Wing 5
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South of Prachuap Bay lies Manao Bay. This beautiful half-circular bay is in Wing 5 air force base, which is located on the southern end of Sala Cheep Road.
Food, accommodation and activities such as touring the bay on a speed boat, cycling, pool and golf are available at affordable prices.
In addition, you can visit The Learning Center, inspired by King Bhumibol’s Philosophy of Economic Sufficiency. Admission is free of charge, but it's possible to give a donation. You can feed, take pictures and learn about economic animals like goats, rabbits, turkeys, ostriches and Rusa deers. It's open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nearby, lies an orchid farm and a hippotherapy center. Other activities in this part of Wing 5 include archery, canoeing, kayaking and ATV. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Food, accommodation and activities such as touring the bay on a speed boat, cycling, pool and golf are available at affordable prices.
|
|
In addition, you can visit The Learning Center, inspired by King Bhumibol’s Philosophy of Economic Sufficiency. Admission is free of charge, but it's possible to give a donation. You can feed, take pictures and learn about economic animals like goats, rabbits, turkeys, ostriches and Rusa deers. It's open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nearby, lies an orchid farm and a hippotherapy center. Other activities in this part of Wing 5 include archery, canoeing, kayaking and ATV. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
King Mongkut Memorial Park And Waghor Aquarium
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|
This science and technology park is named after King Mongkut or King Rama IV, who was made Thailand's Father of Science, due to his outstanding astronomical accomplishment. Two years beforehand, he had accurately predicted the best spot and time to observe the total solar eclipse of 18th Aug, 1868, that was observed in both India and Thailand.
The science center features a planetarium, a King Mongkut monument, a butterfly farm and educational science stations for school kids. Waghor Aquarium carries both fresh and salt water fishes and a variety of marine life. Daily schedule for fish feeding at the walk-in tunnel and the Big Tank is at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
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The science center features a planetarium, a King Mongkut monument, a butterfly farm and educational science stations for school kids. Waghor Aquarium carries both fresh and salt water fishes and a variety of marine life. Daily schedule for fish feeding at the walk-in tunnel and the Big Tank is at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. respectively.
Dan Singkhon
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Dan Singkhon is a border post, located in the narrowest part of Thailand. Here, Thailand is only 12 km wide. Dan Singkhon connects Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma.)
This mountain pass has been a historic site since Sukhothai reign, in the 15th century. In recent years, it's been developed into a border market where you can find different types of gemstones jewelry, hardwood furniture, wild and domestic orchids, Burmese cosmetics and goods from Myanmar.
This market is the liveliest on early Saturday mornings, when both Thais and Burmese vendors gather to sell their merchandise.
During the Songkran holiday or Thai traditional New Year, which is from 13th to 15th of April, Dan Singkhon offers free entertainment like a singing contest and folk performances.
This mountain pass has been a historic site since Sukhothai reign, in the 15th century. In recent years, it's been developed into a border market where you can find different types of gemstones jewelry, hardwood furniture, wild and domestic orchids, Burmese cosmetics and goods from Myanmar.
This market is the liveliest on early Saturday mornings, when both Thais and Burmese vendors gather to sell their merchandise.
During the Songkran holiday or Thai traditional New Year, which is from 13th to 15th of April, Dan Singkhon offers free entertainment like a singing contest and folk performances.
Hat Wanakon National Park And Ko Chan
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Hat Wanakon, or Wanakon beach, is a seven-kilometer long white sandy beach. Hat Wanakon National Park covers a one-kilometer stretch of that beach. Since the beach park is lined with casuarina trees, it's home to various species of birds; such as Red-wattled Lapwing, Asian Koel, Indian Roller, Pacific Reef Egret and Spotted Owl. The best time for bird watching is when they leave their nests to look for food, around 6:00 - 8:00 a.m.
There are also seasonal birds like the Blue-throated Bee-eater, that migrates to Hat Wanakon from March to July. It's a great sight to see when these colorful birds dig holes in the ground to lay eggs.
Nature lovers can follow a few nature trails located in the northern part of the park.
Hat Wanakon National Park also includes two islands, called Ko Chan and Ko Thaisi, where thousands of swallows live in caves. Ko Chan boasts a 200-meter stretch of white sandy beach and is good for snorkeling. The islands are known to have plenty of purple sea anemones.
The park arranges daily snorkeling trips to Ko Chan. The excursion lasts for about 3 hours, with a 15-minute speed boat ride each way. Popular times to visit the island is from December to May, with the water at its clearest during th summer months of March till May.
The phone number to reserve the boat trip to Ko Chan is 0-3261-9030. It's best to avoid long weekends and public holidays, which are often busy.
There are also seasonal birds like the Blue-throated Bee-eater, that migrates to Hat Wanakon from March to July. It's a great sight to see when these colorful birds dig holes in the ground to lay eggs.
Nature lovers can follow a few nature trails located in the northern part of the park.
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Hat Wanakon National Park also includes two islands, called Ko Chan and Ko Thaisi, where thousands of swallows live in caves. Ko Chan boasts a 200-meter stretch of white sandy beach and is good for snorkeling. The islands are known to have plenty of purple sea anemones.
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|
The park arranges daily snorkeling trips to Ko Chan. The excursion lasts for about 3 hours, with a 15-minute speed boat ride each way. Popular times to visit the island is from December to May, with the water at its clearest during th summer months of March till May.
The phone number to reserve the boat trip to Ko Chan is 0-3261-9030. It's best to avoid long weekends and public holidays, which are often busy.
Huay Yang Waterfall National Park
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|
Huay Yang Waterfall National Park covers part of Tanao Sri mountain range, along the Thai-Myanmar border, which is 200 to 800 meters above sea level. It's the source of headwaters as well as a watershed of many river streams.
The park is covered by evergreen and dry evergreen forest. This 7-tier waterfall has steps leading up to the 5th level only. From there onwards, there are steep cliffs. The highest peak is called Khao Luang, which rises up to 1,250 meters.
The streams on top of Khao Luang peak is a natural habitat for panda crabs, which are white, with blackish purple eyes and legs. Around October to November, part of the peak is covered with Siam tulips, making it a spectacular sight.
The park is covered by evergreen and dry evergreen forest. This 7-tier waterfall has steps leading up to the 5th level only. From there onwards, there are steep cliffs. The highest peak is called Khao Luang, which rises up to 1,250 meters.
The streams on top of Khao Luang peak is a natural habitat for panda crabs, which are white, with blackish purple eyes and legs. Around October to November, part of the peak is covered with Siam tulips, making it a spectacular sight.
The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season, from August to October. Beware that the rocks can be slippery whenever it's damp.
An overnight jungle trek, where you will be accompanied by a professional park ranger, can be arranged at the park's administration building. Please note that the guides have really limited English skills.
If you only visit for the day, it's a good idea to bring a picnic. Keep in mind though, that there can be a lot of mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season.
The phone number to Huay Yang Waterfall National Park is 0-3264-6291 and 08-4701-2795.
Here is a link to a website with many nice photos from the park.
An overnight jungle trek, where you will be accompanied by a professional park ranger, can be arranged at the park's administration building. Please note that the guides have really limited English skills.
If you only visit for the day, it's a good idea to bring a picnic. Keep in mind though, that there can be a lot of mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season.
The phone number to Huay Yang Waterfall National Park is 0-3264-6291 and 08-4701-2795.
Here is a link to a website with many nice photos from the park.
Wat Tang Sai
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|
At the northern end of Ban Krut beach lies a hill known as Khao Thong Chai. On top of the hill is a temple called either Wat Tang Sai or Wat Khao Thong Chai.
On the temple grounds you will see Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat, which is the beautiful nine-peak pagoda, named by King Rama IX. More importantly, there are Buddha relics on the top floor, that only opens to the public three days a year, during a Buddhist holiday called Vesak, which usually falls in May.
Thais also go there to pay respect to several statues of importance, including the big golden Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Kitti Sirichai, the statue of a prince named Krom Luang Chumphon who is the father of the Royal Thai Navy and a number of statues of highly respected monks.
On the temple grounds you will see Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdi Prakat, which is the beautiful nine-peak pagoda, named by King Rama IX. More importantly, there are Buddha relics on the top floor, that only opens to the public three days a year, during a Buddhist holiday called Vesak, which usually falls in May.
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Thais also go there to pay respect to several statues of importance, including the big golden Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Kitti Sirichai, the statue of a prince named Krom Luang Chumphon who is the father of the Royal Thai Navy and a number of statues of highly respected monks.
Additional Notes On Thai National Parks
There are bungalows and tents for rent at all these national parks, walk-in guests are welcome. Up to 60-day advance reservations, can be arranged through this webpage or by calling 0-2562-0760.
You can use the same entrance ticket to enter more than one park, as long as the parks are located in the same province and it's during the same day.
If you just have one day to visit national parks in Prachuap Khiri Khan, my best suggestions for day trips are Wanakon National Park in the morning and Huay Yang National Park in the afternoon, or the combination of Sam Roi Yod National Park and Kuiburi National Park.
If you just have one day to visit national parks in Prachuap Khiri Khan, my best suggestions for day trips are Wanakon National Park in the morning and Huay Yang National Park in the afternoon, or the combination of Sam Roi Yod National Park and Kuiburi National Park.