Exploring The Prachuap Khirikhan Province
Located approximately 318 km south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khirikhan and its surrounding area is quite possibly the best-kept secret for travel and sightseeing in Thailand at the moment. Due to the fact that it’s not easy to travel to (you need to take a train from Bangkok or Surat Thani), it’s still an off-the-beaten-track destination.
The small number of travelers stopping off there reflects this. However, the word is getting out that Prachuap, with its pristine beaches and majestic coastal scenery, is a place well worth taking a couple of days to enjoy.
Download my Prachuap Khirikhan Province PDF Travel Guide
Getting To The Prachuap Khirikhan Province
There is no commercial airport at Prachuap Khirikhan; therefore, those wanting to travel there need to use the train or bus services. If you are coming from Bangkok, you need to check the timetable as not all trains departing from Bang Sue Station will stop at Prachuap Khirikhan Station.
The safest bet, in terms of arriving at Prachuap at a convenient time of day, is to take the 8:05 AM (special express #43) train out of Bang Sue. This will put you in Prachuap between 12:30–1:00 PM (approximately 4.5–5 hours travel time).
As of October 2017, a one-way fare is 455 THB per person for a first-class seat.
Click this link for travel options from Bangkok to Prachuap Khirikhan
Accommodation In The Prachuap Khirikhan Province
Prachuap town has one of the most majestic coastlines of any town in Thailand, with a sweeping horseshoe bay flanked by magnificent karst peaks at either end. The beach road runs for approximately 1.5 km along the foreshore, and, as expected, there are plenty of good-quality, inexpensive accommodation options looking directly out over the ocean.
A popular choice for many travelers and backpackers is the Thaimex Cafe & Homestay. Located just two streets back from the beach road, the Safe House Hostel offers reasonably priced rooms for approximately USD 16 per night.
Click this link for inquiries at Thaimex Cafe & Homestay
Mid-Range Accommodation
If you are looking for something a bit more upmarket, the Hadthong Hotel offers nice rooms for approximately 1000 THB per night.
Click this link to make a booking
Attractions in and Around Prachuap Khiri Khan
Click here to find out more about the history of the area
Viewpoints, Temples, & Hikes In The Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
There are some fantastic hiking trails and stunning viewpoints in the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Below we’ve listed some of our favourite areas to visit.
Download my Prachuap Khirikhan Province PDF Travel Guide
Khao Lom Muak Peak
Most people will normally head straight to Ao Manao Beach, but if you happen to be in town on one of the Thai public holidays, there is the possibility of doing something a bit more challenging: climbing up the peak known as Khao Lom Muak.
Use Google Maps to make your way to a location known as the “Monkey Monument”. This is where the stairway up to the peak begins.
Click this link for directions to the Khao Lom Muak Peak
Khao Chong Krachok
This is a smaller peak with a temple at the top, located at the southern end of the foreshore road. Compared with Khao Lom Muak, it is an easy ascent of about 300 steps. Most sightseers normally go up late in the afternoon to catch the sunset.
To get there, you’ll need to park on the temple grounds and then work your way through the hawker stalls to find the stairway to the top.
Click this link for directions to Khao Chong Krachok
Ao Noi Temple Complex
To get there, use the same road to get to Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park. The road to Ao Noi branches left a few hundred meters before the park headquarters. Follow the signage, and you’ll eventually pass the new teak temple at ground level, before arriving at the parking area at the bottom of.
Click this link for directions to the Ao Noi Temple Complex
Khan Krai Dai Cave
After a few minutes spent checking out the old temple, head back to the main pathway, turn right, and continue up to Khan Kra Dai Cave. There is a solid stairway of approximately 300 steps leading up to the cave entrance. The entrance is small, and there’s a ladder descent to negotiate, but once on the floor, the cave opens up to reveal a large reclining Buddha in the first chamber.
Terracotta Monks Of The Khan Krai Dai Cave
Approximately 50 meters further on, there’s a second chamber with another reclining Buddha and an amazing sight: rows of terracotta monks seated on the cave floor. A close inspection of their faces reveals that they are all different.
The Khan Kra Dai Cave Is The Best Attraction
Khan Kra Dai Cave is probably the best attraction in the area. Being a few kilometers outside Prachuap town, it has very few tourists visiting. The majority of visitors are locals paying their respects to Buddha.
Kui Buri Elephant Reserve
It’s promoted as the best place in Thailand to see groups of elephants in their natural habitats, and having visited a number of locations throughout the country, I’d say that is an accurate assessment. According to the park guides, there are approximately 250–300 wild elephants in the vicinity of the national park.
Click this link for directions to the Kui Buri Elephant Reserve
In Conclusion
The Prachuap Khirikhan Province is absolutely full of amazing places to explore, and the wildlife treks are out of this world. This area is a must visit place for explorers that want to experience history and culture of Thailand.
