Prachuap Khiri Khan is a seaside province located some 278 kilometers south of Bangkok. Its history dates back to the Ayutthaya period. Its original name was Bang Nangrom or Muang Na Rang. It is on the bank of Nang Rom Canal called by the villagers Khlong I-Rom, It was abandoned during, the fall of Ayutthaya. Later in the second a new town was established at the mouth of Khlong I-Rom and the name was changed to Prachuap Khiri Khan during the reign of King Rama IV in the year 1845. Prachuap Khiri Khan is now divided into seven Amphoe Muang, Kui Buri, Bang Saphan, Thap Sakae, Hua Hin, Pran Buri and Bang Saphan Noi, occupying an area approximately 6,767.6 square kilometers.

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN's ATTRACTIONS

Prachuap Khiri Khan Hotels & Prachuap Khiri Khan Resorts Reservation Service

Hua Hin At Km.232 of Highway No.35 there is a two kilometers branch road on the left leading to Hua Hin Beach which has been very famous in Thailand.

Khao Hin Lek Fai or Flint Mountain Situated to the west of Amphoe Hua Hin, Khao Hin Lek Fai, 162 meters high, is accessible by a road. On the mountaintop, there are public park and scenic spots from where the scenery of Amphoe Hua Hin and its surrounding area can be seen.

Khao Takiap/Khao Krailat These two hills are only four kilometers from Hua Hin township. A local bus service from Hua Hin to Khao Takiap is located on the sea shore. It is convenient to get to the top of Khao Takiap where it is cool and shady and one can view the scenery well from there.

Hua Hin Klai Kangwon Palace King Phra Pokklao commanded it to be built in the year 1962. The palace is located three kilometers from Amphoe Hua Hin Office. A permit must he obtained from the Royal Household Office prior to a visit.

Khao Tao This hill is located in the area of Amphoe Hua Hin. Between Km. 243-244 there is a one kilometer branch road on the left which leads to the spot. There are two beautiful beaches called Hat Sai Noi and Hat Sai Yai.

Sea Pine Tree Garden This garden is located eight kilometers from Hua Hin City. A left turn is made at Km.240 for a distance of 500 meters. The original name of this garden was "Pradiphat Garden Convalescence and Relaxation Area" and is taken care of by the Army Welfare Office. There are food shops and accommodations for the public. Further details can be obtained from Tel: (032)511239-40.

Nam Tok Pa La-u Located within Pa La-a Forest which covers a year long verdant area of 437 sq.kms.where various kinds of wild animals and a group of Karen people share their habitation. The Pa La-u Waterfalls comprise La- Yai Waterfall and La-u Noi Waterfall which cascades beautifully down 11 tiers of rocks.

To get there from Hua Hin, take the Highway 3219 for about 63 kilometers then turn right to Fa Prathan Village and drive for another 4 kilometers, or take a minibus from Hua Hin market. The minibus leaves Hua Hin at 11.30 a.m.,1.00 p. m., and 3.00 p.m. while the back trip leaves Fa Prathan Village at 6.30 a.m.,8.00 a.m., and 9.00 a.m.

Khao Sam Rot Yot National Park This park is located in the vicinity of Amphoe Kui Buri between Km. 287; a 14 kilometers road branches off on the left. It occupies an area of 61,300 rai (about 24,520 acres) and was designated as a national park on June 28, 1966. The geographical characteristics of the park consists of high limestone mountains, a wide prairie near the sea shore, and islands. In addition, it is also the center of various species and families of plants and trees as well as the home of wild animals. There are three caves worth visiting in the compound of the park.

* Tham Kaeo : This cave is located about 23 kilometers from Pran Buri township. Leave Pran Buri for 2 kilometers and take a right turn for 21 kilometers; then a walk of 10-15 minutes will reach the cave. This cave is very beautiful and one can go very far so a flashlight or lantern should be taken.
* Tham Sai : This cave is located on the same route as Tham Kaeo, i.e., passing Ban Bang Pu, Ban Khao Daeng, and Ban Khung Tanoat where Tham Sai is situated near by. To access the cave, one has to climb the hill for a period of 20-30 minutes.
* Tham Phraya Nakhon : This cave is located near Ban Bang Pu. It is accessible by boat from Ban Bang Pu which takes only about 30 minutes. This is a large beautiful cave. There are a couple of natural ventilation holes on the roof of the cave thus allowing sun light to shine inside. The most popular attraction of the cave is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuhat, a four-gabled roofing pavilion constructed during the reign of King Chulachomklao in the year 1890. With its beauty and distinctive identity the pavilion is now used as the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Ao Prachuap This bay is situated in the vicinity of Prachuap Khiri Khan township 90 kilometers from Hua Hin. Its beach is long and pleasant. There are bungalow accommodations operated by both the Changwat (Province) Administrative Office and the Municipality for public service. Details can be obtained from Tel: (032)611204 respectively.

Hat Wanakon National Park This park is 22 kilometers from Prachuap Khiri Khan township. Travel to Km.345, made a right turn and go 3.5 kilometers to the sign board saying "Hat Wanakon National Park". It is a seven kilometers long beach having sea pine trees along the sea shore throughout the length of the beach. Accommodation facilities can be reserved at the Faculty of Forest Affairs, Kasetsart University, Tel: 579 0520

Ao Manao This bay is located five kilometers from Prachuap Khiri Khan township area and it is taken care of by the Royal Thai Airforce. A permit shall obtained from the Commander of the 53rd Squadron, Prachuap Khiri Khan prior to visit.

Wa Ko This locality had historical importance since the fourth reign period. King Rama IV made a trip to that locality to witness the full moon eclipse. It is 12 kilometers from the township (Km.335).

Namtok Huai Yang National Park Namtok Huai Yang National Park covers the forest area of 161 sq.kms. on the Tanaowasi Mountain Range in Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Thap Sakae and Amphoe Bang Saphan. The park office which is located in the area of Namtok Huai Yang can be reached by traveling along Phetkasem Road to the south and taking a turn at km.350-351 for another 7 kms.

Namtok Huai Yang is a small 5 layer waterfall with recreational surrounding. It has been announced to be the national park since December 8, 1991. Additionally, in the adjacent area there are Namtok Kha On and Namtok Huai Hin Dat but it is rather difficult to reach these waterfalls.

Ao Mae Ramphung This bay is situated in the vicinity of Amphoe Bang Saphan, 17 kilometers from the intersection accessing the Amphoe Office (Km.398). There are bungalows for rent.

Ao Bo Thonglang This bay is located at Km.399 in the vicinity of Amphoe Bang Saphan, 21 kilometers from the intersection accessing Bang Saphan Town. It is a pleasant place having a clean beach and is suitable for relaxing and swimming.