WELCOME
TO PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN
Hua Hin/Pranburi Travel Information
Prachuap Khiri Khan is located some 281 kilometres
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.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is now divided into 7 districts
and 1 sub-district: Amphoe Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan, Amphoe Bang
Saphan, Amphoe Bang Saphan Noi, Amphoe Hua Hin, Amphoe Kui Buri,
Amphoe Pran Buri, Amphoe Thap Sakae, and King Amphoe Sam Roi Yot.
TAT Central Regional Office : Region 2
Address: 500/51 Phetkasem Road, Amphoe Cha-am, Phechaburi 76120
Tel: 0-3247-1005-6, Fax: 0-3247-1502 Area of Responsibility : Phetchaburi,
Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan
Attractions
Hua Hin Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf
of Thailand, Hua Hin lies some 200 kilometres or a three-hour drive
southwest of Bangkok. Adding distinction to Hua Hin’s coastal
setting, is its status as Thailand’s most traditional beach
resort. It was here, in the 1920s, that King Rama VII built a summer
palace, thus creating a vogue among high society for Hua Hin to
become the favourite retreat from Bangkok’s summer heat. Today,
the present Royal Family continues to reside at Hua Hin for part
of the year.
Hua Hin is similarly noted for its magnificent
beach, running from a rocky headland, which separates it from a
tiny fishing port, and curving gently for some three kilometres
to its southern point where Buddhist temples cling to the cliffs.
Hua Hin is a well-established beach destinations,
with full facilities. But unlike Pattaya, on the opposite shores
of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin provide a quieter, more relaxed
retreat amid surroundings which preserve a typical Thai ambience.
Hua Hin is well suited for families or for those who wish simply
to escape city bustle.
Hua Hin Railway Station Built in the reign of
King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations
of which the local people are very proud.
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre This is situated
in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. 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.
 Klai
Kangwon Palace King Rama VII 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 0-3251-1115
for more information.
Khao Takiap This hill is only 4 kilometres south
of Hua Hin and may be reached by local minibus. There is a road
leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap
beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation.
Ko Singto Fishing lovers can enjoy a day’s
outing to this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hin or 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 kilometres south of Hua Hin.
Accommodation is available.
Khao Chong Krachok or Mirror Mount From the foot
of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much
revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and a troop of playful
monkeys. The hill also offers a spelendid panorama of the coastline
and seascape.
Ao Manao This beautiful curved bay is under the
care of the Royal Thai Airforce. It is some 5 kilometres south of
the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and
Japanese armies during Second World War. Accommodation should be
reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron
 Pran
Buri and Kui Buri - Sam Roi Yot National Park This park
is located 63 kilometres 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 seamen 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 kilometres at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively.
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.
 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.
To shop
Prachuap Khiri Khan has an abundance of dried
seafood and products from fruits such as pine apples, coconuts,
bananas and aloe vera. One of its renowned local products is “pha
phim khommaphat” or khommaphat printed cotton, a
typial product of Hua Hin which is to be sold by yard. A large variety
of other cotton products are also obtainable, for example, placemat,
tablecloth, and pillowcase. Most of the products, fresh and dried
seafood, souvenirs, dishes made of seafood are available at Hua
Hin Market.
How to get there
By car : From Bangkok, drive for about 3 hours along the
Highway 35 (Thon Buri - Pak Thao route) via Samut Songkhram then
turn left to the Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) via Phetchaburi
and Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan, a total distance of 281 kilometres.
Another route might otherwise be taken from Bangkok via Buddhamonthon,
Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, a total distance
of 320 kilometres.
By rail : Trains leave Hualamphong (Bangkok Railway
Station) for Hua Hin 12 times daily and Prachuap Khiri Khan 9 times
daily. Please check timetable before travelling at the nearest staion
or Information Unit in Bangkok Railway Station, Tel: 0-2223-7010,
0-2223-7020.
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