HUA HIN

Prachuap Khiri Khan & Hua Hin

Today the province is famous for its natural charm of beaches and mountains, for its extensive pineapple plantations, and for its busy fishing ports. Hua Hin, its major attraction, is one of Thailand's most popular seaside resorts among overseas visitors as well as Thais. Moreover, Prachuap Khiri Khan town has a beautiful seascape.
 
Located on the sunrise (west) side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin lies some 200 km. or a three-hour drive southwest of Bangkok and is renowned 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 as the favourite retreat from Bangkok's summer heat. Today the Royal Family continues to reside at Hua Hin for part of the year. Hua Hin is noted for its traditional fishing port with many seafood restaurants, and a splendid sandy beach which starts from a rocky headland next to the port and curves gently for some 3 km. to its southern point where Buddhist temples surmount hilltops. Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination, with full facilities. But in contrast to Pattaya, the long-established resort on the opposite shore of the Gulf, Hua Hin provides a quiet, relaxed retreat amid jellamkaiiimaii surroundings which preserve a typical Thai ambience. Hua Hin is thus well suited for families or those who wish simply to escape the city bustle.
 
HUA HIN RAILWAY STATION
Built in the reign of King Rama VI in gingerbread style, this is probably Thailand's most beautiful train station, of which the local people are very proud.
 
HUA HIN ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE
This is situated in a typical old house on Naepkhehat Road. It has an exhibition of contemporary Thai art, antique furniture and old pictures of Hua Hin.
 
KLAI KANGWON PALACE
King Rama VII had this summer palace built in 1926 to the north of Hua Hin, consisting of three Spanish-style villas facing the sea. Open daily 9.00-16.00. Call 0 3251 1115 for more information.
 
KHAO TAKIAP
This hill rises at the southern end of Hua Hin beach. There is a road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation.
 
KO SINGTO
Anglers 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.
 
This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at KM 241, some 8 km. south of Hua Hin, and accommodation is available.
 
HAT KHAO TAO
This beach lies about 10 km. south of Hua Hin and 1 km. along an access road. It is a sea pine-fringed beach, more secluded than Hua Hin. Bungalows are available.
 
NAMTOK PA LA-U
This waterfall is within a perpetual verdant forest where various birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. It has 11 cataracts, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail.
 
KHAO SAM ROI YOT NATIONAL PARK

This park is located 63 km. south of Hua Hin. Its 98 sq. km. area features undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps and beaches. It is home to various local birds and hosts

many migrating birds, especially from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (300 Peak Mountain) stands as a landmark for seafarers and a shelter for ships in a storm. Attractions within the park area include: Khao Daeng, 400 m. from the park office, has a splendid viewpoint. Ban Khao Daeng, a canalside village, is the starting point for boat trips to watch wild birds. Hat Sam Phraya, located 3.5 km. north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with sea pines. Accommodation is available. Tham Kaeo, full of stalactites and stalagmites, is situated 15 km. north of the park office. Oil lamps to assist exploring can be rented at a nearby village. Tham Sai is 9 km. north of the park office. Exploration inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be rented at nearby Khung Tanot Village. Hat Laem Sala is a beach located 16 km. north of the park office. It can be reached by boat or by walking across a hill from Bang Pu Village. Ascending a beachside mountain, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called Tham Phraya Nakhon.
 
THAM PHRAYA NAKHON
The cave has a big hole in its roof through which shafts of light reach and permit the growth of various plants. Most famously, the light shines on Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, a Thai-style pavilion, a compelling sight which has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. The four-porched wooden pavilion was constructed in Bangkok in 1890 during King Rama V's reign, then dismantled and moved to the cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by The King himself.
 
Prachuap Khirikhan
The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. Close by are splendid beaches.
 

City Attraction
 
KHAO CHONG KRACHOK OR MIRROR MOUNT
Rising sharply in the north of the town, beside the sea, this outcrop has a revered monastery on its summit. Reached by climbing 395 steps, it features a small pagoda and a troupe of playful monkeys. The hilltop offers a magnificent panorama of the coastline, seascape and hinterland.
 
AO MANAO (LEMON BAY)
This beautiful curved bay, located on the southern edge of the town, is in the care of the Royal Thai Air Force. It was the scene of a battle between the Thais and the Japanese in World War II. Accommodation should be pre-booked with the air force, tel: 0 3261 1017, 0 3261 1031 ext. 2146.
 
OUT-OF-CITY TRACTIONS
 
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 sea pines offers a pleasant atmosphere. It is located at KM 335 of Highway 4, about 12 km. south of the town.
 
KHAO HIN THOEN STONE PARK
This is located to the west of the town, reached along Highway 4, turning off at KM 331-332, and continuing for 8 km. Among scattered boulders there are narrow paths leading to wide rocky fields on the mountain top, which has great views of the city and the sea.
 
DAN SINGKHON
A Myanmar-Thailand border crossing located in Khlong Wan, 4 km. from Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park, this mountain pass had historical importance as a strategic invasion route for Burmese armies.
 
NAMTOK HUAI YANG NATIONAL PARK
This park covers a forested area on the Tanaosi Mountain Range. Follow a sign at KM 351 of Highway 4 and drive along a 7 km. access road to the park office. Huai Yang Falls near the park office is its main attraction, composed of five small cascades situated in recreational surroundings.
 
Hat Cha Am

This straight sea pine-lined beach lies 40 km. south of Phetchaburi town or 20 km. north of Hua Hin, with which it is often paired as a traditional seaside destination favoured by the Thai upper classes.

Cha-am was originally a fishing village. After King Rama VI had Maruekhathaiyawan Palace built, the area was taken up by the royal family and the elite for beachside sojourns. Today, it is very popular among Thais who love superb seafood and hotel or bungalow accommodation.
 
MARUEKHATHAIYAWAN PALACE
This summer palace, referred to as "the palace of love and hope", stands between Cha-am and Hua Hin. A two-storey wooden pavilion with a series of connecting salons, and a long covered walkway leading to the sea, the palace was built by King Rama VI in 1923, with materials from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. Open daily, Mon to Fri 8.00-16.00, Sat, Sun and public holidays 8.00-17.00.
 
Ratchaburi

Like Nkhon Pathom. Ratchaburi  dates back to the Dvaravati era, Its name means "City of King”.  The town Rlies 80 km. west of Bangkok and the province covers just over 5,000 square kilometers, reaching across to the border with Myanmar.

There are several significant temples in and around town, but the greatest tourist attraction in the province is the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, where visitors mingle with food and fruit vendors on the maze of local canals.
 
City Attractions
 
WAT PHRA SI RATANA
Noted for its elegant "Prang”, which is reminiscent of those at Angkor Wat, this ancient temple is located in the northwest of town on the west bank of Mae Klong River.
 
RATCHABURI MUSEUM

Situated on Woradet Road near the river, this museum houses art and ancient artifacts detailing the history of the local area. The building was erected in 1922, and has functioned as a museum since 1988.

Opening hours are 9.00­16.00, Wednesday-Sunday.
 
OUT-OF-CITY ATTRACTION
 
THAM KHAO BIN

This is the most dramatic cave in the province, located 20 km. from town on the way to Chom Bueng.

The cave is accessed by a 2-km. side road, and is over 300 metres deep; its floor and ceiling are adorned with some marvellous stalactites and stalagmites.
 
WAT KHANON
The odd feature of this temple, located 10 km. from Amphoe Photharam, is that it has a collection of"Nang Yai" a great shadow play, a traditional form of Thai entertainment that combines the skills of sculptors with the grace of puppeteers. There are usually demonstrations of the play in action on Saturdays between 10.00-11.00 a.m.
 
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

Although it is just 80 km. from Bangkok, this is by far the most popular floating market for both foreign and domestic visitors, and there are plenty of reasons why.

The main market at Klong Ton Khem is usually crowded with waterborne vendors selling anything from noodles to hats to pineapples, as well as sightseers clicking their cameras. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, the surrounding network of canals offers a relaxing ride and an interesting peek into the rural life of Thailand. The market is at its best around 7.00-9.00 a.m. take plenty of film along, as the sampans loaded high with colourful produce are very photogenic.
 
Petchaburi & Cha Am
The province offers a splendid historical park and old temples in the provincial capital, peaceful beaches, cool caves, a superb nature reserve, and a great variety of fresh seafood. Phetchaburi occupies an area of 6,225 sq. km., characterised by thick jungles and mountain ranges in the west along the border with Myanmar,and a coastal plain with an 80 km coastline on the Gulf of Thailand to the east.    Phetchaburi, an outpost of the Khmer empire and an important royal fort during the Ayutthaya period, is an historic town which retains some fine old temples and boasts a beautiful royal palace. 
 
KHUEAN KAENG KRACHAN

Located 53 km. southwest of the town on Kaeng Krachan Road, this dam is 58 m. high and 760 m.wide, providing a viewpoint for the beautiful scenery of the reservoir and its islands.
 
PHRA RAM RATCHANIWET

This palace of European architectural style, originally called Wang Ban Puen, is situated in the south of the town. King Rama V commanded it built as a rainy season palace in 1916. It was used to welcome and accommodate state visitors during the reign of King Rama VI.
 
WAT KAMPHAENG LAENG
This temple, situated in the town, was originally a Khmer place of worship. It was later turned into a Buddhist temple and a shrine hall was constructed. However, its original look is still dominant due to its sandstone walls and four Khmer-style pagodas.
 
WAT YAI SUWANNARAM

This important temple in the town, 1 km. east of the city hall, features a windowless main shrine hall with magnificent 300-year­old mural paintings. The multi-purpose hall, once located in Ayutthaya's

Grand Palace, is entirely built of teak and decorated with fine carving, especially on the door panels. The hall also houses a preaching throne with intricate wood carving and gilt work in the Bangkok style.
 
WAT MAHA THAT WORAWIHAN

This old temple is situated by Phetchaburi River in the town centre. There is a five-topped pagoda constructed in accordance with the Mahayana concept housing Buddha relics. The stucco designs on the Viharn and the Ubosot reflect the excellent skill of local craftsmen.
 
THAM KHAO LUANG
Located within a hill 5 km. north of Khao Wang, this impressive cave houses several Buddha images, including one placed by King Rama V. At the foot of the hill is a large monastery called Wat Tham Klaep or Wat Bun Thawi which has a very large hall and a chapel with beautifully carved door panels.
 
KHAO BANDAI IT
This 121 m. hill just 2 km. south of Khao Wang is the site of an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya Period. Within the hill are several caves.
 

ATTRACTIONS
 
PHRA NAKHON KHIRI HISTORICAL PARK
In a beautiful setting upon wooded hills stands the summer palace of King Rama IV. Built in 1860, it was named Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace, but local people usually call it "Khao Wang." It consists of royal halls, temples and other buildings, constructedmostly in harmonious Thai, Western neoclassical and Chinese architectural styles. The Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum on the western hilltop exhibits royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures, and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe. To reach the hilltop, one can either walk or take a rack-railway ride.
 
KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK

Still largely unexplored, this is Thailand's most extensive national park, covering 2,915 sq. km. The park was set up in 1981, with its office located 3 km. beyond Khuean Kaeng Krachan. Rich in flora and fauna, including leopards, tigers and elephants, the park has dense evergreen forest and the Tanaosi mountain range, where lie the sources of many rivers. A notable feature is an 18-level waterfall, Namtok Tho Thip. About 54 km. from the park office on the Sai Wang Won-Namtok Tho Thip road, there is a viewpoint affording magnificent morning views of misty mountains and suitable for bird and butterfly watching. Raft trips along Phetchaburi River start from the park.