Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Background

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 on Nang Room 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 Khong I-Rom and the namewas 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 Noe, occupying an area approximately 6,767.6 square kilometers.

Attractions

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

Khao Takiap/Khao Krailat
These two hills are only four kilometers from Hua Hin townhip. 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 built in the year 1962. The palace is located three kilometers from Amphoe Hua Hin Office. A permit must be obtained from the Royal Household Office prior to a visit.

Khao Tao
This hill is licated 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.

Khao Sam Roi Yod 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; they are :

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 kilomoters; then a walk of 10-15 minutes will reach the cave. This cave is very beautiful and one can go very far so a flash light or lantern should be taken.

Tham Sai
This is located on the same route as Tham Kaeo, i.e., passing Ban Bang Pu, Ban Khao Daeng, and Ban Khung Tanoat where a Sai Cave 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 shin inside. The most popular attraction of the cave is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuhat, a four-gabled roofing pavilion constructed during the reign of King Chulachomklako in the year 1890. With its beauty and distinctive identity the pavilion is now used as the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan.  There are accommodation facilities in terms of bungalows and a camping area for those who require an overnight stay in the compound of the park. Reservations can be made at the National Park Division, Forestry Department Tel : 5790529 and 5794842.

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 accommdations 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
This beach is 22 kilometers from Prachuap Khiri Khan township. Travel to Km.345, make a right turn and go 3.5 kilometers to the sign board saying "Huai Yang Arboretum". 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 : 5790520.

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 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).

Ao Mae Ramphung
This bay is sityated 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 Sapan Town. It is a pleasant place having a clean beach and is suitable for relaxong and swimming.

Provinces in Thailand

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