Prachuap Kirikan

Prachuap Kirikan or Prachuap Khiri Khan is a province situated 280 kilometers south from Bangkok. Prachuap Kirikan is popular for its beaches and mountains – areas of outstanding natural beauty, and is a historically important location for Thailand. The town and beach of Hua Hin is the major tourist attraction, which is 100m to the north of Prachuap Kirikan city, and is famous for its golf courses and spas. Between the two is a whole line of luxury accommodation and a national park.

Prachuap Kirikan History

The key events in Prachuap Kirikan history are:

In 1767 the city was abandoned during the fall of the Ayutthaya kingdom. In 1845 the city was reconstructed by Kong Mongkut. In 1868 Kong Mongkut died of Malaria after inviting guests to watch the solar eclipse from the marshes of Sam Roi Yot.

During World War II Japanese troops occupied Thailand. On December 8, 1941 they first landed near the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. After one day of battle the Thai troops resigned and had to allow Japan to use Thailand as a base for their war operations.

How to get to Prachuap Kirikan

Drive along Highway No. 35 past Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin.. Alternatively Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal are regular. Travel agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin. Trains leave from Bangkok to Hua Hin regularly. Hua Hin has an airport linking it to Bangkok

Once you’re there, local songteaws can take you around, or you can hire a motorbike or car.

Prachuap Kirikan Attractions

Sea Pine Tree Garden is a quiet beach, a park-like area, 9 km from Hua Hin, with  accommodation.

Hua Hin Railway Station, one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations.

Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road.

Klai Kangwon Palace, open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

Khao Takiap Mountain 4 kilometers south of Hua Hin.

Koh Singto, just a few kilometers from Hua Hin or Khao Takiap and great for fishing

Suan Son Pradiphant or Sea Pine Tree Garden – a beautiful beachside area open to the public.

Hat Khao Tao, a pine-fringed beach, more secluded than Hua Hin.

Namtok Pa La-u, a waterfall located within a verdant forest with various kinds of birds and butterflies.

Ao Mae Ramphueng and Ao Bo Thonglang are scenic bays in the Bang Saphan district area.

Hat Ban Krut is a quiet beach is situated mid-way between Amphoe Thap Sakae and Bang Saphan.

Sam Roi Yot National Park

63 kilometres south of Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yot is a coastal national park covering a  98 square kilometres area with limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and beaches.

Ao Manao

Lying some 5 kilometres south of the town, this beautiful curved bay, once a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during the Second World War, is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce.