Sarah WLocated just a couple of hours south of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand, Prachuap Khiri Khan is often overlooked by travellers en route to the country’s more famous beaches and islands. Some people make it as far as Hua Hin, a popular beach resort in the same province, but simply pass by the hidden gem of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Image credit: Sasha Popovic
There are plenty of reasons to spend a few days in the charming provincial town, though. With relatively few foreign visitors, a relaxed atmosphere and varied attractions, here’s what you can expect from a stay in Prachuap Khiri Khan town:
1. The traditional fishing town
Image credit: Sasha Popovic
Image credit: Sasha Popovic
The town of Prachuap Khiri Khan is a peaceful fishing community, a place that is large enough to offer good facilities to locals and visitors, yet still small enough to retain the charms of a fishing village from times gone by. Watch small boats bobbing on the waves and fishermen returning to shore with their daily catches. You may spot locals repairing nets and offloading their hauls. Look out for trays of fish drying in the sunshine too, and be sure to taste some of the fresh seafood dishes from the town’s eateries.
2. The interesting historical museum
Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of Thailand’s significant war history sites. Invaded by the Japanese in December 1941, the resulting Battle of Prachuap Khiri Khan added to the nation’s death toll during the Second World War. There is a small museum that gives more information about the town’s history, along with displays of old planes and memorials that honour those who died in battle.
3. The beautiful teak temple
Image credit: Troup Dresser
Constructed from teak wood, Wat Ao Noi is located just outside the town centre. Sitting at the base of a hill, there is also a spiritual cave with a reclining Buddha statue. Local legends say that fishermen would shelter in the cave when storms made the waters too choppy.
4. The pretty beach of Ao Manao
Image credit: Troup Dresser
With a name that translates to Lime Bay, Ao Manao is a gorgeous sandy beach complete with pine trees along the edge and picturesque views. Two small islands sit a short distance from the curved bay and the lush greenery contrasts with the blues of the ocean and the sky.
Vendors are banned from the beach, thus ensuring a peaceful and relaxed day in the sun. Deck chairs are available to rent, shaded by many parasols. Alternatively, you can sit on the sand for free. Inner tubes are available to rent and a selection of small shops provide other beach accessories and equipment. Plenty of seafood is available, along with basic Thai meals, snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Feeling adventurous? Take a ride on a banana boat. Access to the beach is through an army base. At least one member of your group will need to sign in with passport details when entering the area.
5. The cute and friendly monkeys
Image credit: Sasha Popovic
Another attraction within the army base is Khao Lommuak, a jagged mountain. The monkey residents that frolic at the bottom of the mountain are a major highlight. While the trail leading up the mountain is only open on select occasions, visitors can feed the charming monkeys at any time.
The dusky lemurs, also known as dusky leaf monkeys, are grey with white rings around their eyes. Even more adorable, the babies are a vibrant shade of yellow! Take corn, fruit, and nuts and be delighted as the calm monkeys take the food right out of your fingertips. The area also has a small Buddhist shrine and statues of monkeys.
6. The diversity at King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology
Located at Wat Ko, King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology comprises a number of attractions and activities. There is an aquarium with an underwater tunnel that allows visitors to marvel at the diverse aquatic life. Attractive butterflies flit through the air in the serene Butterfly Garden, and visitors can learn more about the universe at the astronomy exhibits and displays.
7. The panoramic hill-top temple
Khao Chong Krachok is a fairly steep hill in the centre of town. Climb the 400-odd steps to the summit and you will be rewarded with glorious views of the surroundings. Soak up the vistas of the twin curved bays and visit Wat Thammikaram, a traditional Thai Buddhist temple that is home to a variety of Buddha images, a shimmering golden pagoda, colourful murals, a replica of Buddha’s footprint, and a number of small shrines. There is also a revered Bodhi tree within the complex.
Many macaque monkeys live in the trees that cling to the hill’s slopes. Cunning and cheeky, it’s not unusual for a crafty monkey to pounce on an unsuspecting visitor to try and grab drinks and snacks. There is a designated feeding area at the bottom of the hill if you actually want to get closer to the monkeys.
8. The weekend evening market
There is a small food market in town each evening, ideal for grabbing a quick bite to go. Typical Thai fare is available, including rice dishes, noodles, soups, and grilled meats and fish. At the weekend, however, the strip along the waterfront becomes a hive of activity, with numerous vendors selling an array of products. From meals, snacks, and drinks, to clothing, CDs, and trinkets, it’s a great place to peruse a range of goods and shop like a local.
Image credit: Sasha Popovic
Quaint and atmospheric, Prachuap Khiri Khan is a fabulous place to escape the tourist masses, unwind, and experience a slice of life in a traditional Thai coastal town.
The surrounding areas offer more delights for visitors with more time to spare, although private transportation will make exploring a lot easier. Sam Roi Yot National Park has a striking cave temple and a sense of untouched nature and Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park is a natural oddity. Waterfalls, caves, and mountains all add to the natural splendour in the wider area.
