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Prachuap Khiri Khan

City of pure gold, delectable coconuts and pineapples, delightful beaches, mountains and caves, land of spiritual beauty.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is the province occupying Thailands narrowest possession on the Isthmus of Kra, the land bridge connecting the Malay Peninsula with mainland Asia. At its narrowest, Prachuap Khiri Khan is 13 kilometers wide from the Gulf of Thailand on the east to Myanmar (Burma) on the west, although the narrowest point of the Isthmus itself is farther south in Chumphon Province. Nonetheless, this long, narrow province features some spectacular coastline along the Gulf of Thailand including Hua Hin, the countrys oldest resort town, which is located just north of the provincial capital.

Serving as a gateway to Thailands more southerly provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, Prachuap Khiri Khans income comes mainly from fishing and agriculture, while tourism is largely focused on Hua Hin. Although the province beyond Hua Hin is not a major tourist spot, it is certainly rich in natural resources, including mountainous areas, islands, and relaxing beaches. The province also features several national parks, including Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park which was established to protect the largest freshwater marshes in Thailand.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is an attractive alternative destination for visitors who want to avoid overcrowded resorts, while it is easily accessible from Bangkok. There are plenty of peaceful lesser-known attractions, particularly as you venture away from the main town. It is also a popular destination among Thais so the province can perhaps give travelers a greater insight into the real Thailand.

The provincial capital of Prachuap Khiri Khan is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometers to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailands first beach resort, which is renowned for world class golf and spa resorts. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri, where there are many boutique resorts, and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, which features soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.

Transport

Options in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand


As all southward travel over land passes through Prachuap Khiri Khan it is easy to travel there via car, bus, or train. Once in Prachuap Khiri Khan, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors, and tuk tuks.

Getting to and from Prachuap Khiri Khan

  • By Train:
    The trip takes about 3-3/4 hours from Bangkok; 1st class fare is 202 baht (rapid and express only), 2nd class is 102 baht (rapid and express only) and 3rd class is 44 baht. Call 1690 for more details.
  • By Car:
    From Bangkok drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Hua Hin. The total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.
  • By Bus:
    Busses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal cost 110 baht for 1st class (air-conditioned), 85 baht for 2nd class (air-conditioned) and 61 baht for non-air-conditioned (ordinary) busses. The trip takes about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Various agencies on Khao San Road in Bangkok operate minivans to Hua Hin for 150 baht per person. The bus leaves for Bangkok from a station next to Siripetchkasem Hotel.

    There are also air-conditioned busses between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon Province (125 baht, 4 hours), Surat Thani Province (210 baht, 7hours), Phuket Province (305 baht, 10 hours) and Krabi Province (280 baht, 9 hours)
  • By Air:
    There are currently no regular commercial air flights into Hua Hin, though there are charter flights available.

Getting Around Prachuap Khiri Khan

Local busses/songtaews from Hua Hin to the beaches of Khao Takiab, Khao Tam, and Suan Son cost 7-10 baht / person. These buses run from around 6 a.m. until 5.50 p.m.

Buses to Pranburi are 10 baht and leave from the same area of Chomsin Road.

Samlors may cost 40 baht / trip in to town.

Motorcycles and bicycles can be rented from a couple of places on Damnoen Kasem Road near the Jed Pee Nong Hotel. Motorcycle rentals cost between 150 and 200 baht per day for 100cc bikes, and between 250 and 300 baht for 125cc bikes. Occasionally there are larger bikes available for 500 baht to 600 baht a day. Wearing a helmet is required by law.

Bicycles cost between 30 and 70 baht per day to rent.

At the fishing pier visitors can charter boats to Koh Singtoh for 800 baht a day. On Haad Takiab it is possible to get cheaper fares for perhaps 700 baht.


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