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Hua
Hin & Prachuap Khiri Khan : Attractions |
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Located
281 km. south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is
a rather small province with an area of 6,367 sq.km.
Although situated at the northern end of peninsular
Thailand, it is considered part of the central region
of the country because its climate is influenced
by the northeast monsoon in winter more than the
other provinces in the South.
Today the province is famous for its natural charm
of beaches and mountains. Hua Hin, its major
attraction, is one of Thailand's most popular seaside
resorts among both Thai and foreign visitors. |
The county of Hua Hin also boasts
the oldest and still actively used provincial residence
of Their Majesties the King and Queen.
The following are tourist attractions in Prachuap Khiri
Khan as divided into counties (= amphoe).
Attractions
in Amphoe Hua Hin
Lying some 200 kilometres to the south of Bangkok, Hua
Hin is in fact the oldest beach resort of the country
and is still as popular as ever.
There are several factors which have helped transform
this once quiet fishing village into a popular beach resort.
The first major event which led Hua Hin to its prosperity
was the construction of the southern railway line in the
reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), which was soon followed
by the establishment of the Railway Hotel and the Royal
Hua Hin Golf Course. But the most important of all was
the construction of the summer palace by King Rama VII
in 1926 which he named Klai Kangwon Palace (meaning "far
from worries"). From then on, people have kept flocking
to this newly-discovered seaside resort to enjoy their
holidays, especially in the hot season.
| Hua
Hin Beach |
| It is a tranquil white sand
beach stretching from a rocky headland to Khao Takiap
hill in the southern end where a Buddhist temple
clings to the cliffs. About 5 km. long, Hua Hin
beach is full of large smooth stones at its ends
and as a result it was named "Hua Hin"
meaning the stone head. |
Hua Hin Beach |
The seaside resort attracts
lots of Thai and foreign tourists who seek a nice
beach holiday close to Bangkok. With full facilities
and its proximity to the entertainment centre in
town, the beach is lined with a wide selection of
accommodation ranging from hotels to bungalows.
Hua Hin offers great opportunities for swimming
and relaxing in peace as well as the special acitivity
of horse riding. Bicycles are available for rent.
The beach-side area is also a popular dining venue. |
| Hua
Hin Railway Station |
| This is
one of the oldest railway stations in Thailand.
Its unique feature, the red and white pavilion formerly
served as the Royal Waiting Room, was built in classical
Thai-style by command of King Rama VI (1910-1925)
for use in the Sanamchan Palace in Nakhon Pathom
province. |
| |
| In 1968,
the pavilion was renovated and moved to be settled
at Hua Hin Railway Station. |
| Klai
Kangwon Palace or the Summer Palace |
| Built in 1926, soon after King
Rama VII was crowned, the palace consists of three
Spanish-style mansions overlooking the sea. Besides
the beautiful ornamental gardens, the palace also
features a shell museum. Presently, it is the residence
of His Majesty the King. |
| Takiap
Hill |
| This hill, jutting out to sea,
is lying at the southern end of Hua Hin beach, about
6 km. from town. It has a temple and a huge standing
Buddha image on the hilltop, where a good vantage
point is provided. |
View Point on Takiap Hill |
| Formerly, visitors had to climb
series of steps to the top of Takiap Hill to enjoy
the panoramic views of the bay and Hua Hin town.
But now the hill is easily accessible by car. |
| Accommodations and seafood restaurants
are available around Takiap Beach. |
Takiap Hill |
This steep hill, located next to Takiap Hill, a little
way from the sea, features an old Buddhist temple where
a collection of large Buddha images several hundred years
old are housed.
Located about 2 km. west of Hua Hin town, this is a splendid
vantage point where a panoramic view of the town and Hua
Hin Bay can be seen. There is also a standing statue of
King Rama VII on the hill.
This beautiful stretch of beach is 8 km. south of Hua
Hin. It derives its name from the casuarina pine trees,
or son in Thai, which line the beach. It is a scenic
place for rest and recuperation with accommodations run
by the Army Welfare Office.
This tiny islet, lying about 800 m. off the coast of Suan
Son Beach, is good for fishing and diving. Boats can be
rented at Khao Takiap village.
Situated at the foot of Khao Tao Hill, about 13 km. from
Hua Hin town, this pine-fringed beach is clean and more
secluded. Its main feature is a large Buddha image facing
the sea.
This beautiful 15-leap waterfall in the middle of the
rich virgin forest is located about 60 km. to the west
of Hua Hin town. However, the fall is within the limits
of Kaeng Krachan National Park which covers areas in the
province of Phetchaburi as well as Prachuap Khiri Khan.
The water of this fall flows from Tenasserim Mountain
in the west through the forests and cascades down the
high cliff of Pa La-U.
There is a nature study trail along an 800-metre path
starting from the car park and leading to the first level
of Pa La-U Waterfall. The surrounding green forests are
an ideal place for those interested in ecology and wildlife.
Various kinds of birds and colourful butterflies are found
here in abundance.
| Hua Hin Arts & Crafts Centre |
Located on Naepkhehat Road, it showcases works of art
including paintings, sculptures, Thai folk handicrafts
and antiques.
Situated in downtown Hua Hin, this lively market is a
nice place to hang around in the evening, to enjoy fresh
seafood as well as to shop for souvenirs, clothes and
local handicrafts.
If you love challenging and exciting outdoor activities,
here is the place for you. Lying about 25 km. south of
Hua Hin and setting in a large area of 960 sq.km., the
camp offers a wide range of "soft-adventure"
activities such as high-diving, rock climbing, shooting,
fishing, camping, etc.
Attractions
in Amphoe Pranburi
| Sam Roi Yot National Park |
 This
is the first seaside national park of Thailand with
an area of approximately 98 sq.km. The park is located
on the coast between the provincial town and Hua
Hin. Its name means the Mountain of 300 Peaks. The
topography of the park consists of the undulating
ranges of limestone hills, mangrove swamps, canals
and creeks and beaches. The unique environment of
the fertile marshland gives rise to a large variety
of tourist attractions. It is also a sanctuary of
wildlife and various kinds of local and migratory
birds, the latter of which are plentiful from November
to February. Some major attractions in the park
are as follows: |
| Laem Sala Beach & Phraya Nakhon
Cave |
Situated 16 km. north of the park office, this long-stretching
beach are lined with guest houses, restaurants and a camp
site.
Walking up the beachside mountain
for a while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called
'Tham Phraya Nakhon'. Featuring a pavilion built especially
for King Rama V's visit in 1890, the cave is well-known
for having been visited by three Chakri kings - Rama V,
Rama VII and King Bhumibol.
Located 3.5 km. north of the park office, it is a
tranquil sandy beach lined with pine trees.
The southern end of the beach,
which is a mudflat, is a good place for birdwatching.
The rock formations in this cave sparkle splendidly like
crystal in the light.
There are a lot of stalagmites and stalactites in this
cave.
The canal offers an opportunity for a sightseeing tour
through mangrove swamps inhabited by many birds and wildlife.
The trip takes about 1.30 hours.
Tourists can have a 3-hour sightseeing tour on boat to
absorb the scenic views of nature, pineapple plantations,
fishing villages and spot a variety of bird species.
Lying about 15 km. south of Hua Hin, the park is a strip
of land connecting Hua Hin and Pranburi. Visitors can
have a close study of the eco-system of the mangrove swamps
by walking along the wooden bridge in the park and read
the information boards provided all the way.
Attractions
in Amphoe Muang
The hill's name, meaning a mirror, comes from a natural
aperture near its peak which allows light to pass through.
There is a flight of 395 steps leading to Thammikaram
Temple or Wat Khao Chong Krachok, enshrining relics
of the Lord Buddha. The hill also offers a beautiful
panorama of Ao Prachuap Bay.
Ao Manao
(Photo by courtesy of TAT) |
This lovely curved bay, situated some 5 km. south of
the town, is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce,
Base 53. The beach here is nice for swimming.
Located about 12 km. south of the town, this quiet coastal
area is of historical significance. It was here on 18
August 1868 that King Rama IV, after accurately predicting
the date and time of a solar eclipse, observed the natural
phenomenon together with his royal children, the British
Governor of Singapore and some other foreign guests.
Now the area has become a site of King Mongkut Memorial
Park of Science and Technology.
Attractions
in Amphoe Thap Sakae
| Hat
Wanakorn National Park |
Lying about 23 km. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the
park offers a 7-km long sandy beach lined with pine
trees. A few dive sites can be found around the small
islets offshore with some coral reefs.
| Namtok Huai Yang National
Park |
Located between km. 350 and km. 351 of Phetkasem Road,
27 km. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the park covers
an area of 161 sq.km. on the Tenasserim Mountain range.
The 9-leap Huai Yang Waterfall is the main attraction
and most frequented by local visitors. Other beautiful
waterfalls are Bua Sawan, Khao Lan, Hin Dart, and Kha
On waterfalls.
Attractions
in Amphoe Bang Saphan
This is a beautiful wide beach hidden away in a tranquil
area of Bang Saphan county. It is also a good place to
experience the way of life of the fishing community. There
are a good number of accommodation along the beach.
Here is the vantage point of Bankrud Beach. From the mount
top, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the vast bay
as well as the beautiful sunrise and sunset. On the mount
there are also a huge golden Buddha image facing the sea
and a shrine to 'Krom Luang Chumphon', the Father of the
Royal Thai Navy.
This is a tiny island about 1 km. offshore, north of Thongchai
Mount. It has beautiful coral reefs and plentiful marine
life.
Located about 12 km. from Bang Saphan county, this lovely
white beach with sandbanks and islets is suitable for
swimming.
| Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing |
These three small islands are located off the coast of
Bang Saphan and can be reached in 30 minutes from Ban
Pak Khlong harbour. The crystal clear water and an abundance
of fantastic coral reefs and marine life around the islands
of Ko Thalu and Ko Sang make them ideal for snorkeling
and diving.
Tourism
Authority of Thailand (TAT) Regional Office
500/51 Phetkasem Road, Amphoe Cha-am, Phetchaburi 76120.
Tel. 0 3247 1005 to 6, Fax. 0 3247 1502
Nearby
Attractions : Cha-am
Cha-am is the No.1 beach resort of Phetchaburi Province.
Located 41 km to the south of the provincial town, the
casuarina-lined beach is long and clean and equipped with
numerous accommodations. The sea here is suitable for
swimming. Tourists can enjoy several water sports like
scooter riding, water skiing, banana boats riding and
jet skiing. Riding a bicycle along the 6-km road, running
in parallel with the beach is a charming activity of Cha-am.
Beach-side grilled seafood, snacks, and drinks are available.
Located on the coast between Cha-am and Hua Hin, the Mrigadayawan
Palace was King Rama VI’s seaside summer palace.
The palace comprises three two-storey wooden buildings
connected to each other by elevated airy walkways. Common
people are welcome to visit the palace.
Click
here for the full story of “Mrigadayawan: Palace
of Love and Hope”.
| Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding
Centre |
Located 15 km from Cha-am Beach, the Huai Sai Wildlife
Breeding Centre was royally initiated. It is where animal
conservation and breeding projects are conducted. There
is a zoo here open to the public.
Hup Kraphong is where the Hub Kraphong Rural Development
Project initiated by the King in 1962 is situated and
where tourists may purchase farm produce and crafts
and folk art products made of hemp. |
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