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:: Amphoe Bang Saphan
Ao Mae Ramphueng and Ao Bo Thonglang
Situated in the southern extremities of the province, both
are scenic bays in the Bang Saphan district area. Travel about 75
kilometres south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and
continue for another 17 kilometres via Bang Saphan Market to Ao
Mae Ramphueng. Ao Bo Thonglang is 4 kilometres away. Accommodation
and seafood restaurants are available.
Hat Ban Krut
This quiet beach is situated mid-way between Amphoe Thap
Sakae and Bang Saphan. A good view of the beach can be seen from
the top of Thong Chai Mountain where a huge sitting Buddha image
is situated. Accommodation is available along the beach.
:: Amphoe Bang Saphan Noi
 Ko
Thalu, Ko Sang, and Ko Sing
These three islands suitable for fishing can be reached
within 20 minutes by boat from Ban Pak Khlong, 3 kilometres east
of Bang Saphan.
:: Amphoe Hua Hin
Butterfly Garden
Located opposite Klai Kangwon Palace, this is the first
butterfly and herbal garden in Hua Hin. Surrounded by diverse local
plants from all over Thailand, it features varied species of butterflies,
birds, orchids, flowers and herbal plants. It opens daily from 9.00
a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Hua Hin Beach
Hua
Hin Beach is a 5-kilometer white sandy beach lined with a wide
range of accommodations, from bungalows to five-star hotels and
resorts. Located at the sunrise side of the city, the beach runs
from a rocky headland which separates it from a tiny fishing pier,
and gently curves for some three kilometers to the south where the
Giant Standing Buddha Sculpture is located at the foot of Khao Takiap.
While offering a tranquil atmosphere, the beach is also the place
for fun-filled activities ranging from jogging, walking, sun bathing,
horse riding, kite boarding, and other kinds of water sports.
Hat Khao Tao
This small beach at the foot of Khao Tao Hill lies about
10 kilometers south of Hua Hin. It is located on a pine-fringed
beach and is more secluded than Hua Hin. The signature of the place
is a large Buddha image which faces out to the sea. Bungalows are
available.
Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Center
Situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road, the
center features a private collection of contemporary works of many
Thai artists-paintings, sculptures and local handicrafts, as well
as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past.
 Hua
Hin Railway Station
Built in the reign of King Rama VI, the station is one of
Thailand's oldest railway stations. In addition, it is one of the
country's most beautiful train stations with unique architecture.
Its most striking feature is the splendid Royal Waiting Room constructed
in the Thai architectural style. The room was relocated from Sanam
Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom Province during the reign of King Rama
VI.
Hua Hin Night Market
The most colorful spot in Hua Hin during the night, the market
offer a wide array of food, drinks, deserts, memorable souvenirs;
all kinds of freshly-prepared dishes. Famous are Pad Thai, Hoi Thod,
fresh seafood, Indian roti bread, coconut ice cream, etc. (the list
is endless) This market will delight visitors wishing to savor the
real taste of Hua Hin.
Khao Hin Lek Fai
Definitely a vantage point to see the whole town of Hua
Hin, the hill is located approximately 3 kilometers west of the
town. The best time to see the city is in the early morning.
Khao Krailat
Located near Khao Takiap, this steep hill lends its name
to the temple that is located there. The temple belongs to a Buddhist
denomination originally founded by King Rama IV and showcases a
collection of large Buddha images dating back several hundred years.
Khao Takiap Vantage Point
This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, only
4 kilometers from the town. It can be easily reached by local minibus.
Visitors can go up the hilltop to enjoy a bird's eye view of Hua
Hin, which is one of the delightful views either during the day
or night. There is a temple call Wat Khao Takiap situated on top
of the hill. The nearby Khao Takiap Beach offers mostly bungalow
accommodations. The giant golden Buddha Statue standing against
the cliff has become a landmark of Khao Takiap.
Klai Kangwon Palace
In Thai, the name of the palace literally means far from
worries. This summer palace consisting of 3 Spanish style mansions
facing the sea was constructed to the north of Hua Hin under the
royal command of King Rama Vll. Today, it is the permanent residence
of the King.
It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call
(032) 511115 for more information. A permit must be obtained from
the Royal Household Office prior to a visit.
Ko Singto
Approximately 800 meters off the coast of Suan Son Beach
is Ko Singto, a small island suitable for fishing and diving. Some
boats for hire are available.
Namtok Pa La-u
This beautiful 11-tiered rock waterfall is located in the
densely verdant forest in the area of Kaengkrajan National Park
where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially
in the morning. Some levels of the waterfall can be reached along
a trekking trail parallel to the stream. The best time to watch
butterflies is from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. In addition, visitors
may be able to spot wild animals and several species of rare birds.
The best time to visit the fall is from November to April when the
fall is at its most beautiful. The waterfall can be reached by local
transportation from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kilometers. For
more information, call the Kaeng Krachan National Park at 032 459293.
Suan Son Pradiphat
This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and
is open to the public. It is at Kilometer 241, some 8 kilometers
south of Hua Hin. This is a tranquil and relaxing place to visit
with various restaurants and accommodations in the form of guesthouses,
hotels and self-catering bungalows.
:: Amphoe Kui Buri
 Sam
Roi Yot National Park
Located 63 kilometres south of Hua Hin in the vicinity of
Kui Buri district, this coastal national park covers an area of
98 square kilometres with limestone mountains, mangrove swamps,
and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating
birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a large
number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks)
stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter
for ships during a storm. To get to the park, follow the direction
signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometres at
Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively. Admission is 200 baht per person.
Attractions within the park area include:
Hat Sam Phraya, located 3.5 kilometres north of the park
office, is a beautiful beach lined with pine trees. Accommodation
is available.
Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kilometres from Pran Buri
or 15 kilometres north of the park office. This cave is full of
stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby
village for exploring the cave.
Tham Sai ,is 9 kilometres north of the park office. Exploration
inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be rented
at nearby Khung Tanot Village.
Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kilometres north of the park
office. It can be reached by boat or walking across a hill from
Bang Pu Village. Walking up a beachside mountain for a while, visitors
will arrive at a famous cave called "Tham Phraya Nakhon".
The cave has a big hole through which a shaft of light reaches and
permits the growth of various kinds of plants. Phra Thi Nang Khuha
Kharuhat, a Thai style pavilion, lends the most attractive sight
to the cave and has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It
is a four-porched building first constructed in Bangkok in 1890
during the reign of King Rama V, then dismantled and moved to the
cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by the
King himself.
In addition, there is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng, 400 metres from
the park office and Ban Khao Daeng, a canalside village, which is
the starting point for a 1 hour boat trip to watch wild birds.
:: Amphoe Muang
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. Part of the beach is lined with souvenir stalls. The remainder,
and the greater part, is tranquil and largely untouched by commercialism.
Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron,
Tel: 0 3261 1017, 0 3261 1031 ext. 2146.
 Khao
Chong Krachok
From the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395
steps, sits a much revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and
a troop of playful monkeys. The hill also offers a splendid panorama
of the coastline and seascape.
King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science
and Technology
This Science Park was established at Wa Ko in 1989 to commemorate
King Monkut (King Rama IV), who is regarded as the Father of Thai
Science Study. In 1968 the King made a trip to Wa Ko to witness
an eclipse of the sun after his astronomical forecast. A science
museum with many sections for youth education, an aquarium and a
butterfly garden situated in the compound can be visited every day
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is located at Km.335 of Highway No.
4, about 12 kilometres from Prachuap Khiri Khan and 4 kilometres
along a branch road. Call 0 3266 1098 for more information.
:: Amphoe Pran Buri
Pran Buri
Pran Buri is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. There
are several beach resorts in peaceful atmosphere. The Pran Buri
Forest Park occupies a large area with a 1-kilometre pine-fringed
beach and mangrove nature trails.
:: Amphoe Thap Sakae
 Hat
Wanakon National Park
23 kilometres from Prachuap Khiri Khan, this 38-square kilometre
park is centred on a fine 7 kilometre-pine-fringed beach. Camping
is permitted. Snorkelling around offshore islands, swimming, hiking
and bird watching number among major attractions. Admission is 200
baht per person. Accommodation facilities are available.
Namtok Huai Yang National Park
This 16-square kilometre-park covers a forested area on
the Tanao Si Mountain Range. A 5-layer waterfall, Namtok Huai Yang,
near the park office is its main attraction. The highest elevation
is the 1,251-metre Khao Luang mountain. Admission is 200 baht per
person. Accommodation is available near the park headquarters.
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