|
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.
Hat
Hua Hin
Hat Hua Hin 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 MUEANG
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.
AMPHOETHAP 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.
|