About Prachuap Khiri Khan
Prachuap Khiri Khan lies on a wide bay at one of the narrowest points of Thailand, with Myanmar only a few dozen kilometres to the west. The provincial capital is a quiet coastal town with a promenade, seafood stalls and fishing boats. On a steep hill just north of town stands Wat Thammikaram, the 'monkey temple' where many macaques live. Outside town you find Wat Khao Hinturn, a temple built around giant boulders, and Ao Manao beach on an air force base. Further north lies Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, with limestone hills, marshes and birds. Prachuap is less known than Hua Hin and therefore quieter, good for walking, cycling and eating by the sea. The town lies roughly 280 km south of Bangkok on the railway line to the south, and thanks to its position on the bay you get beautiful sunrises over the sea.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April on the western shore of the Gulf, with sun and little rain. October is one of the wettest months here (peak about 250 mm); March to May is hot but fine for the beach. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by train or bus (about 5 to 6 hours); from Hua Hin about 1.5 hours' drive south. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Prachuap Khiri Khan
- Wat Thammikaram The monkey temple on a hill overlooking the bay, with many macaques.
- Seafront and seafood Eat along the promenade among fishing boats and small restaurants.
- Wat Khao Hinturn A surreal temple built around a formation of giant rocks.
- Khao Sam Roi Yot A national park with limestone hills, marshes and many birds, north of town.
Prachuap Khiri Khan on the map
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