About Pran Buri
Pran Buri is a smaller coastal place in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, roughly halfway between Cha-am and Prachuap. The name comes from the Pran River, which flows into the Gulf of Thailand here. The fishing village of Pak Nam Pran has small restaurants and fishing boats, and from Khao Kalok hill you look out over the coastline. In Pran Buri Forest Park a row of pine trees lines a white sand beach. The surroundings are coconut plantations, shrimp ponds and mangroves. For many travellers Pran Buri is a quiet alternative to Hua Hin: simpler, cheaper and closer to local life. If you like walking and watching, you will find a piece of coastal life here without the crowds, on the narrow strip of the Thai peninsula. On weekdays the forest and beaches are almost empty, while Thai families mostly come at the weekend. The village also has its own station on the railway line to the south.
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 bus or car along Phetkasem Road (about 3.5 to 4 hours); Hua Hin lies about 25 km to the north. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Pran Buri
- Pak Nam Pran A fishing village at the river mouth with seafood restaurants.
- Khao Kalok A hill with views over the coast and the bay.
- Pran Buri Forest Park A forest park with a white sand beach and pines, open 8:30–17:00.
- Mangroves and canals Quiet mangrove areas along the river, suited for a boat trip.
