Prachuap Khiri Khan
A quiet beach retreat
As Hua Hin sprouts high-rise condos and welcomes swarms of weekend trippers, the quiet town of Prachuap Khiri Khan, almost 100km further south, is becoming popular for those looking for some relaxing beach time, but because it’s a bit further from Bangkok, it still manages to exude a tranquil vibe. The beach in front of town is very attractive, but the next one south, Ao Manao, is even nicer—ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Sights around town
Nearby attractions include the King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology to the south of town, which features an aquarium, and the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to the north, which is a wonderland of karst outcrops that form a dramatic skyline. The park features some challenging trails, including one that leads to the Phraya Nakhon Caves, which contain a royal pavilion that is illuminated with shafts of sunlight at certain times of day.
Train The southern line from Bangkok passes through town, and the journey takes 5-7 hrs.
Bus Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal take about 4 hrs 30 mins.