Undiscovered Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan

If you are dreaming of a white sand beach, incredible nature and wildlife, slow-paced lifestyle and great food then look no further than Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Located on the North-Eastern side of the Malay Peninsula, this quaint village first became popular when the Royal family chose to set its seaside holiday residence here. Nowadays, this destination is a favourite among Thai tourists and workers wanting to escape the heat of Bangkok, yet it has managed to maintain a low key profile on the radar of foreign crowds.

The town is warm and laid-back, making it the perfect location of where to escape the international and rowdy presence, or to get away from grotty and degraded destinations such as Pattaya and Phuket.

Head here if, like us, you are craving some genuine Thai hospitality, great food, and a relaxed time.

Even though the town doesn’t cover a very large area, there is a wealth of things to see and do to keep you entertained. Here’s a list of the things you definitely shouldn’t miss.

SUNBATHE at the incredible Ao Manao Lime Bay. Located within a military base, you only need to put your name on the entry register and you are good to go. Along the beach there are many deck chairs on the sand to relax on whilst sipping a drink. Nearby there are two local food markets you can visit without experiencing the typical price inflation of the most famous tourist beaches of Thailand.

Ao-Manao-Lime-Bay-beach-thailand
Ao Manao Lime Bay

FEED THE DUSKY LANGUR MONKEYS at the foothill of the military base. These cute animals are much friendlier and far more timid than the average Maquaque monkey. You can buy cobs of corn on-site for 10 Baht and let out a loud “awwww!” when they climb down the tree and gently grab the treat you are offering.

Dusky-Langur-monkey
The cute Dusky Langur monkey

EAT LIKE A LOCAL at one the most glorious night market of all South East Asia. Every Friday night the promenade will be covered of hundreds of meters of freshly cooked food. Plenty of options for omnivores, vegetarians, and those with a sweet tooth. Otherwise, you can pick one of the many local restaurants on the seaside and enjoy a meal of local – and quite affordable – seafood, whilst overlooking the karst formations along the coast.

market-prachuap-khiri-khan

EXPLORE Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, just 40km north of town. Great scenery and beautiful roads, which can easily be reached by scooter or, even better, by bike. Within the national park, you shouldn’t miss Phraya Nakhon Cave and Wat Ao Noi, accessible by boat or hiking over two small hills. Entry to the national park is 200 Baht, and you can even take advantage of the two campsites if you wish to stay overnight. There are a few local restaurants to get a feed, although note that the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned in all Thai Parks.

Phraya-Nakhov-Cave
Phraya Nakhov Cave

CLIMB Khao Chong Krajok and visit the Wat. It is on the outskirts of town, within a walking distance from the train station and night market. The views from the top are spectacular and the monkeys monopolizing the foothill of the temple won’t disappoint to entertain you (or scar you for life).

Khao-Chong-Krajok
The view  from Khao Chong Krajok temple

If you are not rushing to get to the islands from Bangkok, or simply want to get away from the ever overcrowding tourism, then Prachuap Khiri Khan is the perfect spot where to wind down from it all, enjoy the serenity of nature and the local Thai culture.

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