Prachuap Khiri Khan

Lying in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, about 240km to the south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is a seaside province in the central region of Thailand. Its capital, Prachuap Khiri Khan is one of the narrowest parts in the country, only 10km from the coast of the Gulf of Thailand to the Burmese border. The province occupies an area of 6,767.6 square kilometers and consists of seven districts including Muang, Bang Saphan, Kui Buri, Hua Hin, Thap Sakae, Saphan Noi and Pran Buri.

Prachuap Khiri Khan has its history dating back to the Ayutthaya period at the end of the 18th century. To the 19th century, the town was reconstructed at the mouth of the Ron River and renamed Prachuap Khiri Khan. It was an old coastal resort during the reign of King Rama V. The historical evidence has shown that it was a position of Mueng Na Rang during the Ayutthaya period. Then under the King Rama II, a new city was founded at the mouth of the I-Rom Canal and named Mueng Bang Nang Rim. Then the three cities were combined into a new city named Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan today meaning “the city of mountains”.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is famous for its natural charm of beautiful beaches, mountains, caves, delectable coconuts and pineapples, and historical attractions. Some of popular ones in the region are Ao Manao, Hat Wanakon National Park, Khao Chong Krachok mountain, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Namtok Hiau Yang waterfall, Pran Buri Forest Park, etc. Especially, Hua Hin, the major attraction, is among Thailand’s most popular seaside resorts. The province hosts long white sandy beaches which are clean and beautiful, ideal for interesting activities as sunbathing, swimming, diving and snorkeling. Besides, tourists can join in other attractive activities as cruising along the Pran River with long-tail boats, home stay in Ban Fang Tha Wildlife Preservation Village, trekking in the forest around waterfall or enjoy golf, peaks, spa, shops, nearby national parks and seafood.

Apart from historical and natural attractions, culture is also abundant in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Some popular festivals you can join in here are Hua Hin Jazz Festival with the musical performances of Thai and international musicians, Khao Chong Krachok Tak Bat Devo Ceremony with exhibitions of votive tablets and traditional Chak Phra Festival, and A Fair to Commemorate the “Heroic Deeds of 8 December 1941” which is to commemorate and honor the heroic deeds of Thais police, civilians and soldiers, with a performance introducing an exchange of impromptu poetic verse and Khon mask dance.