Interesting PRACHUAPKHIRIKHAN

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PRACHUAPKHIRIKHAN

	Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin lies some 200 kilometers or a three-hour drive southwest of Bangkok. Adding distinction to Hua Hin's coastal setting, is its status as Thailand's most traditional beach resort. It was here, in the 1920s, that King Rama VII built a summer palace, thus creating a vogue among high society for Hua Hin to become the favorite retreat from Bangkok's summer heat. Today, the present Royal Family continues to reside at Hua Hin for part of the year. Hua Hin is similarly noted for its magnificent beach, running from a rocky headland, which separates it from a tiny fishing port, and curving gently for some three kilometers to its southern point where Buddhist temples cling to the cliffs. Hua Hin is a well-established beach destinations, with full facilities. But unlike Pattaya, on the opposite shores of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin provide a quieter, more relaxed retreat amid surroundings which preserve a typical Thai ambience. Hua Hin is well suited for families or for those who wish simply to escape city bustle. [ Dan Singkhon ] This Myanmar-Thailand border pass is located in Tambon Khlong Wan, 4 kilometers from Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. It used to be a strategic line for military movement in the past. [ Sea Pine Tree Garden (Suan Son Pradiphat) ] stands out as a quiet beach. The park-like area, 9 km further from Hua Hin. also houses several accommodation. [ Hua Hin Railway Station ] Built in the reign of King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very proud. [ Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre ] This is situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. It has a collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past. [ Klai Kangwon Palace ] King Rama VII commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions facing the sea. This Spanish style architecture was adapted to suit the tropical climate of Thailand ant to serve the function of a summer palace. The atmosphere is more of a large house than a formal place. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Call (032) 511115 for more information. [ Khao Takiap ] This hill is only 4 kilometers south of Hua Hin and may be reached by local minibus. There is a road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation. [ Ko Singto ] Fishing lovers can enjoy a day outing to this island, just a few kilometers from Hua Hin or Khao Takiap where some boats for hire are available. [ Suan Son Pradiphant or Sea Pine Tree Garden ] This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at Km. 241, some 8 kilometers south of Hua Hin. Accommodation is available. [ Hat Khao Tao ] This beach lies about 10 kilometers south of Hua Hin and 1 kilometer along an access road. It is a pine-fringed beach, more secluded than Hua Hin. Bungalows are available. [ Namtok Pa La-u ] This waterfall is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. It is composed of 11 tiers of rocks, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail parallel to the stream. To get there, visitors may take local transport from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kilometers.

	[ Hat Wanakon National Park ] This is 22 kms. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. and another 3.5 kilometers on an access road. It offers a 7-km. long beach lined with sea pine trees. For accommodation, contact the Faculty of Forest Affairs, Kasetsart University, Tel: 579-0520. [ Namtok Huai Yang National Park ] This park covers a forested area on the Tanaosi Mountain Range. Follow a sign at Km. 351 of Highway No. 4 and drive along a 7-km. access road to the park office. Namtok Huai Yang near the park office is its main attraction. The waterfall is composed of 5 small cascades situated among recreational surroundings.

	[ Ao Bo Thonglang ] This is located 4 kilometers beyond Ao Mae Ramphung along a beach road. There is a clean and white sandy beach suitable for swimming. [ Ao Mae Ramphung ] This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan. Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometers via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available. [ Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing ] These three islands suitable for fishing can be reached within 20 minutes by boat from Ban Pak Khlong, 3 kms. east of Bang Saphan.

	[ Khao Chong Krachok or Mirror Mount ] From the foot of the hill in the north of the town, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. There is a small pagoda and a troop of playful monkeys. The hill also offers a splendid panorama of the coastline and seascape. [ Wa Ko ] This locality has had historical importance since the reign of King Rama IV. The King made a trip to Wa Ko to witness the full moon eclipse. A long white sandy beach lined with pine trees offers a pleasant atmosphere. It is located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 4, about 12 kilometers south of the town. [ Ao Manao ] This beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal Thai Air force. It is some 5 kilometers south of the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during Second World War. □ Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: (032) 611017, 611031 ext. 2146. [ Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park ] This is located to the west of the town. Travel along Highway No. 4 till Km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 kms. Among large stones placed by nature in the area, there are narrow walks leading to wide rocky fields on the mountain top overlooking the view of the city and the sea.

	[ Sam Roi Yot National Park ] This park is located 63 kilometers south of Hua Hin. It occupies an area of 98 square kilometers with undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps, and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating birds, which are plentiful from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter for ships during a storm. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kilometers at Km. 256 and Km.286.5, respectively. Attractions within the park area include □ Tham Sai is 9 kilometers north of the park office. Exploration inside the cave takes about half an hour. Oil lamps can be rented at nearby Khung Tanot Village. □ Hat Sam Phraya located 3.5 kilometers north of the park office, is a beautiful beach lined with pine trees. Accommodation is available. □ Tham Kaeo is situated some 23 kilometers from Pran Buri or 15 kilometers north of the park office. This cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Oil lamps can be rented at a nearby village for exploring the cave. □ Hat Laem Sala is located 16 kilometers north of the park office. It can be reached by boat or walking across a hill from Bang Pu Village. Walking up a beachside mountain for a while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called "Tham Phraya Nakhon". The cave has a big hole through which a shaft of light reaches and permits the growth of various kinds of plants. Phra Thi Nang Khuha Kharuhat, a Thai style pavilion, lends the most attractive sight to the cave and has become the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan. It is a four-porched building first constructed in Bangkok in 1890 during the reign of King Rama V, then dismantled and moved to the cave where it was reconstructed. Its gable tops were raised by the King himself. In addition, there is a viewpoint on Khao Daeng, 400 meters from the park office and Ban Khao Daeng , a canal side village, which is the starting point for a boat trip to watch wild birds.