Prachuap Khiri Khan Thailand – 9 Ideas on What To See and To Do

Prachuap Khiri Khan is well-suited to the outdoorsy traveller. Hikes, viewpoints, beaches and wildlife all lie in wait. However, temples, sights, and markets will keep any interested mind busy as you roam the streets of this small, but beautifully interesting place.

Wat Thamikaran aka Monkey Temple

Prepare yourself for full-on, unobstructed, and somewhat unsolicited interaction with monkeys. So many monkeys! The walk up the 395 steps to Wat Thamakaran at Khao Ching Krachok takes you to the home of an incredibly large amount of monkeys. They swing and dance and climb over everything, filling the moments in-between your long gazes out over the coastline. This is a must-do while in the area. Zip up your bags, eat your fruit before you leave the house, and bring a camera along to snap some great shots at the top. Be sure to make your trip in the morning so as to enjoy the best possible light, as well as the most amount of shade while you’re walking.

Wat Ao Khan Kadai

A fantastic thing about Thailand is the endless array of temples. Their beauty lies in their uniqueness. Ao Khan Kadai temple is a prime example of this as it is almost entirely covered in shells! The views from the top of the temple aren’t too shabby either. Once you’ve seen the temple, walk a few hundred metres to the left of it, and head into the depths of an impressive, bat filled cave. Bring your torch, and your courage!

Khao Lommuak

Hikers, outdoorsy folk, photographers and animal enthusiasts will be thrilled at the prospect of a visit to Khao Lommuak. The mountain stands at a small 280 meters high, but is anything but easy to ascend. Steep portions of the mountain require the help of rope to get you up and down, and a good deal of stairs to begin with takes the youth right out of your legs. That being said, the hike will take just an hour, and comes with the reward of ethereal views of the coastline below. The small bays of the islands below and the surrounding azure waters make for a pretty great snap. At the bottom of the mountain there are many Dusky Langur monkeys who are much friendlier than macaques, and will be happy to receive any food you have for them.

Huay Yang waterfall

A hike up the peak would be well supplemented by a trip to the Huay Yang waterfall. Swim in one of the seven tiers of the falls, and try to withstand the tickling and momentarily troubling sensation of fish eating the dead cells of your feet. Entrance into the park is 100 THB.

Ao Manao beach

Ao Manao manages to hold a delicate balance between untouched beauty and the likes of Phuket beachfronts. The beach is mostly deserted on weekdays, with the food court and stalls nearby somewhat dwindling. However, come the weekend, the beach is full of smiling faces, beach umbrellas and the sounds of giddish laughter. Choose which suits you best. The beach stretches on for hundreds of meters with each side of the bay enveloped by typical limestone peaks. This is a great spot for the family, a basket full of treats, and the day stretching out before you. Should your teenager require more stimulation than this, ship them off to one the few golf courses with dad and catch up with them later!

Haad Wanakorn

If you’re interested in something even more deserted, head to the incredible tiny Haad Wanakorn National Marine park. The beach is desolate and there are few opportunities for snorkelling in the waters.

The City Pillar Shrine

The city pillar shrine is well worth a visit to anyone interested in the history of the area and enjoys a good bit of architecture. The shrine is reminiscent of the art found in Lopburi, not too dissimilar from Khmer (Cambodian) architecture.

Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station

Though the most beautiful railway station in Thailand is without any doubt located in the neighbouring resort town of Hua Hin, also in the same province, Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station is also quite nice. Do not miss it when you are in town – it gives you an idea of what the majority of local railway stations in Thailand look like.

Talad Dan Sing Khon border market

Should you be keen to pick up some locally crafted goods, then you’ll want to head on over to the Talad Dan Sing Khon Border Market. Gold jewellery, trinkets, orchids, traditional clothing and some fresh fruit all make the trip well worth it!