Prachuap Khiri Khan guide: Sam Roi Yot, quiet bays and wild elephants

Khao Sam Roi Yot: limestone, marshes and a cave pavilion

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park was Thailand's first marine national park, declared in 1966, with a jagged limestone ridge about 30 kilometres long between the coast and the marshes, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory. Its wetlands are a major bird habitat, busiest from November to February.

Its highlight is Phraya Nakhon cave: a two-chamber cave reached by a jungle trail of under an hour from Laem Sala beach, sheltering a small royal pavilion built in 1890 for a visit by King Rama V. TAT describes the classic view, when a shaft of light from the roof opening falls on the pavilion. The trail is steep and rocky; bring water and good shoes, and check how to reach Laem Sala (by boat or on foot over the headland).

TAT suggests arriving in the late afternoon and staying in or near the park, so that you can take an early boat trip through the marshes and climb the Khao Daeng viewpoint for a 360-degree view.

Wild elephants at Kui Buri

Kui Buri National Park, about 45 kilometres from Sam Roi Yot, is one of the best places in Thailand to see wild elephants. TAT describes ranger-led pick-up tours that locate the herds by radio; the first departures are around 14:00, but late afternoon, around 16:00, is when elephants leave the forest more easily.

Book through the park's community-run service, follow the rangers' instructions and keep your distance. Sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Prachuap Khiri Khan town and its bays

The provincial capital is a small, pleasant seaside town. Climb the 396 steps to the temple on Khao Chong Krajok for sunrise and the view over three bays — watch out for the monkey colony — then rent a bicycle along the seafront to Ao Noi and the reclining Buddhas of Khan Kradai cave.

On weekends, TAT describes a walking street from 17:00 on Sala Cheep Road, with local street food and seats along the sea wall. The seafront restaurants serve the local catch.

Ao Manao: a beach on an air base

Ao Manao, about 5 kilometres from town, lies within the grounds of Wing 5 of the Royal Thai Air Force; visitors pass through the base entrance. The directory notes that it was a battlefield on 8 December 1941, when Thai forces fought Japanese landings, and that its gently sloping sand and sheltered water make it a safe place to swim.

Bring identification for the base gate, and follow the rules of the base. TAT also mentions the dusky langurs at the foot of Khao Lom Muak, inside the base, which are used to people.

Getting there and around

Prachuap Khiri Khan town and Pran Buri are on the southern railway line and the main road south, a few hours from Bangkok and about an hour or more beyond Hua Hin. Within the province, distances between the park, Kui Buri and the town are large and public transport is limited.

Hire a car or driver, or join a tour from Hua Hin for Sam Roi Yot. Avoid driving narrow rural roads after dark.