Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Prachuap Khiri Khan – Beaches, Caves & Nature

1.Ao Manao

Ao Manao or Lime Bay, is a stunning place along the coast that can be reached after about 5 kilometers south of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Famous for its curving beach, surrounded by green limestone mountains and pleasant turquoise sea, Ao Manao provides visitors with a calm and historically valuable place to experience the beach.

Indiana’s Scenic Wonders
Its clean beach and gentle waters make Ao Manao perfect for people who want to swim, sunbathe or walk around comfortably. The two islands of Ko Lueam and Ko Aen add beauty to the bay. The area is situated near Wing 5 Royal Thai Air Force base and is peaceful, frequently visited by fewer tourists than places that are crowded.

Khao Lom Muak is located beside the beach and gives you a wide view of the coastline. You can see over 200 dusky leaf monkeys here because they are gentle and kind which delights those who visit the area.

👀 What Makes It Important
Besides being charming, Ao Manao has an important story in Thailand’s history from the World War II period. At 8 a.m. on December 8, 1941, Thai troops heroically stopped the Japanese army for over 33 hours at Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Thai military only showed resistance during the fight on this one occasion. At present, Wing 5 Air Base has a monument to celebrate the bravery of all those who saved it.

2.Wing 5

Wing 5, the official name is the Royal Thai Air Force Wing 5, is a prestigious base found in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. In addition to being an active base, Wing 5 gives visitors a look at its past and the wonders of nature.

Historical Significance
Among Thailand’s World War II history, Wing 5 is considered particularly important. On December 8, 1941, in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thai troops defended the area for over three days against the Japanese. Many more Russian forces attacked, but the German side was brave and strong. The Wing 5 Air Base Historical Park today marks this event, setting up memorials and exhibits to appreciate and remember those who stood for what was right during this time.

Natural Attractions
Not far from the base is Ao Manao which is famous for its gently curving beach and gorgeous waters. Military management keeps the beach clean and peaceful, so there are fewer crowds. Khao Lom Muak, a hill nearby, is accessible to visitors and rewards them with views over the coastline and a sighting of the gentle dusky leaf monkeys.

3.Wat Ao Noi

Wat Ao Noi which is also called Wat Tham Phra Non, is an important and peaceful temple in the Ao Noi district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Enclosed by beautiful hilltops and the Gulf of Thailand, the site mixes beauty, solemnity and nature for guests to enjoy.

🛕 Architecture Note
The golden teakwood ubosot (ordination hall) is the most impressive part of the temple, painstakingly built with wood of that kind. Many Buddhist tales are illustrated through fine carvings and colorful murals throughout the hall. A white jade Buddha statue from Myanmar welcomes both visitors and worshippers inside the hall.

Hiking 265 steps behind the main temple brings you to the cave Tham Phra Non, where you’ll find a very old reclining Buddha statue. Going to the cave pays off, providing beautiful vistas of Ao Noi Bay and the surrounds which adds to the spiritual highlights.

A still pond on the temple grounds lets visitors feed the fish which makes the place more calming for everyone. Because the location sits by the sea and the hills, guests have a peaceful place to reflect and relax.

• Address: 199 Phetkasem Road, Ao Noi Subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

• Open from 06:00 in the morning until 18:00 at night, every day.

• It takes 1 to 2 hours to get the best out of your visit.

4.Lom Muak Mountain

Khao Lom Muak, found inside Wing 5 Royal Thai Air Force base in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, is both historically valued and has some of the most beautiful vistas around. From the top which is at 300 meters above sea level, beach fans can enjoy a wide view of Ao Manao, Ao Prachuap and the Gulf of Thailand.

🕰️ What Happened in History
The strategic spot of Khao Lom Muak made it important in Thai history during World War II. Japanese soldiers had been using Prachuap Khiri Khan Port as a base to enter Thailand and on December 8, the Battle of Prachuap Khiri Khan began when Japanese troops landed nearby. Wing 5 base celebrates the strong resistance of the Thai military, connecting that history to the mountains where it occurred.

5.Khao Chong Krachok Temple

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, Wat Khao Chong Krachok or “Monkey Mountain,” is a large temple at the summit of a hill. With a height of 245 meters, the knoll where the temple sits lets visitors see far across the Gulf of Thailand and its nearby bays.

🕰️ How It Changed Our World
This temple contains sacred Buddhist objects, among them is the Saririka relic. Noble importance was shown to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat during the visit of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) on June 12, 1958. Since the war ended, each year ceremonies are held to remember the events of that day. Khao Chong Krachok is named after its summit which has a rock that resembles the frame of a mirror—hence the word “Mirror” in its name.

🐒 The Monkeys from the Mountain
To get to the temple, you must climb up 396 wide, sturdy steps and many visitors come across troop of macaque monkeys. Even though monkeys are an attraction, it’s better not to show and consume food or drinks—they can be aggressive towards unfamiliar humans. There are some places that hand out sticks to stop monkeys from getting too close.

• For cooler weather and beautiful sights, early in the morning, at sunrise, is the best time to go explore.

6.Arena Hua Hin

The state-of-the-art True Arena Hua Hin which is officially called Arena Hua Hin, is one of Thailand’s top locations for sports and recreation. Covering 15 acres, the campus serves athletes and fitness fans, featuring world-class features and helping to promote sports tourism in the area.

🏟️ The Past & What We Hope to Achieve
Beginning with its opening in March 2016, True Arena Hua Hin set out to develop Hua Hin into a leading place for sports and travel. The event attracted famous Thai athletes such as Olympic bronze medalist Yaowapa Boorapolchai and tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan, who helped underline the importance of the facility in sports across Thailand.

Proud Real Estate, whose goal is to improve Hua Hin’s image by creating top-quality developments, developed the complex. True Corporation collaborated as the lead sponsor to support the effort to raise the quality of Thai sports to an international level, following their mission.

7.King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology Waghor

Historical Significance
The park is named after King Mongkut (Rama IV), who is known as the “Father of Thai Science.” In 1868, he correctly prophesied a total solar eclipse and watched it from Waghor. While exploring, he developed malaria and died very soon afterward .

Opening in 1989, the park honors the science work of the astronaut and wants to guide future leaders in astronomy, ocean sciences and environmental science.

🧭 Points of Interest

1. Waghor Aquarium
   Since it was opened in 2002, the Waghor Aquarium has become an important part of the park. Situated on three floors totaling 3,600 square meters, it shares a variety of marine life found in the Gulf of Thailand. Within the museum, visitors can explore reception, education and the aquatic area, take a walk-through glass tunnel and view featured animals during twice-daily feeding sessions at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
2. Astronomy Pavilion
   There are exhibits here on planets, eclipses and space exploration which show King Mongkut’s fascination with astronomy. The displays are interactive for all ages, so children and adults can both understand and enjoy complex subjects.
3. Butterfly Garden
   A garden for peace that gives visitors the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds of local butterflies.
4. Steam Locomotive Show
   A steam locomotive exhibition, explaining how improvements in science and technology during King Mongkut’s reign made a difference to Thailand.

Practical Information

• Khlong Wan Sub-district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Bangkok Thailand
• As a rule, it works between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM; visit the website to see the current opening hours.
• Information about the fees can be found on the official website.
• People visiting Delacroix’s Cemetery can use the on-site parking, restrooms and café.
• This area is in Khlong Wan Sub-district of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand
• It will take you around 2–3 hours to complete.

8.City Pillar Shrine – Prachuap Kiri Khan

In a number of Thai cities, City Pillar Shrines (Lak Mueang) stand as symbols of the city’s inception and are there to protect it. The shrines are believed to protect the city by keeping its guardian spirit inside them.

The shrine is built according to Lop Buri architecture which includes many unique and meaningful designs. The shrine was unveiled on August 20, 1994, honored by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The shrine is a sign that good fortune and prosperity flow through the city from its spiritual traditions.

📍- What you need to know

• The address of the bank is 1/12 Pitak Chart Rd, in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77000, Thailand.
• The park usually opens daily, so check with listings for the latest information.
• Admission: Free
• There are places to park cars and clean restrooms inside the visitor center which guests may use.

9.Dan Singkhon Market

In the Khlong Wan area of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, Dan Singkhon Market (ตลาดด่านสิงขร) is a lively example of the region’s rich heritage. Because it is placed at the Singkhon Pass, formerly a main border between Thailand and Myanmar, the market has transformed into an area where people from different backgrounds merge.

Dan Singkhon Market highlights the friendship between Thailand and Myanmar. Being near the border helps goods, ideas and traditions travel freely, so the market brings together people with many different cultural backgrounds. You’ll find many items made by hand, an example being Thai handicrafts or Burmese textiles, all highlighting the local culture.

Historical Context
Maw Daung (now called the Singkhon Pass) was once a major route for trading between Thailand and Myanmar. Strategic movements were planned using the pass during the Japanese occupation in World War II and Mergui Road was built by Japanese soldiers. Lately, the border crossing was improved and developments near the market have made it more attractive for tourists.

Meeting people at Dan Singkhon Market

• The place is found in Khlong Wan Sub-district, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand.
• Normal Opening Hours: They operate almost every day; check nearby listings for present day and time.
• Admission: Free
• There are visitor parking spaces and restrooms at the museum.

10.Talad Dan Sing Khon Border Market

In the Khlong Wan area of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, Dan Singkhon Border Market (ตลาดด่านสิงขร) brings together cultural history and nature’s splendor. Because it is set near the Singkhon Pass, a well-known old trading point between Thailand and Myanmar, the market now connects many different cultures and traditions.

The area of Dan Singkhon starts with a street lined with many stores that make and sell wooden furniture and detailed sculptures. The craftsmanship and artwork of local woodworkers are displayed in the region’s stores which offer such handmade products.

Historically, goods passed between Thailand and Myanmar through the Singkhon Pass, known at the time as Maw Daung. While the war remained active, Japanese troop movements were guided by the pass and the Japanese built a coastal road in the Mergui area. In the past few years, improvements at the border and growth in the market’s surroundings have made it attract more tourists.

Going to Dan Singkhon Market

• District: Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Province: Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Opening Times: Monday through Sunday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM; it’s best to confirm the hours online.
• Admission: Free
• Facilities include a parking area and restrooms for the benefit of visitors.

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