Recalling provinces with diverse tourist attractions, Prachuap Khiri Khan is undoubtedly among the first names that come to mind. This elongated province boasts a comprehensive range of offerings. Facing the Gulf of Thailand, its coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers. Turning inland, it is embraced by dense forests and mountain ranges that mark the Thai-Myanmar border, encompassing four national parks within its boundaries.

Visiting Prachuap Khiri Khan: A Trip to Beaches, Waterfalls, and Mountains

Prachuap Khiri Khan, a coastal province in Thailand, offers a diverse range of landscapes and activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a variety of experiences. This article recounts a recent trip to the province, highlighting its beaches, waterfalls, and mountains.

The journey began in the Huai Yang Subdistrict of Thap Sakae District, where two national parks, Had Wanakorn and Huai Yang Waterfall, are located. Had Wanakorn National Park boasts pristine beaches, offering a tranquil escape for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastline.

Venturing further inland, Huai Yang Waterfall National Park presents a refreshing contrast. The cascading waterfalls provide opportunities for hiking, exploring the lush rainforest, and immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the area. The park's trails offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both experienced and novice hikers.

This trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan exemplifies the province's versatility, showcasing its ability to cater to diverse interests. From the serenity of its beaches to the invigorating hikes through its mountains and waterfalls, Prachuap Khiri Khan offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.

The entire adventure began with a simple invitation from a friend to hike Khao Luang Mountain in Namtok Huai Yang National Park. With ample free time on my hands, I decided to extend my trip for a more fulfilling experience. After all, a trip is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Wanakorn Beach

My solo trip began with a bus ride from my accommodation in Korat to Mo Chit, arriving before dawn. I then took a bus to Thon Buri Railway Station to board the Thon Buri-Lang Suan train scheduled for 7:30 AM. I had arrived a bit too early, before sunrise, but it was no problem. I picked up my free ticket with my ID card and wandered around until the train departed.

The Local Train Experience: A Journey Through Sights, Snacks, and Scents

The unhurried rhythm of the local train allows passengers to savor the passing scenery while indulging in a unique culinary experience. Unlike express trains that speed past stations, this humble mode of transport makes frequent stops, offering a glimpse into the local life and a chance to sample regional delicacies.

One such treat awaits passengers as the train approaches Ratchaburi. As the rhythmic clatter of the wheels signals the impending arrival, vendors board the carriages, their baskets laden with steaming bowls of red pork noodles. For a mere ten baht, travelers can savor this local specialty, its simple flavors enhanced by the charm of the journey. While the taste may not be exquisite, the combination of the rustic setting and the anticipation of the destination adds a special touch to the experience.

After passing Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Cha-am, Hua Hin, and Sam Roi Yot, you will approach the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. When you see the welcome sign for "The City of Three Bays" on Khao Chong Krachok, you are nearing your destination. It will take approximately 30 minutes from this point.

When visiting Wanakorn Beach, you have two station options: Wang Duan in Mueang District (before the National Park) or Huai Yang in Thap Sakae District (after the National Park). Huai Yang is the more convenient option, as it is a larger community with easy access to transportation to the National Park. Choosing Wang Duan may present challenges in finding transportation, potentially requiring a multi-kilometer walk.

Disembarking the train at Huai Yang at 2:45 PM, you will be immediately greeted by motorcycle taxis waiting to take you to Wanakon Beach. The current fare is 70 baht, which is considered reasonable for the 6-kilometer distance.

A motorbike taxi will take us to the Tourist Service Center. (Don't forget to ask for their phone number in case you need a ride back.) This is my first and only time here in fifteen years. The conditions now look much better than before. The accommodation, camping area, and the welfare restaurant are open from morning to evening, closed only on Wednesdays. Overall, the atmosphere is good, quiet, and relaxing.

Camping fees are 30 baht. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it, including tents, bedding, and stoves with charcoal for cooking. This time, I slept in a hammock, finding a comfortable spot among the rows of pine trees.

The serene atmosphere of Wanakon Beach was likely due to the fact that October is not peak season for tourism in Prachuap Khiri Khan, and the weather conditions at the time were affected by a storm. I took a leisurely stroll along the beach, exploring the two zones of the park's bungalows, both on the north and south sides of the beach. Both areas offered a pleasant ambiance.

The park offers diving activities to Ko Taithree and Ko Chan, which are prominently visible in the middle of the sea in front of the beach. However, visiting these islands requires chartering a boat, which can cost several thousand baht. I apologize that I cannot recall the exact details and prices, but you can inquire directly with the park at 0-3261-9030.

The night was pleasantly cool. Besides my tent, three others provided company, and several houses offered shelter. Throughout the night, rain fell intermittently. Curled up in my hammock, I listened to the sound of raindrops hitting the flysheet, a truly delightful experience. It was perfect.

The morning dawned with the usual overcast skies, but that was no problem. After breakfast, I took a leisurely walk, not taking many pictures due to the uncooperative weather. There is a nature trail that runs along the beach to various viewpoints. I think I'll wait for a better opportunity to come back and explore it properly.

Huai Yang Waterfall

After lunch, I called a motorbike taxi to pick me up at Wanakorn Beach and take me to Huai Yang Waterfall National Park. The entrance to the park is opposite the Huai Yang Railway Station alley, but it is another 6 kilometers from Phetkasem Road to the park. Therefore, the total distance from the beach to the waterfall is about 16 kilometers. The taxi driver charged me 120 baht, which is very cheap, considering that he had to ride from Huai Yang Market to pick me up at the beach.

To the Huai Yang Waterfall National Park, I would like to inquire about accommodation and the hike tomorrow first. Tonight, another large group of friends will join us. The park has a great camping ground, restrooms, and a concession stand. However, the staff suggested that we could sleep inside the visitor center because it has been raining heavily lately and they don't want us to get wet for no reason.

Behind the tourist service center, there is a 400-meter path leading to the Pha Chom Talay viewpoint. The view is decent, and it is clear that Thap Sakae is truly a district of coconut groves. Looking further, you can see the curved coastline of Wanakon Beach, Ko Chan, and Ko Taithree. If the sky were clear, it would be a beautiful sight.

Afterwards, take a walk to Huai Yang Waterfall, where the King and Queen visited around fifty years ago. The park has a display of historical photos from that visit.

From the starting point, it is a comfortable 400-meter walk to the first waterfall. The next four waterfalls are not far apart, and we were able to visit all five. After that, there is a high cliff that cannot be climbed.

Officials reported an alarming water shortage this year due to consecutive droughts in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Rainfall has been scarce, with only a slight increase during my visit, providing a minimal amount of water for tourists.

That night, as the sun began to set and the tourists had all gone home, I moved my entire household to sleep in the tourist information center. I was alone, but I wasn't lonely because a gecko, which must have been quite large, kept me company with its chirping, lulling me to sleep and waking me up again. (Haha…)

Khao Luang

After two days of leisurely sightseeing, the day of exertion arrived. Fellow travelers gradually joined the group until all sixteen were present. At dawn, they helped prepare breakfast and packed their belongings for the day's hike. Those who wished to order lunch boxes for the climb could do so at the convenience store.

At 9:30 am, we started our trek. We took a group photo to commemorate the moment while we still looked presentable. Our group consisted of sixteen people and three guides. We did not have porters, so we carried our own backpacks.

The ascent to Khao Luang, spanning approximately 7 kilometers, commences along the Huai Yang Waterfall trail. Before reaching the fifth tier, a rightward fork leads uphill. The entire route is notoriously steep and arduous, characterized by relentless ascents. Despite the summit's modest elevation of 1,250 meters above sea level, the starting point lies at a significantly lower altitude, amplifying the challenge.

The steep incline and heavy weight of our backpacks slowed us down considerably. We were all breathing heavily and barely had the energy to talk. The scenery was monotonous, with nothing but dense forest as far as the eye could see.

After arriving at the first major resting point along the riverbank at around 11 a.m., we realized we were running behind schedule. However, we were determined to pick up the pace, as the park ranger informed us, "We'll definitely be sleeping in a leech-infested area tonight due to the rain."

The relentless rain wasn't the only factor propelling us forward; the notorious blood-sucking leeches played a significant role as well. As we ascended, the forest grew denser, the humidity intensified, and the leech population exploded. Any pause, no matter how brief, resulted in an onslaught of these clinging creatures, demanding their share of our blood. I, along with my companions, became unwilling donors.


After a long and arduous trek, we finally reached a breathtaking vista four hours into our journey. The steep incline had tested our endurance, but the panoramic view was a welcome reward. We took a moment to rest and admire the scenery, plucking off the tenacious snails that had hitched a ride on our arms and legs. We waited patiently for the rest of our group to catch up, enjoying the tranquility of the moment.

At this point, there is a cliff. It is only a short distance to the camping ground, which is called "Pha Song". Along the way, you will pass a stream. Please fill two or three bottles of water each to use for camping. Help each other carry them.

5:30 PM, we arrived at the campsite. Everyone dispersed to prepare their sleeping arrangements, including tents, hammocks, and "pla too" (a simple shelter made by laying a tarp on the ground and covering it with a flysheet for rain protection). The major concern was leeches, as the park ranger had warned us that we would be sleeping in a leech-infested area. An even greater worry was snakes.

During this trip, we encountered live snakes on four separate occasions. One instance involved a venomous snake falling from a tree onto a fellow hiker's tent, prompting immediate intervention from park rangers. This incident understandably heightened our anxiety and made it difficult to fully relax.

The preparations were complete, and we all gathered to cook tom yum soup together. With a skilled chef among us, it was hard to believe that we would be enjoying delicious stir-fried noodles in the middle of the forest. After a satisfying meal, we went our separate ways to rest, each to our own tent. It was the quietest trip we had ever taken together, with everyone feeling exhausted and unwilling to face the hordes of leeches that relentlessly stalked and sucked our blood.

We will be energized and ready to enjoy the view from the cliff in the morning. There are viewpoints on both sides of this tent site. You can walk out to either side. The weather may not be ideal for beautiful pictures. The Gulf of Thailand blends into the white sky, and even the horizon is not visible. The outlines of Wankorn Beach, Ko Chan, and Ko Taithai are only faintly visible. But for me, it is enough happiness.

From this side, you can see the mist flowing along the mountain ridge and the third and fourth cliffs, which require a detour around the mountain ridge.

After taking some fun photos, we continued our journey. We then cooked spaghetti for breakfast in the middle of the forest, which was a more luxurious experience than usual. After that, we packed up and prepared to descend.

Hiking Khao Luang in Prachuap Khiri Khan ideally requires two nights due to the challenging terrain. Our group's slow pace prevented us from reaching the summit and witnessing the breathtaking views from Pha Sam and Pha Si, as well as the Burmese jungle. Therefore, it is highly recommended to allocate more than one night for this trek.

The descent was faster than the ascent. We reached a resting point by a stream just as the rain began to fall heavily. Despite the downpour, we took turns holding a tarpaulin to shelter the lunch cook. We shared the food, and it was another moment of camaraderie and shared experience.

By the time we reached the bottom, it was late afternoon and we were a mess, soaked and exhausted. We took turns showering and resting until almost dusk. I hitched a ride with a friend back to Bangkok before continuing on to Korat (at that moment, the idea of returning by train hadn't even crossed my mind... haha).

One Beach, One Waterfall, One Mountain: A Journey to Huai Yang

This trip to Huai Yang, in Thap Sakae district, may not have been the most scenic or the most challenging climb, but it was definitely one of the most memorable. The journey itself was an adventure, with its own unique flavor. I'm already marking it down in red: I will definitely be back to complete this experience and see its full beauty.

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# Prachuap Khiri Khan
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