Ao Prachuap

Prachuap Khiri Khan


The town’s crowning feature is Ao Prachuap (Prachuap Bay), a gracefully curving bay outlined by an oceanfront promenade and punctuated by dramatic headlands at both ends. The sunrise is superb and an evening stroll along the promenade and pier is a peaceful delight.

North of Khao Chong Krajok, over the bridge, the bay stretches peacefully to a toothy mountain, part of Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park. The long sandy beach running parallel with the road before the forest park only sees people on weekends and even then not very many, making it a fine place to idle and beachcomb at any time. It's deep enough for swimming, but not very clean.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Prachuap Khiri Khan attractions

1. Khao Chong Krajok

0.42 MILES

At the northern end of town, Khao Chong Krajok (Mirror Gap Hill, so named for the natural hole that seemingly reflects the sky) provides a cascading view…

2. Khao Lammuak

1.97 MILES

Marking the southern end of Ao Prachuap Bay, this soaring limestone mountain features prominently in photos of the city. At its rocky summit are a Buddha…

3. Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park

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This seldom-visited park is at the northern end of Ao Prachuap Bay. Exploration is limited to the 300m nature trail with a viewpoint of the city at the…

4. Ao Manao

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On weekends, locals head to Ao Manao, an island-dotted bay ringed by a curving beach within Wing 5 Thai Air Force base – the only beach where locals go…

5. Wat Ao Noi

3.59 MILES

Leaving Ao Prachuap behind, turn north for 2.5km, passing the fishing village of Ban Ao Noi, where some of the larger boats dock and unload, to this large…

6. Kuiburi National Park

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Who doesn't want to see herds of wild elephants roaming through the forest or enjoying an evening bath? At Kuiburi National Park's hôoay léuk unit, up…