Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi are popular options for the beach holiday in Thailand. I prefer somewhere less human for a holiday. So I did a little research and found a few nice lesser known beach places.
Sound track for this blog:
Prachuap Khiri Khan ประจวบคีรีขันธ์
Prachuap Khiri Khan ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ is not too far from Hua Hin and really easy to travel to. It is the narrowest part of Thailand, just 12.38 km (7.69 mi) from the gulf of Thailand to the border with Myanmar (from Wikipedia). If you stretch out a bit, Phraya Nakhon cave ถ้ำพระยานคร is the coolest cave in the area.
View from Wat Khao Chong Krachok
Prachuap Khiri Khan offers various unique experiences. I particularly liked riding my bicycle on military plane runway, nice beautiful Ao Manao beach, and old school buildings. Of course there are many temples and nature.
The Monkey Monument
How to get to Prachuap Khiri Khan
As you may know that over 100 year old beautiful main Bangkok station, Hua Lamphong has been retired (still there are some trains in and out tho). Now Bangkok’s main railway station is shifted to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station (formally Bang Sue Grand Station).
In 2023, you can buy the ticket directly from Thai State Rail’s Dticket. Although you need to sign up for this, it’s easy to use and no booking fees (when I tried, it was the same price as at the counter). For more information, Thai Train Guide and Seat 61.
It took a good 6 hours from Bangkok. We were served humble lunch and snack in the train. Train seats were old, but reasonably comfortable and spacious.
Getting Around
You can easily rent a motorbike or bicycle from your accommodation. There is no shortage of motorbike taxis, and tuk tuks. We rented a bicycle from a shop for 50 baht a per day.
Rental Bike (very friendly owner)
Address: QRX2+8CC, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77000
Cool places we visited
คำโฮม : come home – Spicy Thai fusion food
Address: ถนน สู้ศึก Prachuap Khiri Khan
Cool road side massage
Ao Manao Beah – is more beachy, and 4km away from the town. We took our push bikes, crossed the runway. When we were there, no one was there.
Wat Khao Chong Krachok วัดธรรมิการาม (เขาช่องกระจก) – Best view of the town. But many monkeys there.
Address: RQ8X+58W, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Old school coffee shops in Prachuap Khiri Khan
Coco Coffee
Address: QQXX+HP3, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Unknown coffee shop
Address: corner of Sue Suk and Sala Cheep 5
Ann’s Cafe
Address: 41 Sala Cheep Rd
Prachuap Beach Hotel – Nice basic hotel. The room was big, and view was awesome. Highly recommended. Booking.com
Address: 123 ถนน สู้ศึก Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Over all, we like this little town. It’s easy to get there and go around. There are many sea food options, activities, beautiful scenery and best of all, not crowded! Thank you for reading and if you know any secret beach town, please let us know.
Ska Overlander 
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