Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hat Khao Tao
About 13km south of Hua Hin, a barely inhabited beach stretches several kilometres
south from Khao Takiab to Khao Tao (Turtle Mountain). It's far quieter and less-deve-
loped than Hua Hin's beach: there are no high-rises, no beach chairs, no sarong sellers
and no horseback riders.
The mountain has a sprawling temple dedicated to almost every imaginable deity:
Buddha, Guan Yin (Chinese goddess of Mercy), Vishnu and even the Thai kings. Follow
the trail towards the oceanfront to hike up to the Buddha on the hill.
To get here, take a Pranburi-bound bus from Hua Hin and ask to be dropped off at the
turn-off for Khao Tao (20B); a motorbike taxi can take you to the temple (20B). A motor-
bike from Hua Hin will cost 200B one-way. Return transport is rare; you can walk or flag
down a ride as people are usually coming and going from the temple.
Hat Sai Noi
About 20km south of Hua Hin, a scenic cove, Hat Sai Noi, drops off quickly into the sea,
providing a rare opportunity for deep-water swimming. Mostly patronised by Thais,
nearby are all the amenities: simple seafood restaurants and even small guesthouses. For
ideal seclusion, come on a weekday. The beach is south of Khao Tao on a lovely road
that passes a reservoir and is lined with bougainvillea and limestone cliffs. To get there
take a Pranburi-bound bus from Hua Hin and ask to be dropped off at the turn-off for
Khao Tao (20B); then ask a motorcycle taxi to take you to Hat Sai Noi (60B). Getting
back to the highway will be difficult but inquire at one of the restaurants for assistance.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Pranburi & Around
POP 75,571
Continuing along the highway south from Hua Hin leads to the country 'suburb' of Pran-
buri district, which has become the
in-the-know
coastal alternative for Bangkok Thais.
Ever-more popular, some even go so far as to call it the 'Thai Riveria'. Yet locally the
fishing village and nearby beaches are known by a more humble name:
Pak Nam Pran
(mouth of the Pranburi River), which designates its geographic location only.
