Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A coastal road separates a string of small villa-style resorts, and an increasing number
of condo developments, from the beach. With each successive rainy season, the ocean
claims more sand than its fair share and a breakwater is being constructed along parts of
the coastline. Since most of the visitors are Thai, the disappearing beach is of minor con-
sequence. Instead, most domestic tourists come for sea views and the village's primary
product: dried squid. Every morning, the squid boats dock in the river, unload their catch
and begin the process of sun-drying. It is a pungent but interesting affair with large dry-
ing racks spread out across town.
Bordering the river is an extensive mangrove forest, protected by the
Pranburi Forest Park
( 0 3262 1608)
. Within the park is a wooden walkway that explores the mangroves
from the perspective of a mud-dweller, a sea-pine lined beach and accommodation facilit-
ies. The park also offers boat trips along the river and small canals.
The coastal road provides a pleasant trip to
Khao Kalok
(Skull Mountain), a mammoth
headland that shelters a beautiful bay on the southern side. This southern beach is wide
and sandy and far removed from the hubbub of Hua Hin and even from Pak Nam Pran
for that matter, though it does get busy on weekends. Lazing along this stretch are several
secluded boutique resorts that are ideal for honeymooners or folks looking to 'get away
from it all' without having to go too far.
The next southern bay is often called
Dolphin Bay
, because of the seasonal visit from
bottlenose dolphins and finless porpoise from February to May. Sculpted, jungle-covered
islands sit scenically offshore and the beach is a lovely, wide strip of powdery sand. This
area is a family favourite because the resorts are value-oriented, traffic is minimal and
nightlife is nonexistent. You're also a few kilometres from the northern entrance to Khao
Sam Roi Yot National Park.
