Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
park, mainly near the reservoir. There are also
camping grounds
(per person 60-90B)
, including a
pleasant grassy one near the reservoir at the visitors centre (where there is also a modest
restaurant). On the road leading to the park entrance are several simple resorts and bunga-
lows.
The park is 50km from Phetchaburi. It can be reached by minivan (100B, hourly from
6.30am to 6pm) or
sŏrng tăa·ou
(passenger pick-up truck, 80B, 1½ hours, 6am to 2pm),
both of which stop 4km from the park headquarters. To get to the higher camping grounds
you'll have to charter a vehicle from the headquarters (1600B).
HAT CHAO SAMRAN
Lying 18km east of Phetchaburi, Hat Chao Samran is one of Thailand's oldest beach re-
sorts, dating back to the reign of Rama VI (King Vajiravudh; r 1910-25). While the Thail-
and of today certainly has more appealing beaches, it's a pleasant enough place to laze
your way through a day or two, punctuating your naps with cheap seafood binges. A re-
cent resurgence in popularity has brought with it 'boutique'-style bungalow accommoda-
tion.
Blue Sky
( 0 3244 1399;
www.bluesky-resort.com
; 5 Mu 2, Hat Chao Samran; bungalows incl breakfast
1800-5000B; )
offers cute bungalows and rooms overlooking the garden or the sea.
When you can relax no more, stumble next door to the ramshackle
Jaa Piak
(mains 50-280B;
9am-9pm)
, which serves all manner of seafood including a mean horseshoe-crab egg salad (
yam kài maang dah tálair
).
To reach Hat Chao Samran, hop on a morning or afternoon
sŏrng tăa·ou
(30B, 35
minutes) across from Phetchaburi's clock tower (the one just east of Saphan Lamyai).
BEACH
SLEEPING IN PHETCHABURI (PHETBURI)
There is not much to choose from in the accommodation department, so don't get too excited.
Sun Hotel
( 0 3240 1000;
www.sunhotelthailand.com
; 43/33 Soi Phetkasem; r 900-1150B; )
Probably the best place to stay in town, the rooms here are huge, and come with TV, fridge, air-con and warm wa-
ter, but not much character. The Sun is located opposite the back entrance to Phra Nakhon Khiri.
200-500B; ) By the road, so a little noisy, but the rooms are spacious, clean and a decent deal. The more
expensive options have private bathrooms and air-con.
Klongkrachang; r 250-500B; ) Basic but well-kept bungalows and rooms, some fan only and all with
shared bathrooms, set around a small garden. Pleasant staff and a popular spot for breakfast.