Prachuap Khiri Khan

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Prachuap Khiri Khan is a town in Thailand and is the capital of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is on the coast at one of the narrowest stretches in Thailand, only 10km from the Burmese/Myanamer border. It is reached from Bangkok via the Southern Bus terminal.

It is home to the 53rd US Airforce base, and was an invasion point for Japanese troops during World War II. Today there is a festival to honour the Thai dead.

The area has large pineapple and coconut industries.

Dining

The town is well known for its exceptionally fresh and inexpensive seafood, with evening stalls setting up near the fishing pier in the centre of Prachuap Bay, just by the promenade that runs the entire length of the remarkably picturesque bay. There is also a night market in the large square in front of the police station at the centre of town, offering a good variety of inexpensive culinary delights including some interesting local specialities.

Monkey Temple

At the northern end of town is Wat Thammikaram, a temple atop a steep hill. Climbing to the top of this hill is quite an effort, but rewards with great views of the bay and surrounding countryside. A large troop of monkeys live on the temple grounds and a fountain statue honouring them is at the base of the hill, where many people go to feed or just watch the monkeys.

Beaches

Although Prachuap Bay does not offer good swimming, there are decent beaches to both the north and south. Ao Manao to the south is particularly pleasant, but can only be reached through the air force base, the site of the Battle of Prachuab Khirikhan, a famous skirmish between a Japanese landing force and members of the Thai air force supported by local civilians during World War Two. However, the beach is simple to reach regardless, as people not on foot can gain access to the base through the main gate from town, with non-Thais simply needing to sign in and out.

Coordinates: 11°49′N, 99°48′E