Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

Infobox Thai Province
name = Prachuap Khiri Khan
thai = ประจวบคีรีขันธ์
capital = Prachuap Khiri Khan
area = 6,367.6
arearank = 33rd
population = 494.299
population_as_of = 2006
populationrank = 51st
density = 78
densityrank = 60rd
isocode = TH-77
governor = Prasong Phithunkitcha
governor_since = November 2006
map

Prachuap Khiri Khan (Thai ประจวบคีรีขันธ์) is one of the central provinces ("changwat") of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar.

Prachuap Khiri Khan, or commonly referred to as simply Prachup, is a province located in the lower central region 93km south of Hua Hin, while much smaller and quieter than Hua Hin, Prachuap is actually the provincial capital of the same-named province. It connects with the South of Thailand and possesses various interesting tourist attractions such as beaches, islands, forests and mountains.

Geography

Prachuap Khiri Khan covers an area of 6,367.620 square kilometres. The district is located on the Kra Isthmus, the narrow landbridge connecting the Malay Peninsula with mainland Asia. The province contains the narrowest part of Thailand - directly south of the capital it is just 13 kilometers from the coast of the Gulf of Thailand to the border with Myanmar. The narrowest point of the Isthmus is however further south in the province Chumphon.Physiographically Prachuap Khiri Khan is moderately plain area with altitude varying from 0 - 1200 meters above MSL. The maximum altitude can be reached in the north eastern and central west regions, which makes approximately 30% of the area.

The long coast to the Gulf of Thailand has many sandy beaches, the most famous one being at Hua Hin, which has been a popular resort since King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) built a summer palace there. From the coast the land quickly rises into the mountain chain which forms the border to Myanmar, the highest elevation in the province being the 1494-meter-high "Khao Luang". Due to this narrow watershed the rivers in the province are all small, the only bigger one is the Pran Buri River in the north of the province. The smaller rivers include the Khlong Kui.

The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park was established in 1966 to protect Thailand's largest freshwater marshes, but also contains some mangrove woods and mudflats. Most of the marshes were converted into shrimp farms, despite being in a national park.

History

The city of Prachuap Khiri Khan was reconstructed in 1845, after it was abandoned during the fall of the Ayutthaya kingdom in 1767. The town was rebuilt at the mouth of the Ron River during the 19th century and renamed Prachuap Khiri Khan.

King Mongkut gathered 3 cities, Bang Nangrom, Kui Buri and Khlong Wan to sattle and name Prachuap Khiri Khan province. At the same time, he renamed Koh Kong,the opposite city that located in the east side of Gulf of Siam(recently Gulf of Thailand) to be Prachanta Khiri Khet. Now Koh Kong is a province of Kingdom of Cambodia.

In 1868 King Mongkut invited several guests to watch the solar eclipse on September 18. Being fond of science he predicted the event by himself, but the chosen observation point was the marshes near Sam Roi Yot where he contracted malaria, of which he died two weeks later.

It became an old seaside resort of the country during the reign of King Rama V. From historical evidence, Prachuap Khiri Khan was a location of Mueang Na Rang during the Ayutthaya period. In the reign of King Rama II of Rattanakosin, a new city was established at the mouth of the I Rom Canal and was named Mueang Bang Nang Rom. Moreover, during the reign of King Rama IV, Mueang Bang Nang Rom, Mueang Kui, and Mueang Khlong Wan were combined into Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan which means a city of mountains. The city hall was situated at Mueang Kui until 1898, it was then moved to Ao Ko Lak or Ao Prachuap, the location of Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan nowadays.

During World War II Japanese troops occupied Thailand. On December 8, 1941 they first landed near the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. After one day of battle the Thai troops resigned and had to allow Japan to use Thailand as a base for their war operations.

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Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided into 8 districts ("Amphoe"). The districts are further subdivided into 48 communes or sub-districts ("tambon") and 388 villages ("muban").

Transportation

Roads

Prachuap is located on Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) which links the central region with the south.

Rail The railway system in Prachuap Khiri Khan is located on the southern route from Bangkok. There are 5 major stations in Prachuap Khiri Khan - Hua Hin, Pran Buri, Muang, Bang Saphan Yai, Bang Saphan Noi stations.

Bus

Air-conditioned buses ply regularly to and from Bangkok. In Bangkok the buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). From the Kanchanburi Bus Terminal there are non air-conditioned buses to other districts and neighbouring provinces.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicles) Songthaews are the most popular form of public transport in the provincial town and rural areas.

Motorbike-taxi

There is plenty of motor-bike service in the town especially around the market and Bus Terminal areas.

AirportThere is an airport in Hua Hin district but it is only for private chartered flights.

Tourism

Thailand’s royal family and especially former kings were the first to set this location on the map as the original seashore destination in Thailand. The long white sandy beaches themselves are clean and pretty, much more so than Pattaya’s, and the sea is relatively clean. Besides just sunbathing snorkeling and swimming, visitors can also enjoy golf, spas, caves, peaks, waterfalls, shops, seafood and nearby national parks. The town is warm and friendly making it pleasant for families and couples.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is in fact more of a holiday destination with the local Thais than foreigners with many floods of Bangkokians purchasing condominiums there.

Attractions

*Pran Buri Forest Park (วนอุทยานปราณบุรี) Pran Buri Forest Park possesses a white sandy beach that is shady with a 1-kilometre line of pine trees on the east of the park. Moreover, from the park, the scenery of the sea, are the islands of Ko Singto, Khao Takiap and Khao Tao. This forest originally began as a royal project under the patronage of Queen Sirikit.

*Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสามร้อยยอด) It comprises high and steep limestone mountains by the beach and a wet mud plain beach combining with shallow sea, as well as, limestone islets lined up near the shore, where various kinds of birds reside during November and February. It was acclaimed a national park on 28 June 1966 as the fourth national park of the country and the first marine national park of Thailand. There are many attractions within the park which include Khao Daeng View Point, Tham Sai, Thung Sam Rot and Hat Laem Sala.

*Khao Chong Krachok (เขาช่องกระจก) is a small mountain where a large number of stump-tailed macaques reside. Its entrance is behind the City Hall with 396 steps to the summit, being a height of 245 metres from sea level. It is the location of Wat Khao Chong Krachok where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and the relics of the Buddha, which the King came to attend its containing ceremony on 12 June, 1958, and planted a Bodhi tree, are enshrined.
*Ao Manao (อ่าวมะนาว) Ao Manao was once a battlefield in World War II between the Thai and Japanese armies. It is a clean beach with nice nature suitable for swimming. Opposite the beach stands Khao Lom Muak. At ebb tide, a long sand bar will appear. At the summit of Khao Lom Muak, there is a replica of the Buddha’s footprint. Moreover, at the foot of the mountain stands a shrine of Chaopho Khao Lom Muak.

*Hat Wanakon National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดวนกร) It is a mixed deciduous forest generally comprising sparse woods and various shed-leaf plants mixed together such as Phai Pa and Bambusa bambos Originally, this area was a planted forest, mixed with a natural-grown one, which was just recovered. Fish found are fresh-water fish such as catfish, snake-headed fish, climbing perch, Nile tilapia, and various kinds of sea fish. The beach is 7 kilometres long, lined with Horsetail trees.

*Namtok Huai Yang (น้ำตกห้วยยาง) is a small 9-tiered waterfall near the office of the Huai Yang National Park. It is popular for those wanting to relax due to its scenery and interesting nature study route.

*Ko Thalu, Ko Sang, Ko Sing (เกาะทะลุ เกาะสังข์ เกาะสิงห์) are small islands located close to one another. Geographically, it comprises beaches, mountains and coconut groves with abundant and white sandy beaches such as Ao Muk (อ่าวมุก), surrounded by a scenic atmosphere, white sand and a nicely coloured sea and corals.

Activities

Cruising along the Pran River (ล่องเรือแม่น้ำปราณ)

The Pran River originates from the Kaeng Krachan forest, passing mountains in the west before flowing into the sea at the mouth of the Pran River. Long-tail boats ply past important local attractions such as the City Pillar Shrine and Chaomae Thapthim Shrine.

Home Stay (โฮมสเตย์)

Ban Fang Tha Wildlife Preservation Village (หมู่บ้านอนุรักษ์พันธุ์สัตว์ป่าบ้านฝั่งท่า) It is a village with agro-tourism activities. Long-tailed boats float along the Pran Buri River passing mangrove forest, protected birds and water animals. Other attractions are Aromatic Coconuts - Maphrao Namhom, pineapples, pomeloes, sapodillas, mangoes and bananas. It can be considered a mixed cultivation garden.

Diving

Diving in Prachuap Khiri Khan may not be the kingdom’s best but there is still opportunity to experience exotic coral and marine life.

Bangsapan Located in the southern part of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bangsapan is home to a couple of islands for decent snorkeling and diving.

Ko Thalu By far, Ko Talu is the most appealing area in the vicinity for diving. The island offers divers shallow fringing reef and coral gardens with large schools of snappers, fusiliers and the occasional large ray. Besides Ko Thalu, there is also Ko Sang and Ko Lamla.

Trekking

The forest around Pa La-U Waterfall is the well known place for trekking. There are various species of birds and butterflies and some species of wild animals in the area.Spa Spa service is Hua Hin is well-known to be amongst the best in the region. If fact, one spa the Chiva Som Resort has won claims before that it is the best spa in the world. Spa service is found in abundance at the location’s local top accommodation.

Golf Golf courses are available in nearby Hua Hin.

Local Products

Local products include accessories from coconut shells, Khommaphat printed fabric, the printed fabric in traditional Thai patterns, brooms, utensils made of sisal fibre, bamboo woven products, as well as fresh and preserved food.

Nightlife

Since Prachuap Khiri Khan is a quiet laid-back place, there isn’t much in the way of nightlife. For those fancying a drink however, they go to the open-air restaurants and hotel bars in the area.

Local Culture

Lifestyle

Prachuap Khiri Khan is a predominantly Thai-Chinese area where most of the locals are engaged in some kind of business or the other.

Events and Festivals

*Hua Hin Jazz Festival (หัวหิน แจ๊ส เฟสติวัล) is a festival presenting the musical performances of a large number of Thai and international musicians. It is organised nearby the Hua Hin seaside around June.

*Khao Chong Krachok Tak Bat Devo Ceremony (ตักบาตรเทโวเขาช่องกระจก) is organized at Wat Thammikaram Worawihan, at the foot of Khao Chong Krachok, Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan during the End of Buddhist Lent every year. Besides an exhibition of votive tablets and Buddha images, there is also a traditional Chak Phra Festival and float parade of the Lord Buddha’s biography.

*A Fair to Commemorate the “Heroic Deeds of 8 December 1941” (งานรำลึก “วีรกรรม 8 ธันวาคม 2484”) is organised at Ao Manao within the compound of Wing 53, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan, from 7-10 December to commemorate and honour the heroic deeds of the Thai civilians, police and soldiers who fought in the battle with the Japanese army which brought their troops into Thailand at Ao Manao during World War II on 8 December, 1941. In the event, there are academic exhibitions of the air force authorities and various other governmental offices, booths offering local products, and various forms of entertainment such as Lam Tat - a performance presenting an exchange of impromptu poetic verse, and Khon - a mask dance - in impromptu style.

Art

To purchase art most tourists go to nearby Hua Hin.

Local Food

Local food from Pran Buri District are seasonal fruits, products from pineapples and preserved fruits.Local food from Thap Sakae District include honey baked bananas, honey baked coconuts and products from aloe vera.

Medical Health Care

Prachuap Khiri Khan has many medical centers but not the major ones. The major medical centers can be found at the nearby Phetchaburi or Bangkok.

Media/Contact

Prachuap Khiri Khan has a few local media, such as Thai newspapers, the English written Hua Hin Today Newspaper, the "Cable TV" channel in Thai and a few magazines. Most written information people in Hua Hin would find are pamphlets, flyers, free maps and other advertising materials for local hotels and real estate business'.

Nationwide Television, cable TV, local cable TV channels are available here. International newspapers and magazines are also available in English language book stores.

Landline telephone, all mobile phone systems, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in Hua Hin.

External links

* [http://www.tourismthailand.org/destinationguide/list.aspx?provinceid=62 Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand]
* [http://www.prachuapkhirikhan.go.th Website of province] (Thai only)
* [http://www.thailex.info/THAILEX/THAILEXENG/LEXICON/Copy%20of%20Prachuap%20Kirikhan.htm Prachuap Khiri Khan provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp]