Discovering Pran Buri: Your Ultimate Guide to Thailand's Hidden Gem

Introduction

Nestled along Thailand’s scenic coastline, Pran Buri is a peaceful escape that blends lush greenery with quiet, sandy beaches. It offers a relaxing retreat away from the crowds. With its close proximity to four beautiful national parks—Khao Sam Roi Yot, Pran Buri Forest Park, Kaeng Krachan, and Kui Buri—it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Pran Buri so special, from its diverse ecosystems to its welcoming atmosphere.

Getting to Pran Buri

Reaching Pran Buri is easy, with several transportation options available. From Bangkok, you can take a comfortable bus from the Southern Bus Terminal, with a journey time of about three to four hours. Budget travelers can opt for a minivan from the Mo Chit 2 van terminal, which is cheaper but less comfortable than the bus.

Another option is taking a train, either directly to Pran Buri Station or to Hua Hin if you're up for an adventure. While Pran Buri itself has no motorbike rentals, the nearest rental shops are in Hua Hin. From there, you can rent a bike and ride to Pran Buri, enjoying the scenic route along the way. The journey takes some time, but the experience is well worth it. We recommend renting at least a 125cc bike, though a 155cc would provide a smoother and more comfortable ride.

• Bus: Southern Bus Terminal - Pran Buri

• Train: Hua Lamphong Station - Pran Buri

• Mini van: Mo chit 2 van terminal - Pran Buri

• Train + motorbike: Bang Sue - Hua Hin - Pran Buri

Navigating Inside Pran Buri

Pran Buri has no public transportation or motorbike and car rental services within the city, so be sure to plan your transportation in advance. Some accommodations offer their own motorbike or bicycle rentals, so it's best to arrange this with the owner before booking.

On our first visit, we stayed at Numpu Baandi bungalows, where the owner provided both motorbike and bicycle rentals. The second time, we got off in Hua Hin and rented a motorbike there, as it’s the closest rental option to Pran Buri.

To reach your accommodation from the bus station, you can take a Grab taxi, though availability may vary, or use a songthaew, which also operates in the city.

Tip: I recommend buying tickets through the 12GoAsia website, which offers a broad variety of departure times and different transportation methods.

• Rent a car

• Rent a motorbike

• Grab taxi

• Bicycle

• Songthaew taxi

National Parks Nearby

Pranburi Forest Park

A visit to Pran Buri wouldn’t be complete without exploring Pranburi Forest Park. This was one of the first mangrove forests we visited in Thailand, and it made us fall in love with these unique ecosystems and walking trails. Did you know that mangrove forests are home to a wide variety of crab species? You’ll definitely see plenty of them here! If you’re lucky, you might also spot water monitors and monkeys. Just be cautious and keep an eye on your belongings!

If you’re visiting during the rainy season, there are several boat tours along the Pran Buri River, allowing you to experience the mangrove forest from the water. Keep in mind that this service doesn’t operate during the dry season due to low water levels.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Just a short drive away, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is a must-visit for its dramatic limestone mountains and picturesque beaches. Key attractions include the stunning Phraya Nakhon Cave, where an ancient royal pavilion sits beneath a natural skylight.

At the entrance of the cave, you’ll have the option to take a boat around the hill to get closer to the cave. It costs 400 Baht per boat, but in our opinion, it’s not really worth it. The boat only shortcuts half of the trail, and you’ll still have to climb a steep mountain. The trail itself is beautiful, and you won’t want to miss it.

If you want to take in the view from above, be sure to visit Khao Daeng Viewpoint, just a few minutes away from Phraya Nakhon Cave. From there, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the entire Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park along with its dreamy coastline. Don’t miss the lesser-known caves like Phra Prathun and Sai Cave. While they may not be as mesmerizing as Phraya Nakhon Cave, they’re still worth a visit if you're staying for more than a day.

Once you’ve explored enough caves, change up the scenery by visiting the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk which looks straight from a fairytale. There are two entrance points: one from the seaside and another on the west side of the park. We arrived at the seaside entrance because it was the most convenient while visiting all the caves. On Google Maps, it was marked as Bueng Bua Boat Seaside Entrance. The price was 500 Baht per boat.

Tip: Start your trip through the national park early, as exploring the caves can take longer than expected. Most of the caves close around 3-4 PM, so plan your time accordingly to avoid rushing through the attractions.

Price: Entrance costs 200 Baht per person. The ticket is valid for all attractions in the park for the entire day (except boat rides), so plan your route in advance to avoid having to buy another ticket the next day.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

A bit farther afield, Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand's largest national park and a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers. The trails range from easy walks to challenging treks, offering chances to spot elephants and exotic bird species in their natural habitat.

Keep in mind that motorcycles are not allowed in the park due to the presence of wild animals, making it too dangerous. Instead, you'll need to rent a car or hire a tour guide. Be aware that the roads inside the park are not always in the best condition. After doing some research, we found trusted guide services at tontantravel.com.

Kui Buri National Park

Kui Buri National Park is a hidden gem in Thailand, renowned for its incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. It is one of the best places in the country to spot wild elephants, with a remarkable 95% chance of seeing one. The park is also home to other animals, including deer, gaur, wild boars, and gibbons.

The only way to explore the park is by renting a pickup truck with a tour guide at the entrance. Marked in Google maps as (Elaphant Observatory Site, Kui Buri) Keep in mind that the park is open only from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. We recommend arriving around 3:30-4:00 p.m., as the sun begins to set, making the ride in the open pickup truck more comfortable. Additionally, wildlife activity tends to increase in the evening.

During our visit, we were fortunate to spot three different elephants along with a gaur family. Witnessing these magnificent animals freely roaming in their natural habitat was a truly heartwarming experience.

Price: The entrance fee for the park is 200 Baht for foreign adults and 100 Baht for children, plus 800 Baht for a pickup truck with a guide. You can also rent binoculars for 50 Baht, which we highly recommend.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodations, Pran Buri offers a variety of options to suit every budget. When traveling to such places, we always prefer to stay in locations that reflect the local community and culture. This time, we stayed at Numpu Baandi Bungalows, and I couldn’t recommend this place more.

Firstly, the owner was very hospitable; he recommended all types of activities and attractions nearby, always checking in on us when we went out to ensure we didn’t need anything. They also offered motorbikes and bicycles for rent, which was a significant factor in our decision to choose this place. The price was absurdly cheap—only 500 THB per night—for the opportunity to wake up to beautiful mountain scenery.

I researched accommodations for higher-budget travelers that are well-located, highly rated, and offer a good price-to-quality ratio.

• Our selected bungalows

• Luxiorious resort with seaview

• Middle price resort close to Pran Buri beach

• Middle price seaview resort, close to attractions

Things to Do in Pran Buri

In addition to exploring the national parks, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Pran Buri. Spend a day relaxing on the tranquil beaches, or visit local markets for an authentic taste of Thai cuisine. Don't miss the chance to explore the quaint fishing village of Pak Nam Pran, where you can savor fresh seafood and interact with friendly locals.

Tip: For an adventurous experience, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Renting equipment is easy, and the stunning scenery will take your breath away.

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Relaxing in the beach

Personal Experience

Pran Buri was one of the first destinations we visited in Thailand. At first, the place seemed a bit of a grey zone because it lacked clear information and directions, making it hard to navigate. But we decided to take a shot in the dark and figure it out ourselves, and we couldn’t be happier with that decision. The whole experience felt so adventurous and local. There weren’t many tourists in the area, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the attractions just the two of us. The diverse ecosystem kept us engaged, and there was never a dull moment.

Tip: I do not recommend visiting this area during the rainy season. In wet conditions, caves and the trails to them may be closed, as slippery rocks make it almost impossible to climb the trail. Plan your journey accordingly.

Conclusion

Pran Buri is a treasure trove of natural wonders and hidden gems waiting to be explored. So many people visit Hua Hin and miss such majestic place just half-hour drive away. From breathtaking national parks to idyllic beaches, this destination has something for everyone. If you're seeking a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, look no further than Pran Buri. Embrace the beauty of this hidden gem and create unforgettable memories in Thailand's stunning coastal paradise!

Wat Khao Daeng - Khao Sam Roi Yot National park

Pran Buri Forest Park

Kaew Cave - Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Trail to Khao Kalok view point