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 combines lush greenery with quiet, sandy beaches. Just a short 30-minute drive from the busy city of Hua Hin, Pran Buri offers a relaxing retreat away from the crowds. With its close proximity to beautiful national parks, 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 convenient, with several transportation options available. If you're traveling from Bangkok, you can take a comfortable bus from the Southern Bus Terminal, with journeys lasting around three to four hours. Alternatively, the train offers a scenic route, departing from Hua Lamphong Station and arriving at Pran Buri Station, which is a short tuk-tuk ride from the town center. If you are a budget traveler, you could also take a minivan from the Mo Chit 2 van terminal. In our case, this departure location was much more convenient and cheaper, though the trip itself is not as comfortable as taking a bus.

• Bus: Southern Bus Terminal - Pran Buri

• Train: Hua Lamphong Station - Pran Buri

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

Navigating Inside Pran Buri

Pran Buri does not have public transportation within the city, so I recommend booking a Grab taxi from your arrival location and heading straight to a motorbike rental or your accommodation. We got lucky the accommodation we stayed at provided motorbike and bicycle rentals on the premises, which was a super convenient option. I will list this accommodation later in the blog.

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

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, and the pristine Laem Sala Beach, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploration. 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 are still worth a visit if you're staying for more than a day.

Once you’ve explored enough caves, change up your scenery by visiting the Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk. If you're staying near Sam Roi Yot Beach, be aware that you'll need to drive around the entire park to access this area, but the views along the way will make the journey worthwhile.

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

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 opportunities to encounter elephants and exotic bird species in their natural habitat. While this park may sound appealing to visit during your stay in Pran Buri, I recommend planning a separate trip specifically for Kaeng Krachan.

You cannot enter the park on a motorcycle due to the presence of wild animals, making it too dangerous. Instead, you would need to rent a car, and be aware that the roads inside the park are not always in the best condition. If you decide to visit this park from Pran Buri, I would love to hear about your experience!

Kui Buri National Park

Kui Buri National Park is a hidden gem in Thailand, renowned for its incredible wildlife and natural beauty. The park is famous for being one of the best places in the country to spot wild elephants, as well as other animals like deer, wild boars, and gibbons. Visitors can explore scenic trails, enjoy birdwatching, and experience the diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to grassy plains. Kui Buri is also home to several waterfalls, including the beautiful Huai Yang Waterfall, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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 stay Numpu Baandi stay: https://trip.tp.st/CDP9gqWW

• Luxiorious resort with seaview Sheraton Hua Hin PranBuri villas https://trip.tp.st/16v1d5YS

• Middle price resort close to Pran Buri beach Pattawia Resort & Spa, Pranburi https://trip.tp.st/smZtZnlf

• Middle price seaview resort, close to attractions Dolphin bay beach resort https://trip.tp.st/uAljsEkg

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