Travel Pranburi Style
Just a few hours' drive away from Bangkok lies Pranburi, the gateway to a stretch of coast that offers beautiful, empty beaches and the chance to enjoy a more natural escape.
What to Do
Pak Nam Pran
The biggest beach along this stretch of coastline is Pak Nam Pran (aka Khao Kalok). Kite surfing is really big here, thanks to the regular coastal breezes and the relatively calm waters. Try Airstylers Kite School. Prefer to stick to the ground? Most hotels rent out bicycles for hire, and the quiet roads, pretty temples, stunning limestone hills and sleepy pineapple plantations all make for a charming ride. Sam Roi Yod National Park. One of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks, Sam Roi Yod has spectacular limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches and magnificent caves. It's also home to a staggering array of wildlife, from crab-eating monkeys to more than 250 species of birds.
Call the visitor center at (+66) 2562-0760 for more info.
Ao Manao Beach
The air force base makes for a great day trip. It may sound odd, but the home of Wing Command 5 happens to offer one of the most beautiful beaches around, as well as a slice of oft-forgotten history. The best bit: Not a jet ski or banana boat in sight. There’s also a war museum, a nine-hole golf course and driving range and some good eats in the nearby fishing port of Klongwan.
Wing 5, Royal Thai Air Force Base, Prachuap Khirikhan, www.thailandbreeze.com.
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