Destination Thailand
Hua Hin Excursions
Kaeng Kracharn
Operated: Daily, 08:00–14:00 hrs.
A visit to Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park provides a unique opportunity to witness one of the world’s remaining untouched areas of natural beauty. The park is a 75-km drive northwest of Hua Hin, and we will experience a largely unexplored area of 2,915 sq km of protected park land which is home to many endangered species including wild elephants. The park includes a reservoir lake, 18-tiered waterfall named Namtok Tho Thip, mountains and caves. It is almost entirely covered with evergreen forest which supports ecologically and scientifically valuable plants and animals, including elephant, gaur, barking deer and gibbon, plus a plethora of bird species. The tour includes a visit to the National Park Information Centre and a boat trip on the 45 sq km Kaeng Krachan Reservoir which contains idyllic forested islands. Lunch is served at a restaurant overlooking the reservoir.
Petchburi
Operated: Daily, 08:30–15:00 hrs.
A highlight of this tour to the capital of Petchburi province is a visit to the regal hillside residence of King Mongkut (King Rama IV). This iconic building can be seen on the approach to Petchburi, a town which has a history dating back to the eleventh century. The architectural design of the palace buildings is a unique mix of neo-classical, Thai and Chinese styles. In the nineteenth century it became a royal retreat of King Rama IV, starting a trend of summer retreats that has been continued by his royal successors. We get the opportunity to explore the palace and enjoy the fine vista of the town, its river and the surrounding rice fields. To the west, the mountainous border of Myanmar (Burma) is visible. The Khao Luang Cave lies on the outskirts of the town and this houses many Buddha images, some of which were placed there by King Rama IV. Around midday they are illuminated by a natural shaft of light that floods the cave. After lunch, enjoy a stroll around town, shopping in the local stores and market, or a visit to Wat Mahathat which has a beautiful seated Buddha statue.
Pala-U Waterfall
Operated: Daily, 08:30–15:00 hrs.
We embark on 60-km journey through remote rural land, dotted by pineapple and coconut plantations and a vast mountainous backdrop, to the spectacular Kaeng Krachan National Park. First stop is a visit to a pineapple farm to see how these delicious tropical fruits are grown. The trip continues onto Pala-U waterfall, one of the biggest cascades in Thailand with 15 towering levels. The waterfall lies along a creek that stretches out to the Burmese border. Those feeling very energetic can climb to the top tier. Others may be more content with a leisurely stroll to the third level of the cascade and a refreshing dip in one of nature’s great wonders. The surrounding forest is over a thousand years old and is home to many rare wild animals, including wild elephants, deer and monkeys. The entrance fee to the National Park is included.
Sam Roi Yod National Park
Operated: Daily, 08:30–15:30 hrs.
A pleasant drive through the rich, fertile agricultural land south of Hua Hin takes us to the ‘Three Hundred Peaks’ Sam Roi Yod National Park. This protected area is a natural wonderland of limestone caves, dense forests, abundant waterfalls, mangrove swamps and isolated beaches. First stop is a visit to the secluded fishing village of Bang Poo where visitors are taken back in time to a land of from yesteryear set in stunning scenery. We then proceed by fishing boat to a secluded beach which is the starting point for a steep climb to Phrayanakorn Cave. The most popular attraction of this vast cave is Phra Thinang Khuha Kharuehat, a pavilion constructed during the reign of King Rama V in 1890. This distinctive pavilion is now used as the symbol of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Lunch will be served on the beach, with ample time for swimming and sunbathing before we return to our respective hotels. The entrance fee to the National Park is included.
