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The province of Pratchuap Khiri Khan is the central province of the three that make up the area known as the Upper Gulf of Thailand.
It comprises one of the narrowest strips of land - bordered on the East by the Gulf of Thailand Sea, and on the West by neighbouring Burma - Myanmar as now is.
As such, it has a long coastline stretching for around two hundred (200) kilometres - much of it with accessible beaches.
It is hemmed in from the north by Phetchaburi Province and to the south by Chumphon Province.
It is well sheltered on the coast side by the bay of the gulf of Thailand, and to the landward side, by the mountain chain in Myanmar - which incidentally also soaks up much of the rainfall that otherwise would drop here.
The climate - as with the rest of the Upper gulf - is very favourable for much of the year.
One could be forgiven for thinking that the major town in the province - Hua Hin - is also the capital city. But, in spite of its Royal Patronage over the years, it is not.
The provincial city bears the name of the province - and vice versa - Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Beach at Hua Hin - The hotel accommodation well positioned for short and long term.
If it is a selection of beaches you want - and white sanded beaches at that - then this province of Prachuap Khiri Khan should be at the top of your 'must-visit' list.
For many other reasons besides the beaches also. But, with this stretch of coastline, the beaches figure as important - aided by their relative ease of access from Bangkok. Driving from North to South, you will encounter a beach every few kilometres or so.
There are wide variations in the individual beaches, but all that we have seen are as good as any in Thailand! Maybe not having the full 'tourist' range of facilities, but for us, that is no bad thing!
This major city and popular tourist attraction, is reputedly the first of the main tourist spas in Thailand.
It is becoming more popular by the day, and beer bars and high class restaurants and hotels jostle for space along the beachfront.
It is a 'must-go' place for Thais because of its royal patronage over the years. If it were not for this, then it probably would not have evolved as it has.
The rail link from Bangkok started it on the road to popularity, and now of course the superb Highway 4 brushes alongside - but with a 'service road' leading into the heart of the town.
Hua Hin is not Pattaya, but as with all areas in Thailand that attract money - ladies follow. Hence there is a small but growing sex industry in the town.
Pranburi is not a name that automatically comes to mind when seeking out getaway destinations. Beautiful unspoilt - and sparsely populated beaches are well within reach, and it has the 'well worth a visit' forest park.
A forest park with a difference, for it is largely an area of mangrove forests. Not too far away is a good National Park - Khao Sam Roi Yot. Pranburi is certainly in the ascendancy - visit soon.
The provincial capital fights for land space - being situated on the narrowest strip of land in Thailand. But much is situated here to attract the tourist who wants to get away from the normal tourist haunts.
It has an old world charm which is a photographer's delight. It also boasts access to some beautiful beaches - secluded, quiet, and relaxing - at the moment.
Fishing is one of the main attractions, and the boats are always a popular sight. There are several villages worth a visit - not least being the delightful harbour village of Bang Saphan.
This narrow north to south Thailand strip of land, blessed by clear green/blue and with beaches of white sand, is relatively unscathed in tourist terms.
Yes, Hua Hin has undoubtedly been responsible for some of the area's popularity.
So too has the main Highway 4 from Bangkok through to the south and popular Phuket and Andaman sea areas.
You will have to search out some of the beaches. Explore. The area is full of surprises. Some of the beaches are future tourist fodder - some are old world fishing villages harbours. Every beach has a different characteristic.
That, more than anything, makes the beaches of Prachuap Khiri Khan province all the more appealing to visit.
The area is not possessive of its visitors. It offers many gateway tours to the south of the upper gulf and beyond. Transport around the province is adequate, with all manner of bus transport available.
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