Although I have already mentioned this national park located about 3 hours from Bangkok, I have never yet given a detailed overview of the visits to be made there.
Knowing that it's definitely one of my favorite places in Thailand , Khao Sam Roi Yot, which literally means "the mountain of 300 peaks," has the distinction of being Thailand's first marine national park (established in 1966!). Located on the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, 60 km south of Hua Hin, it consists of a series of limestone cliffs spread along the Gulf of Thailand, the highest reaching 605 m above sea level.
This park is home to absolutely splendid landscapes, somewhat unusual compared to what one normally finds in Thailand.
Top attractions to see in Sam Roi Yot
The national park is particularly known for its cave housing a royal pavilion, whose iconic photo shows it illuminated by a ray of sunlight passing through an opening above the cavity.
Other attractions include the Thung Sam Roi Yot freshwater marsh, deserted beaches, mangroves, small limestone islands, shrimp farms and a wealth of wildlife, including monkeys and many birds depending on the season.
I think that to really see and do everything there is to see and do, you need to plan at least 2 full days , but one day is enough to see the essentials.
Sam Roi Yot National Park attractions on a map
To summarize everything described below, here is a map compiling the locations of points of interest, roads/paths to take, etc. With all this, you will be ready, I hope, to visit the park in the best possible way and optimize your stay!
Phraya Nakhon Cave: the cave with the royal pavilion
Having become the emblem of the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, this cave acquired its fame by hosting a royal pavilion, built there in honor of the visit of King Rama V, in 1890. Rama V being the grandfather of the late King Rama IX, also came to visit the place as well as Rama VII.
The site's fame stems primarily from this light show . Indeed, during certain hours of the day (around 11am in winter, 10am in summer, for the photos below), sunlight shines through the gaping opening above the cavern, illuminating the royal pavilion with a lovely tone of light, creating a rather spectacular view.
Besides the pavilion, if you take the time to walk around the cave, you can see a rock shape in the shape of a crocodile, a small cavity with a small prayer corner, itself next to the signatures affixed by Rama V and Rama VII during their visit here.
To be more precise, it is a set of 3 cavities, 2 of which have an opening in the ceiling allowing vegetation to grow inside, so it will be perfect for those who are claustrophobic 😉
How to get to Phraya Nakhon Cave
Head to Bang Pu Beach. From there, you have 2 options. The easiest is to ask for a boat to the nearby Laem Sala Beach. For 400 baht (round trip) and less than 10 minutes, you will be ready to climb up to the cave.
To do this, ask for a ticket next to the box to buy tickets for the national park. Knowing that previously you had to take the tickets only once on Laem Sala but there is now the counter for the tickets of the national park at the foot of the path leading to the beach.
The entrance fee to the national park is still 200 Baht per person (half price for children)
Because yes, the other option is to take the steep path passing over the cliff separating the 2 beaches. This 350 m journey should take you less than 1/2 hour but when it's really hot it can quickly become exhausting.
From Laem Sala Beach, head towards the foot of the cliff following the signs. The cave is then also accessed via a steep path (preferably wear good shoes other than flip-flops), the path being 430 m long with an elevation of 130 m.
Depending on your ability to climb this type of climb, allow between 20 and 30 minutes to reach the cave (doable in 15 if you are fit). Note that the path can be slippery during the wet season.
For the record, I didn't pay the first time I came, because by taking the path between the beaches, you landed behind and could reach the entrance path to the cave without being seen by the guards...
Knowing that it was not at all voluntary! I noticed it and was even surprised when I had to pay the second time having taken the boat option. It is no longer possible today to cheat in this way anyway.
To reach the path leading to the cave, head towards the mountain by taking the sandy path passing between the fir trees. You can rent a stick for 20 Baht to help you during the walk.
The second part becomes less steep, and we even begin to descend until reaching the entrance to the chasm.
There are 2 parts to this 430m climb, the first is more difficult, because well, there comes a time when you have to climb, and everything happens at the beginning... You will be rewarded at first with a possible stop at a viewpoint.
Because Phra Nakhon doesn't do everything, here's what you can see near the cave:
Laem Sala Beach
Right at the "foot" of the cave lies Laem Sala beach. Stretching for a kilometer, this beautiful white sand beach with its shallow waters is a little slice of paradise. Inaccessible by car, it offers a visitor center, a restaurant, bungalows, a campsite, and showers/toilets.
The bungalows for rent are especially ideal if you come with family or friends, because they are made to accommodate 6, 8 or 9 people respectively with prices starting from 2 Baht for 240 people, 6 Baht for 2 people and 800 Baht for 8 people (may be more expensive on weekends and public holidays because they are popular with Thais).
These bungalows must be booked in advance through the official national parks website ; you just need to register on the site beforehand. Because I'm a nice guy, here's how to do it (besides the registration), for those who might have trouble with English:
- 1. Click on the “Reserve Accommodation” menu option
- 2. Select the national park you would like to stay in
- 3. Select the area you would like to sleep in
- 4 & 5 Set your arrival and departure dates from the site
- 6. Note the reservation conditions: No more than 60 days in advance, reservations for more than 3 days do not guarantee a place.
Otherwise, tents are available for rent starting at 150 baht, plus 30 baht for the tent space. They also have accessories (mattresses, I guess) for rent for 50 baht.
Bang Pu (pronounced Bang Pou) Village and Beach
Just before heading towards Bang Pu beach, at the bridge, you will see the small fishing village of the same name as the beach next door. I didn't really go there but know that it is there and that if you like contact with the population, it is an opportunity (even if it seemed quite calm...). Who says village, also says temple, this one having this little particularity of having a green roof.
The beach also has its appeal. You can eat there by the sea, with a setting that is, by Jove, pleasant! But rather calm and a view that is not too disgusting.
Kaeo Cave
4 km before Bang Po Beach, there is another small cave, Kaeo Cave. Accessible by a 250 m trail, you will have to pay the entrance fee to the national park, if you have not already done so (if you go there before Phra Nakhon Cave).
This cave, which I have not visited (I just saw that it existed while writing this article…) is not the easiest to see. Little developed, the very rocky surface makes walking a little difficult. The cave has two entrances, count about 20-25 minutes on foot from one entrance to the other. Including the ascent and descent, plan a good hour for this visit.
Note that to visit this area, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide from the park offices, if only because you won't see anything without a flashlight. On your way to Khao Daeng, the next interesting area, there are a few short stops you can make to see some points of interest.
Wat Hup Ta Khrot
Not far from the fork taking you to the cave mentioned just before and Bang Pu beach, you can see a temple on your right, going south.
I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's a particularly beautiful temple, but it has the merit of being well surrounded by the mountain. It's a small local temple with its own personal touch. It's always interesting to find yourself in places that aren't very touristy, the atmosphere that reigns there is clearly more "authentic".
Ban Khung Tanot Village
Nestled between a hillside and the sea lies the tiny village of Ban Khung Tanot. Also a fishing village , it's very quiet during the day because the fishermen are presumably taking their siesta after their morning outing at sea (that's just my personal deduction...).
Sai Cave
More than the village itself, the real attraction in the area is a visit to another small cave . Accessible at the very end of the village (it's a dead end), you'll find a 300-meter path leading up to the cave, which is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, like any good old-fashioned cave, you might say. Torches are available for rent during the week if you don't have your own.
On weekends there are usually more people so they turn on the existing lighting in the cave.
Sam Phraya Beach
Further south, heading towards Khao Daeng, you can stop at Sam Phraya Beach . Just under a kilometer long and lined with pine trees, it's often very quiet during the week, perhaps a little less so on weekends, though I think it remains moderately busy. Camping is possible there; three-person tents are available for rent at 210 Baht, and there are showers.
There is even a restaurant open from 7am to 19pm on weekdays and until 22pm on weekends.
Khao Deng Viewpoint
Around the village of Khao Daeng, there are several things to see and do, and not the least.
Starting by climbing to its viewpoint! One of the most beautiful views I have ever seen in Thailand! So as often, a viewpoint is earned. The highest point is at 157 m but the last few meters are almost like climbing, since it is not very developed. The reward is that you can admire a 360° view of the sea on one side, the village below, the shrimp farms dominating the area and finally the mountains, sumptuous, composed of karst rocks with its characteristic sharp peaks.
The first time I went to the national park, I had never heard of it… The second time, I tried to go there, but thinking that the start would be rather at the temple of the same name, I could not find the access… In fact, I would see it after this unsuccessful attempt, indicated on the right continuing on the main road towards the south, 1.4 km after the temple…
So it was by coming a 3rd time to this park that I would finally have the chance to test this point of view that made me salivate according to the photos. After 140 m of an unpaved road, there is a parking lot. You will then be greeted by macaques and sometimes langurs that live in the area.
Then you have to climb along a rocky path, marked by yellow arrows. The total distance is 730 m, longer than to get to the Phra Nakhon cave but paradoxically, I found the climb less difficult…
It's not too difficult in itself, but it's a bit like climbing towards the end, so it's not a walk in the park either (basically, not possible with very young children).
But it's worth it, honestly, what a view!
Wat Khao Deng
The temple itself is worth a look for its surroundings, nestled at the foot of the karst cliffs. In addition to the usual dogs, which you come across in all the temples in Thailand, you can also see macaques, and with a bit of luck (they are more shy) langurs.
Boat trip on a canal
Possible to do from the village of Khao Daeng (opposite the temple), you can rent a boat that will take you on a 4km stretch along the canal. The best time to visit is shortly before sunset, to avoid the heat and enjoy a beautiful light. Over a period of one hour, you can admire beautiful views of the valley surrounded by the limestone hills around.
As in the entire national park, you can observe many birds depending on the season. Having never done it here, I don't know the cost for having done this kind of activity towards Samut Songkhram, it costs around 400 Baht (by boat).
Park headquarters and walk around the mangroves
At the park headquarters, located 500m after the parking lot leading to the viewpoint, you will find the information center, with a camping site opposite. Behind the headquarters, there is a trail that can be done on foot. A small loop of just over 500m along the mangrove.
This allows you to observe the local wildlife , there is an observation tower halfway there (I say "normally" because this is information picked up to write this article, I have not personally tested this walk, basically because I did not know about it... Besides, I'm not sure I would have had the time in a single day).
Thung Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh
The other highlight of Sam Roi Yot. It is a fairly iconic place in the park since you will inevitably see images there if you type "Sam Roi Yot" on Google or look at a brochure on the site. And for good reason, at the foot of the cliff on the northwest side of the national park, you will find an artificial lake, which has become a refuge for a whole biodiversity.
More than just a lake, it's the largest freshwater marsh in Thailand , home to numerous bird species, including egrets, herons, eagles, ducks, stilts, and more. The marsh is registered as a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the recognition of important wetlands (which I wasn't familiar with before writing this article—you learn something new every day! I encourage you to read the short Wikipedia page to learn more about this convention).
The road passing at the foot of the cliff, with the wooden houses and the view of the mountains in the background, had just blown me away on my first visit.
On the other hand, it is not located along the route of the main road crossing the national park. Use a GPS if you go there independently, the 2nd time I was in this park, I could not find it because of this…
On site, again you will find a campsite near the visitor center, but no tents available for rent here. You will need to have your own if you want to stay there, otherwise there are some bungalows for park employees, if available, you can sleep there for 300 Baht per night.
To best appreciate the area, you can walk on a wooden footbridge nearly 1 km long laid on the marsh from the visitor center. The view of the surroundings is magnificent, especially at sunset once again, this one facing due west!
Around Sam Roi Yot
To complete your visit to the region and if you have time, there are several places around the national park (roughly within a radius of 60 km) which are worth stopping at.
Thai countryside
Visible especially when traveling between the southern part of the national park and to reach the Thung Sam Roi Yot marsh , I appreciated this rural atmosphere with fields filled with rice or other crops.
Sometimes farmers were hard at work, sometimes just resting under their shelters, with cows grazing nearby.
Kui Buri National Park
A little-known national park, yet one that offers the chance to encounter numerous wild elephants , just like the famous Khao Yai National Park. But while elephants seem to play a bit of a game of hide-and-seek in the latter (two visits, zero sightings, only droppings by the roadside and tracks…), there's a better chance of seeing them in this park due to its large open spaces.
To do this, you will need to hire a park ranger who will accompany you in a 4x4 for 850 Baht if you go directly by yourself to the Huai Leuk secondary station. It will be 950 Baht from the Visitor Center, the main entrance to the park, 15km south of Huai Leuk.
You will of course have to pay the entrance fee which is 200 Baht per person.
In addition to elephants, the other attraction is the gaur (a species of Asian wild ox) but there are also many other animals concentrated in this park (although generally less visible than in its neighbor to the north, Kaeng Krachan National Park, mentioned in my article on the city of Phetchaburi )
Pran Buri
I once stopped in the small town of Pranburi, 30 km north of the national park. It's a fishing village like many others in Thailand along the coasts and canals.
While I mainly used the area for that, watching the children play nearby while the boats headed out to sea (in the late afternoon), I didn't know that there's also a lovely walk to be had not far away by going to the Pran Buri National Forest Park Office. Indeed, opposite the parking lot of the official building, you can take the Mangrove Forest Walk , which truly immerses you in the heart of the mangrove forest.
Hua Hin
The neighboring city to the north is a possible starting point if you only plan to spend a day at the park (coming from Bangkok). While the city itself isn't a major attraction in Thailand, it does have some unique features such as its famous train station, its night market, Takiap Hill, etc., and it's appreciated for its seaside atmosphere.
→ See my dedicated article on attractions in and around Hua Hin
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Significantly less visited than its main neighbor further north (Hua Hin), the city that serves as the capital of the province of the same name is also worth a visit. In addition to the tranquility of this less touristy city , you can visit Ao Manao Bay, and if you're feeling energetic and motivated, climb to the viewpoint at Wing 5 military base, etc.
I always promised myself to come back, even though I lost all the photos (with a few exceptions of those that were hanging around on FlickR...) taken when I came here, which was part of my job at the time.
How to get to Sam Roi Yot
In any case, know that it is better to visit the park independently, either by car or scooter. Some hotels will offer you to rent them for a price varying between 250 and 500 Baht per day.
You can use this site to book your transport for this purpose:
From Bangkok
You will find minivans going to Hua Hin and also Pranburi, which is closer to the national park. While it used to be possible to leave directly from Victory Monument, this is no longer possible since their recent move. So head to the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).
A ticket to Pranburi should cost 180 Baht. But if you are sleeping close to the park, you will have 2 options, either take a motorbike taxi there, which can take you there for 150-200 Baht, or ask the van driver to drop you off, which should be possible with an additional 300 Baht. If you are lucky, your hotel may be able to arrange your transfer from Pranburi.
If you drive:
- Take Highway 35 from southwest Bangkok (follow Rama II direction), drive for 83 km until you reach Highway 4 towards Phetchaburi
- Follow Highway 4 for 121 km to Pran Buri, which is located northwest of the national park
- Turn left onto Route 3168 then drive 5 km to Route 4020, the main route crossing the national park from north to south.
From Hua Hin
There is no real transportation other than renting a car. If you can't drive yourself, it is possible to hire a taxi. It should cost you 2000 Baht for the round trip in the same day, so without sleeping there, otherwise, it is around 1200 Baht one way.
If you drive:
- Join Highway 4 and drive 15 km to Pran Buri
- Turn left onto Route 3168 and drive 5 km to Route 4020
From Chumphon
If you are taking a bus to Hua Hin, you will probably be able to stop along the way near Route 1026 (roughly at the crossroads between the southern entrance to Sam Roi Yot National Park, and the road leading to the town of Kui Buri)
But then you will be left to your own devices and have no other choice than hitchhiking... Clearly not the best option, which would then be to reach Hua Hin.
There is also the option of taking the train at this point, as there is a train station in Chumphon.
Where to sleep near the national park
The closest accommodations will be located north of the national park, at Sam Roi Yot beach. Among the possibilities, I would like to mention this one:
- Lungcha homestay : At the foot of the cliff on the freshwater marsh side, the bungalows of this homestay are an ideal place to observe birds and admire the superb sunsets, and available from 765 Baht (21€)
- Namaste Resort Prachuap Khiri Khan : A very good value for money for this small resort run by a Frenchman. Overlooking the beach of Sam Roi Yot, with large, nicely decorated rooms, it is a small budget since available from 757 Bahts (20€)
- Baan Jeen Hotel Samroiyod Beach : For a more comfortable budget, still just a stone's throw from the beach, you can benefit from an additional swimming pool for this price, starting from 2 Baht (€1)
- Stella Resort : Further inland, this resort is surrounded by mountains. It has a swimming pool in a pleasant setting, close to Kaeo Cave, rates from 1 Baht (€351)
It is also possible to sleep at the village of Kui Buri, further south of the Sam Roi Yot park, but the accommodation solutions in this area are more expensive...
Finally, as mentioned in the article, a starting point from Hua Hin is possible for a day visit, so you can take accommodation in the seaside resort.
There you have it! This is an article that I hope is sufficiently complete! Considering the time spent writing it, consider this one as my Christmas present (a little late, admittedly).
Want more comprehensive articles on a national park? Opinions, comments? Don't hesitate!
Did you like this article? Share it on Pinterest!
