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Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Prachuap Khiri Khan>Location: Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park sights and attractions

Laem Sala Beach - Scenic, clean beach

Description
Laem Sala Beach can only be reached by boat or by a 45-minute walk from the adjacent beach where the road ends. The beach is wide and very flat, making it a paddle rather than swim spot. A small restaurant is nestled into the trees. This is the launchpad for the trek up to Phraya Nakhon Cave, which takes about 45 minutes to get to and about 25 minutes coming back. National park bungalows are available for rent, but if you are coming on a weekend it is advisable to book ahead, as it's very popular with Thais. There's also a camping ground.


How to get there: Follow the path from the nearby beach or take a ride in one of the boats, which charge an outrageous 100B per person each way. The walk isn't too bad and there is a decent viewpoint at the halfway mark.

Phraya Nakhon Cave - Thailand's most photographed cave

Description
Phraya Nakhon, located a 45-minute climb from Laem Sala Beach, must be one of Thailand's most photographed caves. It's actually two collapsed sinkholes, with the main attraction a small, quite lovely little pavilion made for King Rama V. At mid-morning when the sun peeks through it's particularly photogenic. Look out as well for a crocodile shaped rock and poisonous plants.


How to get there: Follow the steep path running up from the left of the restaurant, when looking away from the beach. It is well sign-posted. Good footware is recommended as the trail is very rocky and slippery after rain. On the other hand, Thai women have been spotted doing it in high heels.

Khao Daeng Viewpoint - Hard work but worth it

Description
This viewpoint is quite a hard climb but well worth it. Take plenty of water, do not go alone, and pass on climbing if it has rained recently as it would be too treacherous. The trail is not very clearly marked.

The climb takes around 45 minutes and the view from the summit is breathtaking, and you will also get a good idea of the havoc wreaked by encroaching shrimp farms. Be sure that you reach the true summit -- look out for a wooden sign there -- as a few decoys dot the trail! Highly recommended.


How to get there: The trailhead is about 500m into the park from the southern entrance. The trail is signposted and runs off to the left. A small parking area is located nearby.

Sam Phraya Beach - Pretty tree-lined beach

Description
Sam Phraya is about 1km long, with a small restaurant, bungalows and a small park station around the centre. Like most beaches in the area, Sam Phraya is not fantastic for swimming as it is stubbornly shallow, but it's pleasant enough for a paddle.


How to get there: The beach can be reached by road and is well signposted throughout the park.

Khao Daeng Boat Trip - A must-do, early morning activity

Description
This boat trip is well worth doing in the early morning or late afternoon, when the area teems with bird and other animal life. The trip takes about 90 minutes, going in a semi-loop around and behind Khao Daeng. Some of the views are very scenic, and even in the middle of the day you will see some birdlife.

The fare is for the entire boat, so it becomes quite affordable if you can rustle up a crowd. Boats comfortably carry eight people. If you ask nicely, the driver will also take you to the mouth of the river as well.


How to get there: The boat pier is well signposted from the main road. After crossing the bridge they are to the left, in front of the wat.