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Nature Trip Itinerary
Khao Sam Roi Yot–Phraya Nakhon Cave–Three Bays

Prachuap Khiri Khan packs in more nature than most people expect: limestone hills rising straight out of the sea, a cave with a royal pavilion inside, a lotus lagoon stretching to the horizon, and the Three Bays town where a single hilltop looks down on three bays at once. We've laid this out as a relaxed 3-day, 2-night trip that's easy with your own car, with a few early starts to beat the heat and the crowds — and the opening hours and entry fees are all checked for you.

⛰️ Khao Sam Roi Yot🛕 Phraya Nakhon Cave🌅 Three Bays town
Nature Trip Itinerary Khao Sam Roi Yot–Phraya Nakhon Cave–Three Bays

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Khao Sam Roi Yot was Thailand's first coastal national park, spread across the Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri and Pranburi districts. It's about an hour's drive down from Hua Hin, and roughly an hour up from Prachuap town as well. The highlights sit fairly close together but are spread across several spots, so give yourself enough time. That's why this plan has you sleeping one night around Pranburi–Sam Roi Yot, then moving down to stay one more night in Prachuap town to cover the Three Bays.

Check the park entry fee before you go

Entry to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is 40 THB for Thai adults and 20 THB for children (200 THB for foreign adults, 100 THB for children). A single ticket covers several spots in the park on the same day — Laem Sala Beach, Phraya Nakhon Cave, the lotus lagoon and the Khao Daeng viewpoint — so hold onto it.

The day-by-day plan

Day 1

Climb Khao Daeng for the view, then into Phraya Nakhon Cave

07:00
Leave your place around Pranburi/Sam Roi Yot and head for the Khao Daeng viewpointGo early — there's a hill to climb and the sun isn't fierce yet
07:30
Hike up to the Khao Daeng viewpoint, with limestone hills and bays all aroundThe path is fairly steep, about a 40-minute to 1-hour climb. Wear trainers and bring water
09:30
Drive to Ban Bang Pu to catch a boat or hike over the hill to Laem Sala BeachA round-trip boat runs about 300 THB per boat (seats several people), or hike over the hill yourself, around 530 m
10:00
Climb up to Phraya Nakhon Cave and see the Kuha Kharuehat royal pavilionFrom the beach it's about another 500 m climb to the cave, steep going. The cave is open around 08:30–15:00
12:30
Head back down for lunch at the seafood restaurants around Pak Nam PranFrom late morning to midday the light pours through the ceiling skylight and looks its best
15:00
Rest and recharge, or stroll along Pranburi BeachYou'll have walked a lot today — get a good rest tonight
Day 2

The lotus lagoon morning and evening, then move into Prachuap town

07:30
Head to the lotus lagoon (Sam Roi Yot marsh) and walk the boardwalk to see lotuses and waterbirdsCool air in the early morning and the waterbirds are out feeding — easy walking and photos on the boardwalk
09:30
Take a boat out on the lagoon (if you want to get close to the lotus beds and bird flocks)The boat is about 500 THB per boat, up to 6 people — well worth splitting
12:00
Have lunch, then drive south into Prachuap townIt's about an hour from the park into town. Check in at your hotel first
15:30
Climb Khao Chong Krachok and pay respects to the relics of the Buddha at the top396 steps, with monkeys along the way — keep any snacks well out of sight
16:30
Take in the Three Bays view from the top of Khao Chong Krachok and wait for the evening lightThe one spot where you can see Ao Noi, Ao Prachuap and Ao Manao all at once
18:00
Have seafood in town and walk the Saranwithi pier along Ao PrachuapThe pier juts out into the sea — a nice spot for an evening breeze
Day 3

Ao Manao–Ao Noi before heading home

08:00
Head to Ao Manao, a white-sand beach inside the Wing 5 air baseIt's an air force area, so you swap your ID for a pass at the checkpoint — bring your ID card
10:30
Stop by Ao Noi, a small quiet bay north of townFewer people than the other bays — a good spot to sit and listen to the waves before heading off
12:00
Lunch in town and pick up Prachuap pineapples for the trip homePrachuap pineapples are sweet and juicy — a good thing to take back
13:30
Pack up and head homeIf you're heading north via Hua Hin, it's about 1.5 hours from town
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Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.

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Before you go

  • A car — the spots are spread out and public transport is scarce, so driving yourself or renting a car is by far the easiest
  • Footwear — Khao Daeng, Khao Chong Krachok and Phraya Nakhon Cave all involve climbing, so wear trainers or hiking shoes
  • Sun and water — most of the route is out in the open, so pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water
  • Cash — park fees, boat rides and many local shops mostly take cash
  • ID card — Ao Manao is inside the Wing 5 air base, so you'll swap your ID for a pass at the checkpoint before entering

Timing your visit to Phraya Nakhon Cave

The beam of light that drops through the ceiling skylight onto the Kuha Kharuehat pavilion looks its best from late morning to midday (roughly 10:00–12:00). If you want the shaft-of-light shot, aim to reach the cave right around then.

Extra stops if you have time to spare

In the park

Kaeo Cave

A cave of stalactites and stalagmites in the Chan valley, about 16 km from the park headquarters. Walking through takes around 2 hours — bring a flashlight

In the park

Khao Daeng canal cruise

A boat ride winding through mangrove forest and canals, watching local fishing life and waterbirds — great if you like quiet nature

Along the way

Pak Nam Pranburi

A river mouth on the sea with seafood restaurants and a fish pier — a handy lunch stop midway through day one

Wondering where to stay during this trip?

See the Top 10 Prachuap hotels →

FAQ

How many days do you need for Khao Sam Roi Yot and the Three Bays town?

If you want to take in Phraya Nakhon Cave, the lotus lagoon, the Khao Daeng viewpoint and the Three Bays town without rushing, we'd suggest 3 days and 2 nights — one night around Pranburi–Sam Roi Yot, then move down for one more night in Prachuap town. With only a single day you'll probably have to pick just Phraya Nakhon Cave or the lotus lagoon, not both.

What time does Phraya Nakhon Cave open, and how much is entry?

The cave itself is open for visits around 08:30–15:00. Park entry is 40 THB for Thai adults and 20 THB for children (200/100 THB for foreigners). The boat from Bang Pu to Laem Sala Beach runs about 300 THB per boat, or you can hike over the hill yourself. Go from morning to midday so you catch the light through the skylight and get back before the cave closes.

Is the climb up to Phraya Nakhon Cave hard?

Fairly hard. From Laem Sala Beach it's about a 500 m climb up a steep, rocky path. Wear trainers, bring water and allow time for rest stops along the way. For anyone who genuinely can't manage it, there are porters who can carry your things or help you along on some sections.

Is there anything special to prepare for Ao Manao?

Ao Manao sits inside the air force's Wing 5 base, so you swap your ID for a pass at the checkpoint before entering — everyone should bring their ID card. Inside there's a clean white-sand beach and restaurants, making it a good stop on the morning of your last day before heading home.

When is the best time of year to visit Khao Sam Roi Yot?

Late rainy season into early cool season (roughly November to February) brings comfortable, cool weather, so the hill climbs aren't punishing, and the lagoon is full with the lotuses in bloom. In the rainy season the trails up the hills and into the cave can be slippery, so check the weather and the park's opening hours before you set off.

Related

🗺️ Prachuap Khiri Khan travel guide🏨 Top 10 Prachuap hotels🛕 Phraya Nakhon Cave: the full guide

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