🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Say Prachinburi and a lot of people just think of the road to Khao Yai. But this province is worth a full day on its own, with three clear themes: nature around Khao Yai and Thap Lan, Dvaravati-era history at Si Mahosot, and the story of Thai herbal medicine at Abhaibhubejhr. We've sorted everything into sections so you can pick and choose to match your kind of trip.
Culture and herbs: Abhaibhubejhr
The cultural heart of Prachinburi is the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr building, a yellow Baroque-style building inside Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Tha Ngam subdistrict, Mueang district. Built in 1909, it was originally meant to receive a royal visit; today the Fine Arts Department has registered it as a historic site, and inside it houses a museum of Thai traditional medicine that tells the story of herbs and the town's history really well. Out back there's a herb garden you can walk through.
Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Building + Thai Traditional Medicine Museum
A Baroque building over a century old, with displays inside on Thai herbal medicine and the town's history. Free to walk through, open roughly 08:30–17:00.
Abhaibhubejhr Day Spa / Pharmacy Shop
The herbal-product shop on the ground floor of the hospital — the province's most popular souvenirs. Open late into the evening.
Ban Lao Rueang, the Herbal Town
An exhibition-style learning center on Thai herbs, good for bringing kids or anyone interested in health.
Tip
If you want herbal inhalers, balm, or herbal soap as gifts, just stop by the Abhaibhubejhr shop on the ground floor of the hospital. It's open until about 8 p.m., so you can swing by after work and still make it.
Want more out of Prachinburi? Book tours & activities
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.
Ancient city and history
Prachinburi is home to the ancient city of Si Mahosot in Si Mahosot district, an old Dvaravati-era town that developed over more than 1,500 years, contemporary with the Funan culture. The area around it has several historic sites you can still walk through. The most popular spots are Sa Morakot (the Emerald Pool) and the twin Buddha footprints, the oldest in Thailand.
- Sa Morakot historic site + twin Buddha footprints — Khok Thai subdistrict, Si Mahosot district. An ancient square pond covering roughly 25 rai, plus a pair of Buddha footprints carved into laterite, believed to be the oldest in the country.
- Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Phot — an ancient, still-living Bodhi tree revered by locals. Come to pay respects and photograph the huge Bodhi tree.
- Prachinburi National Museum — a collection of artifacts from the Si Mahosot city and the Bang Pakong river basin, a good primer before you go walk the ancient city itself.
Nature, forest & waterfalls
Nature is the main reason people drive out to Prachinburi, because the province covers two big forests — the Prachinburi side of Khao Yai and Thap Lan. There's everything from hard-charging activities like white-water rafting to waterfalls close to town where you can splash around easily.
Kaeng Hin Phoeng (Na Di district)
Class 3–5 rafting over about 2.5 km, roughly 2 hours. The season runs July–October when the water is high. Tours come with a guide and full gear.
Khao Ito Waterfall (forest in the city)
The waterfall closest to town — rock tiers and shallow pools with several spots to splash around. Shady and leafy, with plenty of water in the rainy season.
Khao Yai, Prachinburi side (Heo Narok / Pha Kluai Mai)
The Prachinburi approach to Khao Yai. Heo Narok is the park's tallest waterfall at around 150 meters, while Pha Kluai Mai is a more relaxed walk, with wild orchids around April.
Thap Lan National Park (Kabin Buri side)
A vast forest on the Kabin Buri side, with waterfalls and wide views. Good for campers and hikers who want to skip the crowded side of Khao Yai.
What to know before you go rafting
Kaeng Hin Phoeng can only be rafted in the rainy season when the water is high, roughly July to October. Outside that window there's too little water to run it. If you come in the dry season, switch to splashing at Khao Ito Waterfall or hiking Khao Yai instead.
Town, cafés and easy stops
Beyond the forest and the ancient city, Prachinburi also has some laid-back stops for days when you want to take it easy without much effort. Around Kabin Buri and the town center you'll find cafés with mountain views and parks to sit and rest.
- The Verona at Tublan — an Italian-style photo landmark with a recreated bridge and lake, plus restaurants, cafés, and walking areas. A good stop on the way up to Khao Yai.
- Cafés around Kabin Buri — there are several newly opened cafés with mountain and garden views, great for a morning coffee before heading into the forest.
- Kabin Chaloem Ratch Park — a public park in the center of Kabin Buri district, leafy and shady, with a lotus pond. A nice spot for an evening walk or workout.
How to plan the trip
With 2 days and 1 night you've got plenty of room: spend the first day on nature and the second on culture and souvenirs. Here's a rough route that keeps you moving forward without doubling back.
Nature: forest and waterfalls
Culture: ancient city and souvenirs
Plan your whole Prachinburi trip — where to stay, eat, and go
See the Prachinburi guide →