The Hidden Gem City in Thailand You have By no means Heard Of — and Go to

If you happen to’d requested me three years in the past about Klong Wan, Thailand, I would not have identified what to say. I would not even have been capable of finding it on a map. However after a three-month keep in Thailand a couple of years in the past, I discovered myself holed up in Klong Wan for a deliciously surprising 10 days of bliss.

Klong Wan is a distant village on the Gulf of Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Most guests know Prachuap Khiri Khan due to the buzzy seaside resort of Hua Hin — a seemingly countless strip of white-sand seashores dotted with high-rise resorts and pulsing seaside golf equipment. Klong Wan, by comparability, is a completely totally different recreation. About an hour and a half from Hua Hin, it sits sandwiched between nationwide forest and nationwide park, cushioned between the mountain border with Myanmar and the glowing Gulf of Thailand.

Not many Western vacationers make their option to Klong Wan. It isn’t the best place to succeed in, and most beach-seekers go for locations with extra handy entry. However those that do make the journey can be welcomed by its laid-back vibe, golden seashores, limestone mountains, and luxurious jungle. Freshly caught seafood dominates the menus at cozy eateries the place hardly ever a lick of English is spoken. Purple-and-gold temples stick out amid bushy groves of thick palms, and sunsets gentle up the sky behind the misty mountains that share the border with Myanmar.

Klong Wan isn’t a luxurious vacation spot, however what it lacks in five-star facilities, it makes up for in wealthy tradition, quiet, and an authenticity that may typically really feel misplaced in different, extra closely trafficked locations. Whereas admittedly 10 days could also be simply sufficient time to go stir loopy on this sleepy city, Klong Wan is actually price a cease for a slice of Thailand few Western vacationers ever get to see.

Greatest Accommodations & Resorts

Klongwan Resort

Friends are greeted within the open-air foyer of this intimate boutique resort within the middle of Klong Wan. It has arguably the most effective location in Klong Wan correct, plus a pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, a restaurant, and a small seaside.

Tolani Resort Kui Buri

About half-hour north of Klong Wan, Tolani Resort Kui Buri is a placing, fashionable boutique lodge on a beautiful stretch of beachfront. A classy design focuses on pure supplies like wooden and uncovered stone, whereas the grounds are thick with lush, tropical gardens. Fashionable villas have solar loungers and indoor/out of doors showers, and a few even supply non-public swimming pools.

Sirarun Resort

Shrouded within the dense forests of Namtok Huai Yang Nationwide Park, Sirarun Resort wows company with its non-public, isolated-in-a-good-way location. The expansive pool overlooks a stunning stretch of golden-sand seaside. Bigger villas have residing areas and direct pool entry, and all include out of doors showers and terraces.

I Love Phants Lodge

This resort receives an honorable point out, because it’s about two hours north of Klong Wan, however nonetheless price a go to whereas staying in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. “I really like overlanding on this area of Thailand since you get to see surroundings, go to little cities, and meet individuals that the majority different Western vacationers don’t,” says Grant Ekelund, senior journey marketing consultant and Asia specialist with Inside Journey Group. “At I Love Phants … you might be sitting on the breakfast desk and look down and see the elephants having breakfast proper beneath you.”

Greatest Issues to Do

Seashores

Klong Wan could also be far off the vacationer path, however that in fact means its seashores are among the many least developed within the nation. The golden stretches of sand hugging the Gulf of Thailand are low-key, quiet, and full of attractive surroundings. Ao Manao is without doubt one of the largest, curved round a large bay. The seaside is technically situated throughout the grounds of the navy base, however that will not have an effect on a lot. Alongside the shoreline are colourful seaside eating places serving contemporary seafood and chilly drinks.

Hat Wanakon Nationwide Park

Klong Wan is sandwiched between Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park and Hat Wanakon Nationwide Park, which means you are by no means removed from an amazing hike, a beautiful picnic spot, or an undeveloped seaside. Hat Wanakon Nationwide Park is understood for its beachfront pine bushes, bird-watching, and scenic shoreline trails. Snorkeling is fabulous right here as properly, and plenty of vacationers prefer to camp alongside the seaside.

Temples

The realm between Klong Wan and Prachuap Khiri Khan metropolis is peppered with spectacular temples. Wat Ao Noi is without doubt one of the hottest, with a seaside location and beautiful Buddha statues. Wat Thammikaram’s hillside perch provides guests sweeping panoramic views, whereas Wat Khao Chong Krachok is overrun by a band of playful monkeys.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Evening Market

The Prachuap Khiri Khan Evening Market takes up a complete strolling road overlooking the seaside by the pier within the metropolis of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Dozens of meals and trinket distributors arrange alongside the shoreline, filling the air with the smells of scorching seafood, crispy noodles, and tangy, spice-steeped sauces. Seize a little bit of all of it and head to the red-lit pier overlooking the bay and close by islands — it is the proper spot for a sundown dinner.

Dan Singkhon Market

Klong Wan is situated on Thailand’s central skinny isthmus, which additionally shares land with Myanmar. The mountains behind Klong Wan act because the border between the 2 international locations. Up throughout the mountains, you’ll discover the Dan Singkhon Market, a treasure trove of Thai and Myanmar artisanal handicrafts and items (suppose carpets, gemstone jewellery, ornate wooden carvings, and, in fact, loads of contemporary flowers and meals). The mountainside market is the place to go to choose up souvenirs you probably received’t discover elsewhere in Thailand.

Greatest Eating places

Might Du Lengthy

Seafood steals the present at Might Du Lengthy, a restaurant tucked inside a small white beachfront constructing that serves dishes like curried soft-shell crab, grilled complete fish, and contemporary calamari. The shoreline and limestone cliffs are the proper backdrop for one of many most interesting seafood meals you will have in Thailand.

ร้านอาหารเจ้ณี

Simply off Seashore Highway, this open-air restaurant is an informal assortment of picket tables and blue plastic chairs, which set the scene for severely good Thai meals. Little to no English is spoken, so in case your Thai is not as much as snuff, take a look at what everybody else is ordering and level. Prawns, clams, and fish are the specialty right here. However be forewarned: They don’t go straightforward on American palates, so ensure you can deal with your spice.

เชฟชัย ครัวบ้านๆ อาหารป่า

Tucked amid tropical foliage in a sandy-floored backyard, this bamboo-built restaurant (present the identify to your cab driver) serves succulent native dishes, from curries and noodle soups to prawns and fried pork. Go within the night, when the restaurant glows with twinkle lights.

Whalecome Cafe

Thailand takes its coffee-shop tradition severely, and Klong Wan is not any exception. The intense and bubbly Whalecome Cafe, situated proper within the middle of city, serves sturdy espresso, fruit juices, and decadent truffles and pastries. A brand new beachfront space, a part of the Kallapangha Resort, has loads of plush beanbags and low couches for lounging and watching the waterfront.

Greatest Time to Go to

The perfect time to go to Klong Wan is between November and February, when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is decrease. It is the proper time to benefit from the out of doors markets, pine forests, and exquisite seashores. Lengthy, sunny days and calm breezes imply circumstances are perfect for snorkeling and diving. The monsoon season runs from June to October, bringing heavy rainfall and tough sea circumstances.

Get There

Klong Wan is a part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, situated about 4 hours south of Bangkok alongside the Gulf of Thailand. By air, you possibly can fly to Hua Hin Airport, which is the closest to Klong Wan. Alternatively, you possibly can journey by prepare or bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin or Prachuap Khiri Khan. Klong Wan is about an hour and a half south of Hua Hin.

Get Round

Stroll: Klong Wan correct is a small group and the downtown is well walkable. If you happen to stroll south from city alongside Seashore Highway, you’ll arrive at some lovely, undeveloped seashores, too.

Automotive: If you wish to go to close by sights like Prachuap Khiri Khan, the temples, or the mountain markets, you’ll need to have your individual automotive. Hua Hin has many rental companies.

Scooter: Prachuap Khiri Khan is residence to a number of motorcycle rental companies. However be mindful scooter journey is among the many most harmful types of transportation, so it’s beneficial for drivers with expertise. And all the time put on your helmet.

Journey-share: Thailand’s ride-share service is known as Seize, and it’s accessible everywhere in the nation. Whereas drivers in Klong Wan could also be restricted, you’ll probably be capable of take a Seize to and from Prachuap Khiri Khan.