Readme before you journey
Explore Bang Saphan: Kayak, Cave Exploration, Seaside Relaxation, and Seafood Delights.
Driven by a sudden urge to embark on a train journey, I swiftly planned a trip to Bang Saphan, Prachuap Khiri Khan. This destination, previously unexplored by me, seemed ideal for the current hot season. Moreover, its proximity to Bangkok made it a convenient choice for a relaxing getaway.
This trip…
Let's take a trip to Bang Saphan, Prachuap Khiri Khan! Here's a rough itinerary:
Morning: We'll start with a relaxing kayak adventure through the beautiful natural surroundings of the Klong Pak Pid Conservation Area in Ban Tha Fai.
Afternoon: We'll rent motorbikes and explore the charming town of Bang Saphan at our own pace.
This is a short, laid-back one-day trip to Bang Saphan. Join us for a fun adventure!
Kayaking Adventure: Embracing Nature at Klong Pak Prik Conservation Tourism Site
The Closed Mouth Canal: A Winding Waterway Through the Mangroves
The Closed Mouth Canal, a tributary of the Bang Saphan Canal, snakes its way through a dense mangrove forest before reaching the sea. However, during certain seasons, the mouth of this canal becomes blocked due to a combination of weather conditions and sediment deposition. This natural phenomenon, where sandbars form and obstruct the flow of water between the canal and the sea, gives the location its name.
Upon first witnessing the activities offered here, I was immediately captivated. The prices are also quite reasonable, with kayaking costing only 50 baht per person. Breakfast is included, and for an additional 50 baht per person, you can enjoy a delicious meal. (It is recommended to book in advance.) If you wish to explore the caves further, transportation and a guide are available for 100 baht. This is an exceptional value!
Tourist Activities
Kayaking: 50 Baht per person. Two sessions are available daily: Morning session to watch the sunrise, starting at 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM, and evening session to watch the sunset, starting at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Each session lasts approximately 2 hours. Paddling distances are available in both short and long options, depending on your preference. (Local breakfast can be added for an additional 50 Baht per person.)
Cave exploration (Tham Nam Tip and Tham Plearnchit): 100 Baht per person. Located near the Klong Pak Pid Conservation Tourism Area, the caves can be explored in approximately 1-2 hours.
Contact Pak Pid Canal Ecotourism: Tel. 085 425 3929 or Pak Pid Canal Ecotourism
Program Recommendations
The Most Convenient (and Fun) Way to Get There
The most convenient (and fun) way to get there is to take the train from Bangkok Station in the evening. This will allow you to arrive at Bang Saphan Yai Railway Station before 6:00 AM, ensuring you have enough time to join the morning kayaking session. (If you prefer the evening atmosphere, you can opt for the afternoon kayaking session.) It is recommended to book breakfast in advance, which is a local breakfast for 50 baht per person. After kayaking, you can return for breakfast and then continue exploring the cave until around 10:00 AM. This will complete your trip.
After that... From noon onwards, you can choose to visit other tourist attractions in Bang Saphan at your leisure. You can rent a motorbike and visit various important tourist attractions in Bang Saphan, such as Wat Thang Sai, Wat Khao Both, Ao Bo Thong Lang, Mae Ramphueng Beach, and Ao Siam National Park.
Embark on a Journey! Take the Train to… "Bang Saphan"
Embark on your journey at Bangkok Railway Station aboard the express train 39/41 departing from Bangkok Station at 10:50 PM. Head south towards Bang Saphan Yai Station, arriving at 4:32 AM. (Fare: 480 Baht)
This express train I have the opportunity to use the service quite often. The atmosphere on the train is quite cold because the air is very cold. On the train, they also have a snack service. After eating, I take a nap...
I arrived at Bang Saphan Yai Railway Station slightly later than scheduled, but this was not a problem as I had to wait until morning anyway. I spent some time waiting inside the station.
The first destination is Khlong Pak Phai. From Bang Saphan Yai Railway Station, you can take a motorbike taxi for 50 baht to the Khlong Pak Phai Ecotourism Pier.
Ecotourism at Klong Pak Prik, Bang Saphan
The journey from Bang Saphan Yai Railway Station to the Klong Pak Pid Conservation Tourism Pier takes only 5 minutes. The surroundings of the pier are very natural, with a lush and green atmosphere. However, the main concern at the moment is the large group of clouds that are looming overhead, making it uncertain whether kayaking will be possible.
Before embarking on my kayaking adventure, I received guidance from Tik, the assistant village headman of Tha Fa, who provided me with instructions and explained the kayaking route.
And then... the rain finally poured down! So we had to take shelter from the rain and hope it would stop soon. Luckily, the rain only lasted a short while. We were ready to go kayaking...
As the weather improved, we set off in our kayaks, paddling towards the beach.
The atmosphere on both sides of the canal has been very pleasant, with comfortable weather.
The village headman's assistant served as our guide, leading us on a kayaking adventure through the natural beauty of the canal. This immersive experience provided us with a deep understanding of the history and significance of this remarkable place.
Mangrove forests serve as a habitat for a diverse range of aquatic species.
After paddling for a while, they started to get tired. 55+
From the pier, paddle a kayak for about 1 kilometer to reach the area known as "Klong Pak Pit".
During certain seasons, the mouth of this canal is closed (as it is now) due to the impact of weather conditions. The strong currents have carried sediment and sand, which has accumulated to form a sandbar blocking the passage between the canal and the sea. This is the origin of the name of this place.
The sandbar area is a large beach with areas to sit and relax. This is actually a spot for watching the sunrise (and sunset), but it happened to be raining during that time. By the time we reached this point... it was already quite late in the morning.
The sandbar is much larger than expected. During certain periods when the mouth of the canal is open, it is possible to kayak out to sea.
Next, we continued kayaking, venturing into the narrow canals. The assistant village headman had suggested this route, as it would allow us to easily observe the various aquatic creatures, such as shrimp, shellfish, crabs, and fish, residing among the tree roots. The atmosphere was truly serene and refreshing.
After paddling for nearly two hours, it was time to give my arm muscles a well-deserved rest. They were quite sore, to say the least! I paddled back to the starting point at the **dock**.
Breakfast by the Pier
Upon disembarking from the pier, a pre-arranged breakfast awaited us. For only 50 baht per person, we enjoyed a delicious and satisfying meal. The spread included local pastries and sweets, perfect for replenishing our energy after a strenuous journey.
Visiting the "Khlong Pak Pit Conservation Tourism" was an amazing experience. I received excellent service, especially from Mr. Tik, the assistant village headman, who personally guided me and provided valuable insights about the area. His knowledge enriched my understanding of the local ecosystem. I witnessed the beauty of nature and the diverse aquatic life inhabiting the mangrove forest. If you have the opportunity to visit this place, I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
Visiting the Cave (Khao Ma Rong Temple)
Since you are already in the area, I would recommend visiting the Tham Nam Tip and Tham Plearnchit caves. The entrance fee is 100 baht per person, and the tour takes approximately 1-2 hours. This price includes transportation and a guide, who is none other than Tik, the assistant village headman. The caves are located within the temple grounds, and before entering, you must donate 20 baht for electricity. The nun who manages the temple will then turn on the lights inside the cave.
Tik led us into the cave, narrating the history of this sacred place.
Inside the cave, there are stalactites and stalagmites, and Buddha statues in the meditation posture are lined up along the way.
The cave ceiling is teeming with bats.
The large cave chamber has an opening at the top that serves as an entrance and exit for bats.
**Sacred Well** A sacred well, considered to hold pure water, used in various significant royal ceremonies.
Another highlight of Khao Tham Ma Rong is the cave wall with stalactites resembling a horse's head.
In reality, there is another cave called Tham Plearnchit located nearby, which is accessible by foot. However, due to the physical exertion required for the hike and the lingering fatigue from kayaking, I decided to stick with just one cave for the day. After that, the car took me back to the motorbike rental shop. This afternoon, we will rent motorbikes and explore Bang Saphan.
Travel around.. in "Bang Saphan"
This afternoon, for convenience, I rented a motorbike to visit various tourist attractions in Bang Saphan. This proved to be a convenient and economical way to travel. Motorbikes can be rented for 200-300 baht per day.
Having acquired a motorbike, I headed to Wat Khao Both, a prominent temple in Bang Saphan. Situated atop a hill in the heart of the town, the temple is visible from Bang Saphan Yai Railway Station.
Within the Wat Khao Both temple, which is located on a hill.
"While in Bang Saphan, it is customary to pay respects at the temple for good fortune."
Escape the scorching sun and immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Ao Siam National Park, also known as Pa Klang Ao Forest Park. Situated at the Pa Klang Ao intersection, this urban oasis boasts a diverse array of trees and a serene atmosphere. Explore the park's nature trails and discover the hidden treasures of this verdant haven.
Hike through the nature trail within Ao Siam National Park and enjoy the cool atmosphere while learning about the natural environment.
Let's take a motorbike ride and explore the beaches. In Bang Saphan, there are several interesting beaches, such as Mae Ramphueng Beach. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as the eye can see.
I plan to have seafood and relax by the sea at Ao Bo Thong Lang. So I stopped by Wat Bo Thong Lang, which is located near Ao Bo Thong Lang.
Ao Hua Pien is a bay located near Ao Bo Thong Lang, adjacent to Wat Bo Thong Lang Temple. This bay resembles a crescent moon, and during low tide, a sandbar emerges, creating a pathway to nearby islets, similar to a "sea parting" phenomenon.
Bo Thong Lang Bay: A Tranquil Escape
Bo Thong Lang Bay is a picturesque cove boasting a crescent-shaped beach and crystal-clear waters. This idyllic setting invites visitors to cool off with a refreshing swim. The beachfront is lined with restaurants offering a variety of dining options, complete with comfortable sunbeds for relaxation. Notably, the prices here remain surprisingly affordable, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers.
The sky is beautiful, the water is clear, and the beach is clean. In this kind of atmosphere, you can relax, enjoy the view, and chill all day long.
Sitting and lying down, relaxing under the trees by the beach. The atmosphere is really good.
There are several beachfront restaurants at Ao Bo Thong Lang where you can order food and enjoy it at a table on the beach. The menu includes grilled squid, spicy seafood salad, and stir-fried conch tendon. The food was delicious.
In the afternoon like this, sitting and lying down to enjoy the sea breeze is very relaxing. It makes me feel too lazy to go sightseeing elsewhere. 55+
Intending to visit Wat Tang Sai, a beautiful and significant temple in Bang Saphan, before returning to the train station, I was unfortunately prevented by a sudden downpour. Despite the initial sunshine, the rain arrived swiftly, forcing me to abandon my plans. This unexpected turn of events left me unable to explore this renowned temple. However, I remain determined to visit Wat Tang Sai on a future trip.
One Day in Bang Saphan
This trip.. is a short trip to Bang Saphan in 1 day. It's a good way to relax and change the atmosphere.
"Bang Saphan" is easily accessible and boasts a pleasant atmosphere with friendly locals. Even a short visit is worthwhile, but an overnight stay is highly recommended. Numerous beachfront accommodations are available. If the opportunity arises, I would definitely return for another visit and an overnight stay.
CHAILAIBACKPACKER: Experiential Tourism
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:29 PM
