Sam Roi Yod National Park is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, almost equidistant from Hua Hin and Prachuap. It is best known for Phraya Nakhon Cave, where a small royal pavilion was built for a visit by King Rama V. It is considered a landmark of the province. The park, whose name means "Mountain with 300 Peaks," lies by the sea and boasts two white sand beaches: Laem Sala Beach and Sam Phraya Beach. Since the water is often choppy, the beaches are not particularly suitable for swimming. In addition to forested mountains, there are mangrove forests, a river where boats can be rented for 400 baht, and caves. Other popular caves in Khao Sam Roi Yod include Kaew Cave (also known as Crystal Cave), a group of caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites, and Sai Cave. The park is also home to numerous animal species, including the duksy langur, the serow, and many bird species. Several shrimp farms are also located within the park. In 1868, King Rama IV came here to observe a solar eclipse. Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park is typically visited in a day, but accommodation is available in and around the park. The area offers numerous hiking opportunities. We recommend enjoying the beautiful view from the Khao Daeng viewpoint near the park headquarters and taking a walk along the stilt path that winds through the mangroves behind the headquarters. With a bit of luck, you might spot monkeys, crabs, and even fish.

Entrance fee: 200 THB. A car, motorbike, or at least a bicycle is recommended for visiting the park, as the distances are considerable. The best time to visit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is from December to the end of February. You can stay overnight in the park; there are several resorts and hotels in and around Sam Roi Yot. I personally highly recommend Lungcha Homestay – a small, simple family resort in a stunning location! The national park itself offers family bungalows (1200–2000 THB) at Laem Sala Beach or near the park headquarters, as well as campsites and tents at Laem Sala Beach, Sam Phraya Beach, and behind the park headquarters (book online through the National Parks of Thailand website or by phone at +60 2620760). Note that while Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park receives fewer visitors during the week, it gets very busy with Thais on weekends and holidays.

To get to Sam Roi Yod National Park, transportation is recommended. Minivans run from Bangkok's South Bus Station to Pranburi and will take you directly to your resort in or near the park for approximately 300 THB. Alternatively, you can travel to Pranburi and take a motorbike taxi (150–200 THB). Keep in mind that the town of Sam Roi Yod is located next to the park and has a small train station. However, motorbike taxis rarely wait there, so this isn't necessarily the best way to reach the park. For a day trip from Prachuap Khiri Khan, we recommend Mr. Pinit. He is a local guide and will take you there by scooter or rental car, depending on the group size. The tour is available at a fair price (park entrance fee: 600 THB; rental car not included). He speaks fluent English and some French. You can reach him on the telephone number 032 550 059 or 083 765 9275 (mobile).

How to get there

How do you get to Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park? To reach Sam Roi Yod National Park, transportation is recommended. Minivans run from Bangkok's South Bus Terminal to Pranburi and will take you directly to your accommodation in or near the park for approximately 300 THB. Alternatively, you can travel to Pranburi and take a motorbike taxi (150–200 THB). Note that there is a town called Sam Roi Yod next to the park with a small train station. However, motorbike taxis rarely wait there, so this isn't necessarily the best way to get to the park. For a day trip from Prachuap Khiri Khan, we recommend Mr. Pinit. He is a local guide and will take you to the park by scooter or rental car, depending on the group size. The tour is offered at a fair price (park entrance fee: 600 THB; rental car not included). He speaks fluent English and even a little French. You can reach him on the telephone number 032 550 059 or 083 765 9275 (mobile).