Pran Buri Forest Park

The forest park at the Pran Buri river mouth grew out of a replanting project begun after Queen Sirikit visited the fishing village of Pak Nam Pran and urged more trees along the coast; it covers about three square kilometres of mangrove, mixed forest and coastal plain. Raised wooden boardwalks with red handrails run for about a kilometre through the trees and out over tidal channels, with an observation tower at one end, and interpretation on how mangroves stabilise coast, nurse fish and hold carbon. Birds use it - kingfishers, herons, egrets and waders on the mudflats - along with mudskippers and fiddler crabs visible from the walkway at low tide. It is free, well maintained and takes an hour or two, which makes it a straightforward stop between Hua Hin and Khao Sam Roi Yot rather than a destination. Mosquitoes are present in numbers at dawn and dusk, and there is little shade despite the trees.

What's there

• The boardwalks - about a kilometre of raised walkway through the mangrove.
• The replanting - about three square kilometres of coastal forest.
• The mudflat life - mudskippers, fiddler crabs and wading birds at low tide.
• The observation tower - the view out over the canopy and channels.

When to go

November to February. Low tide shows the crabs and mudskippers; high tide shows the water. Dawn and dusk are best for birds but worst for mosquitoes.

What to expect

Mosquitoes are serious at dawn and dusk - bring repellent. Little real shade on the boardwalks. It is a short visit; an hour or two covers it. Free, with minimal facilities.

Nearby

Pak Nam Pran beach is alongside; Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is south.

Key facts