Sunset at the West End

The Tanao Si Mountain Range stands prominently, symbolizing the charms of the western part of the country. Running from the north to the south of the Western Region, this range guards the ancient civilization, the original way of life of the people as well as the beauty of nature from Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Phetchaburi to Prachuab Khirikhan. The Western Region of Thailand is undoubtedly another part that’s worth a visit.

Images from World War II clearly appear when you are standing in front of the Bridge over the River Kwai, part of the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi. Kanchanaburi hides itself behind mountains and valleys of forests and steams. The evidence of its long history can be told by Prasat Muang Sing, the only stone sanctuary in the Western Region.

To travel into the virgin jungle of Kanchanaburi, to explore limestone caves and splendid waterfalls, taking the train trip along the Death Railway might be one of the most exotic choices. The train starts from Nong Pla Duk Station, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi Province, and passes Kanchanaburi, across the Kwai River to the west. The original rail used to run to the Three Pagodas Pass, the historic border pass in the old days, before ending in Thanbyuzayat in Myanmar, with 300 kilometers in Thai territory.

Bordering Kanchanaburi on the south and embraced by the Mae Klong River and Tanao Si Range, Ratchaburi is a land of cultural and geographical diversity. The familiar picture of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market has become a classic charm of the province. For some visitors, to truly visit Thailand is to visit this famous Floating Market.

Going down a bit deeper to Phetchaburi, this province will amuse you with various tourist activities. Bird fanciers may fall in love with Kaeng Krachan National Park where you can find more than 400 kinds of birds. After that, go rafting on the Phetchaburi River to add some adventure to your holiday. And don’t forget to visit Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace or Khao Wang, the royal palace of King Mongkut on three mountain tops, and the scenic beaches of Phetchaburi. Puek Tien, Chao Samran, and Cha-am are all impressive.

The Western Region ends at Prachuab Khirikhan Province, the home of many attractions, varying from beaches, to islands to deep forest. It’s also home of the classic resort town called Hua Hin, a royal resort town since the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII). Today, Hua Hin is well known for its white sand beach, facing the calm and clear sea. Its lively night market, and various kinds and price ranges of accommodation are all the reasons that have made tourists fall in love with Hua Hin.

But if you want to get away from the lively activity and fall down deep into your own private world, just 20 kilometers from Hua Hin, there are several quiet and peaceful resorts in Pranburi where you can lie down and feel the gentle sea breeze. Sam Roi Yot National Park also has several nice beaches, and you can enjoy bird watching there. The forest of Sam Roi Yot National Park is the habitat of almost 300 kinds of birds. Ban Krut Beach is another spot that has gained a good reputation for being an unspoiled and peaceful beach that is great for genuine leisure, swimming and just enjoying the picturesque sea.

Foods
Kanchanaburi is famous for its young coconut jelly, fresh mushrooms, and Pad Thai without noodles, while Ratchaburi is well known for many kinds of tropical fruits. But if Phetchaburi is your destination, try Thai sweets and desserts like ‘Khanom Moh Kaeng’ Thai custard; ‘Khao Chae’ rice in iced jasmine syrup; and ‘Nam Than Tanod’ syrup from palm trees. Sweet pineapples of Prachaub Khirikhan are worth trying, not to mention the fresh seafood.

Souvenirs
Preserved food products, fruits, gemstones and jewelry, crafts and potteries, local fabrics, and decorative items from the sea.

Transportation
From Bangkok, take Phetchakasem Road (Highway No.4) to the south, passing Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khirikhan. For Kanchanaburi, take a turn at Ban Pong Intersection in Ratchaburi. Another choice is to take Rama II Road (Highway No.35) which goes directly to Ratchaburi’s Pak Tho District. For train, every southern route train passes the western provinces, except for Kanchanaburi, ‘Nam Tok’ (Waterfall) Route is especially provided. All normal and air-conditioned buses to western provinces depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Borommaratchachonnani). Especially for Hua Hin, SGA provides 4 flights a day and takes only 45 minutes from Bangkok.

Useful Information
Hua Hin Airport Tel. 0-3252-0179

Hua Hin Railway Station Tel. 0-32511-073
Phetchaburi Railway Station Tel. 0-3242-5211
Kanchanaburi Railway Station 0-3451-1285

Hua Hin Bus Terminal Tel. 0-3251-1230
Phetchaburi Bus Terminal Tel. 0-3242-5307
Kachanaburi Bus Terminal Tel. 0-3451-1387
Ratchaburi Bus Terminal Tel. 0-3232-1854

Car Rental Service
Avis Rent A Car Cha-am Tel. 0-3252-0008 (-9) (Ext. Avis)
Avis Rent A Car Hua Hin 0-5371-5777 (Ext. Avis)
Budget Hua Hin 0-3251-4220

Prachaub Khirikhan Police Station Tel. 0-3261-1148
Hua Hin Police Station Tel. 0-3251-1027
Phetchaburi Police Station Tel. 0-3242-5500
Cha-am Police Station Tel. 0-3247-1321
Kanchanaburi Police Station Tel. 0-3462-1040 (-2)
Ratchaburi Police Station Tel. 0-3233-7195

Prachuab Khirikhan Hospital Tel. 0-3261-1053, 0-3260-1060 (-4)
Hua Hin Hospital Tel. 0-32511-743
Phra Chomklao Hospital Phetchaburi Tel. 0-3240-1251 (-7)
Phahon Phonphayuhasena Hospital Kanchanaburi Tel. 0-3451-1233, 0-3462-2999
Ratchaburi Hospital Tel. 0-3232-7901 (-9)