Sam Phraya Beach
It's Important to Have Nearby Getaways
Despite living right near the beach, I also live on a major north-south highway, filled with the traffic, crowds, and noise of modern Thailand. That’s why it is essential to have a few nearby places to escape the sounds of internal combustion engines and get back to nature. One of my favorites is Sam Phraya Beach, within Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park, about an hour south of Hua Hin by car.
Thailand is loud! But Sam Phraya Beach is a break from the bustle and noise. It is hardly ever crowded, even on a Saturday morning during high season.
Sam Phraya Beach is a fee area. A single admission fee of 200 baht per person is good for all day anywhere within Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park, which includes several other spectacular destinations such as Phraya Nakhon Cave and the Bueng Bua Lotus Pond.
FYI, it is a dual pricing site, meaning foreign visitors are charged more than locals. I know many people are bothered by this fact, but I am happy to pay the admission fee. Besides, while I recognize that most western countries would never allow this type of dual pricing, most of them also won’t allow my Thai friends to visit in the first place, so it is rather a moot point.
On a happier note, Sam Phraya Beach is also popular for camping, and apparently even has rental cabins. I’ve only made day trips so far, often stopping by on my way south to favorite spots like Prachuap town or Ban Krut.
A super added bonus is the open air restaurant here. Cool breezes with excellent food and striking views punctuated by only the sounds of nature. Mostly. Cheers.