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Ultimate Guide to Prachinburi: Here’s Why This Nature-rich Province Could Be Your Best Weekend Getaway By Far!
- Best Time to Visit Prachinburi
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Prachinburi
- Where to Stay in Prachinburi
- The Canal 304 Hotel & Residence
- Tawaravadee Resort
- Serenity Hotel & Spa Onsen Kabinburi
- Where to Eat in Prachinburi
- Cafe Kantary 304
- Palm Sweet Home
- The Rock Shabu
- What to See and Do in Prachinburi
- Tour Abhaibhubejhr Thai Herbal Medicine Museum
- See the exhibits at the Prachinburi National Museum
- Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho
- Explore Khao Yai National Park
- Check out Thap Lan National Park’s sprawling wilderness
- Admire Wat Kaeo Phichit’s architecture
- FAQs about Prachinburi
Immersing in history, culture, and nature is perfect when you need to clear your head from the city’s chaos. However, while many may pick famous provinces like Chiang Mai, my go-to scene is Prachinburi, especially when I only have the weekend.
Tucked away in central Thailand’s east end, Prachinburi is a hidden gem that’s easy to reach from Bangkok. And going here means you can have an authentic Thai experience even if you’re only free for a day.
Prachinburi is and this diversity offers great potential for many fun experiences. So, in this guide, I’m glad to showcase why Prachinburi is a relaxing day-cation spot rich in nature, culture, and history.
Let’s get started so you can prepare for your next weekend destination!
Best Time to Visit Prachinburi
The best time to visit Prachinburi is between November and February if you want to experience ideal weather conditions for sightseeing and nature exploration.
During this time, you can also expect a minimal chance of rain and a cooler overall temperature. This lets you explore Prachinburi’s attractions comfortably at any time of the day.
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht (Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Prachinburi, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (102 km)
How to Get to Prachinburi
Minivan: The standard way to get to Prachinburi from Bangkok is to board a minivan at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. This trip will take you to Krok Sombun Subdistrict in approximately 2 hours.
From there, you can catch a taxi or tuk-tuk to Prachinburi’s capital town. This should take approximately 40 minutes.
Private Taxi: A more convenient option is to hire a private taxi in Bangkok that can take you directly to Prachinburi Town. This is more expensive, but it’s definitely worth it if you want the freedom to choose your departure time and specific drop-off point.
Rental Car: Self-driving from Bangkok to Prachinburi is a solid option. To start, you must have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to legally rent and drive in Thailand.
Afterward, you only need to drive east from Bangkok using Sirat Expressway, Rama IX Road, Srinagarindra Road, and Krungthep Kreetha Road. From there, continue eastward via Srinagarindra-Rom Klao Road and Chao Khun Thahan Road.
In Lat Krabang, turn left to Thanon Chalong Krung and turn left again after about 8 kilometers to make a U-turn to Highway 304. Finally, turn left at the Luang Phaeng Intersection and keep driving along Highway 3481 until you reach Prachinburi Town.
Where to Stay in Prachinburi
The Canal 304 Hotel & Residence
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Address: 888, Tha Tum, Si Maha Phot District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 37 210 505
Website: http://www.thecanal304.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
The Canal 304 Hotel & Residence is a gorgeous canalside hotel in Prachinburi. This hotel offers polished and streamlined rooms fully equipped with a kitchenette, plus all the usual modern amenities.
You can also expect a wide range of hotel facilities, from a fitness gym to a sauna and steam room, an outdoor pool, and a chic restaurant specializing in international cuisines.
They also offer special discounts and freebies for guests renting a room for a month. This includes free breakfast, laundry, electricity, and landline.
Tawaravadee Resort
Address: 77 Tha Tum, Si Maha Phot District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 85 835 1234
Website: http://www.tawaravadeehotel.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
Tawaravadee Resort is one of the more scenic hotels in Prachinburi. This sizable property is known for its stunning natural setting next to a quiet lake and surrounded by lush greeneries.
They also provide spacious modern rooms with minimalist interiors, sitting areas, and balconies with an incredible lake view. Artsy travelers can also opt for their pricier rooms and suites with separate living rooms, colorful bedside murals, and kitchenettes.
There’s also a Japanese eatery, 24-hour buffet restaurant, bakery, and karaoke bar. Oh, and fitness freaks can also enjoy the hotel’s gym, sports center, and jogging trail.
Serenity Hotel & Spa Onsen Kabinburi
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Address: 222 Moo 9, Suwansorn Road, Mueang Kao, Karinburi
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 32 899 998
Website: http://www.serenityhotelonsen.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
Serenity Hotel & Spa Onsen Kabinburi is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation in Prachinburi. Here, you get a stylish room with modern interiors, furnishings, rainfall shower facilities, and gorgeous marble bathrooms.
They also offer room upgrades adding a lounge area, soaking tub, and coffee-making facilities. However, this hotel’s biggest draw is its fully equipped spa with a Japanese onsen and a relaxing volcanic stone and rock garden.
Their broad range of spa treatments is also a plus. The hotel also offers a special golf package for guests who want access to the championship golf course at the nearby Kabinburi Sports Club.
Where to Eat in Prachinburi
Cafe Kantary 304
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Address: Tha Tum, Si Maha Phot District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 37 239 777
Website: http://www.cafekantary.com/
Pricing: ฿฿
Cafe Kantary 304 is a chic cafe known for its artsy contemporary interiors. It’s also frequented for its extensive menu consisting of classic Thai dishes, confectionaries, coffees, and international cuisines.
In fact, they serve a wide range of Italian and Japanese dishes. Some of the bestsellers are the Italian-style pasta, pizza, sashimi salad, and beef katsu sando.
Oh, and don’t forget to try their exquisite dessert options. The honey toast, exotic fruit crepe, and strawberry crumble pancakes are must-tries!
Palm Sweet Home
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Address: 520 Moo 8, Mueang Kao, Kabin Buri District
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 37 452 377
Website: https://www.facebook.com/palmsweethome.kabinburi/
Pricing: ฿฿
Palm Sweet Home is well-known among foodies and music lovers who frequent Prachinburi. For one, this restaurant has an extensive menu so it’s a solid choice if you want full-out food variety.
Keep in mind that they mostly focus on Thai, Japanese, and Scottish cuisines. You shouldn’t leave this place without trying their Thai-style pizzas, though.
There’s also a live band that plays every evening starting around 7 p.m. They specialize in 80s and 90s music that old-school audiophiles will definitely appreciate.
The Rock Shabu
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Address: 609/27-28 Moo 7, Tha Thum, Si Maha Phot District
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 32 425 707
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheRockShabuTheCornNer304
Pricing: ฿฿
The Rock Shabu is a popular buffet restaurant known for its value-for-money hotpot offerings. Here, you can choose between three buffet options consisting of 42, 54, and 71 hotpot inclusions.
Premium meat cuts, seafood, vegetables, and four hotpot broths are included in the set. You also get an unlimited refill of drinks and ice cream regardless of the buffet option you purchased.
They also let children below 100 centimeters eat for free. Just keep in mind that they have a 90-minute time limit.
What to See and Do in Prachinburi
Tour Abhaibhubejhr Thai Herbal Medicine Museum
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Address: 32/7 Moo 12, Prachin Anuson, Tha Ngam
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 37 211 289
Website: http://www.abhaiherb.com/
Abhaibhubejhr Thai Herbal Medicine Museum is a must-visit for every tourist stopping by Prachinburi Town.
This free museum also serves as a repository for herbal knowledge, so it’s arguably the best place to learn about traditional Thai medicine.
If you’re interested in natural healing, keep an eye out for their massive textbook room filled with ancient textbooks for traditional herbal medicines!
It’s also packed with numerous facilities, from an exhibit room to a history room, pharmacy room, traditional Thai clinic, and more.
But that’s not all because the museum is also known for its striking Baroque architecture. In fact, it even received awards for its stunning architecture from Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the Association of Siamese Architects.
See the exhibits at the Prachinburi National Museum
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Address: Prachin Anuson, Na Muang
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 37 211 586
Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/prachinburi/index.php/th/
Admission Costs: 150 baht
Prachinburi National Museum is a treasure trove for history buffs. It’s known for its impressive collection of artifacts gathered from several provinces, from Prachinburi to Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong, and more.
Its most iconic displays are artifacts dating back to the Dvaravati Period ranging from the 6th to the 13th century. In fact, this place also has comparative studies of Thai arts discovered from different times, so it’s definitely a must-visit for art fans as well.
Sometimes, they also put together limited exhibits so it’s good to check the official website of Thailand’s Department of Fine Arts from time to time.
Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho
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Address: 4014 Rural Road, Khok Pip Subdistrict, Si Mahosot District
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 3731 2282
Wat Ton Pho Maha Pho, also known as Wat Ton Pho Maha Bodhi, is arguably one of the most important temples in Thailand. After all, it’s home to a 2,000-year-old bodhi tree which is considered the largest and oldest in the country.
This sacred bodhi tree is actually the symbol of Prachinburi, so it’s the main feature of the provincial seal. It’s also a major pilgrimage site so it’s best to avoid visiting during special holidays if you don’t want to deal with the crowds of local devotees.
Otherwise, you can visit it during Visakha Puja Day to witness the special fair held to commemorate the sacred tree. This auspicious celebration is held on the 14th or 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar’s 4th month.
Explore Khao Yai National Park
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Address: Noen Hom Subdistrict
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 32 562 744
Website: https://www.khaoyainationalpark.com/
Admission Costs:
- 400 baht (Adults)
- 200 baht (Kids)
Though most of Khao Yai National Park is in Nakhon Ratchasima, it also covers Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, and Prachinburi. Also, one of its only two entrances is in Prachinburi’s Noen Hom Subdistrict, so it’s a must-see if you’re there already!
This national park is a haven for animal lovers and serious trekkers. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site so expect a wide range of natural wonders, from waterfalls to jungle trails, streams, diverse flora and fauna, and more.
With over 490 recorded bird species, it’s also a big hit among birdwatchers. Here, you can spot rare and vulnerable birds like the weather hornbill, Godwin Austen’s brown hornbill, and more.
Check out Thap Lan National Park’s sprawling wilderness
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Address: 520 Moo 1, Thanon Kabin Buri – Pak Thong Chai, Bu Phram, Na Di District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 37 210 340
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ThapLan.NP
Admission Costs:
- 200 baht (Adults)
- 100 baht (Kids)
Thap Lan National Park is a camping paradise known for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural attractions, such as Lan Forest and Recreational Garden, Thap Lan Waterfall, and Thap Lan Reservoir.
It’s particularly popular during the rainy season because of its more vibrant greenery and vigorous streams. Thap Lan Reservoir, in particular, is a fantastic picnic, fishing, and camping site.
Also, this nature reserve is connected to Khao Yai National Park, so it’s ideal for animal spotting. Potential sightings include bangtangs, elephants, sun bears and more!
Admire Wat Kaeo Phichit’s architecture
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Address: Kaeo Phichit, Na Muang
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 92 283 5429
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kaewpichit.prachin/
Wat Kaeo Phichit is a stunning temple known for its unique architecture. Its standout feature is its ubosot which combines Thai, European, Chinese, and Khmer architectural styles.
The chapel also boasts intricate murals. Its exteriors are adorned with Ramayana paintings while its interiors depict Buddhist legends painted by King Rama VI’s royal artists.
You can also stroll around the temple complex’s gorgeous landscaped gardens. Expect to find numerous shrines and Buddha images scattered around its sacred grounds as well.
