Pranburi Forest Park
Explore a serene mangrove forest via boardwalk, spot unique wildlife, and enjoy optional boat tours in this protected natural reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, more wildlife
Pranburi Forest Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, more wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a serene mangrove forest via boardwalk, spot unique wildlife, and enjoy optional boat tours in this protected natural reserve.
"A must-do for its unique mangrove boardwalk and abundant wildlife, offering a peaceful escape."
Free Entry! 😁
Enjoy the park's natural beauty without an admission fee. Boat tours are an additional cost.
Bring Water & Towel 🥶
Mornings can be sunny and warm, so stay hydrated and comfortable during your walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mangrove Boardwalk
Main park area
Stroll through a lush mangrove forest on a well-maintained wooden walkway. Spot unique wildlife and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Watchtower Views
Center of the forest
Climb this three-story tower for panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding mangrove landscape.
Boat Tour Adventure
Boat pick-up point
Take a scenic boat ride through the mangroves, often including a trip past fishing villages to a nearby beach.
Mud Crab Spotting
Along the boardwalk
Keep an eye out for the vibrant blue and red mud crabs that scurry along the boardwalk and in the mud.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mangroves
Best Time for Wildlife & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! 😁
Enjoy the park's natural beauty without an admission fee. Boat tours are an additional cost.
Bring Water & Towel 🥶
Mornings can be sunny and warm, so stay hydrated and comfortable during your walk.
Spot the Mud Crabs 🦀
Look closely along the boardwalk for the colorful mud crabs; they're a highlight for many visitors.
Boat Tour Value 👍
Many find the boat tour worthwhile for a different perspective and a drop-off at a nearby beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 😁
Enjoy the park's natural beauty without an admission fee. Boat tours are an additional cost.
Bring Water & Towel 🥶
Mornings can be sunny and warm, so stay hydrated and comfortable during your walk.
Spot the Mud Crabs 🦀
Look closely along the boardwalk for the colorful mud crabs; they're a highlight for many visitors.
Boat Tour Value 👍
Many find the boat tour worthwhile for a different perspective and a drop-off at a nearby beach.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
The boardwalk is mostly flat, but comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Pranburi Forest Park for its free entry and the unique experience of walking through the mangrove forest, with many highlighting the chance to see mud crabs and the scenic boat tours. Some note that information signs are not always in English and that accessibility can be challenging in certain areas due to natural elements.
"Must do! A little out of the way but 30 mins on a moped 🏍️
Boardwalk through the mangroves and you will see many amazing blue and red mud crabs 🦀
We walked approximately 600m and took a small boat (450b for 1-4 pax) skippered by a gorgeous Thai lady who took us through the mangroves, out through a fishing village and to the mouth of the sea where she dropped us off on a beach which was 200m back to our starting point. Thoroughly enjoyed this experience 😎"
Nikki Bennett
"Interesting little excursion. This park is apparently apart of conservation efforts in the area. A raised wooden path has been constructed through the mangrove to give visitors the opportunity to explore this environment. Information sign are dotted about the path to give you an idea of possible animals,insects or foliage you may see. Sadly not many of these are written in English. The route is a loop which take you back to the car park. Boat ride are available only during high season. Information center, cafe and toilets available near car park. Not push or wheelchair friendly in certain areas as trees have been left where the path was constructed."
Laura Biggs
"I loved this walk through the different kinds of forests, it's a walk of about 30/45 minutes (I forgot time to be honest 😄). Look for the amazing, shiny crabs down the boardwalk. When you throw in some dead leaves from the boardwalk, where they are none, they will soon be fighting for it 🤭
Ow, and for those complaining about thai and tourist entry fees... it's free for all! 😜"
Anke Oomen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pranburi Forest Park is located about 25 kilometers south of Hua Hin. Many visitors opt for a 30-minute moped ride. Alternatively, you can arrange for a taxi or local transport. It's generally considered easy to find with ample parking available.
While specific public transport routes might vary, renting a scooter or hiring a taxi are common and convenient ways to reach the park from Hua Hin.
The primary way to explore is via the well-maintained wooden boardwalk through the mangrove forest. For a different perspective, consider the optional boat tour.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car or scooter.
The park is located south of Hua Hin, and while it shares the Pranburi name, it's a distinct natural area. Travel time from Hua Hin is approximately 25-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park entry itself is free for all visitors, which is a great bonus for budget travelers. However, optional boat tours have a separate fee, typically around 450 THB for 1-4 people.
The park is generally open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery. It's best to visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and wildlife spotting.
No, advance booking is not required as the park entry is free. For boat tours, you can usually arrange this upon arrival at the park.
Since the park entry is free for everyone, there are no specific discounts to consider.
No, the boat tour is an optional activity and comes with an additional cost, typically around 450 THB for a group.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often spot blue and red mud crabs, mudskippers, and various bird species. If you're very lucky, you might even see the elusive mud lobster.
The main boardwalk loop is about 500-600 meters and can take around 30-45 minutes to complete, depending on how often you stop to observe wildlife.
Yes, it's a very family-friendly destination. The flat, well-maintained boardwalk is easy for kids to navigate, and the chance to see crabs and other small creatures is exciting for them.
Yes, there is an information center, cafe, and toilets available near the car park area.
Swimming is generally not recommended within the mangrove forest itself. However, some boat tours may drop you off at a nearby beach where swimming might be possible.
📸 📸 Photography
The mangrove boardwalk offers unique perspectives of the trees and water. The watchtower provides panoramic shots of the entire ecosystem. Don't forget to capture the colorful mud crabs!
While some visitors have used drones (as seen in some social media posts 
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mangrove scenery. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of the crabs and smaller wildlife.
The interplay of light and shadow through the mangrove canopy is beautiful. The vibrant colors of the mud crabs are also a popular subject.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour can create stunning shots of the mangrove landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the boat tour as an added adventure, which can be a memorable experience for the whole family. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for a relaxed pace. It's a great way to introduce children to the importance of mangrove ecosystems in a safe and engaging environment.
🚶♀️ Nature Walk Enthusiasts
+1Take your time to observe the intricate details of the mangrove roots and the diverse wildlife. The watchtower offers a rewarding panoramic view for those who enjoy elevated perspectives. It's an ideal spot for photography and quiet contemplation amidst natural beauty.
📸 Photographers
+1 The vibrant mud crabs are a popular subject, providing opportunities for close-up shots. Utilize the watchtower for sweeping landscape shots of the entire ecosystem. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for capturing the serene beauty of the park. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive views and perhaps a macro lens for detailed shots of the wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mangrove Ecosystem
+1As you walk, keep an eye out for the park's inhabitants. Mud crabs with their striking blue and red colors are a common sight, often seen scuttling along the boardwalk or in the mud below. Mudskippers, amphibious fish, can also be observed, skillfully navigating their muddy habitat.
For a broader perspective, the three-story watchtower offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire mangrove forest and the surrounding coastline.
The Pranburi Boat Tour Experience
The boat ride often takes you through the winding mangrove channels, past local fishing villages, and can conclude with a drop-off at a nearby beach.
It's important to note that boat tours are generally more readily available during the high season. Visitors are advised to inquire about availability and conditions upon arrival, especially if visiting during other times of the year.
Wildlife Spotting and Conservation
Beyond the crabs, keep an eye out for mudskippers, fascinating amphibious fish that can be seen navigating the muddy intertidal zones. The park's diverse birdlife also makes it an attractive spot for birdwatchers. While rarer, some visitors hope to catch a glimpse of the endangered mud lobster, adding an element of discovery to the visit.
The park plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for the mangrove ecosystem. By visiting and appreciating the natural beauty, visitors contribute to the awareness and preservation of this important coastal habitat. Information signs are dotted along the path, though some may not be in English, offering insights into the local flora and fauna.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit