Prachinburi between national parks, waterfalls and culture

In Prachinburi, natural attractions meet a rich cultural history: Khao Yai National Park is part of the province, while museums and archaeological sites offer insights into the history of Thailand’s eastern region. Waterfalls, forests and historical traces provide different focal points for a stay. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would prefer to experience nature or explore exhibitions and archaeological sites in greater depth.

Waterfalls and forest as a nature theme

Khao Yai National Park is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex. More than 800 animal species live in this forest complex. The waterfall น้ำตกตะคร้อ is located in the national park, in the Ban Thung Pho area, in the subdistrict of Noen Hom and the district of Mueang Prachin Buri. Its precise location situates this natural attraction within the province and makes it a specific point of interest for anyone wishing to combine their trip with a visit to the national park.

Another destination in Noen Hom is Than Rattana Waterfall. Its access point is on the Khao Yai–Prachin Buri route. There is a four-stage abseiling course there; the first stage, Pha Khmer, is about 60 metres high. This makes the waterfall a distinct destination, with a described outdoor activity, unlike the location of น้ำตกตะคร้อ waterfall in the national park. Depending on the season and your personal preference, outdoor activities at waterfalls and rapids in Prachin Buri can be either peaceful or exciting. If you are considering a more active nature outing, this seasonal aspect is also worth taking into account.

Museum and archaeological history

The Prachinburi National Museum is located in the subdistrict of Na Mueang, in the district of Mueang Prachin Buri. Its subject matter ranges from history and archaeology to art history and antiquities from Thailand’s eastern region. The permanent exhibition is divided into five sections, one of which covers ancient Si Mahosot. This layout offers several historical and cultural perspectives on a museum visit, rather than focusing on just one subject. The museum was officially opened on 22 April 1985.

You can also encounter the history of Si Mahosot beyond the museum exhibition. At the Sra Morakot archaeological site in Khok Thai, Si Mahosot, the sacred well is located in archaeological group No. 1. The site also features twin Buddha footprints, considered the oldest in Thailand. A 1.70-metre-high stone statue of Ganesha from Si Mahosot is on display at the Prachinburi National Museum. In addition, the area of the Ganesha shrine in Si Mahosot was a religious site for at least 800 years. The museum, archaeological site and shrine area thus offer different ways to explore the region’s religious and historical themes.

More cultural and scenic impressions

Wat Kaeo Phichit is located on the right bank of the Bang Pakong River in the Mueang Prachin Buri municipality. In Khao Ito Buddhist Park, there is a Dvaravati-style Buddha image protected by a Naga, considered the largest in Thailand. The Chao Phayu building at the Yusuksuwan Museum, meanwhile, is designed like a lantern and offers visitors views of the surrounding landscape. These places each have their own character: their riverside location, Buddhist image and architecture with a view are clearly distinct from the museum’s exhibits and archaeological themes.

When choosing a holiday rental in Prachinburi, you can first decide what you would most like to focus on: forests and waterfalls, museum exhibits, or archaeological and religious history. The destinations appeal to different interests and can be grouped into a nature or culture itinerary, without requiring you to focus on just one theme. The subdistricts below can also help you plan your visit: Bu Fai, Kabin Buri District, Kabin, Prachin Buri, Kabin Buri, Bang Yang, Si Maha Phot, Krok Som Bun, Tha Ngam, Na Khaem and Ban Phra.

For the broader travel overview: Thailand.