May 29, 2024: Pranburi Forest Park in Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, has become a prime destination for eco-tourism, drawing an average of over 10,000 visitors per month. From January to May 2024, the park welcomed a total of 51,192 visitors, with 80% being Thai tourists and the remaining 20% comprising European and Chinese tourists, according to Somsak Kreethathorn, head of Pranburi Forest Park.
The peak months for visitation were January through March, while May saw a predominance of Thai tourists, accounting for 90% of visitors. Most tourists engage in activities like walking along the 1,100-meter wooden nature trail through the mangrove forest, which includes a 360-degree viewpoint popular for photography. Other attractions include boat rides through a century-old mangrove forest and observing local fishing lifestyles at Pranburi River mouth.
The park also offers serene sandy beaches, campsites, exercise areas, and cycling routes, catering to nature and low-carbon tourism enthusiasts. Visitors to Pranburi Forest Park often extend their trips to nearby attractions such as Pranburi Beach, Khao Kalok, Khao Tao Reservoir, and various craft centers and local landmarks in Pranburi and Hua Hin districts.
Pacharasri Sombattaveepoon, Prachuap Khiri Khan’s tourism and sports official, reported a total of 4,073,598 visitors to the province from January to April 2024, an increase of 0.52% compared to the same period last year. This included 3,859,147 Thai visitors and 214,451 international visitors, generating over 18.16 billion baht in revenue, a 21.53% increase. Thai visitors spent an average of 2,500 baht per day, while international visitors spent 4,200 baht per day.
Amorntep Ouammeephian, Vice President of the Prachuap Tourism Business Association (Hua Hin), emphasized Hua Hin’s role as the gateway to the province and its diverse tourist attractions. Continuous promotional activities by both public and private sectors have boosted tourist numbers and revenue in the first five months of 2024. Looking ahead, the second half of the year, especially the high season, is expected to see further improvements in tourism, driven by green and low-carbon travel trends.
Author: TriCove.Asia
TriCove.Asia Administrator.