Inside the Hidden Gem Town in Thailand You've Never Heard Of — and How to Plan the Perfect Visit

Klong Wan is home to untouched beaches, jaw-dropping mountain views, and some of the country's best seafood.

If you’d asked me three years ago about Klong Wan, Thailand, I wouldn't have known what to say. I wouldn't even have been able to find it on a map. But after a three-month stay in Thailand a few years ago, I found myself holed up in Klong Wan for a deliciously unexpected 10 days of bliss.

Klong Wan is a remote village on the Gulf of Thailand in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Most visitors know Prachuap Khiri Khan thanks to the buzzy beach resort of Hua Hin — a seemingly endless strip of white-sand beaches dotted with high-rise hotels and pulsing beach clubs. Klong Wan, by comparison, is an entirely different game. About an hour and a half from Hua Hin, it sits sandwiched between national forest and national park, cushioned between the mountain border with Myanmar and the sparkling Gulf of Thailand.

Not many Western travelers make their way to Klong Wan. It's not the easiest place to reach, and most beach-seekers opt for destinations with more convenient access. But those who do make the trip will be welcomed by its laid-back vibe, golden beaches, limestone mountains, and lush jungle. Freshly caught seafood dominates the menus at cozy eateries where rarely a lick of English is spoken. Red-and-gold temples stick out amid bushy groves of thick palms, and sunsets light up the sky behind the misty mountains that share the border with Myanmar.

Klong Wan is not a luxury destination, but what it lacks in five-star amenities, it makes up for in rich culture, quiet, and an authenticity that can often feel lost in other, more heavily trafficked destinations. While admittedly 10 days may be just enough time to go stir crazy in this sleepy town, Klong Wan is certainly worth a stop for a slice of Thailand few Western tourists ever get to see.

Klong Wan, Thailand

• Stay at the centrally located Klongwan Resort for modern rooms and amenities, as well as a beautiful pool overlooking the beach.

• The beaches of Klong Wan are second to none, with long stretches of golden sand surrounded by thick forests and peppered with seafood restaurants.

• Tuck into rich, buttery soft-shell crab bathed in a curry sauce at the oceanfront May Du Long restaurant.

• Take a trip to Prachuap Khiri Khan to experience one of the longest beachfront night markets in the country.

• Travel up into the mountains for the markets that sit along the border with Myanmar and feature a wide array of handcrafted furniture, fresh flowers, and beautiful jewelry.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Klongwan Resort

Guests are greeted in the open-air lobby of this intimate boutique resort in the center of Klong Wan. It has arguably the best location in Klong Wan proper, plus a pool overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, a restaurant, and a small beach.

Tolani Resort Kui Buri

About 30 minutes north of Klong Wan, Tolani Resort Kui Buri is a striking, modern boutique hotel on a lovely stretch of beachfront. A chic design focuses on natural materials like wood and exposed stone, while the grounds are thick with lush, tropical gardens. Modern villas have sun loungers and indoor/outdoor showers, and some even offer private pools.

Sirarun Resort

Shrouded in the dense forests of Namtok Huai Yang National Park, Sirarun Resort wows guests with its private, isolated-in-a-good-way location. The expansive pool overlooks a gorgeous stretch of golden-sand beach. Larger villas have living areas and direct pool access, and all come with outdoor showers and terraces.

I Love Phants Lodge

This resort receives an honorable mention, as it’s about two hours north of Klong Wan, but still worth a visit while staying in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. "I love overlanding in this region of Thailand because you get to see scenery, visit little towns, and meet people that most other Western tourists do not," says Grant Ekelund, senior travel consultant and Asia specialist with Inside Travel Group. "At I Love Phants … you can be sitting at the breakfast table and look down and see the elephants having breakfast right below you."

Best Things to Do

Beaches

Klong Wan may be far off the tourist trail, but that of course means its beaches are among the least developed in the country. The golden stretches of sand hugging the Gulf of Thailand are low-key, quiet, and packed with gorgeous scenery. Ao Manao is one of the largest, curved around a massive bay. The beach is technically located within the grounds of the military base, but that won't affect much. Along the shoreline are colorful beach restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Hat Wanakon National Park

Klong Wan is sandwiched between Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park and Hat Wanakon National Park, meaning you're never far from a great hike, a lovely picnic spot, or an undeveloped beach. Hat Wanakon National Park is known for its beachfront pine trees, bird-watching, and scenic shoreline trails. Snorkeling is fabulous here as well, and many travelers like to camp along the beach.

Temples

The area between Klong Wan and Prachuap Khiri Khan city is peppered with spectacular temples. Wat Ao Noi is one of the most popular, with a seaside location and stunning Buddha statues. Wat Thammikaram's hillside perch gives visitors sweeping panoramic views, while Wat Khao Chong Krachok is overrun by a band of playful monkeys.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Market

The Prachuap Khiri Khan Night Market takes up an entire walking street overlooking the beach by the pier in the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Dozens of food and trinket vendors set up along the shoreline, filling the air with the smells of sizzling seafood, crispy noodles, and tangy, spice-steeped sauces. Grab a bit of it all and head to the red-lit pier overlooking the bay and nearby islands — it's the perfect spot for a sunset dinner.

Dan Singkhon Market

Klong Wan is located on Thailand’s central skinny isthmus, which also shares land with Myanmar. The mountains behind Klong Wan act as the border between the two countries. Up within the mountains, you’ll find the Dan Singkhon Market, a treasure trove of Thai and Myanmar artisanal handicrafts and goods (think carpets, gemstone jewelry, ornate wood carvings, and, of course, plenty of fresh flowers and food). The mountainside market is the place to go to pick up souvenirs you likely won’t find elsewhere in Thailand.

Best Restaurants

May Du Long

Seafood steals the show at May Du Long, a restaurant tucked within a small white beachfront building that serves dishes like curried soft-shell crab, grilled whole fish, and fresh calamari. The shoreline and limestone cliffs are the perfect backdrop for one of the finest seafood meals you'll have in Thailand.

ร้านอาหารเจ้ณี

Just off Beach Road, this open-air restaurant is a casual collection of wooden tables and blue plastic chairs, which set the scene for seriously good Thai food. Little to no English is spoken, so if your Thai isn't up to snuff, look at what everyone else is ordering and point. Prawns, clams, and fish are the specialty here. But be forewarned: They don’t go easy on American palates, so make sure you can handle your spice.

เชฟชัย ครัวบ้านๆ อาหารป่า

Tucked amid tropical foliage in a sandy-floored garden, this bamboo-built restaurant (show the name to your cab driver) serves succulent local dishes, from curries and noodle soups to prawns and fried pork. Go in the evening, when the restaurant glows with twinkle lights.

Whalecome Cafe

Thailand takes its coffee-shop culture seriously, and Klong Wan is no exception. The bright and bubbly Whalecome Cafe, located right in the center of town, serves strong coffee, fruit juices, and decadent cakes and pastries. A new beachfront area, part of the Kallapangha Resort, has plenty of plush beanbags and low couches for lounging and watching the waterfront.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Klong Wan is between November and February, when the temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. It's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor markets, pine forests, and beautiful beaches. Long, sunny days and calm breezes mean conditions are ideal for snorkeling and diving. The monsoon season runs from June to October, bringing heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions.

Related: The Best Times to Visit Thailand for Great Weather, Low Prices, and Fun Festivals

How to Get There

Klong Wan is part of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, located about four hours south of Bangkok along the Gulf of Thailand. By air, you can fly to Hua Hin Airport, which is the nearest to Klong Wan. Alternatively, you can travel by train or bus from Bangkok to Hua Hin or Prachuap Khiri Khan. Klong Wan is about an hour and a half south of Hua Hin.

How to Get Around

Walk: Klong Wan proper is a small community and the downtown is easily walkable. If you walk south from town along Beach Road, you’ll arrive at some beautiful, undeveloped beaches, too.

Car: If you want to visit nearby attractions like Prachuap Khiri Khan, the temples, or the mountain markets, you’ll want to have your own car. Hua Hin has many rental agencies.

Scooter: Prachuap Khiri Khan is home to several motorbike rental agencies. But keep in mind scooter travel is among the most dangerous forms of transportation, so it’s recommended for drivers with experience. And always wear your helmet.

Ride-share: Thailand’s ride-share service is called Grab, and it’s available all over the country. While drivers in Klong Wan may be limited, you’ll likely be able to take a Grab to and from Prachuap Khiri Khan.