Discover Kui Buri
The Thailand we fell in love with: wild elephants in the morning mist, empty beaches, harbour kitchens and mountains that turn gold at six. This is our own guide to everything around The Nine — the places we go on our days off.
Discover Kui Buri
Kui Buri is the Thailand that most travellers pass by. A long, soft coastline on the western gulf, coconut plantations that run to the horizon, and mountains that hold one of the country's last great elephant forests.
Life here still follows the tide. Fishing boats leave before sunrise and return with the day's catch; the market fills with fruit from the fields behind the village; in the late afternoon the light turns gold and everything slows down at once.
There are no crowds to escape, because they never arrived. What is here instead is space, nature, warmth and the rare feeling of being somewhere real — a coast for travellers looking for peace, privacy and Thailand at its own pace.
Places we love
Every distance and driving time is measured from the gate of The Nine.
Nature & WildlifeKui Buri National Park
Thailand's most reliable place to see wild elephants. Open-truck safaris leave in the late afternoon and cross grassland below the mountains, where herds come out to graze.
- Distance
- ± 30 km
- Driving time
- ± 40 min drive
Our tipBook the 15:00 safari — the light is golden and the elephants are out.
Photo: Kriengsak Jirasirirojanakorn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Nature & WildlifeWild Elephants of Kui Buri
Around 250 wild elephants live in the forests above Kui Buri, alongside gaur and rare birds. Sightings are near-certain in the dry season and always from a respectful distance.
- Distance
- ± 30 km
- Driving time
- ± 40 min drive
Our tipBring binoculars and a light jacket — evenings get breezy in the open truck.
Photo: Khajonrat.K · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
BeachesKui Buri Beach
Our own stretch of coast: long, flat, almost empty. Fishing boats at anchor in the morning, soft light in the evening, and barely a sound in between.
- Distance
- 2 km
- Driving time
- ± 5 min drive
Our tipWalk south at low tide — you will not meet more than a handful of people.
Photo: Janjira Jane · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
CulturePrachuap Khiri Khan
A small, elegant provincial town on a perfect crescent bay. Seafront promenade, shrines, a night market and some of the best seafood on this coast.
- Distance
- ± 40 km
- Driving time
- ± 45 min drive
Our tipArrive at 16:00, walk the bay, then eat at the harbour as the lights come on.
Photo: Oatz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
BeachesAo Manao
A wide, sheltered bay inside the air force grounds — clean sand, shallow water, shady casuarina trees and simple beach restaurants.
- Distance
- ± 45 km
- Driving time
- ± 50 min drive
Our tipBring your passport — you pass a military checkpoint at the gate.
Photo: Immoreel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
AdventureKhao Lom Muak
A dramatic limestone headland rising straight from the sea. The guided climb is steep and roped in places, and the view over the bay is unforgettable.
- Distance
- ± 45 km
- Driving time
- ± 50 min drive
Our tipOnly open on selected days and with a guide — ask us and we will check for you.
Photo: Cletusfrombkk · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Viewpoints & SunsetsPrachuap Bay & Khao Chong Krachok
396 steps (and a great many monkeys) up to a hilltop chedi with a 360° view over the bay, the fishing fleet and the mountains behind town.
- Distance
- ± 40 km
- Driving time
- ± 45 min drive
Our tipLeave sunglasses, bags and snacks in the car — the monkeys are professionals.
Photo: Immoreel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Viewpoints & SunsetsKhao Daeng
A 30-minute climb to one of the finest views in the province: limestone peaks, salt marsh, rice fields and sea. Below, a quiet canal boat trip passes mangroves and monkeys.
- Distance
- ± 55 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr drive
Our tipClimb for sunrise, then take the 08:00 canal boat before the heat.
Photo: mmmmngai@rogers.com · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
AdventureKhao Sam Roi Yot National Park
The 'mountain of three hundred peaks': limestone towers over Thailand's largest freshwater marsh, with caves, boardwalks, beaches and extraordinary birdlife.
- Distance
- ± 60 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr drive
Our tipOne ticket covers the whole park for the day — do the cave, the marsh and a beach.
Photo: mmmmngai@rogers.com · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
AdventurePhraya Nakhon Cave
Thailand's most photographed cave: a golden royal pavilion in a collapsed cavern, lit for a few minutes each morning by a single shaft of sunlight.
- Distance
- ± 65 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr 10 min drive
Our tipBe inside between 10:00 and 11:00 for the light beam — and take the boat, not the hill path, on the way in.
Photo: BerryJ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
BeachesLaem Sala Beach
A small cove closed in by limestone cliffs on three sides, reachable only by boat or over the headland. Casuarina shade, calm water and a simple café.
- Distance
- ± 65 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr 10 min drive
Our tipCombine it with the cave — swim first, climb after.
Photo: mmmmngai@rogers.com · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Nature & WildlifePranburi Forest Park
Long wooden boardwalks winding through mangroves where the Pranburi river meets the sea. Cool, shaded, full of crabs, kingfishers and monitor lizards.
- Distance
- ± 70 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr 15 min drive
Our tipEarly morning is best — cooler, quieter, and the birds are everywhere.
Photo: Athichitra · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Day TripsPranburi & Pak Nam Pran
A working fishing harbour with brightly painted boats, a long quiet beach and a growing cluster of design cafés and small seafood restaurants.
- Distance
- ± 70 km
- Driving time
- ± 1 hr 15 min drive
Our tipGo late afternoon when the boats come in and buy fish straight off the quay.
Photo: Phong Phat G · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
FoodKui Buri Local Markets
Morning markets for fruit, curries and grilled fish; the evening market for satay, som tam and pandan sweets. Almost no tourists, everything under 100 baht.
- Distance
- ± 6 km
- Driving time
- ± 10 min drive
Our tipAsk us for the day's market — some are weekly and rotate through the villages.
Photo: All Fronts Quiet · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
FoodLocal Thai Restaurants
Family kitchens along the coast road serving crab curry, whole grilled snapper and papaya salad at village prices, with plastic chairs and a sea breeze.
- Distance
- 2 – 10 km
- Driving time
- 5 – 15 min drive
Our tipOrder pla kapong neung manao — steamed sea bass with lime, chilli and garlic.
Photo: PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
CafésLocal Cafés
Small owner-run cafés hidden in coconut gardens and along the coast, roasting Thai beans and serving iced lattes under the palms.
- Distance
- 3 – 15 km
- Driving time
- 5 – 20 min drive
Our tipTry an oliang — traditional Thai iced coffee, strong and sweet.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Hidden GemsFishing Villages
Wooden houses on stilts, squid boats drying their lamps, nets spread along the sand. Life here still follows the tide rather than the clock.
- Distance
- 3 – 12 km
- Driving time
- 5 – 20 min drive
Our tipGo just after sunrise when the boats return and the fish is sorted on the beach.
Photo: All Fronts Quiet · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
CultureTemples of Kui Buri
Village temples with gold-tiled roofs, tamarind shade and almost no visitors — and the hilltop temples of Prachuap with their views and their monkeys.
- Distance
- 5 – 40 km
- Driving time
- 10 – 45 min drive
Our tipCover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the hall.
Photo: Immoreel · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Viewpoints & SunsetsSunset Locations
Facing east, our coast keeps its best light for the mountains: the sky behind the hills turns rose and gold while the sea holds the last blue.
- Distance
- 0 – 20 km
- Driving time
- At The Nine or 20 min
Our tipStay in. The lawn at The Nine at 18:15 is the best seat we know.
Photo: Forbes Johnston · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Hidden GemsHidden Beaches & Coconut Roads
Sand tracks between coconut plantations end at beaches with no name, no signs and usually nobody at all. Our favourite way to spend an afternoon.
- Distance
- 2 – 15 km
- Driving time
- 5 – 25 min drive
Our tipAsk us to draw the route — some tracks are easy to miss from the main road.
Photo: Janjira Jane · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The guide on the map
Select a place to centre the map. Everything here is within an easy drive of the resort.
Our local tips
Not a tourist office — just what we would tell a friend staying with us.
Elephants, the right way
Never a camp, never a ride. Kui Buri is wild elephants in their own forest — go at 15:00, keep quiet, and let them come to you.
Start before seven
Everything worth seeing here is better early: the caves, the markets, the mangroves, the beach. By ten it is hot and by noon it is busy.
Take a car, not a tour
Distances are short and the roads are quiet. We arrange a car or a driver for the day, and you keep your own rhythm.
Eat where the pick-ups stop
The best kitchens on this coast have no sign and no menu in English. If there are five pick-up trucks outside at noon, stop.
Carry small cash
Park entrances, markets, boats and village kitchens are cash only. Bring 20 and 100 baht notes; the nearest ATM is in Kui Buri town.
The season matters
November to April is dry, clear and best for elephants. The green season brings dramatic skies, waterfalls and an empty coast — we love it too.
Perfect day trips
Six days we have planned many times. Tell us which one appeals and we will arrange the car, the timing and the table.
Half Day Kui Buri
The easiest introduction to our corner of Thailand, all within twenty minutes of the resort.
- 1Breakfast at The Nine
- 2Kui Buri morning market
- 3Village temple and coconut roads
- 4Beach walk and coffee back home
The Nine
Elephant & Nature Day
Our signature day: the national park at the golden hour, when the herds cross the grassland.
- 1Late lunch at a local kitchen
- 2Kui Buri National Park safari, 15:00
- 3Wild elephants and gaur at the watchpoints
- 4Dinner at the beachclub
The Nine
Prachuap Khiri Khan Day
Three bays, a monkey mountain and the best seafood dinner on the coast.
- 1Khao Chong Krachok viewpoint
- 2Seafront promenade and city pillar shrine
- 3Swim at Ao Manao
- 4Harbour seafood as the lights come on
The Nine
Beach & Sunset Day
No schedule at all: sand, shade, a long lunch and the sky doing its thing at six.
- 1Morning on Kui Buri Beach
- 2Hidden beach along the coconut road
- 3Iced coffee at a garden café
- 4Sunset drinks on the lawn at The Nine
The Nine
Sam Roi Yot Adventure
Cave, viewpoint, mangrove and a hidden cove — the most rewarding day out from The Nine.
- 1Depart 06:30 with breakfast to go
- 2Khao Daeng viewpoint climb
- 3Boat to Laem Sala Beach
- 4Phraya Nakhon Cave for the light beam
- 5Late seafood lunch on the way home
The Nine
Relaxed Local Food Day
Eat your way through Kui Buri, from the noodle stall at seven to grilled squid after dark.
- 1Noodle soup at the morning stall
- 2Market fruit and coconut sweets
- 3Crab curry lunch on the coast road
- 4Afternoon coffee in a coconut garden
- 5Grilled squid at the evening market
The Nine
Stay at The Nine. Discover Kui Buri.
We will plan your days, book the safari and point you to the beaches nobody else finds.
Photo credits
Photographs of The Nine are our own. Photographs of places nearby are used under free licences from Wikimedia Commons, with credit to the photographer below.
- A wild elephant in Kui Buri National Park 1.jpg — Kriengsak Jirasirirojanakorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Wild Elephants in Kui Buri National Park.jpg — Khajonrat.K, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Ao Manao Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan.JPG — Immoreel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Khao Lom Muak Cropped.jpg — Cletusfrombkk, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park — Khao Daeng Viewpoint — mmmmngai@rogers.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- พระที่นั่งคูหาคฤหาสน์ (Phraya Nakhon Cave pavilion) — BerryJ, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park — Laem Sala Beach — mmmmngai@rogers.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Prachuap Khiri Khan City Pillar Shrine.jpg — Oatz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
- Wat Thammikaram Stairs.jpg — Immoreel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Pak Nam Pran - panoramio.jpg — Phong Phat G, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Overcast sunrise over the beach and islands at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.jpg — Janjira Jane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Ecosystem Learning Center 02.jpg — Athichitra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Drying squid at Khao Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri - panoramio.jpg — All Fronts Quiet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Sunset colours over the Gulf of Thailand, Pranburi — Forbes Johnston, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Street-food vendor assembling a bowl of noodles — PattayaPatrol, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Chiang Mai, Thailand, Ice coffee.jpg — Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Ao Noi beach.jpg — Stéphane Bidouze, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Pa La-U Waterfall2.jpg — Kriengsak Jirasirirojanakorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Kui Buri - panoramio.jpg — All Fronts Quiet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Limestone crags - panoramio.jpg — All Fronts Quiet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons