Community-based tourism routes at Ban Tung Pradu in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

A visit to Ban Tung Pradu, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province

     Ban Tung Pradu Community in Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, is a highly recommended place we would like you to visit because of its charming original way of life. It is not far from Bangkok, though you will want to plan an overnight stay. Here, visitors can experience local lifestyles, soak up the beautiful nature, and learn about coastal fisheries; moreover, they can try various dishes made from coconut, which is a very well-known product of Thap Sakae District. 

     The villagers make their living in the coastal fisheries and coconut plantations; they became so expert that this place became a learning center. When traveling here, please do not forget to take the “local taxis,” which are adapted from six-wheeled trucks that local people use to carry goods. A roof is added to give shade for the passengers.

     The first stop is Tung Pradu temple, which is a “heart-centered” site for the villagers, where they go to pay their respects to the body of a former abbot who died a long time ago but whose body remains in good condition. So his body is venerated. Travelers can also see an outstanding Buddha image in the lying-down, reclining position at the center of the temple. The structures include Phra Ubosot, the ordination hall, with boundary markers crafted like Chinese junks, an old spectacular pavilion built from amboyna wood, and a room preserving many ancient objects; these are housed in the temple, as well.

     While passing the shore in a local taxi, travelers can get a view of the coastal fishing grounds, watching local people who sail out in small boats to catch sea creatures such as horse crabs, radar crabs, and octopuses. Apart from fishing, the villagers also export dried seafood.

     Travelers should not miss a delicious dessert called “Nok Khum jewelry,” a famous dessert in the Tung Pradu community made from a local coconut species called nok khum. Coconut flesh is cut and soaked in herbal water to give it color, such as red, white, and blue to represent ruby, diamond, and sapphire. Coconut milk and ice will be added when served. The taste is sweet, cold, and delicious.

     After a long day, travelers can finish their trip by “sand soaking” to revitalize their bodies with natural substances. It is believed that sand from Tung Pradu beach (which is two km long) has special features ideal for making a sand spa, because the grains are big and rough and have a crystalline shape. The sand does not coagulate or get sticky, since there is no clay or dirt; when it is wet, it will stick firmly to the body but easily washes off. The sand is composed of many kinds of minerals; the main substances are quartz, feldspar, and small amounts of heavy minerals. The sand helps to stimulate blood circulation, relieve beriberi, paresis, and paralysis, and it can detoxify skin cells. Before they start the sand program, young coconut water will be served to refresh them, and after that, guests lie down in a sand hole for 30 minutes. They will get a feeling of sinking into the sand, making this a relaxing activity. 

How to get there

     By car: Take route no. 4, a total distance of 342 km, and then turn left to Tung Pradu railway (before reaching Thap Sakae District).
     By bus: There are buses from Bangkok to Thap Sakae, and then please contact the head of the community to have someone pick you up at the bus station.

For more information

     please contact Ms. Suwalee Seriwattanachai on tel. 081 572 9665.

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