Prachinburi
ปราจีนบุรี · Prachinburi Province
Population
30K
Budget / Month
$300
Internet
40 Mbps
Best Season
November to February (hiking); June-July (butterfly migration)
About Prachinburi
Prachinburi sits in Thailand's eastern region, about 2 hours east of Bangkok, in a zone that most travelers pass through on the way to Cambodia or ignore entirely. The city itself is small and functional, centered around a riverside market and a few temples.
Its appeal lies in the surrounding province: Thap Lan National Park (one of Thailand's largest, part of the UNESCO Dong Phaya Yen-Khao Yai World Heritage complex) and Pang Sida National Park offer serious forest trekking, waterfalls, and wildlife in a fraction of Khao Yai's crowds.
The province has an unusual dual character — its western half hosts major industrial estates producing automobiles and electronics, while its eastern half stretches into forested highlands along the Cambodian border. For nature lovers willing to venture off the beaten path, Prachinburi offers genuine wilderness.
The province is also known for its bamboo shoots and for the ancient Khmer site of Si Mahosot. The famous Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital is nationally renowned for traditional Thai medicine and herbal products.
Historical Note
Prachinburi's history reaches back to the Dvaravati period (6th-11th centuries), with archaeological evidence at Si Mahosot indicating an important ancient settlement. The area was later part of the Khmer sphere of influence before becoming an eastern frontier outpost during the Ayutthaya period.
Best time to visit: November to February (hiking); June-July (butterfly migration)
At a Glance
Thai Name
ปราจีนบุรี
Province
Prachinburi
Region
Eastern
Population
30,000
Area
4,762 km²
Elevation
20 m
Postal Code
25000
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month10,700 THB
~$300 USD
comfortable
/month18,500 THB
~$520 USD
luxury
/month31,000 THB
~$870 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 35 | 50 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 80 |
| Specialty coffee | 40 | 70 |
| Water 1.5L | 10 | 14 |
| Beer (restaurant) | 65 | 110 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse per night | 300 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 600 | 1,400 |
| Best hotel per night | 1,500 | 3,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 250 |
| Car rental per day | 800 | 1,200 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile plan per month | 200 | 400 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thap Lan park entrance (foreigner) | 200 | 200 |
| Pang Sida park entrance (foreigner) | 300 | 300 |
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 150 | 220 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
20% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for hiking. June to July for the spectacular butterfly migration at Pang Sida National Park. Avoid September-October when trails can be dangerous due to heavy rain.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 20 | 10 | 60% |
| Feb | 34 | 22 | 20 | 58% |
| Mar | 36 | 24 | 40 | 60% |
| Apr | 37 | 25 | 70 | 65% |
| May | 35 | 25 | 150 | 72% |
| Jun | 34 | 25 | 160 | 75% |
| Jul | 33 | 24 | 170 | 78% |
| Aug | 33 | 24 | 200 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 250 | 82% |
| Oct | 32 | 23 | 180 | 78% |
| Nov | 31 | 21 | 40 | 65% |
| Dec | 30 | 19 | 10 | 60% |
Things to Do
Thap Lan National Park
One of Thailand's largest national parks, part of the UNESCO World Heritage complex. Forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Pang Sida National Park
Diverse tropical forest with waterfalls and massive butterfly concentrations in June-July.
Si Mahosot Archaeological Site
Ancient Dvaravati-era settlement with ruins, moat system, and religious artifacts.
Prachinburi Riverside Market
Local market along the river with fresh produce and local food.
Wat Kaeo Phichit
Riverside temple with historical significance in the provincial capital.
Food & Dining
แกงหน่อไม้
Bamboo Shoot Curry
Prachinburi is famous for bamboo shoots; this curry is the signature local dish.
35-60
Local rice-curry shops and markets
ยำหน่อไม้
Yam No Mai (Bamboo Shoot Salad)
Spicy salad featuring the province's signature ingredient — fresh bamboo shoots.
35-55
Market stalls and local restaurants
ปลาช่อน
Pla Chon (Snakehead Fish)
Freshwater snakehead fish from local rivers, grilled or in curry.
60-120
Riverside restaurants
ส้มตำ
Som Tam
Eastern Thai papaya salad sharing Isan characteristics.
25-40
Street stalls and market
Night Markets
- Prachinburi Night Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
200 - 350
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
600 - 1,400
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,500 - 4,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
3,500 - 5,500
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Very limited selection. Some resort-style properties near the national parks offer a more pleasant stay than city hotels.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus
2.5-3 hours
120-200 THB
Minivan
2-2.5 hours
150-250 THB
Drive
2-2.5 hours
Fuel + tolls ~400 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedLimited city routes
10-20
Motorbike rental
LimitedBest for exploring
150-250/day
Car rental
LimitedEssential for national parks
800-1,200/day
Neighborhoods
City Center (Riverside)
Quiet Thai provincial townOld town along the Prachinburi River with market, temples, and basic hotels.
Best for: Local food and culture
Highway 304 Corridor
Functional roadsideMain road area with larger hotels, shopping, and the route toward national parks.
Best for: Accommodation and transit
National Park Areas (East)
Forested and remoteThap Lan and Pang Sida park areas in the eastern highlands. Camping and basic accommodation.
Best for: Nature and wildlife
Festivals & Events
Bamboo Shoot Festival
Annual celebration of the province's famous bamboo shoots with food stalls and cooking competitions.
Pang Sida Butterfly Festival
Millions of butterflies migrate through the park in one of Thailand's most remarkable natural events.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Local water festival celebrations along the river.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings on the Prachinburi River.
Practical Info
Hospital
Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai only; virtually no English.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water widely available.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Thap Lan National Park
Hiking, waterfalls, and forest exploration in one of Thailand's largest protected areas.
Pang Sida National Park
Waterfalls and seasonal butterfly spectacle.
Si Mahosot
Ancient Dvaravati archaeological site with moats and ruins.
Sa Kaeo
Border province with connections to Cambodia.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prachinburi worth visiting?
For nature lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path national parks, yes. The butterfly migration at Pang Sida is genuinely spectacular.
How many days do I need?
1-2 days. One day for a national park, one for the city and archaeological sites.
Do I need a car?
Yes, for the national parks. The city can be explored without one but parks have no public transport access.
When is the butterfly migration?
June-July at Pang Sida National Park. Millions of butterflies create one of Thailand's most remarkable natural spectacles.