Sightseeing in Ban Krood and its vicinity

Wat Thang Sai
Ban Krood community is situated in Bang Sapan district, which is full of interesting natural and historical sites.  Tourists should visit at least Wat Thang Sai Temple on Mount Thong Chai, which can be seen from Keeree Waree beach.  On important Buddhist holidays, the temple will be lit by spotlights, presenting a magnificent view for visitors.  Wat Thang Sai is an important temple with its artistic and spiritual values. It is open until 5 p.m. everyday. 
From Keeree Waree, it takes only 10 minutes to go up to the most beautiful spot on Mount Thong Chai, where one can see the whole Ban Krood Beach, which is more than 10 kilometers long, as well as the breath-taking view of Ta Nao Sri Mountain Range. As Buddhists believe that a visit to a sacred place will bring them luck, visitors should go to visit the three most sacred places in Wat Thang Sai, which are:

Mahathatchedi Pakdeeprakaat Pagoda
 The pagoda, where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined, was designed by M.R.Mitrarun Kasemsri, National Artist and Royal Architect, and built by the donations of the local communities in Prachuab Keereekhan, in order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Ascension to the Throne.  The pagoda features nine spires, and a three-tiered, four-gabled khmer-style stupa. It is situated on the top of the mountain, where one can see a magnificent view of the sea. It is also surrounded with beautiful landscapes.  Inside the pagoda, there are fine mural paintings and stained glass panels that depict the story of King Maha Janaka, which was believed to be one of the past incarnations of the Buddha. King Maha Janaka was revered as a model of patience and perseverance.

Kittisirichai Buddha Image  
The Kittisirichai Buddha Image was built by the people in Prachaub Keereekhan Province to commemorate the 60th Birthday Anniversary of H.M. Queen Sirikit.   

Prince Chumporn Shrine
Prince Chumporn Shrine, which faces the sea, is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Prince Chumporn (1880-1923) was one of the sons of King Chulalongkorn who was named “Father of the Royal Thai Navy”, as he laid down the foundation for the modernization of the Royal Thai Navy.  The shrine was once used as a temporary residence of the Prince when he was on a naval mission in the province.

San Luang Poo Muang Shrine
The shrine, situated in front of Keeree Waree, is dedicated to the Venerable Luang Poo Muang; a former abbot of  Wat Kongkaram Temple who lived in the Reign of King Chulalongkorn. He was highly respected by the local people for his active involvement in the development of Buddhist activities in the area. He discovered the old site of Wat Tham Keereewong, and developed it into a major temple. King Chulalongkorn  (1853-1910) once came to the temple to pay respect to the Venerable Luang Poo Muang.  Local residents usually bring black coffee, assorted desserts, fruit and flowers to offer to the shrine.  Another shrine is located nearby. It is called San Ta Yai Shrine, which  is dedicated to the local guardian spirits, where people also go to make offerings of sweets and water. The Prachuab Keereekhan Provincial Administration Office has just completed the building of a new Luang Poo Muang shrine in place of the old one. The opening ceremony of the new shrine was performed on July 5, 2008.

Keeree Waree Garden
Most of the fresh produce used for the preparation of food and beverages, as well as the decorative plants in Keeree Waree Seaside Villa and Spa come from Keeree Waree’s own eco Garden.  The Garden is cultivated in a strict consideration of the environment and the balance of nature. All visitors are most welcome to visit our eco garden, which is open everyday.

Keeree Waree Driving Range
For avid golfers, a 10-minute drive will take you to the Keeree Waree Driving Range, where you can practice your swing amidst the lush green mountains and forests.

Koh Ramra Island
Take a speed boat or a fishing boat and go toward Mount Thong Chai, and you will see a dream-like view of Mahathatchedi Pakdeeprakaat Pagoda and Kittisirichai Buddha Image, with their golden surfaces shining against the lush green background of the mountain.  Then you can take a swim at Koh Ramra Island; a medium-sized stone island, which is situated about one kilometer from the coast.  There is a coral reef called Hin Krood Reef around the island. It is the second largest coral reef in the province where you can go snorkeling to enjoy the underwater world.

Koh Thalu and Koh Singh Islands
Going along the Bang Sapan route to Km. 399 for about 10 kilometers, you will reach a pier where you can take a boat ride to Koh Singh, Koh Sankh and Koh Thalu Islands, which are small islands that are situated close to one another. In this area, there is a diving spot, which covers an area of about 1,600 square meters. It is most suitable for both snorkeling and scuba-diving to see the unspoiled corals.  Koh Thalu Island consists of about 400 acres of land. The eastern side of the island is covered with coral fossils. It is full of various kinds of corals such as stag horn corals, sea anemone, sea fans, and beautiful sea fish. Visitors can also row a kayak around the island. 

Bang Berd
If you stay in the area for more than two days, you should drive to Bang Berd in Sai Thong sub-district, Bang Sapan Noi District, which is on the border of Chumporn Province.  Using the main highways No. 3374 and 3411, you will get to Bang Berd in 30-40 minutes.  There are several interesting spots to see there:

1. Mom Chao Sitthiporn Kridakorn Musuem at Kasetsart University’s Sitthiporn Kridakorn’s Research Center
Prince Sitthiporn Kridakorn (1883-1971) was named “Father of Modern Agriculture” for his pioneer work in integrated farming. He dedicated his life to the development of Thai agriculture and farmers, and because of his lifetime achievement, was given the Magsaysay Award in Public Service in 1967.  His most famous saying that is often quoted is “ Money is an illusion. The real thing is food.”  You will be also impressed to learn about his wife, Mom Sripromma Kridakorn, who courageously stood by her husband throughout the hard times of their lives. Other records and legacies that can be seen in the museum are the old residence of the couple, magazines for Thai farmers that were published by the Prince, the biggest Kapook tree (Ceiba pentandra Gaerth.) in Thailand, etc.

2. Bang Berd Coastal Sand Dune
Bang Berd Coastal Sand Dune is the oldest and biggest sand dune in Thailand. It is one of nature’s wonders, as it takes several thousand years to form such a large sand dune. The sand dune consists of pink, fine-grained sand that lies stretched over nine kilometers from Ban Thamthong, in Sai Thong sub-district, Bang Sapan Noi District in Prachuab Keereekhan Province,  to Pak Klong sub-district, in Pa Thew District in Chumporn Province.  The formation of the dune is the result of various conditions. Sand grains must be fine enough to be blown inland by offshore winds. The wind must blow in the same direction regularly and the velocity must be more than 15 miles/hour. The beachfront must be large enough for the sand deposits to dry. The process takes several thousand years or even 10,000 years to form such a large sand dune. Driving through Bang Berd in Bang Sapan Noi to Pa Thew District in Chumporn province, you can see the pink sand dune alternating with sand dune forests, which is no less fascinating, as more than 150 kinds of rare indigenous trees and plants grow in the area.

Bang Berd Coastal Sand Dune

3. H.M. the King’s Private Royal Development Project in Chumporn Province
This Royal Project was named as one of the 19 outstanding Royal Initiated Projects in 2007. It is situated in a 160-acre coastal land, which was previously presented to Him by the people of Chumporn Province. His Majesty turned the land on the Bang Berd sand dune into a natural conservation project, which aims at the preservation of the coastal sand dune and sand dune forests in the area. A 2,338-meter track was constructed for visitors to take a walk to see the rich variety of plants and animals, with signposts providing the necessary information along the track. Interesting plants in this area are, for examples, ancient species of ferns that used to be eaten for food by dinosaurs;  rare fragrant plants and trees such as Panjum (Vatica odorata Griff Syminington), Dong Dueng or Glory lily (Gloriosa superba L.,  Khima or Resak tembaga (Cotylelobium lanceolatum Craib.) , Samed Chun or Eugenia (Eugenia grata Wight.), etc.  Other projects and activities carried out are a Youth Education Program, which provides information on the native plants and animals for students; essential oils and coconut oils production to increase the commercial values of the local plants, and others.

Old Bang Sapan Gold Mines
The old gold mines in Ron Thong sub-district in Bang Sapan district used to be important gold mines from the Ayutthaya period.  The gold mines were mostly located in the Huay Janghan area. It takes only a 45-minute drive from Keeree Waree to visit this historical mining area.

Tham Ma Rong Cave
Tham Ma Rong Cave is situated in the Wat Khao Ma Rong Temple in Ong Prasart sub-district, which is about 3 kilometers south of Bang Sapan Market. There are several beautiful limestone caves, such as Tham Nam Thip Cave, and Tham Ma Rong Cave. The caves have wide entrances, with beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations.  On the left corner of the cave, a large stalactite resembles a horse’s head can be seen. More than one hundred Buddha images are lined up on both sides of the cave.  A large reclining Buddha image is situated in the inner chamber. There is also a natural well inside the cave, which is called Bor Nam Thip (The Magic Water Well). Water from this well is often used in important royal ceremonies.

Tham Khao Keereewong Cave
The cave is in Bang Sapan District.  From our resort, it takes only 20 minutes by car to get there. The cave is situated in Wat Tham Keereewong Temple, which was once visited by King Chulalongkorn. The initials of His Majesty’s name can still be seen on the cave’s wall.  The cave is a shallow cave with two chambers. The outer chamber is a large hall where the main reclining Buddha image and several other Buddha images are situated.  The inner chamber also contains several Buddha images. At present, Wat Tham Keereewong Temple runs an herb garden, and offers herbal sauna services for visitors.

Dan Singkhorn Border Area
If you come to Ban Krood at weekends, and if you are keen on orchids, you should visit Dan Singkhorn border area, which is situated at the narrowest point between Thai and Myanmar. The distance from Haad Klong Waan Beach on the Gulf of Thailand to the border marker stone is only 12 kilometers.  The nearest town in Myanmar from Dan Singkhorn is Ma-rid or Mergui. In the old days, both Thais and Burmese merchants used the Dan Singkhorn border area as a short cut between the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. At present, it is a place where one can find local products, such as flowering trees and plants, wild orchids, rare herbs, as well as other local products that can be bought at a very good bargain.
Ban Krood Market

Ao Bo Thong Lang Bay
Ao Bor Thong Lang Bay has a white, almost circular beach, with clean and crystal clear water. When the water level recedes, a large area of white beach will appear. The water level is shallow, with small stone islands forming a small bay area.  At low tide, an island called Koh Hua Hin can be reached on foot. In the middle of the bay, a group of stones form a small island similar to the famous Khao Tapoo in Pang-nga Province, providing a rare and beautiful view. Several local restaurants serve fresh seafood in the bay area.

Haad Hin Klom See Chompoo Beach
Haad Hin Klom See Chompoo Beach is a quiet and tranquil spot with a very beautiful and unique feature. The beach is not suitable for swimming. However, it is a rare and unique beach as it consists of pink and round pebbles from the sizes as small as a lime to the size of a watermelon. The surrounding sceneries are also very beautiful. There is a path leading to the top of the mountain, which is not too high, with a lookout point that offers a spectacular view of the sea.

Ao Mae Rampung Bay
The beach at Ao Mae Rampung Bay offers a variety of sceneries, from the shades of pine trees, the mouth of the canal that leads to the sea, mangrove forests, the daily activities of local fishermen, to local seafood restaurants. It is a rest area for tourists who wish to travel to Bang Sapan District. The Mae Rampung Bridge that lies across the main canal provides the most spectacular view of the vast stretch of the sea with the misty Ta Nao See mountain range as the background.

Haad Don Samran Beach

Haad Don Samran is very famous for its natural beauty. It is a very large beach with fine white sand. It is connected with Haad Ban Krood Beach, which, when combined, becomes a very long beach that stretches for miles into the horizon.