Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:00

 

Pak Nam Prasae is located in Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. This historic riverside community dates back to the Ayutthaya period and sits at the mouth of the Prasae River, where this vital waterway meets the Gulf of Thailand. Once a bustling river port and hub of small-scale fisheries, it has evolved into an eco-tourism destination that blends traditional ways of life with the calm charm of a riverside village.

 

The community is interlaced with canals that flow to the sea, creating a rich ecosystem ideal for small-scale fishing, brackish-water fish-cage farming, and shrimp ponds. The village has preserved its traditional character: most residents work in agriculture and fisheries, growing coconuts and mangoes and producing local products such as fish sauce, shrimp paste, and dried fish.

 

One of the most revered sites is the Prince of Chumphon Shrine (Somdet Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak) at the river mouth. Inside stands a life-size statue of the “Father of the Royal Thai Navy.” It is a place of worship for locals and visitors and is open from 07:00 – 18:00.

 

Nearby is the HTMS Prasae, a decommissioned naval ship now displayed as an open-air museum on the black-sand beach. Exhibits cover naval history and maritime knowledge. This area is also the start of a mangrove nature trail with wooden boardwalks of over 1 km, perfect for river and mangrove views in the late afternoon.

 

Laem Son Beach features fine sand stretching all the way to Laem Mae Phim. The municipality has landscaped the area to be clean and shady, ideal for relaxing or cycling along the coast. On the opposite side is Prasae Beach, close to the HTMS Prasae memorial, another great spot for sunsets.

 

Another highlight is the Thung Prong Thong mangrove boardwalk, which winds for over 2 km through mangrove forests to the vast golden-green field of prong trees that glow under the afternoon sun. The highest viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of the river mouth and sea.

 

Visitors can also stop by the Eastern Plant Species Conservation Center (under the Botanical Garden Organization) in Moo 2, Chak Phong Subdistrict. Spanning more than 830 rai, it conserves rare species such as pruat, white samet, and krajood (used for weaving). It’s ideal for eco-learning. Inquiries: 038-638981 or 038-638880-1.

 

Ban Chamrung Community is a model sufficiency-economy village in Noen Kho Subdistrict. It promotes eating local vegetables such as butterfly pea flowers, climbing wattle, wild betel leaves, and gotu kola. “Som Tam Chamrung” has become a village icon where visitors can taste local dishes. Tel. 087-103-0482 or 038-866-237.

 

At night, you can take a boat or raft to see fireflies along the Prasae River and experience canal-side life after dark. Several homestays and guesthouses are available throughout the area.

 

Getting There: From Klaeng District, take Sukhumvit Road (Rayong – Chanthaburi) for about 12 km to the Prasae three-way junction, then turn right into Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict. It’s roughly 60 km from Rayong town, or about a 3.5-hour drive from Bangkok.

 

 

A: It is in Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, about 60 km from Rayong town.

 

A: Thung Prong Thong, HTMS Prasae, Laem Son Beach, the Prince of Chumphon Shrine, and Ban Chamrung community.

 

A: November – February offers cooler weather, great for boat trips and sunsets.

 

A: Yes. Options include Baan Sudsakorn, Maha Samut Boutique, Baan Chanachon, and Amara Homestay, many with boat tours and fresh seafood.

 

A: Yes. It takes around 3.5 hours by car with clear signage along the route.

 

A: Khrua Siwali and Rim Lay are popular choices by the river/sea, known for fresh seafood and scenic views.

 

A: Stroll along the Thung Prong Thong mangrove boardwalk, take a raft to see fireflies, and learn about the local fishery way of life year-round.