Ban Krut is the antidote to overdeveloped Thai beach towns. Stretched along approximately 8 kilometers of Gulf of Thailand coastline in the Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province, this fishing village delivers what travel brochures promise but rarely deliver: wide white sand lined with coconut palms, warm emerald water, and almost no one on the beach — even on weekends. The town's name derives from the bergamot oranges (มะกรูด, má grùut) that once grew abundantly in the area. The beach runs from a fishing village at the foot of Thong Chai Mountain — topped with the dramatic Wat Tang Sai temple and its 9 pagodas built in 1996 to commemorate King Bhumibol's 50th anniversary — to a quieter stretch of coast to the south. The local fishing community keeps seafood absurdly fresh and cheap. Ban Krut has its own train station with direct connections from Bangkok's Krungthep Apiwat Central Station (Special Express #43, departing 07:30, arriving just after midday).

The 350 Baht Seafood Feast

Sunday Market Seafood Crawl

Raan Pa Jum (Aunt Jum's Restaurant)

Evening squid boats

Kilometers of wide white sand backed by coconut palms. The water turns emerald blue from March to May. Even on weekends you can walk for 20 minutes and see maybe five other people. No jet skis, no beach vendors, no noise — just waves.

Ban Krut Beach

Built in 1996 on top of Thong Chai Mountain to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's accession to the throne. The temple complex features 9 pagodas (representing the 9th king of the Chakri dynasty), a 15-metre tall golden Buddha statue, and panoramic views of the coastline stretching north toward Prachuap Khiri Khan and south toward Bang Saphan. Considered one of the most beautiful temple settings in Thailand. Open daily from 9:00 AM, free admission.

Wat Tang Sai (Wat Thang Sai)

Every Sunday the beach road transforms into a walking market. Stalls open around 3 PM (too hot earlier) and the road fills up by 5 PM. Grilled squid, fried mussels, baked shrimp with glass noodles — all from 40 THB. Draws visitors from across the province.

Ban Krut Sunday Market

The far southern end of Ban Krut Beach where the fishing community lives. A few family-run restaurants serve seafood caught that morning. Swim in the sea while they cook your food. This is Ban Krut at its most authentic.

Fisherman's End of the Beach

A stunning 4-kilometer wide bay located about 18 km south of Ban Krut along the Beach Road. Fine sand and shallow water, and at low tide a sandbar forms leading to a small offshore island — you can walk to it. Much quieter than Ban Krut Beach itself.

Bo Thong Lang Bay

A temple known for its caves, located near Bo Thong Lang Bay south of Ban Krut. Popular with visitors exploring the southern stretch of the coast. The cave temple offers a cool escape from the midday heat.

Wat Khao Tham Ma Rong

Best budget option in Ban Krut. Rooms are 300 meters from the beach (4-minute walk) surrounded by palm trees and tropical gardens. Large rooms with soft beds that feel like they should cost 1,200–1,500 THB. Multi-night discounts available (800 THB for 4+ nights).

Sisina Resort

Direct beachfront bungalows among coconut palms — the postcard version of Thailand. New access road recently built. The classic paradise image: wake up, walk 10 steps, you're on white sand with blue water in front of you.

Ratchawadee Ban Krut Resort

Charcoal-fired Thai barbecue where you pick your own fresh seafood and grill it at your table under a tamarind tree. Crab, scallops, large prawns with eggs, glass noodles, vegetables, and pork — all for 270 THB. The charcoal flavor makes everything taste better than gas-grilled alternatives.

Moo Kata Seafood BBQ (by the tamarind tree)

A fisherman's restaurant at the very end of Ban Krut Beach. The owner catches the seafood herself. Tom Yum with shrimp, squid, and fish for 100 THB — possibly the best value seafood in all of Thailand. You can swim in the sea while they prepare your order.

Raan Pa Jum (Aunt Jum's)

Not a restaurant but a weekly food experience. Every Sunday the beach road fills with stalls selling grilled squid (40–50 THB), deep fried mussels (50 THB), baked shrimp with glass noodles (40 THB), and local favorites. Eat on the beach facing the sunset.

Things to do in Ban Krut

Travel further from Ban Krut