For those looking to explore some hidden gems that are within easy reach of Hua Hin, a day trip to Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest followed by a stop in Pak Nam Pran offers a perfect blend of nature and culture.
This visit provides an opportunity to discover a unique ecosystem and indulge in some of the region’s most beloved traditional Thai desserts.
Discovering Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest
When most people think of Pranburi, their minds often drift to its long beachfront, fresh seafood restaurants, and charming resorts. However, the area also boasts a significant natural treasure: the Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Ecosystem Learning Centre, which is an essential stop for nature enthusiasts and those keen to understand more about the region’s diverse ecosystems.
The Sirinart Rajini Mangrove forest is Thailand’s first learning centre dedicated to the restoration of mangrove forests from abandoned shrimp farms.
Situated in the Khlong Kao-Khlong Khoi National Forest Reserve in Pak Nam Pran, the centre was established following a royal initiative by King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Queen Sirikit.
The project aimed to rejuvenate an area once dominated by shrimp farms, transforming it into a thriving mangrove forest. Today, thanks to support from PTT Public Company Limited and local authorities, this area has been successfully restored and now serves as an educational hub for visitors.
The centre is divided into several zones, including the Commemorative Building and Visitor Service Zone, the Natural Trail Route Zone, and the Education Zone. The nature trail, in particular, is a highlight, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the lush surroundings. As you walk along the trail, you’ll be greeted by the sight of red mangroves and Rhizophora trees, with the gentle sunlight filtering through the canopy above. The trail is well-marked, with educational signs providing insights into the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
During the walk, you might spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, crabs, small fish, and mudskippers, all thriving in this rich habitat. Another popular activity, especially during the rainy season, is kayaking through the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to experience the area from a different perspective.
Kayaking tours, while free of charge, are only available on selected dates and spaces are limited. When the next tours are scheduled, we will share information about them on our Facebook page and website.
It’s worth noting that visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by not littering or disturbing the wildlife. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in coastal protection and serve as nurseries for many marine species, making their preservation vital.
A sweet stop in Pak Nam Pran
After a morning spent exploring the mangrove forest, a short drive to Pak Nam Pran offers the perfect opportunity to sample some traditional Thai desserts. One standout spot is Grandma’s Recipe by Chaba, a well-known dessert shop that is a firm favourite not only among locals but also with visitors.
The shop is famous for its Khanom Thuai, a traditional Thai dessert made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. This dessert is cooked and served in small ceramic cups, giving it a distinctive appearance.
At Grandma’s Recipe, the Khanom Thuai is prepared with fresh coconut milk, creating a fragrant and creamy topping that pairs perfectly with the smooth, chewy texture of the base, made from aromatic palm sugar. The result is a dessert that is not overly sweet but richly satisfying—a perfect treat after a day of exploration.
Despite its high quality, the dessert is affordably priced at just 20 baht per box, making it an accessible delight for all. The shop, which produces approximately 3,000 portions daily, has become a must-visit destination for those in the area. For those unable to visit in person, the shop also has a location opposite the palace in Hua Hin.
The shop is conveniently located on Soi Surapana in Pak Nam Pran, and is open from 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it an ideal stop either at the beginning or end of your trip. With its roadside parking and friendly service, Grandma’s Recipe by Chaba offers a quintessential taste of traditional Thai desserts, making it a fitting conclusion to a day immersed in nature and culture.
Practical information for your trip:
Sirinart Rajini Mangrove Forest
Opening Hours: 08:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: 0-3263-2255, 08-6607-7712
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nX8Xt9gr2kyCb1Eq6
Grandma’s Recipe by Chaba
Opening Hours: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact: 08-9741-7507
📍 Pak Nam Pran: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zvZztBSwdeXaKcJz7
📍 Hua Hin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UogwEpUiCwxCXkm56
