- NOV - FEB31°19°
Cool and dry
- MAR - MAY36°25°
Hot season
- JUN - OCT32°24°
Rainy season

Kui Buri
Kui Buri is a modest coastal and forested district in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, southern Thailand, best known internationally as home to Kui Buri National Park, widely regarded as the single best place in all of Thailand to spot wild elephants in their natural habitat. Established in 1999 and spanning 969 square kilometers of montane forest bordering Myanmar, the park shelters an estimated 250 to 320 wild Asian elephants organized in around 20 family herds, giving visitors an almost guaranteed 95% sighting rate on any given afternoon safari. Beyond its flagship wildlife experience, Kui Buri District encompasses beautiful coastal terrain, a sleepy market town, and a position between two other important national parks: Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to the south and the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex to the north, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. The district sits approximately 85 kilometers south of the popular beach resort of Hua Hin, making it an excellent half-day or full-day excursion for those based along the Gulf Coast. Kui Buri's understated, non-touristy character is a significant part of its appeal: this is authentic Thai nature conservation at its finest, where wild animals truly roam free.
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Quick facts about Kui Buri
Local weather
℉℃Time zone
GMT +07:00
No time difference
Official languages
Thai
FAQs about Kui Buri
What is the best time to visit Kui Buri?
What is the best time to visit Kui Buri?
The park is open year-round and elephant sightings are reported in every season. However, the cool and dry season from November to February offers the most comfortable conditions, with elephants frequently venturing to open meadows and waterholes in the afternoon. Rainy season visits (June to October) are possible but open truck safaris can be wet; poncho hire is available at the park. Arrive at the Huai Luek Ranger Station by 2 pm to ensure a spot on a safari truck.
How do I get to Kui Buri?
How do I get to Kui Buri?
Kui Buri is located 85 km south of Hua Hin and 60 km north of Prachuap Khiri Khan city. From Hua Hin, taxis and private transfers take about 1 hour (minimum 2,000 THB return). From Bangkok, take a train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Hua Lamphong to Prachuap Khiri Khan (about 5 to 6 hours), then hire a local taxi to the park (approximately 30 minutes). Many Hua Hin hotels arrange day trips with guided transportation.
How do I get around Kui Buri?
How do I get around Kui Buri?
Once at the Huai Luek Ranger Station, all wildlife viewing is done aboard park pickup trucks driven by ranger guides. Visitors cannot drive independently within the wildlife viewing area. Entry to the wildlife watching zone costs 200 THB per adult (foreigners) and 100 THB per child, plus 850 THB per vehicle for the guided safari truck (up to 6 people). Binoculars are highly recommended and can be rented at the ranger station.
What are the best areas to stay in Kui Buri?
What are the best areas to stay in Kui Buri?
Most wildlife enthusiasts base themselves in Hua Hin, which offers the widest range of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, and arrange a taxi or tour to the national park for the afternoon safari. Within Kui Buri District itself, accommodation is very limited; basic guesthouses are available in Kui Buri town. The national park has a small three-bedroom bungalow for rent (1,800 THB per night), which must be booked through the park office and provides the closest access to morning and afternoon wildlife activity.