Phetchaburi

PHETCHABURI

Phetchaburi, an important royal fort during the Ayutthaya period, now serves as a major stop for sightseeing before continuing down south by road or rail to other beach towns in Southern Thailand. The province is worth visiting for its splendid historical park and ancient temple, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local food.

Phetchaburi occupies an area of 6,225 square kilometres, characterised by thick jungles and mountain ranges lying in the west as a border between Thailand and Myanmar, and 80 km. long coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand in the east.

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Phetchaburi is divided into 8 districts (Amphoes): Muang Phechaburi, Ban Laem, Ban Lat, Cha- am, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yoi, Nong Ya Plong and Tha Yang.

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Hat Cha-am



The premier beach resort of Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful as the neighboring Hua Hin Beach. Located approximately 163 kilometers south of Bangkok, 40 kilometers south of Phetchaburi and 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin, the beach is famous for being long and clean. In addition, it serves excellent fresh seafood. Originally a fishing village, Cha-am received much attention after the royal palace, Maruekhathaiyawan, was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama VI. At that time, the Royal Family and the elite occupied the land in Hua Hin and its vicinity as a holiday seaside resort. When people started looking around for twin seaside resort town for Hua Hin, Cha-ams beauty was discovered and quickly developed.

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park



Phetchaburi's well-known landmark, the locally known as Khao Wang (Palace Hill) is located up on a 92-meter high verdant hill, in the city of Phetchaburi. It was built under the royal command of King Rama IV and in 1860 became his summer palace. The whole compound is comprised of royal halls, palaces, temples and other buildings which were elegantly constructed in a well-balanced Thai, neoclassical Western and Chinese architectural styles.


Tham Khao Luang



The cave is located approximately five kilometers from Khao Wang. Smaller in size, the cave is regarded as the largest and most important in the province. This is due to the fact that it houses a Buddha image cast under the royal command of King Rama V as a dedication to King Rama III and King Rama IV. At the foot of Khao Luang Hill, a large monastery locally known asWat Tham Klaep or Wat Bun-thawi is located. Attractions within the compound are a large multi-purpose hall and a chapel laden with beautifully carved door panels.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan



Situated by Maenam Phetchaburi in the town centre, the large white pagoda of Wat Maha That, which can be seen from a distance, is a mixture of the late Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin style with an adaptation of the prang of Lopburi. This Five Peak Prang housing the Lord Buddha's relics was constructed according to concept of Mahayana Buddhism. The elegantly designed stucco decorated on the viharn and the ubosot is proof to the excellent skill of Phetchaburi's local craftsmanship.

Marukhathaiyawan Palace


The summer seaside palace, often referred to as "the palace of love and hope is located midway between Cha-am and Hua Hin. It was built in 1923 under the royal command of King Rama VI using golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. An Italian architect designed the palace with a dazzling composition of verandahs and latticework in regal proportions.


Wat Yai Suwannaram



Another important temple in the town, Wat Yai Suwannaram is situated 1 kilometer east of the city hall. The temple, featuring a windowless main shrine hall, houses magnificent 300-year-old murals of mythical angels. Its Sala Kanprian (multi-purpose hall) which was once located in Ayutthaya's Grand Palace, was entirely built of teakwood and decorated with fine woodwork especially at the door panels. There is also a preaching throne with magnificently elaborated Bangkok style woodcarvings and gold gilt works located in the hall.

Wat Kamphaeng Lang



This monastery was originally a Khmer place of worship constructed in accordance with Bhramanism. Originally, there were five prangs (Khmer-style pagoda) made of sandstone in the original worshiping place. When the influence of Buddhism in the region prevailed, it was turned into a Buddhist temple. A Shrine hall was later constructed. Today, visitors can only admire the remaining four prangs which remain next to the sandstone walls.

Hat Puek Tian



This wide and long beach is popular among local tourists. It is 7 kilometers south of Hat Chao Samran.

Ko Nai Luang
Ko Nai Luang or Ko Phlap Phla is a small island in Khuean Kaeng Krachan Reservoir. The island takes its name from the fact that it formerly housed a pavilion for King Bhumibol, once when he visited Kaeng Krachan. In 1973, the King visited the area with Queen Sirikit and his royal family. At that time, a bamboo pavilion was built for them. The province then built a replica to replace the original version. Historical photos of the royal visit are also displayed. Flags and other decorations replicate the event’s atmosphere, when people welcomed the King, the Queen and the royal family. Visitors will enjoy the refreshing breeze and relaxing atmosphere of the reservoir. In addition, the area around Ko Nai Luang has been developed into a preservation and study area for fresh water fish, where no fishing is permitted.

Sirindhorn International Environment Park
Sirindhorn International Environment Park is located within the precincts of Fort Phra Ram Hok, Tambon Cha-am on Phetchakasem Road. It is accessible by the same route as Phra Ratchaniwet Mrigadayavan. It was established in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on her 48th birthday anniversary in 2005, with an aim to revive as well as develop the environment of the mangrove forest, beach forest, and mixed deciduous forest that provide a natural habitat for various kinds of fauna in the area back into its original fertility. It was also intended to be a centre of knowledge, publicity, and training of an international standard on the conservation of energy, natural resources and environment, as well as promotion of ecotourism in order to stimulate and implant public awareness in the significance of the conservation of energy and environment for sustainable development. The knowledge and experience gained can be applied in daily life. Spots of interest within the Park include:

Hup Kraphong
This is the place where the Hup Kraphong Royal Development Project is located. King Bhumibhol initiated the project in 1962 with the support of Israel to help local farmers experiencing agricultural difficulties as a result from infertile soil. Several studies on soil improvement, various crash crops and production efficiency have been conducted. This is one Thailand's leading Royal Projects where travelers can visit to purchase farm produce, crafts (usually made of hemp) and folk art products which have been exported to many Asian and European countries.

Kaeng Krachan National Park
The most extensive national park of Thailand, occupying a largely unexplored area of 2,915 square kilometers (1.7 million rai of land), Kaeng Krachan was declared a national park on 12 June 1981. The park is located 53.5 kilometers from the city and is 3 kilometers beyond Khuean Kaeng Krachan (Kaeng Krachan Dam).

Kaeng Krachan Dam
This Dam is located 53 kms. southwest of the town along the Phetchaburi-Tha Yang-Kaeng Krachan route. The construction was completed in 1996. It is 58 metres high and 760 metres long, overlooking beautiful scenery of the reservoir and its islands.

Hat Laem Luang
This white sandy beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers, is located 4 kilometers north of Hat Chao Samran and is crowded during weekends.

Hat Chao Samran
This beach, which is located approximately 15 kilometers from Phetchaburi Market, has a history that can be traced back to the Ayutthaya Era. The name Hat Chao Samran meaning Royal Leisure Beach was derived as a result of several visits for extended periods of time made by King Naresuan the Great and his brother, King Ekathotsarot.

BRG Adventure Park
BRG Adventure Park at Khao Yoi offers challenging sport activities including sliding, crossing a Tyrolean traverse, via ferrata, and abseiling 100 meters. All activities are under the supervision of well-trained staff. Contact 02 434 610002 435 5797 for more details.

Rafting along the Phetchaburi River
The trip takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete, depending on the current. The route passes lush forests and a Karen hill tribe Village. The journey from Phetchaburi City to the starting point may take approximately 3 hours on a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Call 02 918 6067 or 034 410695 for more details.


Cha-Am Magic Show
Magic Show, Show times: daily at 08.00 pm. at CHA-AM MAGIC SHOW (โรงละครดิน), Phetkasem Road, Tambon Cha-am, Amphoe Cha-am, PhetchaburiMore details; contact tel: 081 696 6921, 083 808 1094

Wat Khao Takhrao
The temple, which is located at Ban Laem District, 12 kilometers from Phetchaburi City, houses a highly respected sitting Buddha image locally known as "Luang Pho Khao Takhrao". The image was found at the mouth of Maenam Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram Province by Ban Laem villagers, who migrated from Ban Laem to Samut Songkhram during the fall of Ayutthaya in order to move away from the route of the Burmese troops.

Lao Song Tribal Villages
The descendents of Lao Song, whose ancestors have migrated from Laos, live in the villages of Ban Nong Prong and Ban Thap Khang. Their customs and traditions have been preserved and are still practiced. In April, they organize social events with entertainment and folk plays.