PETCHABURI

Petchaburi, 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 temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local food.

Attractions
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park - This covers a hilly area with an old palace and historical temples in the vicinity of the town. This summer palace was built by King Rama VI in 1860. It was named “Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace”, but the folk usually call it “Khao Wang”. It consists of royal halls, temples and groups of buildings, constructed mostly in harmonious Thai, Western neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles. The Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum on the western hilltop exhibits some royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures, and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe. To reach the hilltop, one can either walk or take a cable car.

Lao Song or Thai Song Dam Tribal Villages – These are found in many vicinities in Amphoe Khao Yoi, particularly at Ban Nong Prong and Ban Thap Khang. Their ancestors have migrated from Laos. Their old customs and traditions are occasionally practiced. In April, they organize their own social events with entertainment and folk plays.

Kaeng Krachan National Park – This is the most extensive national park of Thailand occupying an area of 2,915 square kilometers and still largely unexplored. The national park office is located, 3 kms beyond Kaeng Krachan Dam. It was declared a national park on June 12, 1981, with clearly defined areas for a reservoir and year round green jungle in Tanaosi Ranges, which are the origins of many rivers. The area is also rich in flora and fauna and has an 18-level waterfall named Namtok Tho Thip. About 54 kms. from the park office on the Sai Wang Won – Namtok Tho Thip route, there is a viewpoint affording magnificent views of misty mountains in the morning and suitable for bird and butterfly watching. Rafting along the Phetchaburi River takes some 6 hours, passing rapids and several smaller rivers.

Hat Cha-am – This beautiful beach, twinned with Hua Hin of Phrachuap Khiri Khan. Cha-am was originally a small fishing village. After a royal palace was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama VI, the land was occupied by the royal family and the elite. Today, it is very popular among Thais who love superb seafood and comfortable hotel or bungalow accommodation.

Marukhathaiyawan Palace – This summer palace, referred to as “the palace of love and hope” is located between Cha-Am and Hua Hin. It was built under the royal command of King Rama VI in the year 1923, with the materials from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. It is a two-storeyed wooden pavilion with series of halls linking each other, and a long corridor leading to the sea.

Major Event
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair – This fair takes place around February each year to celebrate Phra Nakhon Khiri, the hill-top historical site in the Phetchaburi Town. A light and sound presentation celebrating local history is one of the attractions of this popular fair.