Phetchaburi

Lying on the northwestern shore of the Gulf of Thailand with the area of about 6,225 square kilometers, Phetchaburi is one of the central provinces of Thailand. The province shares border with Myanmar to the west, where the mountainous dense jungles peaks, Tanaosri Range serves as natural border between Thailand and Myanmar while the eastern region of the province is a long coastline of 80km towards the Gulf of Thailand. It is 160km to the south of Bangkok and consists of eight districts including Cha-am, Muang, Khao Yoi, Ban Lat, Tha Yang, Ban Laem, Kaeng Krachn and Nong Ya Plong.

Phetchaburi is an old royal city which is believed to have Indian roots for its names due to the Indian influence for more than a millennia. It had given some names as Phripphli, Phripphri or Phetchaphli. According to findings, the city dates back to the 8th century, during the Dvaravati Period. It used to be a strategic royal fort town under the prosperous Ayutthaya Kingdom with fine old temples. In the Ratanakosin era, the city was changed into a town of charming beauty, with superb natural reserves and tranquil seaside resorts. Many kings established their retreats here with three palaces which made Phetchaburi known for the city of the three palaces.

Phetchaburi has become an attractive destination for its abundant attractions. It features with ancient temples, magnificent palaces, splendid historical parks, beautiful beaches, wonderful caves along with various kinds of local foods and fresh seafood. It is known for the tree called “Tann”, in which has a priceless pagoda named “Phra Nakhon Khiri” or “Khao Wang” with an important historical palace “Wang Ban Puen” inside which was constructed under the King Rama IV. You can see many old temples in the province as Wat Khao Bandai, Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Wat Tham Khao Luang, and Wat Kamphaeng Laeng, etc. This is also a relaxing place with a lot of national parks and beaches, including Kaeng Krachan National Park, which hosts a reservoir overlooking the picturesque scenery of the island, Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park with royal halls, temples and palace inside, and beautiful beaches as Hat Chao-Samran, Hat Laem-Luang, Hat Puek-Tian and Hat Cha-am, etc. The city is also a popular resort town with Cha-am, a beach resort with best amenities and services.

Come to visit Phetchaburi, it’s shortcoming if you don’t enjoy its local products, the famous variety of sweets. Many kinds of sweet with different tastes as Mo-kaeng, A-lua, Thong Yip, Thong Yot and Foi Thong. Local dishes, fruits which are abundant are also popular in this region. If you love the province’s culture, you can join in activities in popular traditions as “Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair” (February) which takes place to commemorate an significant history and “Thai Song Dam Festival” (18 April) which has a merit-making ceremony and interesting activities as folk plays and the authentic Thai cuisine, etc.