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Phetchaburi
General Information
Phetchaburi, locally known by Thais as Muang Phetch, is located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok. One of Thailands central region provinces, Phetchaburi is situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand with an overall area of approximately 6,225 square kilometers. Its terrains throughout the western border, where Tanaosri Range lies as a natural border between Thailand and Myanmar, are mountainous dense jungles. In the east, there is an 80-kilometer long coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand.
A very old city which used to be an important royal fort town, Phetchaburi had been given several names such as, Phripphri, Phripphli or Phetchaphli. Some historians have gone as far as to say that Phetchaburi could have been named in Indian style, as the Indian influence in those days day was strong. Others put forward the idea that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from Maenam Phetch the most important river of the town.
Whatever the assumptions are, the fact that Phetchaburi is an ancient city with a very long history is undeniable. This has been proven by many archaeological findings which could be dated back to the Dvaravati Period.
During Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms, Phetchaburi was a strategic royal fort in the west. Only a lineage of Kings had the rights to rule this historical city. That is why Phetchaburi has been called by some scholars as the "Living Ayutthaya" as the town shares many similar things to the City of Ayutthaya. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom can be seen and appreciated in Phetchaburi's wealth of fine old temples.
In the Rattanakosin Era, Phetchaburi has changed its character to a town of charming beauty, with peaceful seaside resorts and superb natural reserves. The three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama IV, V, and VI established their retreats here. They built the three palaces namely Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan in Phetchaburi thus, Phetchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang (the city of the three Palaces). The province is also well known for its splendid historical park, ancient temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local and fresh seafood. Phetchaburi also has a popular resort town, Cha-am which is the premier beach resort in the province.
The majority of the local residents are engaged in agricultural activities including rice farming, upland crop farming, fruit farming, palm sugar production, animal husbandry and sea and fresh water fisheries.
There are three important Maenam in Phetchaburi including "Maenam Phetchaburi with an overall length of 227 kilometers, "Maenam Bang Kloy", with an overall length of 44 kilometers, and "Maenam Bang Tabun", with an overall length of 18 kilometers.
Symbol
The provincial seal shows the Khao Wang palace in the background. In front are rice fields bordered by two palm tree, symbolizing the major crops in the province.
Provincial tree is Eugenia cumini.
Getting there
By Car
From Bangkok, Drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No. 4 to Phetchaburi Province. The total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.
By Bus
From Bangkok, There are buses leaving regularly from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi for 50 baht (ordinary) on the new road, 46 baht on the old road (via Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom), 60 baht for 2nd Class air-conditionedditioned and 75 baht for 1st Class air-conditioned. The bus takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach the destination. Contact 0 2435 1199-200 or Phetchaburi Tour, Tel: 0 2435 7408 for more details.
By Bus to Cha-am and Hua Hin, There are several buses depart from Phetchaburi's city, fares ranging from 18 baht (25 air-conditioned) to 22 bahts (31 air-conditioned). It takes 60 and 90 minutes to reach the destinations respectively.
By Train
From Bangkok, Trains leave Bangkok's Hualamphong Station at 12.20 p.m. (rapid train), 2.15 and 2.35 p.m. (special express), 3.50, 5.35 and 6.20 p.m. (rapid trains), 7.15 p.m. (express), 10.30 and 10.50 p.m. (express diesel railcar). All these trains offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd class seating except for the 2.35 p.m. special express (1st and 2nd class only) and the 10.30 and 10.50 p.m. express diesel railcar (2nd class only) and take about three hours to reach Phetchaburi. Fares are 34 baht, 78 baht and 153 baht, not including rapid or express surcharges. Call 1690 or visit www.railway.co.th for more details.
There is no ordinary train service between Hualamphong and Phetchaburi, but there are three ordinary 3rd class trains daily from Thonburi (Bangkok Noi) Station at 7.45 a.m. and 1.30 and 2.00 p.m. (34 baht, no surcharges).
Getting Around Phetchaburi and Cha-am
Samlors and taxis (motorcycles) can go anywhere in the center of town for 20 baht. It is possible to charter one for the whole day for 150 baht. Shared songthaews cost 6 baht around town including to and from the railway station.
Festivals
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as Khao Wang, is an important historical site. During the reign of King Rama IV, it served as the king's out-of-town palace.
To celebrate Phetchaburi's cultural heritage-particular Phra Nakhon Khiri-the people of Phetchaburi hold the Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair regularly around the end of February at Khao Wang Compound.
The five-day fair presents a parade of people enacting the procession of monarchs who ruled Phetchaburi; during the Dvaravati and Srivijaya Periods. Apart from that, there are exhibitions on Phetchaburi's history and archaeological objects. Cooking demonstrations on the provinces famous dishes and sweetmeats are among the main attractions of the fair. Also featured are various kinds of entertainment and contests.
Thai Song Dam Festival
Thai Song Dam Festival, a merit-making at Song Dam Village, Khao Yoi district. Games, entertainment and the authentic cuisine of Thai Song Dam villagers is all on offer. Many villagers wear their traditional costumes a sight rarely seen today. The festival is held annually on April 18.
Interesting Products
Khao Chae
Khao Chae (rice served with ice and sweetened meat) is a renowned local dish and is popular during the summer season as it cools you down. Khanomchin Thotman (rice noodles with fishcakes) is also a popular dish.
Phetchaburi Fruits
Phetchaburi Fruits Fruits from every season are found here and the most famous are sweet and aromatic Chom Phu (rose apple), fresh Palm seed, pineapple from Don Khun Huai, cantaloupe and also the well-known goldn banana from Amphoe Tha Yang.
Sweets
The most famous souvenir of the province is sweets made of tanot (palm) sugar, flour, eggs and coconut cream. In the city and along Highway No. 4 are numerous sweet shops with names starting with the word Mae that are Thai dessert specialists, particularly in Phetchaburis specialty Khanom Mo Kaeng. In addition, Thong Yot, Thong Yip, Foi Thong, and Khanom Tan are also popular purchases.
Other souvenirs include womens accessories and housewares made of hemp, palm sugar products and a large variety of preserved fruits.
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