PHETCHABURI

General Information How to get there Festival Activities PHETCHABURI : General Information             Phetchaburi, locally known by Thais as Muang Phetch, is located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok.

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    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.

PHETCHABURI : How to get there

PHETCHABURI : Festival & Event

Phra Nakhon Khiri Muang Phet Fair
Date : 10 - 19 April 2009
Venue : Khao Wang and Around the City Limit of Phetchaburi

"Khao Wang" is a hill located in the heart of Phetchaburi city, it is the location of frist hill palace of Thailand. "Phra Nakhon Khiri" palace was built by King Chomklao (Mongkut), or the Rama IV reign, in 1859, with Chao Phaya Sri Suriyawong (Chuang Bunnag) was the chief architect. It was builtl with a palace temple, Wat Phra Keo Noi, a stupa, to contain the relics of Lord Buddha named by the Kings as Chompetch relics and planted temple trees on both sides connecting the three hills and the group of the throne halls.

Phra Nakhon Khiri is a main tourist attraction of Phetchaburi with importance in  history, culture and natural beauty. In 1935 it was registered as a historical place and in 1979 was declared as a national museum of the monument type. every year from Febuary through April the temple trees on Khao Wang hill almost 200 years old numbering 1,263 trees all showed off more than one million flowers.

Phra Nakhon Khiri or Khao Wang hill has been the place of the annual fair of Phetchaburi continuously up to 22 times. In 2009 it will reach the 150th anniversary. The 2009 annual fair uses the concept of "150th Anniversary to Mark King Rama IV" scheduled to be held from April 10-19, 2009 at Khao Wang and around the city limit of Phetchaburi. It combines with the Phetchaburi Red Cross Fair for the public and tourists to participate in the activities and make merits with the Phetchaburi Red Cross Society.

Activities at Phra Nakhon Khiri - Phetchaburi City
The ceremony is to worship the city pillar shrine/the ancestral kings, exhibition to honor the ancestral kings and sustainable economy, the performances of Department of Fine Arts, a parade to honor the kings and the Phetchaburi way of life. Performances on the central stage, a contest of sweet Phetchaburi beauties, demonstration of foods and local sweets, ox chariot racing, decoration of lights and fairworks on Khao Wang each night. They will set up booths selling OTOPs at the fair, set up sales booths at the Red Cross fair and selling Phetchaburi Red Cross raffle to win the cup of HRH Princess Somdet Phrathep Rattanasuda Siam Baromratch Kumari.

Worshipping Ceremony
09.00 hrs. - Ceremony to worship the city pillar shrine at the shrine ground.
09.39 hrs. - Ceremony to worship the ancestral kings, the King Ramas IV (King Mongkut),
                    V and VI reigns at the yard in front of Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
Dress Code : Normal white dress

Opening ceremony at the yard in front of Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang)
09.00 hrs. - Honorable guests and ceremonial participants get together at the ceremonial area.
20.00 hrs. - Chairman arrives at the ceremonial area.
                 - Music band plays the propitious song.
20.09 hrs. - Phetchaburi governor addresses the audience to open the fair
                   and gives souvenirs souvenirs to the fair supporters.
                 - Ceremonial chairman performs the opening ceremony.
                 - Chairman reviews the honoring parade.
                 - Chairman visits the activities on Khao Wang.
Dress Code : Batik clothes.

PHETCHABURI : Activities

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

Maruekhathaiyawan 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. The palace is a two-storied wooden pavilion with a series of connecting halls and a long corridor leading to the sea. Residential halls of royal family members are on the right wing while those for royal retainers are on the left wing. The central group of halls consists of royal drawing, sitting and reading rooms. In addition, a two-story, open pavilion located next to the central hall was once used as a royal meeting place and theatre. Two famous plays performed in 1941 for King Rama VI were Phra Ruang and Wiwah Phra Samut. The palace is open to the public daily, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 90 baht per person.

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:
 
         Energy for Environment Centrepublicizes knowledge about energy and conservation of energy and the environment through a “Two Ways Communication” exhibition, which is divided into 8 stations. Each station features a different form of presentation; such as, model, replica, demonstration, and try-out. There are also other facilities like a learning centre with several learning media including printed and digital ones, small meeting room of 30 - 40 seats and conference hall of 200 - 300 seats, restaurant, souvenir shop, etc.

         Energy and Environmental Conservation Camp and International Environment Camp feature activity camps for various organizations coming in groups and interested people who wish to learn about the conservation of energy, natural resources, environment and Thai wisdom. Accommodation is available in the forms of bungalow and dormitory, with an activity ground. The Park also provides a natural study room for visitors to study mangrove forest, beach and land forest, degraded soil inprovement, and resolution for eroded shores, bird watching tower, demonstration of water pumping using wind turbines and solar cells, etc.

Visiting groups should contact in advance at the Sirindhorn International Environment Park Foundation under Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Tel. 0 3250 8396, 0 3250 8352. Website : www.sirindhornpark.or.th

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, Phetchaburi More details; contact tel: . 081 696 6921, 083 808 1094

Hat Puek Tian 

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

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.

In addition, the beach was the most popular one among other beaches in Thailand during the reign of King Rama VI when he ordered the construction of Hat Chao Samran Palace in 1918.

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 Laeng 

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

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

Phetchaburis 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.

There are a group of royal residences on the western side of the hill consisting of the Phetchphoomphairot Building, Pramotmahaisawan Building, Wetchayanwichienprasat Building, Ratchathammasapha Building and Hor Chatchawanwiengchai Observatory.

The original main residence, Phetchphoomphairot and Pramotmahaisawan Buildings are now being used as a museum exhibiting the royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures, and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe.

The big white pagoda situated on the middle peak of the hill is Phrathat Jomphet. King Rama IV ordered the renovation of the old pagoda and later added a Buddha image inside. Visitors to the Palace should not miss the panoramic view of Phetchaburi City and other buildings on another two nearby mountaintops.

There are several temples to be admired on the Eastern Mountain, one of which is Wat Maha Samanaram, which has a history that can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period and the place where murals by Khrua In Khong, a renowned Thai artist is located. Another temple located on top of the mountain is Wat Phra Kaew Noi, the Royal Temple of Phra Nakhon Khiri that was constructed based on the model of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The Ordination Hall and Phra Sutthasela Chedi are also popular attractions. The ordination hall is a small beautifully symmetrical structure that is noted for the stucco at the gables, which is said to be a Phetchaburi masterpiece. In addition, the design of the Hall was based on King Rama IV’s royal emblem. Phra Sutthasela Chedi was built from greenish gray marble. The marble was first sculptured into pieces to form a pagoda at Ko Srichang, an island off the coast of Pattaya on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, then it was dismantled and resembled at the Chedi which is on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Getting to Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

The site is located on Phetkasem Road, just one kilometer from the town entrance junction. It is possible to climb the mountain by walking or by cable car.

Walking up is a strenuous activity but it is the traditional way to approach the Park. For those choosing the cable car option, the fare, which inclusive of the museum admission fee is 150 baht for adults. Service is provided from 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Khao Bandai It 

Situated 2 kilometers south of Khao Wang is the site of an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya Period Wat Khao Bandai It. This hill is 121 meters high and offers several stunning natural attractions (caves) such as Tham Prathum, Tham Phra Chao Sua, and Tham Phra Phuttha Saiyat.

Tham Khao Yoi 

This cave is located on the hill, which is clearly visible from Highway No.4, behind the railway station of Khao Yoi District, approximately 22 kilometers north of Phetchaburi town. It was the place where King Rama VI practiced meditation while he was ordained. Today, it houses several Buddha images.

Lao Song (Thai Song Dam) 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.

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).

The park covers a reservoir and year round green jungle in the Tanaosri Ranges, which are the origins of many rivers, including Maenam Phetchaburi and Maenam Pranburi. The unexploited, wholesome jungle makes the park rich in flora and fauna. In addition, visitors may spot leopards, tigers and elephants. The 18-level waterfall named Namtok Tho Thip, located approximately 54 kilometers from the Park Office on the Sai Wang Won-Namtok Tho Thip route is worth a visit. There are viewpoints along the route are not only suitable for bird and butterfly watching but also provide magnificent views of misty mountains in the morning.

For trekking enthusiasts, Khao Panoen Thung (currently being promoted by the TAT) offers a challenge at a height of 1,207 meters above sea level. This is a great place to witness the spectacular morning sea of mist with the best part being when visitors have to walk down to see the morning mist and then walk back up to the camp. Other popular activities include bird and butterfly watching and rafting along Maenam Phetchaburi, which takes approximately 6 hours, passing rapids and several smaller rivers. The starting point for river rafting is the park area. Please not that only 4 wheel drive vehicles can take visitors to the starting trail and that the only facilities provided are a camping area and toilets.. Please contact the park ranger for additional information at 032 459293.

Khuean Kaeng Krachan

Kaeng Krachan Dam, which has a height of 58 meters, length of 760 meters, was completed in 1966. This dam was constructed because the Phetch Dam cannot store water and when the water level in the Phetch River is too high it has to be released uselessly. Therefore, Kaeng Krachan Dam was constructed to store water, to be delivered to the Phetch Dam for distribution into the irrigated area. The Dam provides visitors with a stunning scenic viewpoint of the reservoir and its islands while the most popular activity is a cruising trip on the reservoir. 

Natural Pine Tree Hill

This place is located 9 kilometers from the park office along the road on top of the dam. On the hilltop, there are scenic stopovers, cliffs and rock garden to visit.

Getting there : Take Highway No.4, then make a right turn at kilometer 186-187 markers and continue for another 30 kilometers.

Notice: Due to over capacity and protect the environment of  Kaeng Krachan National Park, Royal Forest Department has announced to limit the number of visitors since July 1,2008 , therefore visitors  should inquire Kaeng Krachan National Park directly before travelling at tel. 0 3245 9293, 0 2562 0760 - 2  from 08.00-16.30 hrs. or visit website www.dnp.go.th

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.

Accommodation & admission

Kaeng Krachan National Park provides accommodations overlooking an extensive landscaped reservoir. Book your accommodation in advance at 032 459293. Admission fee : Adult 200 Baht / person. Child 100 Baht / person

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.

Today, Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety of accommodations and challenging activities. Boredom is rare in Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed, while a possible alternative to water sports is bicycle riding along a 6-kilometer sandy white beach. During the weekdays the beach is virtually deserted and there are beach umbrellas and sling chairs are available for hire.

The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am at every holiday. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel service Section, Tel. 02 237- 010, 2237020.

Ko Nai Luang Island (Ko Phlap Phla)

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.

Visitors can rent a boat to tour the reservoir.  Contact the restaurants around Kaeng Krachan Dam in the area of Ban Tha Rua.  The boat rental fee is 500-700 baht for 8 passengers.  The excursion takes 1-2 hours.  Visitors will enjoy visiting a sling bridge in the area of Kaeng Krachan’s National Park; as well as Ko Nai Luang Island, where a replica bamboo pavilion is situated.  Besides, the boat excursion will bring visitors to Ko Som and Ban Phu Khem Homestay communities. 

เพชรบุรี : ข้อมูลทั่วไป

เป็นจังหวัดในภาคกลางที่ตั้งอยู่ริมฝั่งทะเลอ่าวไทย อยู่ห่างจากกรุงเทพฯ 123 กิโลเมตร เป็นเมืองเก่าที่มีประวัติความเป็นมายาวนาน โดยมีชื่อปรากฏอยู่ในศิลาจารึกหลักที่หนึ่งสมัยสุโขทัยและมีหลักฐานทางโบราณคดี ซึ่งมีอายุย้อนไปถึงสมัยขอมและสมัยทวารวดี ทั้งยังเคยเป็นเมืองหน้าด่านสำคัญชั้นเมืองลูกหลวงในสมัยอยุธยา

     เพชรบุรี มีพื้นที่ 6,255.138 ตารางกิโลเมตร สภาพภูมิประเทศทางด้านทิศตะวันตกเป็นป่าเขาสลับซับซ้อน มีเทือกเขาตะนาวศรีเป็นเส้นกั้นอาณาเขตระหว่างไทยกับสหภาพพม่า ส่วนทางด้านทิศตะวันออกเป็นที่ราบไปจนจดชายฝั่งทะเลอ่าวไทย พื้นที่ของจังหวัดเพชรบุรีมีแม่น้ำสายสำคัญไหลผ่าน 3 สาย ได้แก่ แม่น้ำเพชรบุรี แม่น้ำบางกลอย และแม่น้ำบางตะบูน ประชากรจังหวัดเพชรบุรีส่วนใหญ่ประกอบอาชีพเกษตรกรรมเป็นหลัก มีการทำนา สวนผลไม้ ทำน้ำตาลโตนด เลี้ยงสัตว์ และทำการประมง

     จังหวัดเพชรบุรี แบ่งการปกครองออกเป็น 8 อำเภอ คือ อำเภอเมือง อำเภอเขาย้อย อำเภอหนองหญ้าปล้อง อำเภอบ้านแหลม อำเภอบ้านลาด อำเภอท่ายาง อำเภอแก่งกระจาน และอำเภอชะอำ

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ทิศตะวันตก ติดต่อกับสหภาพพม่า

อำเภอเมือง

1. สำนักงานจังหวัดเพชรบุรี โทร. 0 3242 5573
2. ประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัด โทร. 0 3242 8047
3. ที่ว่าการอำเภอเมือง โทร. 0 3242 5544
4. โรงพยาบาลพระจอมเกล้า โทร. 0 3240 1251-3
5. โรงพยาบาลเพชรรัชต์ โทร. 0 3241 7070 - 2
6. สถานีตำรวจภูธรอำเภอเมือง โทร. 0 3242 5500, 0 3241 7106
7. บริษัท ขนส่ง จำกัด สาขาเพชรบุรี โทร. 0 3242 5307
8. สถานีรถไฟเพชรบุรี โทร. 0 3242 5211
9. ไปรษณีย์เพชรบุรีโทร. 0 3242 5146, 0 3242 5571
10. ศูนย์บริการนักท่องเที่ยวเทศบาลเมืองเพชรบุรี โทร. 0 3240 2220, 0 3242 7579

อำเภอชะอำ

ททท. สำนักงานเพชรบุรี (เพชรบุรี ราชบุรี) อ.ชะอำ เพชรบุรี  โทร. 0 3247 1005-6
ที่ว่าการอำเภอชะอำ โทร. 0 3247 1361, 0 3247 2502, 0 3247 1078
โรงพยาบาลชะอำ โทร. 0 3247 1007
สถานีตำรวจภูธรอำเภอชะอำ โทร. 0 3247 1321, 0 3243 4021-2
ไปรษณีย์ชะอำ โทร. 0 3247 1252
สถานีรถไฟชะอำ โทร. 0 3247 1159
สถานีรถปรับอากาศ (ปอ.1) โทร. 0 3247 1615 (สี่แยกชะอำ) โทร. 0 3247 1654, 0 3243 3288 (ชายหาดชะอำ)
ศูนย์ตำรวจท่องเที่ยวเฉพาะกิจหัวหิน-ชะอำ โทร. 0 3251 5995
ตำรวจทางหลวง โทร. 1193
ตำรวจท่องเที่ยว โทร. 1155

Link ที่น่าสนใจ 
ททท.สำนักงานเพชรบุรี (เพชรบุรี ราชบุรี) 
http://www.tourismthailand.org/phetchaburi  
สำนักงานจังหวัดเพชรบุรี
http://www.phetchaburi.go.th

เพชรบุรี : ข้อมูลการเดินทาง