Phetchaburi is approximately 130 km (75 miles) southwest of Bangkok. The city is one of the oldest settlements in Thailand, mentioned in historical records dating back to the 8th century and possessing important artifacts dating back to the 12th century. There are numerous temples in and around the city center and market area, with the Royal Palace, informally known as Khao Wang, dominating the skyline. The city is situated on the Phet (‘diamond’ in Thai) River, which rises in Kaeng Krachan National Park and empties into the Gulf of Thailand at Baan Laem. Phetchaburi is a predominantly agricultural province, and the town reflects this with a large and thriving traditional market, buzzing with activity and bursting with flavors from morning to midday. From everything. It’s a bustling city with few tourists and the infrastructure to support them.
What do you need to know?
Phetchaburi is a province known for its natural charm with beaches and mountains. The region is not far from Bangkok, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations for Thai and foreign travelers. Petchaburi lies on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Thailand and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west, where the dense jungle peaks of the Tanaosri range serve as a natural dividing line between Thailand and Myanmar. In today’s Ratanakosin era, Petchaburi has transformed its character into a city of enchanting beauty with tranquil beach resorts and magnificent wildlife sanctuaries. Three kings of the Ratanakosin period, Kings Rama IV, V, and VI, established their rainy season retreats here, each of which built a palace called Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan.
Hence Petchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang, the city of three palaces. Petchaburi Province is also known for its magnificent historical park, ancient temples, beautiful beaches and caves, and a wide variety of local foods. And fresh seafood. Petchaburi also has a famous tourist town, Cha-Am, the main seaside resort in the province.
Phetchaburi is known for its traditional Thai desserts. The most famous is a custard dessert called Khanom Mor Gaeng. Other popular desserts include thong yip, thong yod, and the thong, with Portuguese influence.
Charming Scenes and mountains:
Temple addicts will be satisfied with the city for days, but the highlight is Mt.
Khao Loung
Khao Loung Caves are two huge caves located just north of the town. The first group of caves has many Buddha statues among the stalactites. The second caves feature a huge 300-year-old tree in the center and a tranquil setting (a monk is also believed to live here). Both caves are home to bats.
Outside the caves, numerous monkeys can be aggressive for no reason. It would be advisable to take a stick with you just in case. Fifteen baht per person for a taxi up and down the hill. Free.
Khao Wang
Khao Wang, the famous ancient royal palace complex on the mountain, has a vast and very elegant stupa, some caves with bats, shrines, and animal sacrifices, a giant well-formed gilded reclining Buddha, and a museum.
Depending on your ticket, you may be charged a tourist tax (150 baht, including museum entry). Highly chubby and cheeky monkeys populate the main entrance. You can buy bananas from numerous small retailers. But be careful, watch out for them, and they will try to grab anything you point at them. There is a cable car (20 baht for Thais, 200 baht for foreigners).
Unlike many other places, they do not allow foreigners with valid IDs working in Thailand to enter at the Thai rate. In other words, foreigners have to walk.
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet is a second royal palace. They are built in European style in the early 20th century. , it is located on a military compound south of the city center.
This palace receives far fewer visitors than Khao Wang and has a peaceful atmosphere in a well-kept park.