Phetchaburi Information guide
Phetchaburi : whose short name is Muangphetch, is an ancient city having
a very long history. The archaeological evidence suggests that the community existed
since the Dvaravati Period. The evidence clearly shows that during Sukhothai and
Ayutthaya Periods, Phetchaburi was and important city in the West, a fortified
frontier of the Ayutthaya Kingdom against the Burmese. A lineage of Kings ruled
this historical city. The history of Phetchaburi has been found in the remains
and antiques, not to mention the valuable works of art handed down from its ancestors
to the present generation.
In the Rattanakosin Period, Phetchaburi has changed its role from a strategic
city to a town full of natural beauty, a seside resort and a place to take a
pleasant journey to. The three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama the
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth found their retreats here. They built the three palaces
: Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan in Phetchaburi.
Phetchaburi has been nicknamed by some scholars as the " Living Ayutthaya
" because the town has many things similar to the Ayutthaya City which
was almost completely destroyed after the Thai-Burmese War over two hundred
years ago. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, and can be seen and appreciated
by anyone who is interested.
Phetchaburi occupies an area of 6,225 square kilometres, characterised by thick
jungles and mountain ranges lying in the west as a border between Thailand and
Myanmar, and 80 km. long coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand in the east.
Phetchaburi is divided into 8 districts (Amphoes): Muang Phetchaburi, Ban Laem,
Ban Lat, Cha-am, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yoi, Nong Ya Plong and Tha Yang.
How to get there :
Distance from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
Tha Yang 18 kilometres
Cha Am
40 kilometres
Ban Laem 12 kilometres
Ban Lat
8 kilometres
Khao Yoi
23 kilometres
Nong Ya Plong 34 kilometres
Kaeng Krachan 57 kilometres
Hua Hin 66 kilometres
Ratchaburi 54 kilometres
By Car : From Bangkok, drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho)
passing Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and then Highway No. 4 to Phetchaburi,
a total distance of 123 kilometres.
By Bus : Both air conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from
Southern Bus Termianl for Phetchaburi daily. Contact 0 2435 1199-200 or Phetchaburi
Tour, Tel : 0 2435 7408.
By Train : Visitors can take trains from either Hua Lamphong Railway
Station or Bangkok Noi Railway Station. Call 1690 for more information.
Festivals
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. Aprat from
that, there are exhibitions on Phetchaburi's history and archaeological objects.
Cooking demonstrations on the province's 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 , 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.
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