Phetchaburi Province

BackGround
Phetchaburi is a very old town and used to be an important royal fort town suitable to be ruled by a king's son for a long period of time. There were so many names by which to call this town in the old days, such as, Phripphri, Phripphli or Phetchaphli. Some historians have said that the name Phetchaburi could be the original name because it is found on Stone Scrip-tureNo.1. It could have been named after the Indian style, accordina to Indian influence during those day, like some other towns in Thailand, such as, Ayothaya, Kanchanaburi, Suwannaphum. In addition, it is also believed that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from the Phetch River which is an important river of this town.

Phetchaburi is a central region province, situated on the west shore of the Gulf of Thailand having an overall area of 6,225.138 square kilometers. Its geographical characteristics are mountainous thick jungles throughout the border in the west where Tanaosi Range is the border line between Thailand and the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar. There is a plain all along the seashore in the east. Phetchaburi is administratively divided into 7 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe, they are: Muang, Cha-Am, Khao Yoi, Tha Yang, Ban Lat, Ban Laem, No'ngYa Plong, and King Amphoe Kaeng Krachan.

The majority of the Phetchaburi population has for its principal occupation agriculture, i.e., rice farming, upland crop farming, fruit growing, palm sugar production animal raising, and fisheries for both sea water and fresh water. There are three important rivers in Phetchaburi; they are: "Phetchaburi River", having an overall length of 227 kilometers; "Bang Kloy River", having and over all length of 44 kilometers; and "Bnag Tabun River",having an overall length of 18 kilometers. The average temperature of Phetchaburi ranges from 16-38 degrees celcius. There are most rains from July to October.

Attractions

Tham Khao Yoi: This cave is located on Khao Yoi Hill, 22 kilometers prior to arriving at Amphoe Muang Phetchaburi. The Hill is outstanding on the edge of Highway No.4; the cave is in the east part of the hill which is located behind the railway station. There are many Buddha images of several size and attitudes enshrined in the cave like those of KhaoLuang Cave or Khao Bandai It Cave. According to the history, those Buddha images were enshrined long ago before the place was renovated by Phra Khru On of Wat Thai Talat. The legend also says that when King Mongkut was in the monkhood he once made a pilgrimage and stayed overnight for several nights, firstly in front of the hill and lately moved into the cave, for meditation practice.

Khao Eko: This hill is situated in the vicinity of Tambon Huai Bong in the north part of Amphoe Khao Yoi. There is an important pagoda constructed on top of Eko Hill by Lord Abbot Kaeo of Wat Phuang Malai of Mae Klong Town in the year 1912. It is now a tradition of Khao Yoi people to walk up the hill to pay their homages to the Wat and Pagoda during the Songkran Festival.

Wat Kuti: a temple at Tambon Bang Khem with a teak bat (a rite hall). Its outer surface of the walls is carved into scenes depicting the Ten Incarr:ations of the Buddha and the door panels into openwork of intertwined sprays patterns, all with masterly craftsmanship.

IN AMPHOE MUANG AREA

Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park or Khao Wang:- This hill originally called Khao Samana or Khao Khiri, is located in the vicinity of Amphoe Muang Petchaburi. The peak is 92 meters high. King Mongkut, Rama IV of the present dynasty, saw this hill and was so fond of the location that he gave an order to Phraya Phet Nisai Sisawat, Chief Administrative Officer of Muang Phetchaburi, to carry out the construction of a palace which he could use during his picnic trip. The construction was completed in the year 1860. It was named by the royal command, Phra Nakhon Khiri, but folks of Phetchaburi commonly call it Khao Wang (Palace Hill) until now.

Phra Nakhon Khiri comprises royal halls, palaces, wats, and groups of buildings. The complex which was constructed mostly of harmonious Western neoclassic and Chinese architecture tops the following 3 large mountains: Eastern mountaintop, location of a hillside temple called Wat Maha Samanaram within the rite hall of which there are mural paintings by Khrua In Khong, a renowned painter in Thai history. The wat dates back to Ayutthaya period. Another temple, Wat Phra Kaeo, tops the mountain as royal temple of Phra Nakhon Khiri, a resemblance to Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha Satsadaram (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which stands as royal temple of the Grand Palace, Bangkok. Middle mountaintop, location of a 40 meters high chedi called Phra That Chom Phet inside of which the Buddha's relic had been placed. From here, a wide view of buildings on another 2 nearby mountaintops as well as Phetchaburi's provincial city can be seen. Western mountaintop, location of royal residence complex including Phra Thi Nang PhetPhum Phairot, Phra ThiNang Pramot Mahaisawan, Phra Thi Nang Wetchayan Wichian Prasat, Phra Thi Nang Ratcha Tham Sapha, Ho Chatchawan WiangChai, Ho Phiman Phet Mahesuan, Tamnak Santhakhan Sathan, Ho Chatuwet Parit Phot, and Sala Thatsana Nakkhattaroek. There are also several other buildings which are typical of palaces within the complex such as garage, stable, Sala Mahat Lek, Sala Lukkhun, Sala Dan ,Sala Yenchai, Thim Dap, and kitchen. 4 forts stand at the 4 corners of the complex, each was named in rhyme starting with Thatarot Pongpok in the east. Wirunhok Borirak in the south,Wirupak Pongkan in the west,and Wetsuwan Raksa in the north.

Khao Bandai It: This is a small hill having a height of 121 meters at the peak. It is located two kilometers from Khao Wang. On the hill there is a very old monastery called Wat Khao Bandai It, and built in the Ayutthaya era. It is a famous school for meditation practice where King Sua of the late Ayutthaya era used to apply himself a student of the Lord Abbot Saeng. Be sides Wat Khao Bandai It, there are several caves which are huge in size and are located underneath the hill. The first cave is called "Tham Prathun" which has Buddha images enshrined along both walls of the cave. If one goes further inside he can reach another cave called "Tham Phra Chao Sua". The name was given to the cave because King Sua came here to visit his teacher, Lord Abbot Saeng, who was offered a two-meter standing Buddha statue; this statue is in the attitude of calming the ocean and has been enshrined in that cave over since then. Another cave located deeper inside is "Tham Phraphuttha Saiyat" which literally means the "Reclining Buddha Cave". Such name is given to the cave be cause a seclining Buddha is enshrined in that cave. Besides the Buddha image, there is also (in the cave too) a very old wooden boat roof which was offered to the Lord Abbot Saeng by King Sua. In addition,there are several more caves such as Phra Athit Cave, Phra Chan Cave, Duke Cave (the name given to the cave after a visit made by Duke Johan Albert), Sawang Arom Cave, and Chang Phuak Cave, which may satisfy cave visitors to a high degree.

Tham Khao Luang: This cave is located approximately five kilometers from Khao Wang. From the foot hill, there are concrete stair cases leading to the cave entrance. Khao Luang is a small-sized hill having a height of 92 meters at the peak. However, Khao Luang Cave is regarded as the largest and most important cave of Changwat Phetchaburi because the important orna mented Buddha image built by King Rama V and dedicated to King Rama III and IV is enshrined here. This cave had been a royal picnic site since the King Rama IV period. He was very fond of this place so that he commanded the renovation of several old Buddha images in the cave. On the right hand side of the entrance at KhaoLuang foot hill, there is a big beautiful monastery called by Phetchaburi folks Wat Tham Klaep which is now WatBun Thawi. There are some interesting items to be seen in this monastery such as a huge multipurpose pavilion, and beautiful wood carved door panels of the main shrine hall which was designed and constructed by the Lord Abbot who was a famous artisan. The old legend told by Phetchaburi folks for centuries is that the entrance of the cave at this monastery is the entrance of a twilight zone town where inhabitants are only young maidens.

Wat Kamphaeng Laeng: This monastery was originally a Khmer (Cambodian/Kampuchean) place of worship constructed in accordance with Bhramanism. Later on when the influence of Buddhism came into this region such a Bhraman place of worship was transformed to be a religious place of Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism respectively. Originally, there were five prangs (Khmer style pagoda) made of sandstone in the original place of worship. There are now only four prangs. It is presumed that each of the prangs was constructed to enshrine an idol such as Indra God, NaraiGod, Bhrama God, and Uma Goddess due to the finding of an Uma Goddess statue in one ruined prang in the year 1956. After being transformed to be amonas- tery by construction of the main shrine hall, the outlook of the wat is not much changed due to the existing sandstone walls surrounding the wat.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan: This is a very old monastery of Changwat Phetchaburi and there are clearly divided areas, i.e., the Phutthawat or the temple area and the Sangkhawat or the monk's living quarters, in side the monastery. The interesting constructionof the monastery is the five-topped prang which was constructed in accordance with Mahayana concept as an offering to the five Thayani Buddhas. There is a replica of each on each top of the prang. It is presumed that this five-topped prang should have originally been a five-topped pagoda as same inChangwat Nakhon Si Thammarat and was then transformed into a five-topped prang later.

Wat Yai Suwannaram: This monastery was renovated during the reign of King Sua or King Si Sanphet VIII of the Ayutthaya era. It was also renovated again with cloister construction surrounding the main shrine hall during the reign of King Rama V of Bangkok era. Interesting items of this monasteries are: the design of the main shrine hall, i.e., having no window at all, and very unusual mural paintings of gathering angels which are over 300 years old. Its Sala Kanprian (multipurpose hall) is entirely built of teak wood. It used to be a hall in the Ayutthaya Grand Palace having very beautiful designs and wood carving work especially on the door panels. Inside the hall, there is a preaching throne with its most perfect wood carving and gold gilt works in the shape of Bangkok design.

Hat Chao Samran: This beach is located approximately 15 kilometers from Phetchaburi Market. Its importance as a tourist attraction can be dated back to the ancient days, i.e., according to the legend King Naresuan the Great and his younger brother King Eka Thotsarot of Ayutthaya era once visited here and they were so fond of the beauty of this beach that they spent several days on the beach causing the villagers to call the beach Hat Chao Samran (Happy King Beach) until now. The beach was the most popular one among other beaches in Thailand during the reign of King Rama VI When he ordered to have a beach palace built, called Hat Chao Samran Palace, and it was completed in the year 1918.

Phraram Ratchaniwet: This palace, originally called Ban Puen Palace, was located at Tambon Ban Mo, Amphoe Muang Changwat Phetchaburi. King Chulachomklao, Rama V, desired to have it built as a rainy season palace with his own money. The plot of land was bought from a villager and the design was made by a German, Mr.Karl Deurring. Admiral HRH Prince Boriphat of Nakhonsawan and HRH Prince Damrong were assigned to monitor the construction. The palace is of European design and construction began in 1909 and completed in 1916. The palace was named during the reign of King Rama Vl as Son Phetch Prasat Palace. The name was changed to be Phraram Ratchaniwet in the year 1918 when it was used as a palace to welcome and accommodate state visitors. During the reign of King Rama VII the place was utilized, by the royal command, as Boy Scout Commanding School, Agricultural Teacher Training College, Tambon Public School, etc. In the year 1986, the Royal Thai Army requested the cooperation of the Fine Arts Department to renovate the palace spending the budget of the Fine Arts Department to the amount of 2.8 million baht and the budget of the Royal Thai Army to the amount of 8.3 million baht. The renovation was completed in the year 1987. It is expected that this palace will be used as the Phetchaburi National Museum. To enter Phraram Ratchaniwet, a notifying letter must be delivered in advance to Commander of Military District, 3 rd Battalion, 11 Infantry, Amphoe Muang, Phetchaburi 76000.

IN AMPHOE BANLAEM AREA

Wat Khao Takhrao: This monastery is located at Tambon Bang Khrok, Amphoe Ban Laem and is accessible by two routes, i.e., through a 15 kilometer left hand branching road not far from Phetchaburi township (coming from Bangkok) where one can recognize a clear sign board, and another route is going fromPhetchaburi township to Ban Laem where one has to continue the journey for another six kilometer distance. This monastery houses a sitting Buddha image in the subding evil attitude having a height of 29 inches and a lap width of 21 inches; it is called Luang Phao Khao Takhrao. There are a huge number of villagers and visitors who make a trip to pay homage and affix to the image, as an offering, gold leaf thus currently causing non clear vision of the original image's characteristics.

There is a legend saying that this luang pho is one of the three brother Buddha images and the other two are: Luang Pho Sothon of Changwat Chachoengsao and Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem of Changwat Samut Songkhram. Some other legends say this image is one of the five-brother images, i.e., to include Luang Pho Bang Phli Yai and Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing of Changwat Nakhon Pathom to the above three images. However, the source of origin of this Buddha image is that during the fall of the Ayutthaya era, the villagers of Ban Laem migrated from Phetchaburi to the mouth of the Mae Klong River (the present Samut Songkhram folks descend from those people) just to be away from the Burmese troop marching route. One day a fisherman found two Buddha images through his usual trawling, in the bay area. One image is a standing Buddha in the attitude of carrying an alms bowl, and another is a sitting Buddha in the attitude of subduing evil. Ban Laem folks enshrined the standing Buddha at Wat Ban Laem which is now Wat Phetch Samut Wihan in the heart of Samut Songkhram township while the rest was given to relative at Bang Tabun to be enshrined at Wat Khao Takhrao of Amphoe Ban Laem, Changwat Phetchaburi.

IN AMPHOE THA YANG AREA

Kaeng Krachan Dam: The dam is located in the vicinity of Amphoe Tha Yang 53.5 kilometers from Phetchaburi township. There are two accessible roads to the dam,i.e., through Amphoe ThaYang where one must go for an additional distance of 30 kilometers, or by Highway No. 4 where a right turn is to be made at KM. 186-187 for a distance of 30 kilometers. Kaeng Krachan Dam was completed in the year 1966 having a height of 58 meters, length of 760 meters. The top width is eight meters while the widest part of the base is 250 meters. It can eliminate the water shortage problem in Amphoe Hau Hin through the mouth of the Phetch River area. This dam was constructed because the Phetch Dam cannot store water and when water level in the Phetch River is too high it has to be released uselessly. Therefore, Kaeng Krachan Dam was constructed to store water, then deliver to the Phetch Dam for distribution into the irrigated area.

Kaeng Krachan National Park: This is the most extensive national park of Thailand occupying an are of 2,915 square kilometers or 1.8 million rai. It was declared to be a national park on June 12, 1981 with clearly defined areas for reservoir and the jungle to the north of the dam in the park area. Its general characteristic is that it is a year round green jungle originating many rivers.

PLACES OF INTEREST WITHIN THE PARK AREA:

The Lake: The lake occupies an approximate area of 45 square kilometers. It is generally called Kaeng Krachan Reservoir. A cruising trip is very popular with tourists visiting here.

Natural Pine Trees Hill: This place is located nine kilometers from the park office along the topped dam road. On the hill top there are scenic spots, cliffs, and a rock garden.

There are several more tourist attractions in the park area but it is not yet developed. Therefore, those who are interested to visit such places have to make a foot trip. It is advised that a trekking trip should be made with the cooperation of Forest Department officials.

Accomodation: Kaeng Krachan National Park also provides accommodation service to tourists who desire to stay overnight at the dam site. Reservation must be made in advance at the Reservation Section, Royal Forest Department, Tel. 5790529

Mode of Travel: One has to use the same route leading to Kaeng Krachan Dam, but the journey has to be continued for another eight kilometers beyond the dam to reach the park office.

Hat Puck Tian: Puck Tian Beach is located in the vicinity of Tambon Puck Tian, Amphoe ThaYang, seven kilometers south of Hat Chao Samran Beach. Otherwise one can travel via Phetch Kasem Highway; a left turn is made at Amphoe Tha Yang to join the road along the Irrigation Canal Route II for a distance of 15 kilometers. Puck Tian Canal flows through the area above Puck Tian Beach. The white sandy beach itself is very wide and long. The area surrounding the canal is a prairie dotted with samae trees providing very beautiful scenery.

Tham Khao Tao Mo: a newly discovered cave stretching for a vast area in Amphoe Tha Yang. Marvellous stalagmites and satlactites beautify a throne hall-like chamber in the cave. To get there, drive along the High-way 4, turn right at kilometer 186 to another branch road leading to Kaeng Krachan Dam and drive for 6 kilo- meters to Phetchaburi Water Transmission and Main- tainance Project, then take a left turn and cross a bridge and follow direction signs for 15 kilometers to Wat Phra Phuttabat Khao Luk Chang. Khao Tao Mo or Tao Mo Mountain is another 9 kilometers beyond the Wat.

IN AMPHOE CHA-AM AREA

Hat Cha-Am: This beach is located 41 kilometers from the township area where a two kilometer road branches off on the left to the beach. Cha-Am Beach is the most beautiful beach of Changwat Phetchaburi. Originally, Cha-Am was a tambon of Amphoe NongJok. After Hua Hin became popular, thus causing its land to become occupied by high rank and royal family members. They tried to locate a new resort location and under the leadership of HRH. Prince Narathip they recognized that Cha-Am Beach was just as beautiful as Hua Hin Beach. Since then Cha-Am has become much more well known to the public. It was developed and promoted, and now has a district status. The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am on every holiday. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel service Section, Tel. 2237- 010, 2237020.

Marukhathiyawan Palace: This palace is a royal seaside resort. The construction materials were obtained from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace by th royal command of King Vajiravudh in the year 1923. Located at Tambon Huai Nua, Amphoe Cha-Am, KM.216, it is a little bit beyond Cha-Am Beach (going from Bangkok). This palace is note for three two-storey ed wooden pavilions facing the sea, and is referred to as "the palace of love and hope". Series of halls are linked together throughout the palace. Residential halls of the royal consort members are located on the right wing. The residence of royal retainers is on the left wing. The central group of halls which is the royal residence consist of royal sitting and relaxing rooms, accommodations for close royal servants called Phisan Sakhon Hall, and the reading room. In addition, Samo- son Sewakamat Hall, a two-storey open pavilion, is used as a meeting place, and sometimes as a theater. Two important dramas were shown on this stage in 1941: "Phra Ruang" and Wiwah Phra Samut". Chao Phraya Ramrakhop ordered a statue of King Vajiravudh, as a royal dedication, to be enshrined in the hall of Marukhathaiyawan Palace. An annual rite is conducted on November 25, the aniversary of King Vajiravudh's death.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Provinces in Thailand

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