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General Information
Phetchaburi, locally known by Thais as Mueang Phetch, is located 160 kilometers south of Bangkok. One of Thailand’s 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 Mueang 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.
How to get 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 bahts (ordinary) on the new road, 46 bahtss on the old road (via Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom), 60 bahtss for 2nd Class air-conditionedditioned and 75 bahtss for 1st Class air-conditionedditioned. 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 from18 bahts (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 bahts, 78 bahts and 153 bahts, 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 bahts, no surcharges).
Getting Around Phetchaburi and Cha-am
Samlors and taxis (motorcycles) can go anywhere in the center of town for 20 bahts. It is possible to charter one for the whole day for 150 bahts. Shared songthaews cost 6 bahts 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. 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
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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