Petchaburi amazing travel trip in Thailand

A very old city, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) is believed by some historians to have Indian roots for its name, as the Indian influence over a millennia ago was quite strong. Archaeological findings even indicate that the city may date back to the Dvaravati Period, sometime between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E.


Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) is situated on the northwestern shores of the Gulf of Thailand and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west, where the dense forest peaks of the Tanaosri Range serve as a natural division between Thailand and Myanmar.


During both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms’ eras, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) was the locale of a strategic royal fort and only a lineage of kings had the rights to rule this historical city. That is why Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) has been called by some scholars as the "Living Ayutthaya.” The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom can be seen and appreciated in Phetchaburi(Petchaburi)'s wealth of fine old temples, many of which were constructed during that period.


In the current Ratanakosin Era, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) has changed its character to a town of charming beauty, with peaceful seaside resorts and superb natural reserves.

Three kings of the Ratanakosin Period, King Rama IV, V, and VI established their rainy season retreats here, each building a palace respectively named Phranakhonkhiri(Khaowang), Phraramrajanivet(Wangbannpoen), Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan. Consequently, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) is also known as Muang Sam Wang, the city of the three palaces.


Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) province is also well known for its splendid historical park, ancient temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local thai style food and fresh seafood.

Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) also has a popular resort town, Cha-am, Hua-hin, which is the premier beach resort in the province.


With its strategic location at the top of the Malay Peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand, and protected from Myanmar (Burma) by the Bilauktuang Range, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) has long been an important region. The area has thus been continuously inhabited for well over 1,000 years and there are many historic buildings, temples, and palaces to attest to its importance.



As the location is conveniently located for visitors heading south either by road or rail about 3 hours from bangkok , Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) is now a major stop for sightseeing along the way to Hua-Hin or beach towns in Southern Thailand. In addition to a splendid historical park and many historical temples, Phetchaburi(Petchaburi) features amazing wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local thai style food.

Phra-Nakhon-Khiri (Khao Wang) in Thailand amazing palace on moutain

This moutain originally called Khao Samana or Khao Khiri, is located in the vicinity of Amphoe Muang Petchaburi(Phetchaburi). The peak is 92 meters high. King Mongkut, Rama IV of Ratanakosin Era, saw this moutain and was so fond of the location that he gave an order to Phraya Phet Nisai Sisawat, Chief Administrative Officer of Muang Petchaburi(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(Khao Wang), But folks of Petchaburi(Phetchaburi) commonly call it Khao Wang (Palace Moutain) until now.


Phra Nakhon Khiri(Khao Wang) 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 moutainside 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 Kaew, tops the mountain as royal temple of Phra Nakhon Khiri(Khao Wang), 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 Petchaburi(Phetchaburi)'s provincial city can be seen.


Western mountaintop, location of royal residence complex including Phra Thi Nang Phet Phumm Phairot, Phra Thii Nang Pramot Mahaisawann, Phra Thi Nang Wetchayarn Wichian Prasat, Phra Thi Nang Ratcha Tham Sapha, Ho Chatchawann Wiang Chai, Ho Phiman Phet Mahesuan, Tamnak Santhakhan Sathann, Ho Chatuwet Parit Phot and Sala Thatsana Nakkhataroek. There are also several other buildings which are typical of palaces within the complex such as garage, stable, Sala Mahat Lek (royal page hall), Sala Lukkhunn (official hall), Sala Dan (post), Sala Yenchai (hall for relaxation), Thim Daap (bodyguard rooms), 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 Pongkarn in the west, and Wetsuwann Raksa in the north.


Some parts of the complex on this western mountain top were altered into Phra Nakhon Khiri(Khao Wang) National Museum where priceless antiques such as King Rame IV's and King Rama V's paraphernalia, bronze and brass sculptures used for decorative purposes in several rooms of various buildings, and ceramics from China, Japan, and Europe are put on exhibition. The museum is open daily between 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. except Monday and Tuesday.

Admission Bt 50 each. Phra Nakhon Khiri(Khao Wang) Historical Park is open everyday between 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission Bt20. The mountaintop palaces are accessible either o foot or by cable railway which charge Bt15 each for one-way and Bt25 each for round trip.

Place nearby.From Phra-Nakhon-Khiri (Khao Wang) about 14kms south is Thayang.There are famous banana exports.
From Phra-Nakhon-Khiri (Khao Wang) about 30kms south is Cha am ,famous beach

From Phra-Nakhon-Khiri (Khao Wang) about 70kms south is Hua Hin ,famous beach.