Phetchaburi Thailand

Phetchaburi town has a long history dating back at least to the time when the Khmer ruled over most of present-day Thailand. Khmer monuments, and temples dating back to the Ayudhaya era, are scattered around town. Its historical development had left the unique art and cultural legacy which can be found in many temples.

Based on the geograohical landscape and evironment, the local lifestyle of the people in Phetchaburi also has a distinctive image different from other provinces. The most well-known image of Phetchaburi involves sugar palm trees. Another well-known image of Phetchaburi is that it has the unique style of art; namely stucco, mural paintings, and important craftmanship.

Palm trees in Phetchaburi are an important natural resource that influences the living of the people. Palm augar product was once the most important product exported to different parts of the country and overseas. Today, products from sugar palm trees show what the local people of Phetchaburi learn from their older generations.

Sugar from palm trees is used to make popular desserts and cusines: Khanom Mor Kaeng (baked sweet custard cake), tody palm cake, etc.

                             
Amazingly Phetchaburi is a province where different ethinc minority people settled down and they still conserve thier own culture that is fantastic to see.

- "Thai Songdam" Village in Khao Yoi District

- "Lao Wieng" community in Mab Plakhao Village in Thayang

- "Karen" in Padeng Village in Thayang, and Nong Yaplong

- "Mon" at Wat Koong Tamnuk Village in Banlaem District

These ethinc people show their tradtional identity occasionally in festivals; such as Phra Nakhorn Khiri annual fair.

Bull-racing is the only local entertainment played in Phetchaburi. It is assumped that the race was originated from thier rice harvesting when bulls were used to seperate rice grains from straw. About 5 bulls were tied up in a line and forced to walk around a circle of rice haystack. The faster they could walk or run, the more they saved their time of working. An since working in a day time is very hot, they work at night. Whenever thier rice paddy is dry, the race the bulls. Ox-carts in Phetchaburi are also make in a different model from another models in another places in Thailand. Still, they use carts in traditional rituals.

Phetchaburi's artists have created many well-known and unique art including paintings, stucco, gold making, gilt and watering, paper art, wood carving, and shadow puppet making. Most of the art works can be seen at many temples and monastries, especially in downtown Muang Phetchaburi. Stucco art is very prominant among the other practice of art. Recommended places to appreciate Phetchaburi art and craftmanship are:

Phra Nakorn Khiri (Khao Wang) Historical Park

Wat Mahathatu Worawiharn

Wat Yai Suwannaram, Wat Samanaram

Wat Kho, Wat Phrasong, Wat Plubplachai, etc.