Phetchaburi Thailand

 

Phetchaburi is a province known by Thais as Muang Phet. It is located about 160 kilometers south-west of Bangkok. One of central region provinces in Thailand, Phetchaburi is situated on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand with an overall area of approximately 6,225 square kilometers, which is quite small. 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 where mangrove forests and nice beaches can be found.

Phetchaburi had been given several names such as Phripphri, Phripphli, or Phetchaphli since it is a very old city that used to be an important royal fort town.  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 named after “Phet River” --the 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 dated back to the Dvaravati Period of more than 2,000 years in the past. During Sukhothai and Ayudhaya Kingdoms, Phetchaburi was a strategic royal fort town in the west. Only a lineage of Kings had the rights to rule this historical city. The city has never been destroyed by any enemy. Therefore, there are many old style buildings remain. This is why Phetchaburi has been called by some scholars as the "Living Ayudhaya" as the town shares many similar things to the City of Ayudhaya. The prosperity of the Ayudhaya 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 built their palaces here; namely Phra Nakhon Khiri, Phra Ramrajaniwet, Phra Rajaniwet Marigdayawan. Phetchaburi is thus also known as Muang Sam Wang (the city of three palaces).

 

The province is also well-known for its splendid historical park, ancient temples, nice beaches and caves, as well as a great variety of local food and fresh seafood. Phetchaburi also has a popular resort town, Cha-am, which is the premier beach resort in the province located in adjacent to Hua-hin Beach to the south.

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 rivers in Phetchaburi including "Phetchaburi River” with an overall length of 227 kilometers, "Bang Kloy River" in Kaengkrachan National Park, with an overall length of 44 kilometers, and "Bang Taboon River" in Ban Laem District, with an overall length of 18 kilometers. The local way of life along the rivers are amazing to experience.

 

Not only do Phetchaburi's ancient city and nature attract all people over the world, but its cultural legacy like art is also well-known. Cultural tour in Phetchaburi is therefore an interesting activity that shouldn't be missed. Actually, the prominent and unique image of the Phetchaburi's craftmanship can be found at old temples around downtown Muang Phetchaburi.

 

Food, fruit, and other agricaltural produce in Phetchaburi are a plus of vacation. Phetchaburi is famous for its dessert called "Khonom Mokaeng" (sweet custard) with different kinds of recipe. Its authentic taste will be that of Phetchaburi's palm sugar flavor. Fresh seafood is common in Phetchaburi.