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Cha Am, Thailand
Phetchaburi, whose short name is Muangphetch, is an
ancient city having a very long history. The archaeological
evidence suggests that the community existed since the
Dvaravati Period. The evidence clearly shows that during
Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Periods, Phetchaburi was and
important city in the West, a fortified frontier of the
Ayutthaya Kingdom against the Burmese. A lineage of Kings
ruled this historical city. The history of Phetchaburi has
been found in the remains and antiques, not to mention the
valuable works of art handed down from its ancestors to the
present generation.
In the Rattanakosin Period, Phetchaburi has changed its role
from a strategic city to a town full of natural beauty, a
seside resort and a place to take a pleasant journey to. The
three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King Rama the
Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth found their retreats here. They
built the three palaces : Phranakhonkhiri,
Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan in Phetchaburi.
Phetchaburi has been nicknamed by some scholars as the
" Living Ayutthaya "
because the town has many things similar to the Ayutthaya
City which was almost completely destroyed after the
Thai-Burmese War over two hundred years ago. The prosperity
of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, and can be seen and appreciated by
anyone who is interested.
Phetchaburi occupies an area of 6,225 square kilometres,
characterised by thick jungles and mountain ranges lying in
the west as a border between Thailand and Myanmar, and 80
km. long coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand in the east.
Phetchaburi is divided into 8 districts (Amphoes):
Muang Phetchaburi, Ban Laem,
Ban Lat, Cha-am, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yoi, Nong Ya Plong
and Tha Yang.
How to get there
Distance from Amphoe Mueang to Other
Districts :
|
Tha
Yang
Cha Am
Ban Laem
Ban Lat
Khao Yoi
Nong Ya Plong
Kaeng Krachan
Hua Hin
Ratchaburi |
18 kilometres
40 kilometres
12 kilometres
8 kilometres
23 kilometres
34 kilometres
57 kilometres
66 kilometres
54 kilometres |
By Car
From Bangkok, drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho)
passing Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and then Highway No. 4 to
Phetchaburi, a total distance of 123 kilometres.
By Bus
Both air conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from
Southern Bus Termianl for Phetchaburi daily. Contact 0 2435
1199-200 or Phetchaburi Tour, Tel : 0 2435 7408.
By Train
Visitors can take trains from either Hua Lamphong Railway
Station or Bangkok Noi Railway Station. Call 1690 for more
information.
Festivals
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 , 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.
Information provided by T.A.T (Tourism Authority of Thailand)
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