Welcome to Phetchaburi Chaam & Hua Hin, Thailand
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Phetchaburi (Cha-am & Hua Hin)Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General Information
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.
Attractions
Khao Bandai It
Khao Bandai It This hill is 121 metres high and just 2 kms. south of Khao Wang. It is the site of an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya Period. There are several caves called Tham Prathum, Tham Phra Chao Sua, and Tham Phra Phuttha Saiyat.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park The palace is considered beautiful with a blend of natural beauty and art. One interesting thing about the architectural design of the palace buildings is the mix of neoclassical, Thai, and Chinese style which is rather unique.
Location and Route It is located on Phetkasem Road, about one kilometer from the junction, the entrance to the town. There are two ways to ascend the hill :
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet
Phra Ram Ratchaniwet This palace of European architectural style is originally called "Wang Ban Pun". It is situated in the south of the town. King Rama V commanded it built as a rainy season palace in 1916. It was used to welcome and accommodate state visitors during the reign of King Rama VI.
Tham Khao Luang
Tham Khao Luang Located 5 kms. north of Khao Wang, this cave houses a Buddha image cast by the royal command of King Rama V as a dedication to King Rama III and King Rama IV.
At the foot of the Khao Luang Hill, there is a large monastery called “Wat Tham Klaep” or Wat Bun-thawi which has a very large hall and a chapel with beautifully carved door panels.
Wat Kamphaeng Lang
Wat Kamphaeng Lang This temple, situated in the town, was originally a Khmer place of worship. It was later turned into a Buddhist temple and a shrine hall was constructed. However, the outlook of the place has not much changed due to the existence of sandstone walls and four Khmer style pagodas.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan
Wat Mahathat Worawihan This old temple is situated by the Phetchaburi River in the town centre. There is a five-topped pagoda constructed in accordance with the Mahayana concept housing Lord Buddha’s relics. The stucco designs decorated on the vihara and the ubosot reflect the excellent skill of local craftsmen.
Wat Yai Suwannaram
Wat Yai Suwannaram This is another important temple in the town, situated 1 km. east of the city hall. The main shrine hall has no windows. It contains 300-year-old mural paintings of mythical angels. The multi-purpose hall, once located in Ayutthaya’s Grand Palace, was entirely built of teak wood and decorated with fine carving work especially at the door panels. The hall also houses a preaching throne with intricate wood carvings and gold gilt works of Bangkok design.
Transportation
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.
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.
Train
Visitors can take trains from either Hua Lamphong Railway Station or Bangkok Noi Railway Station. Call 1690 for more information.
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Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts Hua Hin
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Cha-Am, Petchburi 76120
Why is this hotel?
Dusit Thani Hua Hin occupies a special place within a region known for its spectacular natural beauty along the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand.
The coastal town of Hua Hin retains the serene Thai charm that has captured the aristocratic imagination and made it a favored summer retreat for the Thai Royalty since 1920’s. Conveniently located just 2.5 hours from Bangkok by car, its fine sandy beach, superb tropical climate and lush greenery provide the ideal resort atmosphere.
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Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
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Why is this hotel?
Landscaped gardens meander to the white sands and blue waters of the Gulf of Siam. Stunning Thai architecture prevails.
A luxurious spa enchants guests into a tranquil and relaxed spirit. Experience Thailand as paradise - at the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa.
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Cha-am Hotels Phetchaburi
Hua Hin Hotels Phetchaburi
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