Things to do in Phetchaburi Province
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Rang Yen Garden
This lush garden restaurant is a cosy and friendly spot to feel at home after a day of feeling like a foreigner. It serves up Thai favourites and is only open in the high season.
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Phra Ratchawang Ban Peun
Just over 1km south of the city centre, and inside a Thai military base, is the European-influenced Phra Ratchawang Ban Peun. Construction began in 1910 at the behest of Rama V (who died just after the project was started) and was completed in 1916. It was designed by German architects, who used the opportunity to showcase contemporary German innovations in construction and interior design. The structure is typical of the early 20th century, a period that saw a Thai passion for erecting European-style buildings in an effort to keep up with the ‘modern’ architecture of its colonised neighbours. The outside of the two-storey palace is not too exciting, but it’s worth visiti…
reviewed
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Kaeng Krachan
The largest national park in Thailand and home to the gorgeous Nam Tok Pala-U, Kaeng Krachan is easily reached from Phetchaburi. There are caves to explore, mountains, a huge lake and excellent bird-watching opportunities to be had in the evergreen forest that blankets the park. Kaeng Krachan has fantastic trekking, and it is one of the few places to see elephants roaming wild.
To reach the park by car, drive south on Hwy 4 about 20km from Phetchaburi, and at the Kern Pet Junction, turn right and go 38km to Pet Dam, then 3km more to the park headquarters. Alternatively you can arrange a tour in Hua Hin. In Phetchaburi, contact Rabieng Rim Nam Guest House, which arranges d…
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Khao Luang
The main cavern in the cave sanctuary of Khao Luang is lined with impressive stalactites and crammed with old Buddha statues, many of which were put in place by Rama IV. Sunlight from a hole in the chamber ceiling illuminates the images and makes for great photos. To the rear of the main cavern is an entrance to a third, smaller chamber. On the right of the entrance is Wat Bunthawi, with a săh·lah (often spelt sala; meeting hall) designed by the abbot of the wát himself and a bòht (central sanctuary) with impressively carved wooden door panels. Around the cave you’ll meet brazen monkeys looking for handouts. The cave is 4km north of town.
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Wat Kamphaeng Laeng
Back before Siam had defined itself as an independent entity, the Angkor (Khmer) kingdom stretched from present-day Cambodia all the way to the Malay peninsula. To mark their frontier conquests, the Khmers built ornate temples in a signature style that has been copied throughout Thai history. This Khmer remnant is believed to date back to the 12th century and was originally Hindu before the region's conversion to Buddhism. There is one intact sanctuary flanked by two smaller shrines and deteriorating sandstone walls. Though it isn't the most remarkable example of Khmer architecture, it is a peaceful place to snap a few arty pictures.
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Phra Nakhon Khiri
Phetburi lives in the shadow of Khao Wang, a looming hill topped by various components of King Mongkut’s 1860 palace, Phra Nakhon Khiri. You can make the strenuous upward climb or head to the west side of the hill and take a funicular straight up to the peak (return adult/child 70/40B). The views from here are fantastic, especially at sunset, and the entire hill teems with meandering monkeys looking for attention. The ticket office will sell you an information pamphlet (5B) that includes a map of the palace grounds.
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Krua Medsai
This fantastic local haunt rarely registers on Cha-am's tourism radar because it sits just north of the beachside burg. Try succulent Ъoo nim (soft-shell crab) and order a bowl of spicy đôm yam gûng (prawn and lemongrass soup) with coconut. To find Krua Medsai, go north along the main ocean road until the rows of accommodation end; you'll pass over a small bridge and a few hundred metres later there's a large blue billboard pointing to the restaurant on the right-hand side of the road.
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Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam
From the clock tower on Th Matayawong, look for signs leading to the Ayuthaya-period Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam (Wat Ko). The bòht features early-18th-century murals that are among the best in Thailand. One panel depicts what appears to be a Jesuit priest wearing the robes of a Buddhist monk, while another shows other foreigners undergoing Buddhist conversions. There is also a large wooden monastic hall on stilts - it's similar to the ones at Wat Borom and Wat Trailok but is in much better condition.
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Wat Yai Suwannaram
Wat Yai Suwannaram was originally built during the 17th century and renovated during the reign of Rama V (r 1868–1910). Legend has it that the gash in the ornately carved wooden doors of the lengthy wooden săh·lah dates to the Burmese attack on Ayuthaya. The faded murals inside the bòht date back to the 1730s. Next to the bòht, set on a murky pond, is a beautifully designed old hŏr đrai (Tripitaka library), though these days it’s home only to pigeons.
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Kaeng Krachan National Park
At 3000 sq km, Thailand’s largest national park is home to the stunning Pa La-U waterfalls, and includes long-distance hiking trails that snake through forests and savannah-like grasslands, past cliffs, caves and mountains. Two rivers, Mae Nam Phetchaburi and Mae Nam Pranburi, a large lake and abundant rainfall keep the place green year-round. Animal life includes wild elephants, deer, tigers, bears, gibbons, boars, hornbills, dusky langurs, gaurs, wild cattle and 400 species of birds.
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Khao Luang
About 4km north of town is the cave sanctuary Khao Luang, which has three caverns filled with dozens of Buddha images in various poses – some of them originally placed by Rama IV – and several souvenir stalls. The best time to visit Khao Luang is around 5pm, when the school groups should have gone and the evening light pierces the ceiling, surrounding artefacts below with an ethereal glow. A săhm·lór from town costs about 80B return; a motorcycle taxi is 70B.
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Khao Luang
The cave sanctuary of Khao Luang is 5km north of Phetchaburi. The caverns here are filled with ageing Buddha images in various stances, many of them originally placed by King Rama IV. The best time to visit is around 17:00, when evening light pierces the ceiling, surrounding artefacts below with an ethereal glow. There are multiple chambers to wander through, which feature easily anthropomorphised rock formations, and showers of stalactites.
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Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam
Wat Ko Kaew Sutharam dates back to the Ayuthaya era, and the bòht features early 18th-century murals that are among the oldest and the most beautiful in Thailand. One panel depicts what appears to be a Jesuit priest wearing the robes of a Buddhist monk, while another shows other foreigners undergoing Buddhist conversions. You might have to ask the caretaker to open it for you.
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Khaao Chae Naang Ram
Khaao Chae Naang RamKôw châa (camphor-scented chilled rice served with sweet/savoury titbits) is a dish associated with Phetburi, and this roadside stall in front of a noodle restaurant is considered one of the best places to try it (it’s an odd flavour and icy texture, but worth a go). There’s no English sign; look for the cart under the old blue awning).
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Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan
Midway between Cha-am and Hua Hin is Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan, a summer palace built during the reign of Rama VI. The one- and two-storey buildings are constructed of teak and interlinked by covered boardwalks, all high above the ground on stilts. Incorporating high tiled roofs and tall shuttered windows, the design maximises air circulation.
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Rabieng Rim Nam
This riverside restaurant serves up terrific food and a lot of tourist information in English – a rarity in this town – and organises tours. Sadly the affiliated guest house is just too decrepit to recommend.
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Phra Nakhon Khiri
The palace area on the top, is a national historical park and a good spot to take in views of the town while curious monkeys look at you (and make plays for your beverage or purse). The walk up is fairly strenuous, especially in the heat. A tram is the easier way.
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Mondee
During the day, this cosy wooden shack beside the river serves kà·nŏm jeen (fresh rice noodles served with a variety of curries). At night Mondee takes full advantage of the breezes and river view and serves decent central-Thai fare with an emphasis on seafood.
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Mondee
During the day, this cosy wooden shack serves khànǒm jeen (fresh rice noodles served with a variety of curries). At night Mondee takes full advantage of the breezes and river view and serves decent central Thai fare with an emphasis on seafood.
reviewed
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Thai Sweets Market
The Thai sweets market is directly north of Khao Wang. Two of the most famous sweets on offer include môr gaang (an egg and coconut-milk custard) and kà·nŏm đahn (bright-yellow steamed buns sweetened with sugar-palm kernels).
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Phen Phrik Phet
Located directly across from the entrance to Wat Yai Suwannaram, this local noodle legend makes delicious gŏoay đĕeo mŏo nám daang (pork noodles in a fragrant dark broth). There’s no English sign; look for the umbrellas, pots and potplants.
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Khaao Chae Naang Ram
Khâao châe (camphor-scented chilled rice served with sweet/savoury titbits) is a dish associated with Phetburi, and a good place to sample it is at this renowned roadside stall in front of a noodle restaurant.
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Wat Borom
Next to Wat Trailok and opposite Wat Yai Suwannaram on Th Phongsuriya, a little to the east. It's not especially attractive, but does have distinctive monastic halls and long, graceful wooden 'dormitories' on stilts.
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Wat Trailok
Next to Wat Borom and opposite Wat Yai Suwannaram on Th Phongsuriya, a little to the east. It's not especially attractive, but does have distinctive monastic halls and long, graceful wooden 'dormitories' on stilts.
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Poom Restaurant
Slightly more expensive than other nearby beach restaurants, but worth it for the fresh seafood served under tall sugar palms. It appears to be the restaurant of choice for weekending Thais – always a good sign.
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