Phetchaburi province
Phetchaburi (Thai: เพชรบุรี, pronounced [pʰét.t͡ɕʰā.bū.rīː]) is one of the western provinces (changwat) of Thailand.[1]
Phetchaburi
เพชรบุรี | |
|---|---|
 Cha Am Beach | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Map of Thailand highlighting Phetchaburi Province | |
| Coordinates: 13°6′38″N 99°56′47″E / 13.11056°N 99.94639°E | |
| Country |  Thailand |
| Capital | Phetchaburi town |
| Government | |
| • Governor | Chai Phanitchaphonphan (since 2008) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6,225.1 km2 (2,403.5 sq mi) |
| • Rank | Ranked 36th |
| Population (2014) | |
| • Total | 474,192 |
| • Rank | Ranked 58th |
| • Density | 76/km2 (200/sq mi) |
| • Rank | Ranked 68th |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| ISO 3166 code | TH-76 |
Geography
changePhetchaburi is in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. The Gulf of Thailand is to the east. Most of the province is a flat plain. The Kaeng Krachan National Park is Thailand's largest national park, covering nearly half of the province. It covers 3000 km2.[2]
History
change
Phetchaburi is an old royal city, dating back to the Mon of the 8th century. Later Khmer settled in the city, as can be seen by the prangs of Wat Kamphaeng Laeng.
In 1860, King Rama IV built a palace near the city of Phetchaburi, commonly known as Khao Wang, but its official name is Phra Nakhon Khiri. Next to the palace the king built a tower for his astronomical observations. On a hill near the palace is the royal temple Wat Phra Kaeo.
Tourism
changeSights
changeHat Cha-am (หาดชะอำ) This tourist resort resort, with modern facilities, is on a beach considered to be one of the most popular beaches of Thailand.[3][4]
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครคีรี) This park is a hilly area with an old palace and historical temples near the town. It has royal halls, temples and groups of buildings, constructed in Thai, Western neoclassic and Chinese architectural styles.[5]
Wat Kamphaeng Laeng (วัดกำแพงแลง) This temple 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.[6]
Hat Chao Samran (หาดเจ้าสำราญ) Legend says that King Naresuan the Great and King Eka Thotsarot made several royal visits here and enjoyed its beauty. The villagers called it "Hat Chao Samran", which means "beach of royal leisure".[7]
Local products
changePhetchaburi is known for a vast variety of sweet food. The reputation comes from the use of Tanot (palm) sugar. Examples are Mo-kaeng, a sweet made from flour, sugar and eggs; A-lua and Sampanni, a sweet made from flour and sugar; Thong Yip, Thong Yot and Foi Thong, sweets made from baked egg-yolk; and Chao Tan Chueam (palm seed in thick syrup).
Festivals
changePhra Nakhon Khiri Fair (งานพระนครคีรี) , also known as Khao Wang, it is an important historical site. During the reign of King Rama IV, it served as the king's out-of-town palace.
References
change- ↑ "Phetchaburi". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Archived from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Kaeng Krachan National Park". Department of National Parks (DNP) Thailand. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Hat Cha-am". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Maruekhathaiyawan Palace". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Wat Kamphaeng Laeng". Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ "Hat Chao Samran". TAT. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
Other websites
change
Phetchaburi travel guide from Wikivoyage- Website of province Archived 2007-01-24 at the Wayback Machine (Thai only)
