Phetchaburi is one of the oldest
towns in Thailand. Its history and wealth are derived from the coastal salt pans in the
area, believed to have been exploited from as early as the 12th century, which supplied
most of Siam and the Malay peninsula.
In the 19th century it became a
popular retreat for the Thai royal family, whom had a palace built there. As there was no
confrontations with the Burmese here, much of the fine Ayutthayan style of architecture
and art have remained in their original splendour. Sweet-toothed visitors should have a
taste of what Phetchaburi is well known in Thailand for, its delicious confectionery. Its
favourite sweet is Kanom Mo Kaeng a mixture of crushed and steamed mung bean, egg, coconut
milk and sugar. Sweets and other local products are available from the many vendors that
line along Petchkasem highway.
Wat Phra
Sri Ratana Mahathat
Situated in the middle of the town on Damnoenkasem Rd. Of note are the five white
Khmer style prangs, dating from the late-Ayutthayan Period, adorned with fine
architectural details. Inside the bot reside three highly regarded Buddha images, resting
one in front of the other.
Wat Yai
Suwannaram
The wat dates back to the Ayutthayan age, but was extensively restored during the reign of
King Rama IV. Inside the bot, there are fine examples of Ayutthayan murals still in good
condition. Behind the bot there is a large teak sala with ornate front door panels
combined with fine glass insets. Also next to the bot, in the centre of a pond, is an
elegantly designed tripitaka library.
Wat
Kamphaeng Laeng
The five laterite Khmer prangs have been dated back to the 12th century. Although
very little of the original stucco work remains, they are still a great attraction.
The wat was originally a Hindu temple, with the Buddhist markings added later.
Wat Koh
Kaeo Sutharam
The interior walls of the bot are adorned with early 18th century murals, in striking
details depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and from Buddhist cosmology. The
wooden dormitories of the monks are peculiar - they are built on stilts.
Khao Wang
& Phra Nakhon Kiri Historical Park
Just west of town is Khao Wang, where King Mongkut had a palace built on Phra Nakhon
Kiri (holy city hill) and further added more structures. The restored palace buildings are
approachable by an arduous walk up a winding cobblestone path or the less strenuous route
by tram.
The palace built on a 95 m high hill
is simply known as Khao Wang (palace on the mountain). It was built during the reign of
Rama IV in 1858, in a distinctive mixture of Thai, Western and Chinese artistic styles and
furnished in the same manner. It has been recently restored and now acts as a museum, with
a large collection of artefacts amassed by the kings Rama IV and Rama V on display.
Situated alongside the palace, on
the same hill top, is the observatory tower Hor Chatchavan Viangchai, installed by King
Rama IV, an acknowledged astronomer. On the central rise of the hill is Phra That
Chomphet, a white stupa that was erected by Rama IV. Sitting on the eastern rise is Wat
Maha Samanaram, dating from the Ayutthayan period. Inside the bot elegant murals painted
by a well known Thai artist, Khrua In Khong, adorn the walls.
Khao Luang Caves
This cave shrine is located about 3 km north of Phetchaburi. Steps lead downwards
into a large central chamber, where there is a monastery called Wat Bun Thawi. Rays of
sunlight disseminate through an opening in the roof, illuminating the principle Luang Pho
Tham Luang Buddha image and the many others, most of which were placed there by King
Mongkut (Rama IV).
