:: Ban Laem

Hat Chao Samran, this beach stretchs for 2 kms. and is full of white sand.

Wat Khao Takhrao Travel 12 kms. from Phetchaburi to Amphoe Ban Laem and continue for another 6 kms. This temple houses a highly revered sitting Buddha image called "Luang Pho Khao Takhrao". The image was found at the mouth of the Mae Klong River in Samut Songkhram by the villagers of Ban Laem, who migrated from Ban Laem to Samut Songkhram during the fall of Ayutthaya.


:: Khao Yoi


Lao Song or Thai Song Dam Tribal Villages These are found in many vicinities in Amphoe Khao Yoi, particularly at Ban Nong Prong and Ban Thap Khang. Their ancestors have migrated from Laos. Their old customs and traditions are occasionally practised. In April, they organize their own social events with entertainment and folk plays.


Tham Khao Yoi This cave is located behind the railway station of Amphoe Khao Yoi, 22 kms. prior to arriving at Phetchaburi town. It houses several Buddha images and was the place where King Mongkut practised meditation while he was in the monkhood.
Wat Kuti This temple at Tambon Bang Khem, north of Amphoe Khao Yoi, houses a Bot or rite hall made entirely from carved teak wood. Its outer surface of the walls was carved into scenes depicting Lord Buddha's story and the door panels into openwork of intwined spray patterns, all with masterly craftsmanship.

:: Tha Yang

Hat Puk Tian This wide and long beach is popular among Thai tourists. It is 7 kms. south of Hat Chao Samran.

:: Kaeng Krachan

Kaeng Krachan Dam This dam is located 53 kms. southwest of the town along the Phetchaburi-Tha Yang-Kaeng Krachan route. The construction was completed in 1966. It is 58 metres high and 760 metres long and 58 metres high, overlooking beautiful scenery of the reservoir and its islands.

Kaeng Krachan National Park This is the most extensive national park of Thailand occupying an area of 2,915 square kilometres and still largely unexplored. The national park office is located, 3 kms. beyond Kaeng Krachan Dam. It was declared a national park on June 12,1981, with clearly defined areas for a reservoir and year round green jungle in the Tanaosri Ranges, which are the origins of many rivers. The area is also rich in flora and fauna and has an 18-level waterfall named Namtok Tho Thip. About 54 kms. from the park office on the Sai Wang Won-Namtok Tho Thip route, there is a viewpoint affording magnificent views of misty mountains in the morning and suitable for bird and butterfly watching. Rafting along the Phetchaburi River takes some 6 hours, passing rapids and several smaller rivers.

:: Cha-am

Hat Cha-am This beautiful beach, twinned with Hua Hin of Phrachuap Khiri Khan, is located 40 kms. south of the town or 20 kms. north of Hua Hin, and another 2 kms. along an access road. Cha-am was originally a small fishing village. After a royal palace was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama VI, the land was occupied by the royal family and the elite. Today, it is very popular among Thais who love superb seafood and comfortable hotel or bungalow accommodation.

Hup Kraphong Turn right at Km.201-202, 4 kms. before arriving at Cha-am and continue for another 8 kms. This area was originally dry and infertile. In 1962, King Rama IX had an idea to help local farmers and established the Hup Kraphong Rural Development Project with the support of Israel. There were studies on various crops growing in accordance with market requirements. Tourists can buy farm produces as well as fine crafts made of hemp. Marukhathaiyawan Palace This summer palace, referred to as "the palace of love and hope" is located between Cha-Am and Hua Hin. It was built under the royal command of King Rama VI in the year 1923, with the materials from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. It is a two-storeyed wooden pavilion with series of halls linking each other, and a long corridor leading to the sea. The compound is open everyday, Mon to Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m. ; Sat, Sun and public holdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is 90 baht per person.

:: Activities

BRC Adventure Park at Khao Yoi , Phetchaburi offers sport adventure. It allows visitors to imagin that they are action heroes or Tarzan of the jungle. Sliding, crossing a Tyrolean traverse, via ferrata and abseiling 100 metres are very fun and excite. BRC staffs can take care of you with good technical knowledge if you would like to join sport adventure. The 6 hour activity costs 1,800 baht per person. Contact in advance at BRC Adventure 263 Sirindhorn Road, Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700 Tel: 0-2434-6100, 0 -2435-5797 Fax: 0-2435-5797

Rafting along Phetchaburi River is another popular exciting activity. The trip from Phetchaburi to the starting point takes 3 hours by 4-wheel drive truck and the raft trip take 5 hours passing a verdant forest and a Karen hilltribe village. Contact Fuji Tour at Tel: 0-2918-6067, Rabiang Rim Nam Tour at Tel: 0-3241- 0695.

:: Festival

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 are all on offer. Many villagers wear their traditional costumes – a sight rarely seen today. The festival is held annually on April 18.