Phetchaburi
Authentic Prosperous Journey:
Nurturing Culture, Culinary delights, and Community Wisdom
About Phetchaburi, Thailand
Located in Central Thailand bordering Myanmar, Phetchaburi is just 2-3h-drive away from Bangkok and renowned for its scenic natures, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.
The destination is famously known as the city of Three Palaces, Three Seas and Three Tastes, a moniker granted for its unique characteristics—it is home to Phra Nakhon Khiri, Phra Ram Ratchaniwet and Mrigadayavan, palaces of Rattanakosin kings, along with “seas“ of white sand upon the beaches, mud in the mangrove forests, and mist beyond the mountains peaks.
Phetchaburi Province was named a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO in 2021. Travellers will be captivated by the destination’s vibrant local cuisine that blend saltiness, sweetness, and sourness, promising a flavourful experience at every turn!
About Cha-Am
One of Phetchaburi’s popular resort town, Cha-Am, is situated along the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This premiere beach town, with an abundance of historic heritage and beautiful nature, is the best travel destination for tourists seeking peaceful getaways with family and friends away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Phetchaburi:
UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Phetchaburi's UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status showcases its rich culinary heritage and innovative approach to food, focusing on the fundamental flavours of Thai cuisine: Sweetness, Sourness, Saltiness, and Spiciness.
Sweetness
Palm Sugar
Sourness
Lime
Saltiness
Salt
Spiciness
Thai Karen Chilies
“Salt” is an important ingredient in cooking both Phetchaburi’s savoury and sweet dishes. Salt farming in Phetchaburi, particularly in the area of Ban Laem District, is the largest scale of such in Thailand.
Phetchaburi's commitment to using local ingredients, maintaining culinary traditions, and embracing creativity highlights how important food culture is for economic growth, preserving culture, and achieving culinary excellence.
Advantageous Location: The coastal location and fertile lands supply fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic herbs, allowing classic flavours and culinary craftsmanship to thrive.
Local Ingredients: Sourcing ingredients locally supports sustainable practices and ensures authentic, fresh dishes.
Old-school Techniques: Chefs use methods such as mortar and pestle spice pounding and fermentation, preserving traditional cooking techniques.
🥢 Goodies in Phetchaburi you must not miss:
Given its coastal location, you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood served right on the streets. Nonetheless, besides the flavours of the sea, you should also try these “flavours of the land” originated in the heart of Phetchaburi.
Toddy Palm Cake
Small steamed cakes flavoured with toddy palm sugar and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves, and topped with grated coconut.
Gang Kua Hua Tan
Thinly sliced young toddy palm cooked with curry paste, coconut milk and grilled meat or fish.
Kanomjean-Thotman
Fish cake made by mixing mackerel with curry paste and crispy basil leaves, served on top of fermented rice-flour noodles glaced with sweet and sour sauce or with diced cucumber-onions in vinegar.
Khao Chae Mueang Phet
A longtime favourite of Phetchaburians! Floral-water-steamed rice served in ice water with 3 sides: Fried shrimp-paste-balls, sweet radish, and sweet-stirfried ‘Yisoon’ fish.
Kuaitiao Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi Noodle– noodles that comes in broth made from local soy sauce, fresh palm sugar, and quality beef stock, served with homemade chilies-vinegar.
Khanom Mo Kaeng
Khanom mo kaeng is made with coconut milk, eggs, palm sugar, white sugar, salt, shallots and a bit of oil. Different variations of the dessert incorporate beans, Foi Thong, coconut, or taro.
Thong Muan
Phetchaburi Thong Muan is made from authentic Phetchaburi brown sugar, resulting in a delicious taste, sweet aroma, roundness, and crispiness.
📍Where to find them? (Cha-Am focused)
Cha-Am Beachfront: Fresh seafood and traditional Thai snacks like sticky mango rice and coconut ice cream
Narathip Road: Cha-Am’s main road that’s dotted with small eateries and street vendors
Phetkasem Road: Popular street food spot especially during weekends and holidays
Wednesday Night Market: The place to find all kinds of traditional flavours, local handicrafts, and souvenirs
Cultural Heritage
Journey through Phetchaburi’s history, intricately woven into the unique, centuries-old temples, palaces, and incredible sites across the province.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang)
Built during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 19th century, this park served as a summer palace and retreat for the Thai royal family. The palace complex features a fascinating blend of architectural styles, including traditional Thai designs, Chinese-inspired halls, and European-influenced buildings.
🌿 On the way to Khao Wang, also pay a visit to Tham Khao Luang, the largest and most important cave of Phetchaburi, where King Rama IV’s royal Buddha image is enshrined.
📍Must-visit
Mrigadayavan Palace
The palace, also known as Wang Klai Kangwon, was constructed from 1923 to 1924 during the reign of King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It has a unique architectural blend of traditional Thai wooden style with modern amenities.
Mrigadayavan has recently earned the prestigious 2021 UNESCO Special Recognition for Sustainable Development Award for its significance in preserving Thailand’s architectural heritage.
🌿 Interested in visiting more Royal Palaces? Try: Phra Ram Ratchaniwet
🌿 More attractions with impressive statues: Kuan Yin Inter Religious Park
Wat Tham Chaeng
At the entrance of this temple, you'll find Thailand's largest Na-ga sculpture, the first of its kind in the province. This impressive 30-metre-tall sculpture of the mythical water-dwelling species attracts visitors seeking spiritual reflection and those who wish to admire its grandeur in person. The temple's calming atmosphere and scenic beauty offer a peaceful retreat for all.
Source: BanKachaVT via Google Map
Wat Na Yang
Wat Na Yang is a 15-acre traditional Buddhist temple in Cha-Am that serves as a spiritual and communal centre for residents.
A large reclining Ganesha and an approx. 5-floor tall Luang Pu Suk statues are situated in the temple for visitors to worship.
🌿 If you want to simmer in the serendipity of Buddhism, also visit:
Wat Ton Son, Wat Nai Klang, Wat Phra Phutthasaiyat (home to a 43m x 15m , 400-year-old reclining Buddha), Wat Yai Suwannaram (built in the Ayutthaya period with an intricately carved wooden hall)
Phetchaburi School of Craftsmanship
Also known as “Sakoon Chang Mueang Phet”, the specific artistic techniques mastered by Phetchaburian Craftsmen. Spot these incredible crafts all around the city and at traditional Thai events, made by the hands of artists whose skills and knowledge have been passed down through generations.
Here are the styles of craft that have stood the test of time and are still being practiced today:
Stucco Work: One of its unique qualities lies in the intricate patterns that give its solid sculptures the appearance of movement; local ingredients such as sea shells, sugar, and hay paper are used to make the stucco.
Phetchaburi stucco works are often under Buddhist theme, and found in various temples such as Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Wat Phlapphlachai, and Wat Sra Bua.
Leather Carving for “Nang (leather) Yai (large)”:
The art of carving fictional characters from famous literature on buffalo skin for shadow puppet plays. A great amount of the puppets that have been preserved are made during the reigns of Rama IV (1851–1868) and Rama V (1868–1910).
To see these fascinating Nang Yai masterpieces, visit Wat Phlapphlachai.
Lai Rot Nam/Gilded Black Lacquer:
A traditional Thai decorative art technique involves applying black lacquer with gold inlay to surfaces commonly found at temples and ceremonial buildings across Phetchaburi.
Source: Chub Nokkaew
Visit Wat Nok Pak Ta Le and Wat Nai Klang to check out the delicate art yourself!
Wood Carving:
Phetchaburi carpenters specialise in wood carving, focusing on intricate details for architectural elements in royal palaces, temples, and ceremonial halls.
You’ll get to see some of the best wood carving works from Phetchaburi’s craftmen in Wat Kuti and Wat Yai Suwannaram.
Mural Paintings:
Most of the murals in Phetchaburi are preserved from the late Ayutthaya (1351-1767) and early Rattanagosin (1782-1932) eras.
Wat Koh Kaew Suttharam has one of Phetchaburi’s most ancient murals.
Khon Mask Sculpting
Source: MGR Online
Banana Stalk Carving
Source: Thailand Now
Goldsmithing
Phetchaburi Festivals
Whether intertwined with local traditions or showcasing modern-day attractions, experience the true essence of Phetchaburi through its fantastical celebrations and year-round festivities.
Jan-Feb
Oxcart Racing Festival
The Ban Lat District in Phetchaburi holds this event every year to mark the end of the rice harvest season. Besides the racing, the festival also has other competitions and activities that typically goes on for a week.
March
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival
Every year the festival is held at Khao Wang with a procession to pay homage to King Rama IV, nightly fireworks shows, floodlit illuminations, parades and tourism activities, local craft demonstration, cultural and folk performances, fun fair, and more.
Announced Annually
International Kite Festival
Although this festival is not specific to Cha-Am, all can agree that the bright blue sky and white sandy beach combination is an ideal backdrop for kites of all shapes and sizes! Keep an eye out for the International Kite Festival whenever it returns to Phetchaburi.
Announced Annually
Cha-Am Food Festival
As a Creative City of Gastronomy, Cha-Am has hosted a number and variety of food festivals. Every year the city hosts a food festival showcasing its gastronomic offering along the beachside for all locals and visitors to enjoy.
April
Songkran Celebration
Of course the city isn’t going to miss out on the biggest celebration of the Kingdom in April.
Typically held on the Cha-Am Beach, visitors can join in the splashing fun and enjoy the music, performances, foods, and an assortment of activities throughout the week-long event.
Sceneic Nature
Well-known for its palatial caverns, lush mountain peaks, and serene sandy beaches, Phetchaburi beckons you to experience its enchanting natural scenaries firsthand.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Spanning across Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, Kaeng Krachan National Park is a sprawling expanse of pristine wilderness celebrated for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
This National Park, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses dense tropical rainforests, mountains, and the picturesque Kaeng Krachan Reservoir. Numerous hiking trails wind through the forest, offering access to breathtaking viewpoints such as Pala-U Waterfall.
📍Activity: River Rafting, Camping, Canoeing
🌿 If you want to check out more Parks for nature trails and camping:
Khao Nang Panthurat Forest Park, Cha-Am Forest Park
🌿 Near Cha-Am Beach: Wat Neranchararam
Cha-Am Beach
Escape the bustling city life and breathe in the fresh, salty air at Cha-Am Beach. This coastal stretch is ideal for those seeking a leisurely stroll along the lapping waves or a rejuvenating splash in the water!
With its tranquil and serene waters, along with a variety of watersports such as banana boating and jet skiing, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
📍Activities: Beach Activities, Cycling, Parasailing
🌿 If one beach isn’t enough to satisfy you, we’ve got your back! Take a direct trip to Laem Luang Beach, Chao Samran Beach, Puek Tian Beach
Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park
The Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park, with iconic limestone hills at the west of Cha-Am, offers two trails – a 300-metre lower trail that takes just 15 minutes to complete, and a full 3.5 km trail looking out over limestone mountains and sparkling sea.
It is a great spot for those seeking to escape from the hustle bustle city life as the evergreen forest offers a peace of serenity and the lush green grass is just the right place for a relaxing afternoon.
📍Activity: Bird-watching, Hiking, Camping
🌿 If you want to check out more parks with diverse habitats and wildlifes: Sirindhorn International Environmental Park. Easy trail walks for family leisure: Cha-Am Forest Park
Na Yang Bat Cave
The Na Yang Bat Cave is a fascinating natural site enveloped by rugged terrain and lush vegetation. Inside, it is adorned with stunning millennia-old stalactites and stalagmites. The cave has a large population of bats, whose nightly flights create a mesmerising sight accompanied by the echoes of their distinctive calls.
The cave complex of Na Yang supports a mixed species colony of around 2 million bats, with wrinkled-lipped free-tail bats likely being dominant.
Photo: SOl Hua Hin
🌿 If you want to get closer to Phetchaburi’s wildlife, also visit:
Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Center, Khao Nang Phanturat Forest Park (bird-watching)
Can’t wait to start planning your trip?
Getting There
From Bangkok to Cha-Am
🚕 Private Transfer: Arrange for a private car or transfer service directly from Bangkok to Cha-Am. Many hotels and travel agencies offer this service, which can be booked in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
🚌 Bus: You can take a bus from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) or Bangkok Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal which costs between THB 500-900 and takes about 3 hours to arrive.
🚆 Train: Trains to Phetchaburi run from Bang Bamru Station, Taling Chan Junction, and Bangkok Train Station. It’s a 2.5h (from Bang Bamru) - 3.5h (from Bangkok Train Station) journey that costs between THB 130-500 depending on the type of train.
✈️ Flight: Thai Regional Airlines operates daily flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Hua Hin Airport, where you can then take a 30-minute train, bus, or car ride to Cha-Am.