Two days in Phetchaburi

[Sparky]

We just spent 2 days in Phetchaburi, which I would highly recommend. It's very easy to get to, only about 2 hours from Bangkok. If you're driving, you can get on the highway and head for Dao Khanong via the Rama IX bridge, thereafter follow the road on through Samut Songkram and the signs point to Phetchaburi.

A must-see is Khao Wang, A.K.A the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครคีรี), the hilltop palace complex built by my favourite Thai King, Rama IV. The building next to the Thai flag is the observatory the king used for stargazing.

[Sparky]

At the base of the hill is also a temple with a huge reclining Buddha. It is at least as big as the one in Bangkok -- if not bigger.

[Sparky]

Just 15km from the town centre there are some OK beaches. Well, they're not great; there's a lot of dead wood on the beach, rocks in the sea, etc, but worth a visit if you like the sea air.

Hat Chao Samran (หาดเจ้าสำราญ) was where we stayed. Although we heard it's quite popular with weekenders, it was pretty quiet midweek. And not many places to choose from to eat. Apparently it was a place King Narasuan liked to visit.

Also from here you can take a boat trip up a mangrove creek to a solitary beach called Hat Laem Luang on the end of a promontary, Again the beach was not great but it was nice to have it to ourselves. We paid 400 baht for the trip, 30 mins each way and the boatman will wait for you as long as you want (2 hours in our case).

About another 10km away was Hat Puek Tian (หาดปึกเตียน), which again was quiet and said to be busy at weekends. This is noted for the statues in the sea, including one of Guan Im, goddess of mercy, and a mythical she-giant.

[Sparky]

Hat Puek Tian

[David1963]

Where did you stay? Do you have any recommendations for hotels/guesthouses and restaurants?

[Sparky]

Hi David, sorry this response is so late (and you might not ready it). The beach is about 15km from Petch town and we stayed at a resort bear the beach. I can't remember the name but there are so many and if you go midweek there's no reason to book anywhere. We were the only ppl in out resort and there was hardly anyone around.

[Clashfan]

.....We were the only ppl in out resort and there was hardly anyone around.

This would be the kind of vacation I would be looking forward to...

[paul_au]

This would be the kind of vacation I would be looking forward to...

So long as the price is right.

[Clashfan]

So long as the price is right.

Thats right paul_au!

[sjillie]

Seems like a lovely place!!