Phetchaburi, whose short name is Muangphetch,
is an ancient city having a very long history.
The archaeological evidence suggests that the
community existed since the Dvaravati Period.
The evidence clearly shows that during Sukhothai
and Ayutthaya Periods, Phetchaburi was and important
city in the West, a fortified frontier of the
Ayutthaya Kingdom against the Burmese. A lineage
of Kings ruled this historical city. The history
of Phetchaburi has been found in the remains and
antiques, not to mention the valuable works of
art handed down from its ancestors to the present
generation.
In the Rattanakosin Period,
Phetchaburi has changed its role from a strategic
city to a town full of natural beauty, a seside
resort and a place to take a pleasant journey
to. The three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period,
King Rama the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth found
their retreats here. They built the three palaces
: Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan
in Phetchaburi.
Phetchaburi has been nicknamed
by some scholars as the " Living Ayutthaya
" because the town has many things similar
to the Ayutthaya City which was almost completely
destroyed after the Thai-Burmese War over two
hundred years ago. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya
Kingdom, and can be seen and appreciated by
anyone who is interested.
Phetchaburi occupies an area
of 6,225 square kilometres, characterised by
thick jungles and mountain ranges lying in the
west as a border between Thailand and Myanmar,
and 80 km. long coastline towards the Gulf of
Thailand in the east. Phetchaburi is divided
into 8 districts (Amphoes): Muang Phetchaburi,
Ban Laem, Ban Lat, Cha-am, Kaeng Krachan, Khao
Yoi, Nong Ya Plong and Tha Yang.
Distance from Amphoe Mueang
to Other Districts :
Tha Yang 18 kilometres
Cha-am 40 kilometres
Ban Laem 12 kilometres
Ban Lat 8 kilometres
Khao Yoi 23 kilometres
Nong Ya Plong 34 kilometres
Kaeng Krachan 57 kilometres
Hua Hin 66 kilometres
Ratchaburi 54 kilometres
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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. 
