| Introduction Cha Am and Hua Hin, both closely associated with Thai royalty, and located on the sunrise side of the Thai Gulf, some 3 hours southwest of Bangkok, are essentially quiet and relaxing seaside resorts ideal for family vacations. Although merely some 25 kilometres apart, the resorts are each in neighboring provinces, Cha Am in Phetchaburi, and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Both enjoy a wealth of satellite attractions, prominent among them national parks and historic cities. Tourist Attractions in Cha Am Hup Kraphong This place is located four kilometers before arriving at Cha Am at KM.201-202. An asphalt road branches off on the right hand side for a distance of eight kilometers to the Hup Kraphong Cooperatives which is situation in the vicinity of Tambon Khao Yai. Amphoe Cha Am originally was dry and non-fertile. In 1962 H.M. The King had the idea to help farmers in the Phetch Dam Settlement, the Hup Kraphong Rural Development Project was the result of the royal desire. It commenced in 1964 with support of Israel , and the name of the projects is "Thai-Israel Project". There were studies on various crops growing in accordance with market requirements. Farmers were advised to grow crops according to proper technology and there was an establishment of Hup Kraphong Cooperatives. Tourists can buy farm product at the market located in front of the demonstration center as well as to buy products made of hemp under the folk arts and crafts project. Cha Am Beach This beach is located 41 kilometers from the township area where a two kilometers road branches off on the left to the beach. Cha Am beach is the most beautiful beach of Chang Phetchaburi. Originally, Cha Am was a tambon of Amphoe Nong Jok. After Hua Hin became popular , thus causing its land to become occupied by high rank and royal family members. They tried to locate a new resort location and under the leadership of HRH. Prince Narathip they recognized that Cha Am beach was just as beautiful as Hua Hin Beach. Since then Cha Am has become much more well known to the public. It was developed and promoted , and now has a district status. 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. Kaeng Krachan National Park This is the most extensive national park of Thailand occupying an area of 2,915 square kilometers 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. 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 meters high and 760 metres long, overlooking beautiful scenery of the reservoir and its islands. Chao Samran Beach This historic beach is 15 kms southeast of the town. Legend says that King Naresuan the Great and King Eka Thotsarot made several royal visits here and highly appreciated its beauty. The villagers thus rendered it a name "Hat Chao Samran", which means "Beach of Royal Leisure". King Rama IV ordered a seaside palace built at this beach in 1918 and called it "Hat Chao Samran Palace". Laem Luang Beach Located 4 kms north of Hat Chao Samran, this beach stretchs for 2 kms and is full of white sand. Puk Tian Beach This wide and long beach is popular among Thai tourists. It is 7 kms south of Chao Samran Beach. Khao Wang This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometres north of Cha Am), supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in 1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill. The area is now known as Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum and is open to the public every day from 9.00 AM until 4.00 PM. Admission is 10 baht per person. Visitors may walk to the hillttop complex, or ascend by cable car. Khao Bandai It This hill is 121 metres high and just 2 kms south of Khao Wang. It is the site of an ancient temple of the Ayutthaya Period. There are several caves called Tham Prathum, Tham Phra Chao Sua and Tham Phra Phuttha Saiyat. Khao Luang Cave Located 5 kms north of Khao Wang, this cave houses a Buddha image cast by the royal command of King Rama V as a dedication to King Rama III and King Rama IV. At the foot of the Khao Luang Hill, there is a large monastery called "Wat Tham Klaep" or Wat Bun-thawi which has a very large hall and a chapel with beautifully carved door panels. Wat Mahathat Worawihan This old temple is situated by the Phetchaburi River in the town center. There is a five-topped pagoda constructed in accordance with the Mahayana concept housing Lord Buddha's relics. The stucco designs decorated on the vihara and the ubosot reflect the excellent skill of local craftsmen. Wat Yai Suwannaram This is another important temple in the town, situated 1 km east of the city hall. The main shrine hall has no windows. It contains 300-year-old mural paintings of mythical angels. The multi-purpose hall, once located in Ayutthaya's Grand Palace, was entirely built of teak wood and decorated with fine carving work especially at the door panels. The hall also houses a preaching throne with intricate wood carvings and gold gilt works of Bangkok design. Wat Kamphaeng Lang This temple, situated in the town, was originally a Khmer place of worship. It was later turned into a Buddhist temple and a shrine hall was constructed. However, the outlook of the place has not much changed due to the existence of sandstone walls and four Khmer style pagodas. Phra Ram Ratchaniwet This palace of European architectural style is originally called "Wang Ban Pun". It is situated in the south of the town. King Rama V commanded it built as a rainy season palace in 1916. It was used to welcome and accommodate state visitors during the reign of King Rama VI. 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 practiced meditation while he was in the monkhood. Local Goods and Foods Phetchaburi is well known as a province that produces several kinds of delicious desserts such as khanom mo kaeng (semilar to pudding, made of crushed steamed mong bean, egg, cocount milk and sugar which is, after well mixed, baked under the charcoal fire) khao kriap (dried pastry sheet having coconut, sugar and sesame as ingredients and has to be grilled on a charcoal fire before serving) honey baked banana fruits toffee kluai khai (small banana having sweeter flavour) etc. Visitors can buy those local product both in town and long Phetch Kasem road side and Khao Wang area for consumption and/or as souvenir. Phetchaburi is also famous for its fruits especially rose-apples and Iamuts (sapodillas) besides, there are mangoes, tamarinds oranges and kluai khai (small bananas having sweeter flavour). Major Event Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair This fair takes place around February each year to celebrate Phra Nakhon Khiri, the hill-top historical site in the Phetchaburi Town. A light and sound presentation celebrating local history is one of the attractions of this popular fair. How to get there Phetchaburi isaccessible by car through two routes. One is to leave Bangkok passing Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi to Phetchaburi totaling a distance of 166 kilometers the other route is to leave Bangkok by Highway No. 35, the Thonburi-Pak Tho Highway passing Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Amphoe Pak Tho of Changwat Ratchaburi, then making a left turn to join Highway No.4 on to Phetchaburi, totaling a distance of 121 kilomters. The Transport Company Limited (Bo Kho So) opertes a daily Bangkok Phetchaburi service. Detailed information can be obtained from Tel. (02)435-1199 (air-conditioned coach) and Tel. (02)434-5557-8 (non air-conditioned bus). The travel time is approximately two hours. Moreover, one can travel via several southern route buses, such as, Bangkok-Chumphon, Bangkok-Prachuap Khirikhan and Bangkok-Hua Hin which also drop passengers in Phetchaburi. There are several trains daily leaving Bangkok (from Hua Lamphong Railway Station) for Phetchaburi and Cha-Am. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel Service Section, Tel. (02)223-7010, 223-7020. From Tel.(02)441-3102 one can obtain information from Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi) where there are trains leaving for Phetchaburi every day too. Important in Cha Am - Bus Station : 0-3242-5307 - Police Station : 0-3247-1323 - Post Office : 0-3247-1252 - Railway Station : 0-3247-1159 - Tourism Authority : 0-3247-1005 to 6 |
| Introduction Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin lies some 200 kilometres or a three-hour drive southwest of Bangkok. Adding distinction to Hua Hin's coastal setting, is its status as Thailand's most traditional beach resort. It was here, in the 1920s, that King Rama VII built a summer palace, thus creating a vogue among high society for Hua Hin to become the favourite retreat from Bangkok's summer heat. Today, the present Royal Family continues to reside at Hua Hin for part of the year. Hua Hin is similarly noted for its magnificent beach, running from a rocky headland, which separates it from a tiny fishing port, and curving gently for some three kilometres to its southern point where Buddhist temples cling to the cliffs. Hua Hin is a well-established beach destinations, with full facilities. But unlike Pattaya, on the opposite shores of the Gulf of Thailand, Hua Hin provide a quieter, more relaxed retreat amid surroundings which preserve a typical Thai ambience. Hua Hin is well suited for families or for those who wish simply to escape city bustle. Tourist Attractions in Hua Hin Klai Kangwon Palace King Rama VII commanded this summer palace to be built in the year 1926 to the north of Hua Hin. The palace consists of 3 Spanish style mansions facing the sea. This Spanish style architecture was adapted to suit the tropical climate of Thailand ant to serve the function of a summer palace. The atmosphere is more of a large house than a formal place. It is open to the public daily from 9.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Hua Hin Arts and Crafts Centre This is situated in an old typical house on Naepkhehat Road. It has a collection and exhibition of many contemporary works of Thai artists, as well as old furniture and many pictures about Hua Hin in the past. Hua Hin Railway Station Built in the reign of King Rama VI, this is one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations of which the local people are very proud. Khao Takiap This hill is only 4 kilometres south of Hua Hin and may be reached by local minibus. There is a road leading to the top where a temple is situated. The nearby Khao Takiap beach offers mostly bungalow accommodation. Ko Singto Fishing lovers can enjoy a day outing to this island, just a few kilometres from Hua Hin or Khao Takiap where some boats for hire are available. Suan Son Pradiphant or Sea Pine Tree Garden This beachside area belongs to the Army Welfare Office and is open to the public. It is at Km. 241, some 8 kilometres south of Hua Hin. Accommodation is available. Hat Khao Tao This beach lies about 10 kilometres south of Hua Hin and 1 kilometre along an access road. It is a pine-fringed beach, more secluded than Hua Hin. Bungalows are available. Namtok Pa La-u This waterfall is located within a yearlong verdant forest where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found, especially in the morning. It is composed of 11 tiers of rocks, some of which can be reached along a trekking trail parallel to the stream. To get there, visitors may take local transport from Hua Hin for a distance of 63 kilometres. Sam Roi Yot National Park This park is located 63 kms. South of Hua Hin. It occupies an area of 98 square kilometers with undulating ranges of limestone mountains, mangrove swamps and beaches. It is also home to various kinds of local and migrating birds which are plentiful from November to February. With a large number of ridges, Khao Sam Roi Yot (or the mountain of 300 peaks) stands as a landmark for seamen and also provides a good shelter for ships during a storm. To get to the park, follow the direction signs marking the remaining distances of 38 and 15 kms at Km. 256 and Km. 286.5 respectively. Attractions within the park area include : Sam Phraya Beach, Tham Kaeo, Tham Sai, Laem Sala Beach Khao Chong Krachok This hill is located in the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan. From the foot of the hill, up 395 steps, sits a much revered monastery. The stupa here contains the relic of Lord Buddha. The hill also offers a spectacular view of the town and the southern seacoast. Ao Manao This beautiful curved bay is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. It is some 5 kilometres south of the town. This area used to be a battlefield between the Thai and Japanese armies during Second World War. Accommodation should be reserved in advanced at the 53rd Squadron, Tel: (032) 611017, 611031 ext. 2146 Wa Ko This locality has had historical importance since the reign of King Rama IV. The King made a trip to Wa Ko to witness the full moon eclipse. A long white sandy beach lined with pine trees offers a pleasant atmosphere. It is located at Km. 335 of Highway No. 4, about 12 kilometres south of the town. Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park This is located to the west of the town. Travel along Highway No. 4 till Km. 331-332, then turn right and drive for another 8 kms. Among large stones placed by nature in the area, there are narrow walks leading to wide rocky fields on the mountain top overlooking the view of the city and the sea. Dan Singkhon This Myanmar-Thailand border pass is located in Tambon Khlong Wan, 4 kilometres from Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park. It used to be a strategic line for military movement in the past. Hat Wanakon National Park This park is 22 kms south of Prachuap Khiri Khan and another 3.5 kms. On an access road. It offers a 7-km. Long beach lined with sea pine trees. For accommodation, contact the Faculty of Forest Affairs, Kasetsart University, Tel : 0-2579-0520. Namtok Huai Yang National Park This park covers a forested area on the Tanaosi Mountain Range. Follow a sign at Km. 351 of Highway No. 4 and drive along a 7-km. access road to the park office. Namtok Huai Yang near the park office is its main attraction. The waterfall is composed of 5 small cascades situated among recreational surroundings. Ao Mae Ramphung This is a scenic bay in Amphoe Bang Saphan. Travel about 75 kms. south of Phrachuap Khiri Khan to Km. 399, turn left and continue for another 17 kilometres via Bang Saphan Market. Accommodation and seafood restaurants are available. Ao Bo Thonglang This is located 4 kilometres beyond Ao Mae Ramphung along a beach road. There is a clean and white sandy beach suitable for swimming. Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing These three islands suitable for fishing can be reached within 20 minutes by boat from Ban Pak Khlong, 3 kms. east of Bang Saphan. Local Products Prachuap Khiri Khan has an abundance of dried seafood and products from fruits such as pine apples, coconuts, bananas and aloe vera. One of its renowned local products is "pha phim khommaphat" or khommaphat printed cotton, a typial product of Hua Hin which is to be sold by yard. A large variety of other cotton products are also obtainable, for example, placemat, tablecloth, and pillowcase. Most of the products, fresh and dried seafood, souvenirs, dishes made of seafood are available at Hua Hin Market. How to get there By Car From Bangkok, drive for about 3 hrs. along the Highway 35 (Thon Buri - Pak Thao route) via Samut Songkhram then turn left to the Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) via Phetchaburi and Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan, a total distance of 281 kilometres. Another route might otherwise be taken from Bangkok via Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, a total distance of 320 kilometres. By Bus Regular buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan every 40 minutes, starting from 04:00 am until 22:20 pm. Bus Fare is around Baht 128 per person per way. For further details, please contact 0-2884-6192. Remark : Time and fare is subject to change without prior notices By Train Trains leave Bangkok Railway Station for Hua Hin 12 times daily and Prachuap Khiri Khan 9 times daily. Please check timetable before travelling at the nearest station or Information Unit in Bangkok Railway Station, Tel: 0-2223-7010, 0-2223-7020. By Air Bangkok Airways operates a daily flight from Bangkok to Hua Hin. Please click here to preview flight timetable or to book a flight Important in Hua Hin - Air Bus Station : 0-3251-1654 - Bus Station : 0-3251-1230 - Emergency Calls : 191 - Overseas Calls : 100 - Post Office : 0-3251-1350 - Police Station : 0-3253-3440 to 1 - Police Tourism Authority : 0-3251-5995 - Railway Station : 0-3251-1073 |
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