|
Located on the
western shores of the Gulf of Thailand,
Phetchaburi is best known for its beach resort
of Cha-am, an established favorite for family
vacations by the sea and it is mostly packed
with the locals.
Aside from its long
sandy beach, the province also boasts both
historical and scenic attractions of
considerable interest. Phetchaburi town, today a
small provincial capital city, has a distinguished
history as witnessed in ancient Khmer ruins and
a number of venerable temples, including Wat Yai
Suwannaram temple and Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam
temple, which
contain some fine mural paintings. There is also
a 19th century hilltop palace built by King Rama
IV and an enchanting grotto enshrining Buddha
images.
The province's
natural beauty is best showcased at Kaeng
Krachan National Park, Thailand's largest
protected area covering 2,920 square kilometers of
well-watered forested hills and valleys, and
home to over 40 species of wildlife, including
Malaysian sun bear, Asiatic black bear, clouded
leopard, tiger and elephant and it is definitely
for animal lovers. The park also
encompasses the scenic 45 square kilometers Kaeng Krachan
Reservoir.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
|