Cha-Am in Thailand

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.

How to get there :
Distance from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts

By Car : From Bangkok, drive along Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and then Highway No. 4 to Phetchaburi, a total distance of 123 kilometres.

By Bus : Both air conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Southern Bus Termianl for Phetchaburi daily. Contact 0 2435 1199-200 or Phetchaburi Tour, Tel : 0 2435 7408.

By Train : Visitors can take trains from either Hua Lamphong Railway Station or Bangkok Noi Railway Station. Call 1690 for more information.

Festivals
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.

To celebrate Phetchaburi's cultural heritage-particular Phra Nakhon Khiri-the people of Phetchaburi hold the Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair regularly around the end of February at Khao Wang Compound.

The five-day fair presents a parade of people enacting the procession of monarchs who ruled Phetchaburi; during the Dvaravati and Srivijaya Periods. Aprat from that, there are exhibitions on Phetchaburi's history and archaeological objects. Cooking demonstrations on the province's famous dishes and sweetmeats are among the main attractions of the fair. Also featured are various kinds of entertainment and contests.

Thai Song Dam Festival , a merit-making at Song Dam Village, Khao Yoi district. Games, entertainment and the authentic cuisine of Thai Song Dam villagers is all on offer. Many villagers wear their traditional costumes - a sight rarely seen today. The festival is held annually on April 18