Attractions in Phetchaburi province, Central Thailand

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[ 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.

[ Hat Cha-Am ]
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. The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am on every holiday.
□ Detailed information can be obtained from Travel service Section, Tel 2237-010, 2237020.

[ Ma Ruk Ha Thai Ya Wan Palace ]
Ma Ruk Ha Thai Ya Wan Palace

This palace is a royal seaside resort. The construction materials were obtained from the demolished Hat Cho Samran Palace by th royal command of king Vaijravudh in the year 1923. Located at Tambon Huai Nua , Amphoe Cha-Am KM.216, it is a litte bit beyond Cha-Am Beach (going from Bangkok). This palace is note for three two - storied wooden pavilions facing the sea, and is referred to as "the palace of love and hope". Series of halls are linked together throughout the palace. Residential halls of the royal consort members are located on the right wing. The central group of halls which is the royal residence consist of royal sitting and relaxing rooms, accommodations for close royal servants called Phisan Sakhon Hall, and the roaming room. In addition, Samoson Sewakamat Hall, a two-storey open pavilion, is used as a meeting place, and sometimes as a theater. Two important dramas were shown on this stage in 1941 : "Phra Ruang" and "Wiwah Phra Samut". Cho Phraya Ramrakhop ordered a statue of King Vajiravudh, as a royal dedication, to be enshrined in the hall of Marukhathaiyawan Palace. An annual rite is conducted on November 25, the anniversary of King Vajiravudh's death.

[ Tham Khao Yoi ]
Tham Khao Yoi

This cave is located on Khao Yoi Hill, 22 kilometers prior to arriving at Amphoe Muang Phetchaburi. The Hill is outstanding on the edge of Highway No.4 the cave is in the east part of the hill which is located behind the railway station.
There are many Buddha images of several size and attitudes enshrined in the cave like those of Khao Luang Cave or Khao Bandai It Cave. According to the history, those Buddha images were enshrined long ago before the place was renovated by Phra Khru On of Wat Thai Talat. The legend also says that when King Mongkut was in the monkhood he once made a pilgrimage and stayed overnight for several nights, firstly in front of the hill and lately moved in to the cave, for meditation practice.

[ Khao Eko ]

This hill is situated in the vicinity of Tambo Huai Rong in the north part of Amphoe Khao Yoi. There is an important pagoda constructed on top of Eko Hill by Lord Abbot Kaew of Wat Phuang Malai of Mae Klong Town in the year 1912. It is now a tradition of Khao Yoi people to walk up the hill pay their homage's to the Wat and Pagoda during the Songkran Festival.

[ Wat Kuti ]
A temple at Tambon Bang Khem with a teak bot (a rite hall). Its outer surface of the walls is carved into scenes depicting the Ten Incarnations of the Buddha and the door panels in to openwork of inter twined sprays patterns, all with masterly craftsmanship.

[ Kaeng Krachan Dam ]
Kaeng Krachan Dam

The dam is located in the vicinity of Amphoe Tha Yang 53.5 kilometers from Phetchaburi township. There are two accessible roads to the dam, i.e., through Amphoe Tha Yang where one must go for an additional distance of 30 kilometers, or by Highway No. 4 where a right turn is to be made at KM. 186-187 for a distance of 30 kilometers.
Kaeng Krachan Dam was completed in the year 1966 having a height of 58 meters, length of 760 meters. The top width is eight meters while the widest part of the base is 250 meters. It can eliminate the water shortage problem in Amphoe Hau Hin through the mouth of the Phetch River area. This dam was constructed because the Phetch Dam cannot store water and when water level in the Phetch River is too high it has to be released uselessly. Therefore, Kaeng Krachan Dam was constructed to store water, then deliver to the Phetch Dam for distribution into the irrigated area.

[ Kaeng Krachan National Park ]
This is the most extensive national park of Thailand occupying an are of 2,915 square kilometers or 1.8 million rai. It was declared to be a national park on June 12, 1981 with clearly defined areas for reservoir and the jungle to the north of the dam in the park area. Its general characteristic is that it is a year round green jungle originating many rivers.
□ PLACES OF INTEREST WITHIN THE PARK AREA :

[ The Lake ]
The lake occupies an approximate area of 45 square kilometers. It is generally called Kaeng Krachan Reservoir. A cruising trip is very popular with tourists visiting here.

Natural Pine Trees Hill : This Place is located nine kilometers from the park office along the topped dam road. On the hill top there are scenic spots, cliffs, and a rock garden.

The Lake

There are several more tourist attractions in the park area but it is not yet developed. Therefore, those who are interested to visit such places have to make a foot trip. It is advised that a trekking trip should be made with the cooperation of Forest Department officials.

[ Accomodation ]
Kaeng Krachan National Park also provides accommodation service to tourists who desire to stay overnight at the dam site. Reservation must be made in advance at the Reservation Section , Royal Forest Department, Tel 5790529.

[ Mode of Travel ]
One has to use the same route leading to Kaeng Krachan Dam , but the journey has to be continued for another eight kilometers beyond the dam to reach the park office.

[ Hat Puek Tian ]
Puek Tian Beach is located in the vicinity of Tambon Puek Tian , Amphoe Tha Yang , seven kilometers south of Hat Cho Samran Beach. Otherwise one can travel via Phetch Kasem Highway; a left turn is made at Amphoe Tha Yang to join the road along the Irrigation Canal Route II for a distance of 15 kilometers. Puek Tian Canal flows through the area above Puek Tian Beach. The white sandy beach itself is very wide and long. The area surrounding the canal is a prairie dotted with samae trees providing very beautiful scenery.

[ Tham Khao Tao Mo ]
A newly discovered cave stretching for a vast area in Amphoe Tha Yang. Marvellous stalagmites and satlactites beautify a throne hall-like chamber in the cave. Toget there, driver along branch road leading to Kaeng Krachan Dam and drive for 6 kilometers to Phetchaburi Water Transmission and Maintainance Project , then take a left turn and cross a bridge and follow direction signs for 15 kilometers to Wat Phra Phuttabat Khao Luk Chang. Khao Tao Mo or Tao Mo Mountain is another 9 kilometers beyond the Wat