Phetchaburi is a very old town and used to be an important royal for a along period of time. There were so many names by which to call this town in the old days, such as, Phripphri, Phripphli or Phetchaphli. Some historians have said that the name Phetchaburi could be the original name because it is found on Stone Scrip-true No.1. It could have been named after the Indian style, according to Indian influence during those day, like some other towns in Thailand, such as, Ayothaya, Kanchanaburi, Suwannaphum. In addition, it is also believed that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from the Phetch River which is an important river of this town.

Phetchaburi is a central region province, situated on the west shore of the Gulf of Thailand having an overall area of 6,225.138 square kilometers. Its geographical characteristics are mountainous thick jungles throughout the border in the west where Tanaosi Range is the border line between Thailand and the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar. There is a plain all along the seashore in the east of Changwat Samut Songkhram and Amphoe Pak Tho of Changwat Ratchaburi to the north Amphoe Hua Hin of Changwat Prachuap Khirikhan to the South and the sea-shore of the west side of the Gulf to Thailand to the east. The total length of the Phetchaburi seashore from the northern-most spot to southern-most spot is approximately 80 kilometers while the total length of the border line in Phetchaburi dividing Thailand and Myanmar is approximately 120 Kilometers.

Phetchaburi is administratively divided into 7 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe, they are : Muang, Cha-Am, Khao Yoi, Tha Yang, Ban Lat, Ban Laem, Nong Ya Plong, and King Amphoe Kaeng Krachan.

The majority of the Phetchaburi population has for its principal occupation agriculture, I.e., rice farming, upland crop farming, fruit growing, palm sugar production animal raising, and fisheries for both sea water and fresh water.

There are three important rivers in Phetchaburi they are : "Phetchaburi River", having and overall length of 44 kilometers and "Bang Tabun River", having an overall length of 18 kilometers.

The average temperature of Phetchaburi ranges from 16-38 degrees Celsius. There are most rains from July to October.

[ By Car ]
From Bangkok : Drive along Highway No.35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) passing Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces and then take Highway No.4 to Phetchaburi Province. The total distance is 123 kilometers. Alternatively, it is possible to travel via Nakhon Pathom and Ratchaburi Provinces.

[ By Bus ]
From Bangkok: There are buses leaving regularly from the Southern Bus Terminal in Thonburi for 50 baht (ordinary) on the new road, 46 baht on the old road (via Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom), 60 baht for 2nd Class air-conditioned and 75 baht for 1st Class air-conditioned. The bus takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach the destination. Contact 0 2435 1199-200 or Phetchaburi Tour, Tel: 0 2435 7408 for more details.

To Cha-am and Hua Hin: There are several buses depart from Phetchaburi's city, fares ranging from 18 baht (25 air-conditioned) to 22 bahts (31 air-conditioned). It takes 60 and 90 minutes to reach the destinations respectively.

[ By Train ]
From Bangkok: Trains leave Bangkok's Hualamphong Station at 12.20 p.m. (rapid train), 2.15 and 2.35 p.m. (special express), 3.50, 5.35 and 6.20 p.m. (rapid trains), 7.15 p.m. (express), 10.30 and 10.50 p.m. (express diesel railcar). All these trains offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd class seating except for the 2.35 p.m. special express (1st and 2nd class only) and the 10.30 and 10.50 p.m. express diesel railcar (2nd class only) and take about three hours to reach Phetchaburi. Fares are 34 baht, 78 baht and 153 baht, not including rapid or express surcharges. Call 1690 for more details.

[ Getting Around Phetchaburi and Cha-am ]
Samlors and taxis (motorcycles) can go anywhere in the center of town for 20 baht. It is possible to charter one for the whole day for 150 baht. Shared songthaews cost 6 baht around town including to and from the railway station.