Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chinese styles, and surrounding temples in 1859 as a retreat from Bangkok. The hilltop
location allowed the king to pursue his interest in astronomy and stargazing.
Each breezy hall of the palace is furnished with royal belongings. Cobblestone paths
lead from the palace through the forested hill to three summits, each topped by a
chedi
can be spotted from the city below.
There are two entrances to the site. The front entrance is across from Th Ratwithi and
involves a strenuous footpath that passes a troop of unpredictable monkeys. The back en-
trance is on the opposite side of the hill and has a
tram
that glides up and down the summit.
This place is a popular school-group outing, and you'll be as much a photo-op as the his-
toric buildings.
A
Monday night market
lines the street in front of Khao Wang with the usual food and
clothing stalls.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
(Th Damnoen Kasem)
Centrally located, gleaming white Wat Mahathat is a lovely ex-
ample of an everyday temple with as much hustle and bustle as the busy commercial dis-
trict around it. The showpiece is a five-tiered Khmer-style
prang
(stupa) decorated in
stucco relief, a speciality of Phetchaburi's local artisans, while inside the main
wí·hăhn
(shrine hall or sanctuary) are contemporary murals.
The tempo of the temple is further heightened with the steady beat from traditional mu-
sicians and dancers who perform for merit-making services.
After visiting here, follow Th Suwanmunee through the old teak-house district filled
with the smells of incense from religious paraphernalia shops.
Tham Khao Luang
( 8am-6pm)
About 4km north of town is Tham Khao Luang, a dramatic stalactite-
stuffed chamber that is one of Thailand's most impressive cave shrines and a favourite of
Rama IV. Accessed via a steep set of stairs, its central Buddha figure is often illuminated
with a heavenly glow when sunlight filters in through the heart-shaped skylight.
At the opposite end of the chamber are a row of sitting Buddhas casting repetitive shad-
ows on the undulating cavern wall.
CAVE
