Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PHETCHABURI SIGHTSEEING
Some of the city's best sights are outside town, but don't let the distance deter you. Hire a
sŏrng·tăa·ou
(passen-
ger pick-up truck) for the day (usually around 500B) to hit all the highlights. Alternatively, you can rent a motor-
bike (200B to 300B) or a bicycle (100B).
Tham Khao Bandai-It
(donation appreciated; 9am-4pm)
This hillside monastery, 2km west of town, sprawls through
several large caverns converted into simple Buddha shrines and meditation rooms.
English-speaking guides (tip appreciated) lead tours, mainly as a precaution against the
monkeys. One cavern contains a significant population of bats, and guides will instruct
you not to look up with your mouth open (a good rule for everyday life).
CAVE
Hat Puak Tian
Locals come to this dark-sands beach, 20km southeast of Phetchaburi and famed for its
role in Thai literature, on weekends to eat seafood and frolic in the surf. You'll need
private transport to get here.
The beach is mentioned in the Thai epic poem
Phra Aphaimani,
written by Sunthorn
Phu. A partially submerged statue of a giant woman standing offshore with an out-
stretched hand and a forlorn expression depicts a character from the poem who disguised
herself as a beautiful temptress to win the love of the hero and imprison him on this
beach. But he discovers her treachery (and her true ugliness) and with the help of a mer-
maid escapes to Ko Samet (which has nicer beaches so maybe he was onto something).
BEACH
MONKEY BUSINESS
Phetchaburi is full of macaque monkeys who know no shame or fear. Having once just congregated on Khao
Wang (Palace Hill), they have now spread to the surrounding streets, as well as to the road leading to Tham Khao
Luang. There they lurk by food stands, or eye up pedestrians as potential mugging victims. These apes love
plastic bags - regarding them as a signal that you are carrying food - so be wary about displaying them. Keep a
tight hold on camera bags too. Above all, don't feed or bait the monkeys. They do bite.
Festivals & Events
Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair
CULTURAL
