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Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

Phetchaburis well-known landmark, the locally known as Khao Wang (Palace Hill) is located up on a 92-meter high verdant hill, in the city of Phetchaburi. It was built under the royal command of King Rama IV and in 1860 became his summer palace. The whole compound is comprised of royal halls, palaces, temples and other buildings which were elegantly constructed in a well-balanced Thai, neoclassical Western and Chinese architectural styles.

The original main residence, Phetchphoomphairot and Pramotmahaisawan Buildings are now being used as a museum exhibiting the royal paraphernalia of King Rama IV and King Rama V, decorative sculptures, and ceramics from China, Japan and Europe.

The big white pagoda situated on the middle peak of the hill is Phrathat Jomphet. King Rama IV ordered the renovation of the old pagoda and later added a Buddha image inside. Visitors to the Palace should not miss the panoramic view of Phetchaburi City and other buildings on another two nearby mountaintops.

There are several temples to be admired on the Eastern Mountain, one of which is Wat Maha Samanaram, which has a history that can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period and the place where murals by Khrua In Khong, a renowned Thai artist is located. Another temple located on top of the mountain is Wat Phra Kaew Noi, the Royal Temple of Phra Nakhon Khiri that was constructed based on the model of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

The Ordination Hall and Phra Sutthasela Chedi are also popular attractions. The ordination hall is a small beautifully symmetrical structure that is noted for the stucco at the gables, which is said to be a Phetchaburi masterpiece. In addition, the design of the Hall was based on King Rama IV's royal emblem. Phra Sutthasela Chedi was built from greenish gray marble. The marble was first sculptured into pieces to form a pagoda at Ko Srichang, an island off the coast of Pattaya on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, then it was dismantled and resembled at the Chedi which is on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

Prachuap Khiri Khan

The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace

The summer seaside palace, often referred to as "the palace of love and hope is located midway between Cha-am and Hua Hin. It was built in 1923 under the royal command of King Rama VI using golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. An Italian architect designed the palace with a dazzling composition of verandahs and latticework in regal proportions.
The palace is a two-storied wooden pavilion with a series of connecting halls and a long corridor leading to the sea. Residential halls of royal family members are on the right wing while those for royal retainers are on the left wing. The central group of halls consists of royal drawing, sitting and reading rooms. In addition, a two-story, open pavilion located next to the central hall was once used as a royal meeting place and theatre. Two famous plays performed in 1941 for King Rama VI were Phra Ruang and Wiwah Phra Samut.

Hua Hin Railway Station

Built in the reign of King Rama VI, the station is one of Thailand's oldest railway stations. In addition, it is one of the country's most beautiful train stations with unique architecture. Its most striking feature is the splendid Royal Waiting Room constructed in the Thai architectural style. The room was relocated from Sanam Chan Palace in Nakhon Pathom Province during the reign of King Rama VI.

Hua Hin Night Market

The most colorful spot in Hua Hin during the night, the market offer a wide array of food, drinks, deserts, memorable souvenirs; all kinds of freshly-prepared dishes. Famous are Pad Thai, Hoi Thod, fresh seafood, Indian roti bread, coconut ice cream, etc. (the list is endless) This market will delight visitors wishing to savor the real taste of Hua Hin.
Hua Hin
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.