Phetchaburi, whose
short name is Muangphetch, is an ancient
city having a very long history. The archaeological
evidence suggests that the community existed
since the Dvaravati Period. The evidence
clearly shows that during Sukhothai and
Ayutthaya Periods, Phetchaburi was and important
city in the West, a fortified frontier of
the Ayutthaya Kingdom against the Burmese.
A lineage of Kings ruled this historical
city. The history of Phetchaburi has been
found in the remains and antiques, not to
mention the valuable works of art handed
down from its ancestors to the present generation.
In the Rattanakosin Period, Phetchaburi has
changed its role from a strategic city to a
town full of natural beauty, a seside resort
and a place to take a pleasant journey to. The
three Kings of the Rattanakosin Period, King
Rama the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth found their
retreats here. They built the three palaces
: Phranakhonkhiri, Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan
in Phetchaburi.
Phetchaburi has been nicknamed by some scholars
as the " Living Ayutthaya " because
the town has many things similar to the Ayutthaya
City which was almost completely destroyed after
the Thai-Burmese War over two hundred years
ago. The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom,
and can be seen and appreciated by anyone who
is interested.
Phetchaburi occupies an area of 6,225 square
kilometres, characterised by thick jungles and
mountain ranges lying in the west as a border
between Thailand and Myanmar, and 80 km. long
coastline towards the Gulf of Thailand in the
east. Phetchaburi is divided into 8 districts
(Amphoes): Muang Phetchaburi, Ban Laem, Ban
Lat, Cha-am, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yoi, Nong Ya
Plong and Tha Yang.
Distance from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts
:
Tha Yang 18 kilometres
Cha-am 40 kilometres
Ban Laem 12 kilometres
Ban Lat 8 kilometres
Khao Yoi 23 kilometres
Nong Ya Plong 34 kilometres
Kaeng Krachan 57 kilometres
Hua Hin 66 kilometres
Ratchaburi 54 kilometres
