Phetchaburi province in the central region of Thailand boasts many cultural and natural attractions. Each year, the province holds a major cultural event, called Phra Nakhon Khiri - Mueang Phet Fair, featuring various cultural activities and presenting interesting tourist sites in the province.
The annual fair honors King Rama IV, who built Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace; King Rama V, who built Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace; and King Rama VI, who built Mrigadayavan Palace. These three magnificent palaces are among several cultural attractions in Phetchaburi and are the pride of local residents.
The 2010 Phra Nakhon Khiri - Mueang Phet Fair, the 24th of its kind, is scheduled for April 1-10. It is also meant to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Phra Nakhon Khiri, commonly known as Khao Wang, as it stands prominently on the Khao Wang Mountain. The event, organized jointly by the Fine Arts Department, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Phetchaburi Provincial Administration, takes place around this hilltop palace.
It includes a display of Phetchaburi craftsmen’s artistic creations, such as Thai stucco and woodcarving. Graceful stucco art, in particular, is recognized as a symbol of Phetchaburi. The fair also consists of demonstrations of native food cooking and dessert making. Phetchaburi is famous for sweets that have become a popular souvenir taken home by many visitors. Its desserts are made mainly from sugar palm, a kind of plant grown in abundance in this province.
The Phra Nakhon Khiri-Mueang Phet Fair also combines with the Phetchaburi Red Cross Fair. Light decorations will be installed along the way to the hilltop palace, so that visitors will be able to appreciate the beauty of Phetchaburi during nighttime.
The Fine Arts Department has used part of the Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace as a national museum. Visitors may walk to the top of the mountain to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from this spot.
As for Phra Ram Ratchaniwet, which was originally called "Wang Ban Pun," it is a European-style palace. It was constructed in 1909 at the command of King Rama V as his rainy season palace. The construction was completed in 1916 in the reign of King Rama VI, who used this palace to welcome and accommodate state visitors during his reign.
Another attraction, Mrigadayavan, known as the Palace of Love and Hope, is a beautiful teak seaside palace built by King Rama VI. It is located between Cha-am and Hua Hin, in the compound of the special training division, Rama VI Camp, in Cha-am district. It was at Mrigadayavan Palace that King Rama VI, or King Vajiravudh, created numerous literary works.
As for natural attractions, Phetchaburi is famous for beautiful beaches, especially the Cha-am beach resort. This tranquil beach is a favorite among many Thai and foreign visitors. About 120 kilometers, or a drive of two hours, from Bangkok, Phetchaburi has become a symbol of Thai art and culture. Numerous treasures on this coastal province are well worth exploring.
