Phetchaburi Travel

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Phetchaburi is during the cool and dry season between November and March. April and May are normally quite hot while in June the rainy season starts. Compared to other places in Thailand the rain is less frequent and less strong, making it still possible to visit during these months without any major issue. If possible avoid September which usually gets more precipitations.

Check the below table for the general idea of Phetchaburi weather throughout the year.

Phetchaburi’s current weather and 7-day forecast

PHETCHABURI WEATHER

The scenic province of Phetchaburi is located about 130km southwest of Thailand’s capital Bangkok. Meaning “city of diamonds”, Phetchaburi is certainly home to a few gems, with enough temples, trails and beaches to keep you busy no matter how long you’re staying for. Whether you’re a history buff or an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of things to see and do in Phetchaburi, and here’s our list of the best of the bunch.

Tham Khao Luang Cave

No trip to Phetchaburi is complete without a visit its famous cave, Tham Khao Luang. After dodging the monkeys that lurk near the entrance, you’ll descend into this beautiful limestone cave to be greeted by a feast of Buddha statues and images. The main draw is the 14m long reclining Buddha, but there are plenty of smaller ones nestled in the various chambers and amongst the stalactites. Beams of light pierce down from above and eerily illuminate different sections of the cave, and monks are on hand to provides blessings if you want them. Guides are available but not necessary, and a taxi or tuk tuk to the site won’t set you back more than a couple of hundred baht. A must-visit for anyone in the area.

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

Thailand is full of wonderful historical parks and temples, and Phetchaburi is home to a few of them. Made by Thailand’s King Rama IV, Phra Nakhon Khiri is a series of natural spaces, cobbled roads and Khmer-style temples that grab one’s attention. A particularly exquisite feature of the park is the 40m tall Phra That Chom Phet chedi. Bone white in colour, it stretches triumphantly into the sky and can be seen for miles around. There’s also a hill that when climbed offers wonderful views of the surroundings, and a stately palace that’s well preserved and a treat to look upon.

Cha-Am Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the area, Cha-Am beach is a 5km stretch of inviting beach, with soft sand and swimmable seas. Popular with expats and locals alike, Cha-Am provides a scenic and comfortable place to relax and soak up the sun, with cheap street food and reasonably priced fresh seafood available nearby. For those who don’t wish to sit and laze by the beach all day, it’s possible to enjoy a picturesque bicycle ride through the beach and town area – a great way to see more of this charming location while also burning off the pad Thai.

Wat Mahathat Worawihan

Another of Phetchaburi province’s impressive temples, Wat Mahathat is the most revered of the lot. A temple made in the distinct Khmer style, its main feature is an impressive prang that’s over 40m tall, though there’s plenty more to see if you keep looking up. The walls and buildings are painstakingly embellished; there are enchanting stuccos featuring popular Buddhist imagery such as naga and angles that are well worth your attention. Well preserved, it’s clear to see why it’s so well thought of, and is well worth an hour or two of exploring.

Wat Yai Suwannaram

Another fine temple, Wat Yai Suwannaram is famed for it’s spectacular murals. Created around the 17th century, the murals feature images of angels, each one distinctive and different, and have been well preserved considering their age. There are several scenic buildings nestled around a pond and marks on the buildings that were supposedly left by the weapons of Burmese invaders, details that take you back in time to when the temple was in proper use. It also features a sala – a rest pavilion – that was once housed in the former capital of Ayutthaya, and is a testament to fine woodworking. Worth the visit for the murals alone.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Another one of Thailand’s awesome national parks, Kaeng Krachan features miles after miles of thick, unspoilt rainforests, rolling hills, reservoirs and rivers, that provide quite the spectacle when enveloped in the morning mist. Down on the ground, you can find leopards, bears and elephants wandering around with gibbons swinging through the tree canopies above. With hiking trails to explore and a number of resorts to stay in, it’s a great place to get in touch with nature and see something other than beaches and temples on your travels through Thailand.

Mrigadayavan Palace

Located by the beach in Cha-Am, Mrigadayavan Palace was built by King Rama XI in the 1920s to serve as his summer palace. As you may imagine, it’s spectacularly regal; built in a Thai-Victorian style and raised above the ground on stilts, it’s visually stunning, with well-kept gardens, sea views and beautiful rooms. Visitors have to dress respectfully, but can enjoy a pleasant, relaxing stroll through the grounds and the corridors of this elegant seaside palace accompanied by the refreshing sea breeze, and are perfectly placed to enjoy Cha-Am beach once they’re done.

Visit the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand

Thailand has a diverse array of wildlife living within its borders. Unfortunately, there are those who seek to exploit these incredible animals in any way they can, such as through illegal trading, animal performances and as ingredients in traditional medicine. The Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand (WFFT) in Phetchaburi rescues captive wild animals and rehabilitates them, all while helping to promote understanding through education and highlighting their plight. Visitors can see and interact with their animals – such as bears, elephants and many more – in a responsible way. If you’re an animal lover, it’s the top thing to do in Phetchaburi, and it’s great to support such a noble cause.

Eat Khanom Mor Gaeng

There’s far more to Thai cuisine than noodles and rice, and Phetchaburi is well know for its khanom mor gaeng – a tasy dessert. Similar to a Western egg custard, it’s a soft, sweet, egg-based treat which also includes traditional Thai ingredients coconut milk and palm sugar and starch in the form of taros or mung beans. Its creator was Maria Guyomar de Pinha, a woman of Portuguese descent who created many desserts in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period, with khanom mor gaeng being served to the king himself. A historical treat, it’s the one food you need to try in Phetchaburi.

Budget options

The Cozy Hotel 

Add: 66/45, Moo 6, Ban Mor, Soi Suppayok Uthit, Mueang, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Situated in Phetchaburi, 2.8 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, The Cozy Hotel features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Around 1.5 km from Wat Mahathat Worrawihan, the property is also 1.8 km away from Ban Pun Palace and offers free WiFi. Tham Khao Luang Cave is 5 km from the property.

All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a seating area, a TV with cable channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a shower.

Sweet Dreams Guest House 

Add: 65/8 Moo2, T.Ban Kum, Mueang Phetchaburi District, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Situated in Phetchaburi, 3.5 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Sweet Dreams Guest House features accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. With free WiFi, this 2-star guest house offers a concierge service and ticket service. The guest house has family rooms.

Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Guests at Sweet Dreams Guest House will be able to enjoy activities in and around Phetchaburi, like cycling.

Chedi View Hostel 

Add: 303 Thanon Bandai It Road, Tambon Ban mo, Mueang, Phetchaburi District, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Chedi View Hostel is located in Phetchaburi, 600 m from Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park. Guests can enjoy views of the city and nearby landmarks from the rooftop terrace. Free WiFi is available and free private parking is available on site.

Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms are equipped with a shared bathroom.

You will find a shared kitchen and a rooftop relaxing area at the property.

The hostel also offers bike hire.

2N Guesthouse 

Add: 98/3, Moo 2, Tambol Bankoom, Amphoe Muang Phet Buri, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Located 3.5 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, 2N Guesthouse offers free bikes, a garden and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

All units come with a seating area, a TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with free toiletries and shower.

Guests at the bed and breakfast can enjoy a continental breakfast.

2N Guesthouse offers a terrace.

JJ. Home 

Add: 2 Chisa-In road, Khlong Kra Chaeng, Muang, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Located in Phetchaburi, JJ. Home features free WiFi in the public area. This pet-friendly home stay is 1.1 from Phra Nakhon Khiri historical park and 53 km from Hua Hin Airport.

This property offers rooms with air conditioning or with a fan. Some unit features a TV, a fridge and a balcony. A private or shared bathroom can be selected from the room type.

JJ. Home provides laundry service and free parking on the street nearby. Car hire service is also available.

Mid-range options

Alinda Resort 

Add: 111 Moo 3, Soi Baanmhor Soi 3, Tambol Baanmhor Ampur Mueang, Petchaburi, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Situated in Petchaburi, Alinda Resort features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking.

The rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All rooms have a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.

J-House Phetchaburi 

Add: 224 Moo 6, Soi Thai Er Uthit, Tambon Tonma-muang, Phetchaburi, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Set 4.2 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, J-House Phetchaburi offers free bikes, a shared lounge and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

Thanyachatra Boutique 

Add: Soi Bandai it 4, Tambon Khlong Kra Saeng, Ampur Muang, Phetchaburi , 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Set 1.3 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Thanyachatra Boutique offers a shared lounge, a garden and accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

Offering a patio, all units are air conditioned and feature a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV.

There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

Bosston Hotel 

Add: 98/6 หมู่3 ตำบลบ้านหม้อ อำเภอเมือง, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Situated in Phetchaburi, within 2 km of Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park and 700 m of Ban Pun Palace, Bosston Hotel features accommodation with a terrace and as well as free private parking for guests who drive. The property is around 1.6 km from Wat Mahathat Worrawihan, 1.8 km from Wat Khoi and 2.2 km from Wat Kamphaeng Laeng.

At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At Bosston Hotel, rooms come with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

Keeree Boutique Hotel 

Add: 680/14 Moo5 Baanmor district,Muang phetchaburi, Phetchaburi, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Featuring a terrace, Keeree Boutique Hotel is located in Phetchaburi in the Phetchaburi Province region, 600 m from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park and 1.5 km from Wat Khoi. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.

Baan Kiang Wang 

Add: 11/1 Moo 6, Tambon Ton Mamuang, Amphoe Mueang, Phetchaburi, 76000 Phetchaburi, Thailand

Situated 5 km from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, Baan Kiang Wang offers free bikes, a bar and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.

There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer.

Guests at the aparthotel can enjoy an American breakfast.

Baan Kiang Wang offers a terrace.

Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.

Like all Thai cities, Phetchaburi has hundreds of restaurants and cafes serving almost every variety of Thai food. Many of them specialise in just a few menu items, so the trick is to decide what you want to eat before you decide on where to eat. There are almost no English language signs or menus, so specific recommendations are not especially helpful. On the other hand, whichever of these cafes or restaurants you choose to frequent, your chances of not being served a wholesome Thai dish are very low.

In addition, the Big C has several Western-style franchises under its roof (e.g., Chester's Grill, KFC), with air conditioning and English language menus. These establishments suffer from severe noise pollution.

Apart from a few Chinese restaurants, the Big C franchises and two pizza parlours in peripheral locations, anything other than Thai food is almost impossible to find in Phetchaburi city.

Ran Pa Song

It is an old house of Phetchaburi. It offers ahan taam sang (food cooked to order) dishes, including gaeng pa (spicy curry with wild boar-meat or fish), pla duk phad phet (spicy stir-fried catfish), fried fresh mackerel and moo sam chan khluk see iew tord (pork belly meat flavoured with soy sauce and deep-fried). The curry paste is prepared using spices and herbs grown by ethnic Karen.

Get in

From Bangkok, the blue-white express buses (Bus 977, Bus 72) from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) (dark blue ticket booth 89, departure Platform 6) will take you directly to Phetchaburi's bus terminal, which is adjacent to a night market. Express buses leave Bangkok every two hours between 11:00 and 17:00, and you should allow two hours for the journey, which will cost 112 baht. There are also minibuses, same ticket booth and departure platform, but they do not provide extra space for bigger pieces of luggage. Take care to avoid the blue, white and orange buses as they will stop many times and will take much longer to reach Phetchaburi.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

You can also reach Phetchaburi by train from Hualamphong Station. The journey normally takes around four hours, but can occasionally take longer. This will cost 100-250 baht, depending on the type of train. It's also possible to reach Phetchaburi from the south, e.g. from Hua Hin (ticket price 13-43 baht, travel time 1-1.5 hours).

A taxi from Bangkok should cost no more than 2,000 baht and should take around two hours.

Get around

Phetchaburi itself is blissfully free of traffic snarls, except on the main north-south highway that bisects the province, but by-passes the town.

There are no meter taxis. There are tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and for a slow cruise around the market area, plenty of traditional two-seat pedal-power tricycle taxis. Whatever your means of transportation, it would be a good idea to have your destination written down in Thai for the driver.

At the train station tuk-tuks ask for 300 baht for a round trip to the cave, a few metres away prices drop significantly (150-200 baht). If you have time and stamina, the main sights can also be reached by foot.

For longer journeys around the province there are local buses (pick-ups with benches) available from the market area, but you need to ask the drivers for their destinations (you will quickly be directed to the correct bus).

Most of the important temples, except Khao Wang, are within walking distance of the market area.

Contact us for more information