Phetchaburi, Thailand

Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

"Sawadete Kap "

I visited the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi as part of day 

trip from Hua Hin. At here, "Phetchaburi" means " City of diamonds" in Thai. Not knowing too much about the park, I decided to visit it because I was simply intrigued by the seemingly faraway and mysterious looking group of structures a top the hill, which I later found out it's the Wat Phra Kaew ( Temple of the Emerald Buddha) on the Eastern Peak, built in the same configuration as the one in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Getting to the hill top was effortless with the help of the cable car,which takes you to the Western Peak, where the Royal Palace Of King Mongkut (Rama IV) is located, and hence the park is also known as " Khao Wan" of " Hill with Palace".

After you getting off the cable car, enjoy walking in the historical park. Go up the stairs to the palace .The staircase lined with ceramic plant pots leads you to the palace, where you catch a glimpse of how the Thai royals lived their opulent lives where living quarters, bedrooms and meeting rooms are maintained. Unfortunately no photography is allowed inside the palace.

The Ho Chatchawan Wiang Chai Tower was used by the King as the observatory tower, and it's also the best place to view the complex of Wat Phra Kaew Temple on the Eastern Peak. 

Not too far away from the palace is the Phra Thi Bang Wetchayan Prasat, aplace of wordship for the Thai Royals. 

The Central and Eastern peaks are about 15-20 minutes walk from Phra Thi Nang Wetchayan Prasat under a beautiful green canopy, a breezy and refreshing walk .

The white chedi, or Phra That ChoPhet is on the Central Peak.

Wat Phra Kaew Temple is on the Eastern Peak. 

The red pagoda, or Chedi Deang is just opposite Wat Phra Khew. I realli enjoyed the serenity, especially when it was not swamped by people.