Phetchaburi

Petchaburi is situated on the northwestern shores of the
Gulf of Thailand and borders Myanmar (Burma) to the west,
where the dense jungle peaks of the Tanaosri Range serve as
a natural division between Thailand and Myanmar.


A very old city, Petchaburi is believed by some historians to
have Indian roots for its name, as the Indian influence over a
millennia ago was quite strong. Archaeological findings even
indicate that the city may date back to the Dvaravati Period,
sometime between the 6th and 11th centuries C.E.

During both the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Kingdoms’ eras,
Petchaburi was the locale of a strategic royal fort and only a lineage
of kings had the rights to rule this historical city. That is why
Petchaburi has been called by some scholars as the "Living Ayutthaya.”
The prosperity of the Ayutthaya Kingdom can be seen and appreciated
in Petchaburi's wealth of fine old temples, many of which were
constructed during that period.

In the current Ratanakosin Era, Petchaburi has changed its
character to a town of charming beauty, with peaceful seaside
resorts and superb natural reserves. Three kings of the Ratanakosin
Period, King Rama IV, V, and VI established their rainy season
retreats here, each building a palace respectively named Phranakhonkhiri,
Phraramrajanivet, Phrarajnivesmarugadayawan. Consequently,
Petchaburi is also known as Muang Sam Wang, the city of the
three palaces.

Petchaburi province is also well known for its splendid historical park,
ancient temples, wonderful beaches and caves, as well as a great variety
of local foods and fresh seafood. Petchaburi also has a popular resort town,
Cha-am, which is the premier beach resort in the province. With its strategic
location at the top of the Malay Peninsula, on the Gulf of Thailand, and
protected from Myanmar (Burma) by the Bilauktuang Range, Petchaburi
has long been an important region. The area has thus been continuously
inhabited for well over 1,000 years and there are many historic buildings,
temples, and palaces to attest to its importance. As the location is conveniently
located for visitors heading south either by road or rail, Petchaburi is now
a major stop for sightseeing along the way to Hua Hin or beach towns in
Southern Thailand. In addition to a splendid historical park and many
historical temples, Petchaburi features wonderful beaches and caves,
as well as a great variety of local food.




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Ang Thong

Ang Thong, originally known as Mueang Wiset Chai Chan,
is located along the Noi River and the low-lying banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Historically, Ang Thong was an essential frontier outpost of the
Ayutthaya Kingdom in defense against the Burmese.

Ang Thong province is a center for the production of numerous
handicrafts, including miniature dolls, firebricks, drums, and wickerwork.
It is also the site of origin of Li Ke folk dancing and many native folk
songs, as well as the hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo,
heroes of the legendary Bang Rachan Battle against the Burmese.
Ang Thong also features more than 200 magnificent and interesting temples.

Ang Thong is a small province through which the Chao Phraya and

Noi Rivers flow. Ang Thong is mostly flat, containing neither mountains

nor forests, and consists primarily of agricultural land. Ang Thong receives

much rain during the rainy season and the two rivers and their

subsidiary canals (klongs) provide enough water to the sandy soil to

produces abundant rice crops. Ang Thong is only 108 kilometers from

Bangkok and is an area of historical importance for its contributions to

Thai art and mythology. There are a number of historical attractions in

Ang Thong, including many fine temples, and there are opportunities to

see unique handicrafts produced in several local villages.

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Hua Hin

Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s premier beach resort towns on the
Gulf of Thailand, is less than 200 km south of Bangkok, making it
one of the most popular weekend getaway destination for city residents.
A resort equally popular with young couples and families, tourists and
Thais, Hua Hin is also the location of the King of Thailand’s summer palace,
Klai Kang Won, “Far from Worries.”

Hua Hin features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, numerous seaside
seafood restaurants, a lively night market, numerous beach activities,
and some great inland activities, not least of which is golfing at some of
Thailand’s most renowned courses. Hua Hin is also the site of Thailand’s
most popular music festival, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival. Just down the
coast at Takiab Bay visitors can take seaside horseback rides and visit
a hilltop Buddhist temple with a spectacular view.

Accommodation along the beach and on the streets leading away from
the sea range from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts, and includes some
of the finest spa-retreats in the world. Hua Hin is accessible via train, bus,
or car and the seaside community of 60,000 residents epitomizes warm and
welcoming Thai hospitality.
The seaside town of Hua Hin, meaning “Stone Head”, was named
after the rocks at the north end of the powdery sand beach. Hua Hin
became Thailand's first beach resort after a train line was laid in the 1920
to provide access from Bangkok and King Rama VII established his
summer retreat in the area. With a 5 kilometer-long beach that features
numerous activities and hosts an annual jazz festival, the laid back and
hospitable town of Hua Hin continues to draw both tourists and Thais.

In addition to beach activities, outstanding seafood restaurants, and
a vibrant night market, Hua Hin is well known for having some of the
finest golf courses in Thailand, as well as some of the most renowned
resorts and destination spas in the world.




☺ Tips ☺

☺The office of the Tourist Police is located at the end of Damnoen Kasem
Road at the entrance to the beach.
☺ The Hua Hin Police Station is located on Damnoen Kasem Road,
opposite the CAT offices and Post Office. Their telephone number is 1155.



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Singburi

Sing Buri lies along the Chao Phraya River 142 km north of Bangkok.
Established in 1895 during the reign of King Rama V through a consolidation
of three small riverside towns, Sara Buri province currently occupies an
area of 822 square kilometers and is divided into six districts (Amphoes):
Muang Sing Buri, In Buri, Bang Rachan, Khai Bang Rachan, Phrom Buri
and Tha Chang.
Sing Buri is well known for abundant river fish, particularly the
Mae La catfish, and for the lively annual boat races during which
competitors from the province and beyond vie for the Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy. Attractions in the province are few,
but are interesting, including a hero’s monument, a museum,
and Wat Phra Non Chaksi, a temple that houses a 46 meter-long
Buddha image.

Sing Buri is well known for abundant river fish, particularly the

Mae La catfish, and for the lively annual boat races during which

competitors from the province and beyond vie for the Princess Maha

Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy. Attractions in the province are few,

but are interesting, including a hero’s monument, a museum,

and Wat Phra Non Chaksi, a temple that houses a 46 meter-long

Buddha image.

Credit:: Amazing Thailand

Saraburi

Saraburi, a province in the upper central region of Thailand,
is rich in tourist attractions including natural sites, cultural festivals,
majestic temples, and historical venues. Located 108 kilometers
north of Bangkok, Saraburi city is just 65 kilometers from Ayutthaya
and the two can be combined to make a diverse day trip. The most
important Buddhist temple in Saraburi, Wat Phra Phutthabat was
built in the 17th century and features a “Buddha footprint” that has
made it one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in central Thailand.

Saraburi province contains two national parks, Namtok Chet Sao Noi,
which features a scenic waterfall, and Phra Phutthachai, which contains
the Khao Sam Lan Forest, as well as several rivers and waterfalls.
For those looking for more than nature, Saraburi also features some
fantastic opportunities for golf.

Saraburi, a province filled with historical sites, also features a

17th century temple with the holy “footprint” of the Buddha. In addition

to beautiful natural attractions, including two national parks, the region

is known for its delectable food and kindhearted people. Saraburi is located

some 108 kilometers from Bangkok and can be visited as a day trip from

the capital or as part of a weekend trip along with a visit to Ayutthaya.

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Suphanburi

Because the name of Suphan Buri Province means City of Gold,
some believe the city to be the site of the legendary Suvarnabhumi
that is mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts. The area has been
continuously occupied since as early as the Dvaravati period in the
9th century, when the city was known as Mueang Thawarawadi Si
Suphannaphumi. The city was later called U Thong, after its most
famous son, Prince U Thong became the founder of the Ayutthaya
kingdom. The city was later a historically important border town
that was at the front lines of many conflicts; in 1592, the legendary
elephant battle between King Naresuan the Great and the crown
prince of Burma took place in Suphan Buri.

Today there are many historical sites, in addition to a wide variety
of natural attractions including caves, waterfalls, bird parks, fish sanctuaries,
and a crocodile ‘farm’.

Just a hundred kilometers away from Bangkok, Suphan Buri is an

ancient town rich in natural and historical heritage. The city itself dates

back to the 9th century and the province was once an important border

town during the period of the Ayutthaya kingdom; consequently many

battles of important wars were waged in the province.

Traveling around the province today is like drifting through a

historical novel, with attractions including Don Chedi Monument and

Wat Khao Khuen, whose abbot played a significant role in Thai history.

Supan Buri’s natural wonders include Phu Toei National Park and the

Bueng Chawak Aquarium, and visitors can get a taste of the local culture

by trying Sali Suphan, the famous local-style cake.

Credit :: Amazing Thailand

Samut Sakhon

City of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, Sweet Bamboo Shoots, Tasty Fruits,

and Ancient Remains of Dvaravati Towns

Samut Sakhon was formerly called Tha Chin (Chinese Pier)
probably because, in the old days, it had been a trading port for a
vast number of Chinese junks. In 1548, a town named Sakhon Buri
was established at the mouth of the Tha Chin River. It was a center
for recruiting troops from various seaside towns. The name of the
town was changed to Mahachai when Klong (canal) Mahachai was
dug in 1704 to connect the Tha Chin River to the town. Later,
the town was renamed Samut Sakhon by King Rama IV but it is
still popularly called Mahachai b

Samut Sakhon was formerly called Tha Chin probably because,
in the old days, it had been a trading port dealing with a vast number
of Chinese junks. In 1548, a town named Sakhon Buri was established
at the mouth of the Tha Chin River. It was a center for recruiting
troops from various seaside towns. The name of the town was changed
into "Mahachai" when Klong (canal) Mahachai was dug in 1704 to
join the Tha Chin River to the town. Later, the town was renamed
Samut Sakhon by King Rama IV but it is still popularly called
"Mahachai" by the villagers.


Credit:: Amazing Thailand