General Data of Petchaburi Province                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.    Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Maruekhathaiyawan Palace   Cha-Am District                Located less than 200 km south of Bangkok and just 20 km north of Hua Hin, Cha-am is a quiet beach retreat in Petchaburi Province; a long stretch of silvery sand that is far quieter than nearby Hua Hin. Cha-am is popular with couples looking for a romantic retreat, seniors who like peace and quiet, and families with young children who are looking for an area that is both safe and free from the hassle of beach vendors. It’s also a popular weekend destination for Bangkok residents who enjoy the sea, even if the sand is not as fine as at nearby Hua Hin. While it is relatively quiet, Cha-am still offers visitors a number of beach activities, such as jet skiing and banana boat riding, and the seafood is as readily available and inexpensive as any beach town in Thailand. Cha-am’s beach areas are separated by Naranthip Road, which leads from the unassuming Cha-am town down to Ruamjit Road, which runs parallel to the beach. This intersection is where the closest thing to a beach “town” exists: an area where local festivities are held at the town’s main pier and many fine seafood restaurants are located. North of this intersection is a concentration of businesses catering to European tourists; south of it, the beach becomes gradually quieter and a predominately Thai crowd chills out at relaxing beach resorts, most of which are located on the opposite side Ruamjit Road and along roads leading away from the beach. At the farthest southern end of the road are the most luxurious resorts and golf courses. For a little local character, visitors can travel north to a quaint fishing village that includes a harbor full of fishing boats and a number of seafood restaurants. Cha-am Beach Cha-am district location in Phetchaburi Province Maruekhathaiyawan Palace