Wat Chaiyo or Wat Ket Chaiyo was built during the Ayutthaya Period. It became important during the reign of King Rama IV. The venerable Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) of Wat Rakhang Khositaram built the large Buddha image in a subduing Mara gesture and placed it outdoors. However, the image collapsed soon after construction. He re-built it in the same pose but smaller, covered it in plaster and without gold leaf. As the image could be seen from far, the villagers called it Luangpho To (meaning huge image). Further temple restoration during the reign of King Rama V the Buddha image collapsed again. The King ordered the renovation of the image with steel bars inside. The new image was covered in gold leaf and monks’ robes and was given the new name by King Rama V the Great “Phra Maha Phutthaphim”. A new main chapel was constructed to house the image. Upon completion, King Rama V the Great established the temple as one of the royal temples.
To pay respect to Luangpho ...
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an ancient royal temple built somewhere between the 11th to 13th century.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan is located in an old, busy district with narrow lanes and wooden shop houses in the old center of Phetchaburi town.
The large complex is surrounded by a wall with several large elaborate entrance gates. The Wat Mahathat Worawihan comprises of five large prangs, a viharn, an ubosot, several chedis, the kuti and several other monastic buildings. Most eye catching are the five white prangs towering above the area, that are visible from much of Phetchaburi.
The founding date of the temple is unknown, it is believed that Wat Mahathat dates back to the late Mon Dvaravati era or the Khmer era. Objects found during excavations suggest the first structures were built between eight to ten centuries ago. Today nothing remains of the original structures. The prangs have been rebuilt and enlarged many times over the centuries.
At the center of the Wat Mahathat is a large courtyard enclosed ...
The Ayutthaya Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site) has no general entrance fee for the park itself, but individual major temples charge admission for foreigners. The key temples now charge 80 Baht each. For visitors planning to see multiple sites, a combined/all-inclusive ticket priced at 300 Baht covers 7 key temples managed by the Fine Arts Department. This pass offers good value compared to paying individually (80 Baht × 7 = 560 Baht, saving 260 Baht).
The 7 temples included in this 300 Baht ticket are:
1. Wat Phra Mahathat
One of the most iconic and visited temples, famous for the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a sacred fig tree—a surreal, photogenic symbol of nature reclaiming the ruins. The site includes ancient stupas, viharns, and many Buddha images.
2. Wat Ratchaburana
Built in the 15th century, known for its striking central prang (Khmer-style tower) with restored stucco work and murals. It features a large chedi and underground crypt discoveries.
3. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The most ...
Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival
The 39th Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival is currently underway in Phetchaburi, Thailand, from February 20 to March 1, 2026, under the theme "Wiman Fah Phra Nakhon Khiri: The Jewel of Siam".
This annual event features cultural displays, local food, and vibrant fireworks, offering visitors a chance to experience the rich heritage and culinary delights of Phetchaburi.
During the festival the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is open to the public for free. Normally it’s 200 Baht per person to visit.
Phetchaburis well-known landmark, the locally known as Khao Wang (Palace Hill) is located up on a 92-meter high verdant hill, in the city of Phetchaburi.
It was built under the royal command of King Rama IV and in 1860 became his summer palace. The whole compound is comprised of royal halls, palaces, temples and other buildings which were elegantly constructed in a well-balanced Thai, neoclassical Western and Chinese architectural styles.
The east side is situated by important ...
