| Khao Wang: Hilltop Palace Boasts Awe-Inspiring Vistas | |||
| UPDATE : 16 March 2010 | |||
Nida Tunsuttiwong Known locally as Khao Wang ('the hilltop palace'), the Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park is one of Phetchaburi province's most popular tourist destinations. As the site of the palace includes some really impressive buildings, as well as a splendid bird's eye view of Phetchaburi's downtown area, there are plenty of good reasons to consider making a visit to the park. Historical insights The park complex actually covers three large hills, the tallest of which is some 95 meters above sea level. Originally known locally as Khao Samon ('Samon Hills'), King Rama IV issued an order in 1859 calling for the construction of a summer palace and temples on the hills, which he later renamed Khao Mahasawan ('Mahasawan Hills'). Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Si Suriyawongse (also known as Chuang Bunnag) was appointed as chief of the construction project. Chuang Bunnag was involved in several important construction projects during this period of history, including the building of Bangkok's Klong Padung Krung Kasem ('Padung Krung Kasem Canal'). Although King Rama IV decided to name his new hilltop palace Phra Nakhon Khiri, over time locals began to refer to it as Khao Wang.
If you fancy a healthful walk, it's also possible to walk up to the summit by means of a pathway located on the other side of the hills, which begins near Phetchaburi's city pillar shrine. National treasures On arrival at Khao Wang (on the westernmost peak), I purchase a ticket (20 baht [locals], 150 baht [foreigners]) so I can enter the historical park. On entering the park, I'm greeted by a breathtaking sight – a host of huge Frangipani, some as tall as five to seven meters, surrounding the site of the neo-classical-style palace, which also features some Chinese design influences. You'll see that there are five throne halls, several pavilions and a tower located on the hill, which affords great views of the neighboring peaks and downtown area. Visitors can visit some of the throne halls, which now serve as the Phra Nakhon Kriri National Museum. I paid a visit to the Phetphum Phairot Hall and the Pramot Mahaisawan Hall, which were once the site of the monarch's dining room, bedroom and parlor. Most of the furniture and decorative items featured here are from the 19th century and are European in style. There's a large collection of glassware and porcelain utensils, bronze sculptures, along with several cosmetic chests and impressive sets of period, wooden furniture, all in superb condition. Having come this far, I would recommend visitors take a walk up a two-story tower called the Chat Chawan Wiengchai Observatory, which provides some impressive views of the temples located on the other two peaks.
While Wat Phrakaeo Noi is a Buddhist temple located within a palace compound, in the way that Wat Phrakaeo (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is located within the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the temple of Wat Maha Samanaram Ratchaworawihan features mural paintings by the renowned Thai artist Khrua In Khong, who is credited with being the first Thai painter to adopt the western perspective technique of painting. The National Museum located within Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park opens daily from 9 am to 4 pm. The cable car service to Khao Wang operates between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm. For further information about these attractions, contact Tel: +66 (0)3 242 5600. Transport connections: Car: From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) to Phetchaburi province. Once you catch sight of Khao Wang, take the next left, which will take you into downtown Phetchaburi. Continue along this road for about one kilometer and then make a U-turn in front of the local branch of Krung Thai Bank. Continue straight ahead for about 800 meters and you will see the entrance to the cable car service on your left-hand side. POI: N 13.10882, E 99.93467 | |||
วันจันทร์ที่ 22 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2553
Khao Wang: Hilltop Palace Boasts Awe-Inspiring Vistas
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