Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park

Phra Nakhon Khiri ( อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์พระนครคีรี) is an historical park located on a hill above the town of Petchaburi(Phetburi) in Thailand. Thais often refer to the area as Khao Wang and also Khao Mahasawan.

There are three main features atop the hill, two of which can be seen in this photograph. These are Wat Phra Kaeo(to the left), which is said to be styled after Wat Phra Kaew(Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok. While to the right near the flag you can see a chedi called Phra That Chom Phet.

The third feature from where the photograph is taken is the Royal Palace which also has an observatory nearby. Just below the palace is a small museum. All the structures were built by King Mongkut(Rama IV) as a summer palace and interestingly occupied on one occasion by a German prince and his wife who were guests of the King. In fact within the museum on the site there are several examples of European style furniture that were used in the palace.

Access to Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park is either on foot(from Phetchaburi) or more sensibly by a rack railway(cable) that runs up the western side of the hill and is accessed from Highway 4. The railway costs 20Baht(return) and foreign visitors are charged 150 Baht (£3)to walk around the hill top features, which includes entrance to the museum. All the walkways are shaded and there are lots of refreshment sellers.

A slight note of caution: Beware of the troop of StumpTailed Macaques that hang around the food vendors-they will steal your purchases if given half a chance!

Tomorrow a photograph of the royal palace at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park .

Equipment: Canon EOS 1000D 55mm Lens

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