Phetchaburi – The Forgotten Paradise of Thailand

Thailand – I've heard this destination mentioned so frequently by friends that it seems like it's a province in my own country. Some of my friends make it a weekend ritual to pack their bags and head to Thailand.

Like most travelers, my friends often opt for destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Pattaya, Phuket. I, however, am wary of crowds and big cities, so I had never planned to visit Xiêm La, until a local whispered: 'I've got a forgotten paradise for you to explore. Rest assured, there will be wanderers in the land of royalty!'

Cha-am and Phetchaburi

After driving 120km for about 2 hours from Bangkok, we turned towards the summer palace of King Rama IV in Phetchaburi province – situated in the central region of Thailand, once an ancient capital of the Mon people in the 8th century. Perched beautifully on hills, mainly adorned with bougainvillea, 92m above sea level, Phra Nakhon Khiri (commonly known as Khao Wang) was built in 1860. Like other tourists, I was only permitted to enter the historical park of Khao Wang within the palace complex, where exquisite artifacts, ceramics used by two kings Rama IV and Rama V, are displayed.

Stepping out of the meticulously arranged rooms, I was surprised by the specially designed path for servants. I ascended the steep stairs to catch the refreshing breeze from the highest area of the museum. From here, I could admire the grand halls, pavilions, and buildings constructed in Thai architectural style harmoniously blended with Western and Chinese neo-classical architectural styles.

Remote areas are also graced with tropical forests and mountain ranges to the west along the Myanmar border and an 80km coastline. Belonging to Phetchaburi province, Cha-am was once a fishing village offering many delicacies crafted from seafood, a retreat by the seaside favored by royalty and locals alike after King Rama VI erected the love and hope palace of Muruk Khatayawan. Gradually, in the race against time, with destinations like Phuket, Pattaya, Cha-am slowing down, it has become an ideal place for those weary of noise, tired of night revelries, seeking a slower pace of life.

Seemingly intending to shorten the race, or perhaps desiring to widen the door for adventurers, the Thai government has erected in Phetchaburi the largest national park in Thailand, Kaeng Krachan, sprawling over nearly 3,000km², reviving the Thai Song Dam festival, and the flavor of khao chae - rice served with ice water and sweet meat.

The newest addition, the Santorini complex park, is the sole modern entertainment hub in Cha-am, just opened for operation at the beginning of 2013, boasting a serene blue hue inspired by the beautiful Santorini island of Greece. However, to this day, it is primarily frequented by domestic tourists.

Hua Hin and the narrowest strip of land in Thailand

I ventured to Hua Hin, one of Thailand's charming seaside resorts but still a mystery to most tourists. Just a 30-minute drive south from Cha-am, Hua Hin has been recognized since the 1920s when King Rama VII erected the Klai Kangwon summer palace. In Thai, the palace's name translates to 'relieving worries,' which explains why the royal family continues to visit Hua Hin annually.

The Hua Hin beach stretches from a cramped fishing port, gently curving about 3km southward, where a colossal Buddha statue is intricately carved at the foot of Takiab hill.

Invited by the designer of the brand It’s Happened To Be A Closet, I stayed in a meticulously crafted house by the sea in Hua Hin. If here, believe that no one wants to step out of the room, I had to 'struggle with my thoughts' for a long time before deciding to take a tuk-tuk to the local market.

The locals here, especially the women, are different from the haste in big cities. Buying and selling activities take place harmoniously, cheerfully with seafood, and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables. I returned to the beautiful kitchen with plenty of squid, shrimp, and clams to prepare a barbecue party by the beach in the evening. Fortunately, that day was a full moon, just lacking wine for a sumptuous feast. The next day, I visited the Butterfly Garden and the first herbal garden of Hua Hin, located opposite the Klai Kangwon Palace. Setting foot here, I remembered I still hadn't realized a trip to Cat Tien National Park planned two years ago, perhaps there's no more procrastination.

Not only Cat Tien, Hua Hin also reminds me of many other places in my country. Like when visiting the grand railway station built under King Rama VI's reign, one of the oldest and most beautiful railway stations in Thailand. The uniqueness of Thai architecture has made Hua Hin station prominent with an architectural ensemble including the royal waiting room moved from Sanam Chan Palace (Nakhon Pathom province) here. It slightly saddened me, if compared to Da Lat station, now just a place for wedding photos, while Hua Hin station is still preserved and used with many trips every day.

Resembling Hoi An in the 1990s, the stretch of land from Phetchaburi to Hua Hin – this royal land is still a mystery to many, although it's quite modern compared to Hoi An at that time, with night markets, tourist services like hot air balloons, golf... Perhaps because international tourists are engrossed in the beauty of islands like Phuket, Koh Chang, Koh Tao, Lipe... or the hustle and bustle of Pattaya, Bangkok, they forget about this gentle, peaceful, and serene land with delicious food and beautiful beaches.

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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook – From: Đẹp Magazine