Anyone who has ever been to Bangkok has surely seen the word "Phetchaburi". It is the name of one of the city's most important east-west thoroughfares, which runs parallel to Sukhumvit Road and slightly to the north of it.

A less common visit is to the namesake of the road: the province of Phetchaburi, which also includes the city of Phetchaburi. Both places (named after a nearby river and not after the word "Phetch," meaning diamonds) are quite far off the beaten tourist track in Thailand.

This post serves as a brief overview of things to do in Phetchaburi, and I've tried to describe everything in as much detail as possible. If you decide to travel to Phetchaburi, I wish you a well-informed, inspired, and energized arrival!

Why I finally visited Phetchaburi

I had always suspected that Phetchaburi was worth a visit, but only recently did I have the opportunity to verify this for myself. My husband and I were in Thailand for the first time since our wedding and had to visit his great-aunt on our way from Bangkok to Khao Sok. Although we would have only been passing through briefly, we decided to take the opportunity to explore the province more thoroughly.

I hope that in the following sections you will see an opportunity to shed more light on one of Thailand's least explored regions, even if you have no personal connection to this province. Admittedly, exploring Phetchaburi without Thai language skills (and probably without your own vehicle) is difficult, but independent foreign travelers can still have an unforgettable trip here.

The best things to do in Phetchaburi

Enjoy the view from Phra Nakhon Khiri

The bad news? Many areas of the Phra Nakhon Khiri hill fortress are in poor condition. The good news? From the moment you board the funicular to exploring the site at the top, you'll experience one of the most secluded ancient sites in all of Thailand.

Enjoy unique local cuisine

Phetchaburi's most famous dishes have a certain appeal. I must say, however, that I don't particularly like Khaaw Chae, this unusual dish that combines ice-cold, rosewater-soaked rice with stingray meat and similar ingredients. Other dishes, though (like the fish-flake-wrapped watermelon I'm eating in the main picture), are more to my liking.

Take a break in the city of Phetchaburi.

Like many smaller Thai towns, Mueang Phetachaburi is not a tourist trap and is unlikely to win any beauty contests. But whether you enjoy seasonal natural spectacles like the purple Inthanin Bok trees that line the main street at the end of the rainy season, or the numerous cafes and temple courtyards – it's a pleasant place to get away from it all.

Go underground in Tham Khao Luang.

My absolute favorite example of a trip to Phetchaburi is literally in nature. I'm talking, of course, about Tham Khao Luang, a huge cave filled with golden Buddha statues that look simply enchanting in the occasional glimpses of sunlight. This place was the main reason for my trip to Phetchaburi!

Use Phetchaburi as a starting point

Western Thailand begins in Phetchaburi, but has much more to offer. For some travelers, exploration is limited to a trip to Cha-am Beach. Others continue north towards Ratchaburi on their way back to Bangkok, while still others consider a detour south to Prachuap Khiri Khan, home of Hua Hin.

Getting to Phetchaburi – and accommodation

The easiest way to reach Phetchaburi from Bangkok is by car. The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point in Bangkok. Having your own car also saves you the hassle of navigating Phetchaburi itself, which can be quite complicated. If you prefer public transport: Minibuses depart regularly from Bangkok's southern bus station; you can also take a train from Bang Sue station about four times a day.

In my opinion, Phetchaburi is worth a visit even for a day trip if you don't plan to stay overnight. However, a few days' stay definitely makes the experience even more rewarding. As you can imagine, you won't find any five-star hotels like those in Bangkok (or the luxurious country hotels in the north) here. At the same time, thanks to boutique hotels like the Bosston Hotel or simpler accommodations like the White Monkey Guesthouse, you can quickly feel right at home in Phetchaburi.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Phetchaburi

What is Phetchaburi known for?

Phetchaburi is known, at least among foreign travelers, primarily for its location on one of Bangkok's busiest roads. Thais, on the other hand, appreciate both Phetchaburi province and Phetchaburi city for their unique cuisine, Cha-am beach, and the mysterious Tham Khao Luang cave.

How do I get from Bangkok to Phetchaburi?

The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Phetchaburi is by car, either your own or a taxi. Alternatively, you can use the hourly minibuses or take the trains from Bang Sue station in Bangkok, which run several times a day. However, this doesn't provide any way to get around Phetchaburi.

What is the local cuisine of Phetchaburi?

Phetchaburi offers a variety of unique local dishes. Perhaps the most unusual is Khaaw Chae, cooked rice soaked in ice-cold rosewater and served with various dried and fermented seafood (including stingray). But more traditional dishes like Gaeng Gwa Hua Tan, a curry with palm wine, can also be found in Phetchaburi.

Conclusion

Is Phetchaburi worth a visit? I'm a little biased due to my personal connection to this province, but I would say it's a great option for adventurous travelers. Provided you have the patience for the journey and at least a few days to explore, it's a fantastic place to discover off-the-beaten-path Thailand. After exploring Phetchaburi, you can easily extend your trip to nearby provinces like Ratchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, the latter home to the famous beach resort of Hua Hin. Need help planning your Thailand trip? I'd be happy to take care of the planning for you!