Phra Nakhon Kriri Historical Park (Khao Wang) is located on Khao Khiri, a 92-meter-high hill. The hill was made popular by King Mongkut (Rama IV) who loved the area so much he constructed a palace where he could stay during his numerous trips to the area. The palace was constructed in 1860 and the hill became know locally as Khao Wang (Palace Hill). Built in a mainly European style with Thai and Chinese influence, the palace dominates the three peaks of the hill. On the east peak sits Wat Phra Khew (which bears a strong resemblance to Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha Satsadaram (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in the Grand Palace in Bangkok); on the middle peak sits the stupa of Phra That Chom Phet (which contains relics of the Lord Buddha) and on the west peak the residential Grand Palace. The Grand Palace comprises a myriad of temples, rooms and buildings designed to cater for the various royal staff (royal page hall, bodyguard rooms, etc.). The site contains a museum where some of the more precious royal artifacts are kept, examples being bronze sculptures and European, Chinese and Japanese ceramics. The peaks offer excellent views and are well worth a wander. The park is well kept and the exhibits quite fascinating. Expect this visit to take a least half a day – if not more!
Details: Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park opens daily between 08:30 and 16:30 with admission 40 Baht. You can walk to the palaces on top of the hill peaks or get there by cable car – 30 Baht there and back.
How to get there: The park is 36 kilometres north of Cha-am and a few kilometers west of Petchaburi. Songtaews are available from both places and cost in the region of 30 Baht.
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