Attractions near to Cha-am
Most of the historical attractions are located in Petchaburi or Hua Hin and can be easily reached by taxi on a half day tour. It is advisible to combine the attractions with each other or with other activities to fill a full day tour. We at Scandy Resort will help you with planning and also arrange the transportation for you.
Phra Nakhon Khiri
Petchaburi - 40 km
At the entrance to the city of Petchaburi you will find the palace mountain (Khao Wang), where king Mongkut in 1860 built his Sommer palace in a neo-classical Style. Today the palace is a historical park with palace buildings, Temples, Hallsand even an Obvervatorium, where the king once watched the stars. The whole area streches over 3 plateaus. In the west is located the Wat Phra Keo with a replica of the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok.
Watch the beautiful restorated palace buildings, which today are home to a National museum. You will find valuable antiques, unique ceramics and skulptures, which will give you an insight into royal life 150 years ago.
The palace can be reached by wlking (upstairs) or via cable car. Opening time is from 9:00 to 16:00 hrs.
Murak Khatayawan Palace
Hua Hin - 20 km
This beautiful golden Teakwood palace with it's airy walkways and building was built by King Vajiravudh in the 1920s and used as a summer residence. The elegant two storey pavillions at the Seeside are connected by a number of elevated walk ways. One of the pavillions is used as a theater venue for dramas, which the King liked so much.
The palace "of love and hope" was carefully renovated and offers a relaxing stay in a nice surrounding. The palace is located within the area of the King Rama VI. Military camp and can be visited daily from 8:00 until 16:00 hours.
Khao Luang Caves
Petchaburi 40 km
The most famous caves of Petchaburi are filled with Buddha images, which have been brought by King Mongkut, who used to hold picknicks there. His son King Chulalongkorn errected a huge Buddha shrine there in rememberance of his ancestors. Breakthroughs in the ceilings of the cave let the rays of light dancing over the statues and are creating a unique and dramatic backdrop for photographers.
The best time for taking pictures is between 14:00 and 15:00 hrs.
Phraram Rachanivet
Petchaburi - 40 km
This palace was built in 1916 for King Chulalonglorn, who was spending the rainy season there. The temple with the orginal namenBan Puen was inspired by a palace of the German Kaiser Wilhelm. 1918 he received his current name and was home to guests of the state. The palace with its domes and brown colored ceramic roof tiles was renovated in 1987.
Very beautiful are the multi colored tiles in dining rooms and in the main staircases and also the wall paintings, which are showing scenes from Petchaburi from the time of the century change.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Petchaburi 35km
With 2.915 sqkm. Kaeng Krachan isthe biggest National park in Thailands. It stretches along the rainforest covered mountains, which are building the border to Myranmar (Burma). Beside the rich Flora and Fauna the park is a paradies for bird watchers. There are over 400 species living in the park area. With a guide and a little luck you can also watch elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Bears and some other wild animals.
The Kaeng Krachan Dam was finished in 1966. Now the Petchaburi River became a huge Lake area with forest covered islands. The total area is bigger than 43 sqkm. and home to uncounted Fish- and Bird species. It's a well known place for boat trips and picknicks.
Boat trips can be arranged at the parks headquarter, where you can find a nice restaurant with parkview as well. As in all national parks there was an increase of entrance fees last year. Prices have been doubled from 200 to 400 Baht. Locals pay - as usual - only 40 Baht.