Overlooking the town of Phetchanburi from atop Maha Samana hill on Thailand's western seaboard, Phra Nakhon Khiri palace complex is yet another interesting day trip from Bangkok. Locally referred to as Khao Wang, or celestial city of the mountain, the palace was a royal summer house that was commissioned by King Mongkut (Rama IV). The drive from Bangkok is rather scenic, with lush limestone mountains and the log rows of large-leafed teak trees along the highway median that the King had ordered planted to re-introduced teak into the region. Phra Nakhon Khiri, and the nearby Tham Khao Luang, would also appeal to those looking to view a bit of wildlife, given the population of wild monkeys at both attractions.
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Phra Nakhon Khiri was made into a historical park in 1988. The hilltop palace complex must be reached by a cable car which ascend the heavily-wooded hillside at a steep angle and provides a view of numerous wild monkeys perched on the surrounding tree branches. It is interesting in that it mixes a variety of foreign architectural styles (European, Japanese, Chinese) in addition to the tradition Thai style. As Rama IV was an avid and accomplished astronomer, an observatory was built next to the Royal Palace; both structures may be entered, though shoes must be removed before entering the palace. The observatory affords a nice view of the white Phra That Chomphet chedi, and the town of Phetchaburi and the surrounding area in the distance. The is a small snack shack up near the Royal Palace for food and drinks, and some small restaurants and gift shops at the base of the hill in front of the cable car boarding area.
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The most interesting, and by far the most entertaining part, of Phra Nakhon Khiri were the wild monkeys. The monkeys are quite aggressive, and there are signs posted that warn visitors not to carry any food or drink out in the open and to mind your purses, bags and backpacks, as the monkeys may attempt to snatch them and run off. I was amazed at the shear number of monkeys that scampered around the complex. Some of the monkeys appeared to be mere infants, being nursed and groomed by their mothers. Some of the more mischievous ones could be seen carry around and licking juice cans that they were able to get a hold of. Some of the more amorous ones could be seen carrying on, engaged in Jungle Love. Of course, with so many monkeys, you need to watch your step, lest you accidentally plant your foot in what the Thais call kee ling (i.e., monkey-see, monkey-doo-doo).
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We didn't make it into downtown Phetchaburi, but the main points of interest are said to be Wat Yai Suwannaramand the Wat Kamphaeng Khmer shrine.
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We stopped at an open-air restaurant next to the highway at the turn-off for Tham Khao Luang, though I don't recall the name. The food was pre-cooked and served buffet-style, though you could also order soup, which was freshly made. The food was decent and inexpensive.
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Tham Khao Luang is passed on the way to Phetchaburi when coming from Bangkok. It is a cave within a limestone hill that contains a temple. It also has quite a few wild monkeys, though they were not as aggressive as those at Phra Nakhon Khiri. Note that you must take your shoes off before entering the cave, and due to water percolating through the cave walls and ceiling, the floor and stairs are going to be wet and quite slippery, so be careful and perhaps lose the socks.
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Published on Monday January 5th, 2004
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Thu, Jan 08 2004 - 07:24 AM
 by marianne
| I love the picture of the monkey. I agree with what you are saying they are bag snatchers, and actually I am a bit scared of them. |
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