By Dararai

Mrigadayavan Palace, PhetchaburiPhetchaburi is 123 km from Bangkok. It is an excellent choice for those who look for a place of recreation within a short distance. Apart from its attractive natural beauty, especially that found in Kaeng Krachan National Park, it boasts three royal palaces -- Phra Nakhon Khiri, Ramrajnives and Mrigadayavan. In this article, I will deal only with Mrigadayavan which comprises three charming beachside groups of wooden pavilions used as a summer palace by King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh, 1910-1925).

One fine day under a clear azure sky I joined a press tour organized by TAT to Mrigadayavan Palace in Phetchaburi Province. Once the palace appeared in my sight, I suddenly realized the meaning of an intrinsic relaxation. This is due to the wisdom of the architects, including King Rama VI himself, who designed the palace to be comfy, cosy and elegant. While visual observation is a real feast for the eyes, getting to know the background of the palace will add more appreciation to your visit.

Background

Mrigadayavan Palace is located on Bang Kra Beach in Cha-am County. It was constructed in 1923 under King Rama VI's command to be his summer palace. The palace was built from materials from the dismantled buildings of the old residence at the nearby Chao Samran Beach. The atmosphere is cool with a verdant wood and there is an ample supply of fresh water. Transportation is convenient as a train station is not far away.

Mrigadayavan was known as the palace of love and hope because when Queen Indrasakdi Sachi was pregnant, King Vajiravudh was extremely hopeful in anticipation of an heir. The king took great care of her throughout her pregnancy. Regrettably, the queen miscarried. King Vajiravudh finally got a daughter, Princess Bejaratana, born to Phra Nang Chao Suvadhana just one day before he passed away.

Features of the Palace

The palace was initially designed by King Vajiravudh himself. And the king appointed an Italian architect, Ercole Manfredi, who worked in the Civil Works Department, to put the finishing touches to the design. Its architectural style is western which was common for palaces constructed at that time because Thailand had just started its modernization under King Rama V (1868-1910).

High ceilings and fretwork on all walls facilitated good ventilation and made the most of sea breeze. Building the entire construction on stilts ensured that the compound could be easily kept clean. Ants were controlled by niches for water around each concrete pillar and along the walls connecting to the ground. This is a good example of using a simple and non-chemical method to control these annoying creatures. There is a total number of 1,080 concrete pillars.

Mrigadayavan Palace consists of 16 golden teak buildings which are divided into 3 groups. All are linked together throughout the palace by verandas on stilts. Details of each group of buildings are as follows:

1. Samoson Sevakamataya Group of Buildings

This group of buildings is part of the front court where official business was dealt with. Both men and women worked together there. It consists of a pavilion-like theatre, an audience hall, an office for the Royal Aide-de-Camp General and a room for night duty chamberlains.

Looking around, seeing the delicate fretwork and other decorations of the palace, I saluted the craftsmanship of the artisans whose dedication was put together to create the palace's glory.

2. Bisansagara Group of Buildings

This group of buildings was the king's personal residence. It consists of a Royal Suite which has an office, a bedroom, a dressing room, and a bathroom. Inside the bedroom, there stands a four-post bed with a white canopy. The office, in which King Rama VI loved to sit and compose his poetical works at night, now accommodates only a desk and chair once used by the king. Nearby this group of buildings are lodges for royal pages, next to which is a royal kitchen.

From this group of buildings, at the end of the verandas on stilts, I saw a beach pavilion whose roof supports a cross-like post. The post was not intended as a symbol of any religion. Instead, it was used as an indicator of the king's activities. That is, when the yellow lantern was on, it meant that the king would be ready to grant an audience. And when the green lantern was shown, it was known that the king was not in residence.

3. Samudabiman Group of Buildings

The Samudabiman group of buildings constitutes the inner court of the palace where men except the king were forbidden to enter. It served as the residence for HM Queen Indrasakdi Sachi. In the same cluster are buildings for her sister and her entourage, a dining pavilion and a beach pavilion. King Vajiravudh usually had his Thai-style lunch at the dining pavilion in the inner court.

The palace had been neglected since King Rama VI passed away in 1925. It was not until 1965 that King Bhumibol, the present king, ordered the palace to be renovated.

For your personal safety and protection by law, please use the services of travel agencies holding a TAT license only.

Hua Hin Beach

• Hua Hin Beach Hua Hin Beach
• Hua Hin Night Market Hua Hin Night Market
• Hua Hin Railway Station Hua Hin Railway Station
• Kaeng Krachan National Park Kaeng Krachan National Park
• Manao Bay Manao Bay
• Sam Roi Yot National Park Sam Roi Yot National Park
•  

Located 281 km. south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is a rather small province with an area of 6,367 sq.km. Although situated at the northern end of peninsular Thailand, it is considered part of the central region of the country because its climate is influenced by the northeast monsoon in winter more than the other provinces in the South. Today the province is famous for its natural charm of beaches and mountains. Hua Hin, its major attraction, is one of Thailand's most popular seaside resorts among both Thai and foreign visitors.

The following are tourist attractions in Prachuap Khiri Khan as divided into districts (= amphoe).

Attractions in Amphoe Hua Hin

Lying some 200 kilometres to the south of Bangkok, Hua Hin is in fact the oldest beach resort of the country and is still as popular as ever. There are several factors which have helped transform this once quiet fishing village into a popular beach resort. The first major event which led Hua Hin to its prosperity was the construction of the southern railway line in the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), which was soon followed by the establishment of the Railway Hotel and the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course. But the most important of all was the construction of the summer palace by King Rama VII in 1926 which he named Klai Kangwon Palace (meaning "far from worries"). From then on, people have kept flocking to this newly-discovered seaside resort to enjoy their holidays, especially in the hot season.

Hua Hin Beach

It is a 5-km white sand beach stretching from the town centre to Khao Takiap hill in the southern end where a Buddhist temple clings to the cliffs. Hua Hin beach is full of large smooth stones at its ends and as a result it was named "Hua Hin" meaning the stone head.

The seaside resort attracts lots of Thai and foreign tourists who seek a nice beach holiday close to Bangkok. With full facilities and its proximity to the entertainment centre in town, the beach is lined with a wide range of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Hua Hin Beach offers great opportunities for swimming and relaxing in peace as well as the special activity of horse riding. Many water sports and beach activities are also available.

Hua Hin Railway Station

Hua Hin Railway Station

This is one of the oldest railway stations in Thailand. Its unique feature, the red and white pavilion formerly served as the Royal Waiting Room, was built in classical Thai-style by command of King Rama VI (1910-1925) for use in the Sanamchan Palace in Nakhon Pathom province.

In 1968, the pavilion was renovated and moved to be settled at Hua Hin Railway Station.

Klai Kangwon Palace or the Summer Palace

Built in 1926, soon after King Rama VII was crowned, the palace consists of three Spanish-style mansions overlooking the sea. Besides the beautiful ornamental gardens, the palace also features a shell museum. Presently, it is the residence of His Majesty the King.

Takiap Hill

This hill, jutting out to sea, is lying at the southern end of Hua Hin beach, about 6 km. from town. It has a temple and a huge standing Buddha image on the hilltop, where a good vantage point is provided.

Formerly, visitors had to climb series of steps to the top of Takiap Hill to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and Hua Hin town. But now the hill is easily accessible by car.

Accommodations and seafood restaurants are available around Takiap Beach.

Khao Hin Lek Fai

Located about 2 km. west of Hua Hin town, this is a splendid vantage point where a panoramic view of the town and Hua Hin Bay can be seen. There is also a standing statue of King Rama VII on the hill.

Suan Son Pradiphat Beach

Suan Son Pradipaht or Sea Pine Tree Garden is located in a military camp about 9 km south of Hua Hin. This beach has long been accepted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hua Hin. Belonging to the Army Welfare office, the beach is open from around 6 a.m. until midnight.

Ko Singto

This tiny islet, lying about 800 m. off the coast of Suan Son Beach, is good for fishing and diving. Boats can be rented at Khao Takiap village.

Khao Tao Beach

Situated at the foot of Khao Tao Hill, about 13 km. from Hua Hin town, this pine-fringed beach is clean and more secluded. Its main feature is a large Buddha image facing the sea.

Pa La-U Waterfall

This beautiful 15-leap waterfall in the middle of the rich virgin forest is located about 60 km. to the west of Hua Hin town. The fall is located in the verdant forest area of Kaeng Krachan National Park where various kinds of birds and butterflies are found.

The water of this fall flows from Tenasserim Mountain in the west through the forests and cascades down the high cliff of Pa La-U. There is a nature study trail along an 800-metre path starting from the car park and leading to the first level of Pa La-U Waterfall. The surrounding green forests are an ideal place for those interested in ecology and wildlife.

Hua Hin Night Market

Hua Hin Night Market

Situated in downtown Hua Hin, this lively market is a nice place to hang around in the evening, to enjoy fresh seafood as well as to shop for souvenirs, clothes and local handicrafts. The walking street of Hua Hin night market is closed entirely to traffic and becomes the focal point for vending stalls, particularly consumer goods and souvenirs.

The market is also packed with restaurants and food stalls selling a wide variety of foods.

Therefore, when taking a stroll through the night market and shopping some small gifts, visitors can scent the tantalizing aroma of grilled seafood.

Rajabhakti Park

Rajabhakti Park

Rajabhakti Park is a historically themed park honouring past Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current royal house of Chakri. It was built by the Royal Thai Army, with funds donated by the public and private sectors.

The park covers a total area of 355,200 square meters. It consists of three main sections. The first section features the giant statues of seven kings, whose achievements are well-recognized. The seven kings made great contributions to the country in each period of Thai history. They include King Ramkhamhaeng (1279-1300) of the Sukhothai period, King Naresuan (1590-1605) and King Narai (1656-1688) of Ayutthaya period, King Taksin (1767-1782) of the Thonburi period, and King Rama I (1782-1809), King Mongkut (1851-1868), and King Chulalongkorn (1868-1910) of the Rattanakosin period. Each statue is made of bronze, with an average height of 13.9 meters.

The second section is a multi-purpose plaza. It is used for major ceremonies, performed by the Royal Thai Armed Forces, such as military parades, and for welcoming foreign dignitaries. The third section includes a museum featuring Thai history, especially the biographies and achievements of the seven kings. The museum is at the base of the statues.

Thanarat Infantry Camp

If you love challenging and exciting outdoor activities, here is the place for you. Lying about 25 km. south of Hua Hin and setting in a large area of 960 sq.km., the camp offers a wide range of "soft-adventure" activities such as high-diving, rock climbing, shooting, fishing, camping, etc.

For Art’s Sake Hua Hin

For Art’s Sake, the first 4D Art Museum in Thailand.

For Art´s Sake located at Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan. We provide a perfect combination of 3D art that painted by Thai artists and special sound effects separated by zones. Moreover, we provide sculptures and installation arts in some areas so that the audience can enjoy various kinds of art.

For Art’s Sake Museum is a new attraction in Hua Hin that is suitable for all ages, great for taking photographs, impressive and outstanding value and service.

Highlights : Imagination Zone, Childhood Zone, Hua Hin Zone, Horror Zone, The Mirror Climb, Piano Stairs and Illusion Windows

Open: Daily from 10.00 - 20.00 hrs.

Attractions in Amphoe Pranburi

Sam Roi Yot National Park

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

This is the first seaside national park of Thailand with an area of approximately 98 sq.km. The park is located on the coast between the provincial town and Hua Hin. Its name means the Mountain of 300 Peaks. The topography of the park consists of the undulating ranges of limestone hills, mangrove swamps, canals and creeks and beaches. The unique environment of the fertile marshland gives rise to a large variety of tourist attractions. It is also a sanctuary of wildlife and various kinds of local and migratory birds, the latter of which are plentiful from November to February. Some major attractions in the park are as follows:

Laem Sala Beach & Phraya Nakhon Cave

Situated 16 km. north of the park office, this long-stretching beach are lined with guest houses, restaurants and a camp site.

Walking up the beachside mountain for a while, visitors will arrive at a famous cave called 'Tham Phraya Nakhon'. Featuring a pavilion built especially for King Rama V's visit in 1890, the cave is well-known for having been visited by three Chakri kings - Rama V, Rama VII and King Bhumibol.

Sam Phraya Beach

Located 3.5 km. north of the park office, it is a tranquil sandy beach lined with pine trees.

The southern end of the beach, which is a mudflat, is a good place for birdwatching.

Kaeo Cave

Accessible by a 250-m long trail from the nearby road, this impressive cave with few huge chambers is situated 16 km from the headquarters. It consists of stalactites and stalagmites with very rocky surface which makes walking a bit challenging. The cave has two entrances and takes about 20 minutes to walk through from one entrance to the other. Visitors are required to hire a tour guide from park office.

Sai Cave

A cave consists of stalactites and stalagmites. It is accessible by a 300-m long trail from the road on the coast line, approximately 9 km north east of the headquarters.

Khao Daeng Canal

The canal offers an opportunity for a sightseeing tour through mangrove swamps inhabited by many birds and wildlife. The trip takes about 1.30 hours.

Pranburi River

Tourists can have a 3-hour sightseeing tour on boat to absorb the scenic views of nature, pineapple plantations, fishing villages and spot a variety of bird species.

Pranburi Forest Park

Lying about 15 km. south of Hua Hin, the park is a strip of land connecting Hua Hin and Pranburi. Visitors can have a close study of the ecosystem of the mangrove swamps by walking along the one-kilometer long wooden bridge in the park and read the information boards provided all the way.

Attractions in Amphoe Muang

Chong Krachok Hill

The hill's name, meaning a mirror, comes from a natural aperture near its peak which allows light to pass through. There is a flight of 395 steps leading to Thammikaram Temple or Wat Khao Chong Krachok, enshrining relics of the Lord Buddha. The hill also offers a beautiful panorama of Ao Prachuap Bay.

Manao Bay

Manao Bay

This lovely curved bay, situated some 5 km. south of the town, is under the care of the Royal Thai Airforce. The bay is bounded by steep limestone outcrops forming peninsulas to the north and to the south. Its quiet white beach is nice for swimming and relaxing.

Waghor Aquarium

Located about 12 km. south of the town, this aquarium offers a number of impressive displays of marine and freshwater fish species. The exhibit areas are designed and decorated to reflect their natural habitats. There are a number of exhibitions including origins of life on earth, underwater worlds, and various ecosystems.

The aquarium is a part of the King Mongkut Memorial Park of Science and Technology at Waghor. Its objective is to become a learning centre for scientific marine ecology and the environment for students, the general public and tourists. Opening hours are from 09.00 to 16.00.

Attractions in Amphoe Thap Sakae

Hat Wanakorn National Park

Lying about 23 km. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the park offers a 7-km long sandy beach lined with pine trees. A few dive sites can be found around the small islets offshore with some coral reefs.

Namtok Huai Yang National Park

Located between km. 350 and km. 351 of Phetkasem Road, 27 km. south of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the park covers an area of 161 sq.km. on the Tanao Si Mountain range. The 9-tiered Huai Yang Waterfall is the main attraction and most frequented by local visitors. Other beautiful waterfalls are Bua Sawan, Khao Lan, Huai Hin Dart, and Kha On waterfalls.

Attractions in Amphoe Bang Saphan

Ban Krut Beach

This is a wide white sandy beach hidden away in a tranquil area of Bang Saphan district.

It has a baechfront road lined with coconut palms and casuarina trees. Accommodation is available on the beach.

Khao Thongchai Mount

Here is the vantage point of Bankrud Beach. From the mount top, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the vast bay as well as the beautiful sunrise and sunset. On the mount there are also a huge golden Buddha image facing the sea and a shrine to 'Krom Luang Chumphon', the Father of the Royal Thai Navy.

Ko Lamla

This is a tiny island about 1 km. offshore, north of Thongchai Mount. It has beautiful coral reefs and plentiful marine life.

Ao Bo Thonglang

The beach shape is crescent-curved almost like a circle. The water is shallow and there are many tiny islets lined at the front of the bay. A great number of local people visit this bay for splashing water and relaxing since this bay is quite peaceful and less crowded. Tourists can buy food and drinks from the stalls along the beach.

Ko Thalu, Ko Sang and Ko Sing

These three small islands are located off the coast of Bang Saphan and can be reached in 30 minutes from Ban Pak Khlong harbour. The crystal clear water and an abundance of fantastic coral reefs and marine life around the islands of Ko Thalu and Ko Sang make them ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Nearby Attractions in Phetchaburi

Cha-am Beach

Cha-am is the No.1 beach resort of Phetchaburi Province. Located 41 km to the south of the provincial town, the casuarina-lined beach is long and clean and equipped with numerous accommodations. The sea here is suitable for swimming. Tourists can enjoy several water sports like scooter riding, water skiing, banana boats riding and jet skiing. Riding a bicycle along the 6-km road, running in parallel with the beach is a charming activity of Cha-am. Beach-side grilled seafood, snacks, and drinks are available.

Mrigadayavan Palace

Mrigadayavan Palace

Located on the coast between Cha-am and Hua Hin, the Mrigadayavan Palace was King Rama VI’s seaside summer palace. Mrigadayavan Palace is made of golden teak in the western style. The construction was finished in 1925. The palace comprises three two-storey buildings connected to each other by elevated airy walkways.

The palace is open from Monday to Sunday (Closed on Wednesday), 08.30 - 16.00 hrs.

Click here for the full story of “Mrigadayavan: Palace of Love and Hope”.

Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre

Located 15 km from Cha-am Beach, the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre was royally initiated. It is where animal conservation and breeding projects are conducted. There is a zoo here open to the public.

Hup Kraphong

From the initiative of King Bhumibol, Hup Kraphong Royal Development Project is well-known as a learning center for agriculture project since 1964. The project has started after local farmers experiencing agricultural difficulties on infertile soil. With help from Israel researchers, the local farmers have learned methods to improve their agriculture such as soil improvement, cash crops and dairy cattle.

Travelers are welcome to visit for touring and browsing some products such as fresh crops and craft works like hats or bags made from hemp which have been exported to Asian and European countries.

TAT Phetchaburi Office, Tel. 0 3247 1005 to 6 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, Tel +66 3251 3885 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Horse Riding

Horse Riding

Lots of ponies and horses on Hua Hin beach give a good chance for a pleasing ride along the beach for tourists of all types.

Bicycling

Riding a bike along Hua Hin beach is an enjoyable recreation.

Karting

Speed lovers can keep adrenaline pumping by go-karting in Hua Hin. This karting site offers a professional, safe and exciting experience. If you want to escape the bustling karting sites located in Bangkok and move to a splendid backdrop of mountainous views, this site in Hua Hin is an alternative.

Golfing

Hua Hin is not only a peaceful seaside resort, but is also a haven for all golfing lovers. There are no less than 6 golf courses that can be reached within 30 minutes drive from Hua Hin town. The nearest of them is the Royal Golf Course just across the railway station. It is the first golf course of Thailand and still popular among foreign and local golfers. To facilitate the golf-playing visitors, some tour operators organize golfing excursions and packages to these courses providing full services to their clients.

Sailing

The Pranburi River, which flows through the mountain ranges on the west, is ideal for sailing. Besides the lush green countryside, there are several interesting places to drop by for sightseeing and birdwatching.

Diving

Diving and Snorkelling

Bangsaphan, about 87 km. from the provincial town, is a fantastic area for safe snorkelling and diving in Prachuap Khiri Khan. If you are in Hua Hin, an easy access to diving and snorkelling sites can be made with tour agents. The sites are around the islands of Koh Thalu and Koh Sang where a number of beautiful coral reefs and marine life reside beneath the shallow crystal clear water. Besides, there is Koh Lamla, which is the only place in Thailand where Kung Phayaban or "cleaning shrimps" can be found. You can also mingle with the fishermen and experience the way of life in this coastal fishing community at Ban Krud Beach.

Trekking

The lush forest around Pa La-U Waterfall is an excellent place for trekking. Various species of birds and butterflies and some types of wild animals can be found in the area.

Besides, water sports facilities are also provided. Contact your travel agent or your hotel for more details.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival (June)

Hua Hin Jazz Festival, the lively and unique jazz experience, is to be held on Hua Hin Beach in the evening. Over the years, the two-day event has been inspiring tourists and jazz lovers, both Thai and foreign, to visit Hua Hin for a trip that combines live jazz performances, local experiences and natural beauty. The city is turned into a jazz town with on stage music and performances of Thai, Asian and world’s top Jazz musicians.

Hua Hin Regatta (July or August)

First sailed in 2000, the Hua Hin Regatta is an annual sailing event organised in the Gulf of Thailand by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand (YRAT), in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy, and Tourism Authority of Thailand. Each year hundreds of sailors of all ages from across Thailand and many other Asian as well as European countries compete in Hua Hin’s biggest yacht racing event. The event features several classes of sailing such as Optimist, Super Mod, OK and Catamaran.

For more information, please contact Sailing Club Hua Hin, www.huahinsailing.com.

Hua Hin Golf Festival (August – September)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s offices in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, in co-operation with the Phetchaburi-PrachuapKhiri Khan Golf Course Association, have organized the Hua Hin Golf Festival for several years. The event has turned out to be very popular, not only with local golfers, but also golfers worldwide. The golf festival offers a beautiful opportunity for all golf lovers to enjoy lowest green fees of the year at all major courses in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan throughout August and September.

For more information, contact:
TAT Phetchaburi Office, Tel. 0 3247 1005 to 6 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TAT Prachuap Khiri Khan Office, Tel +66 3251 3885 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.