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CHA-AM
Cha-am and Hua Hin, both closely associated with Thai
royalty, and located on the sunrise side of the Thai Gulf, some
3 hours southwest of Bangkok, are essentially quiet and relaxing
seaside resorts ideal for family vacations. Although merely some
25 kilometers apart, the resorts are each in neighboring
provinces, Cha-am in Phetchaburi, and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri
Khan. Both enjoy a wealth of satellite attractions, prominent
among them national parks and historic cities.
Cha-am Beach
The extensive and popular beach is considered to be one of
the most beautiful on the western side of the Thai Gulf.
Phra Ratchaniwet Marukkhathaiyawan
King Rama VI formerly used this beachside wooden palace as a
royal summer residence during the 1920s. The palace is contained
within the Border Patrol Police Headquarters south of Cha-am on
the road to Hua Hin.
Kaeng Krachan National Park
Thailand's largest National Park is located some 50
kilometers northwest of Cha-am. The park extends towards the
Burmese border to the west, is characterized by topography of
forested hills and mountains, and waterways, and has as a major
focal point the Kaeng Krachan Dam, a 58- meter-high and
760-metre-long structure that dominates a scenic reservoir.
Chao Samran Beach
This scenic beach, 51 kilometers north of Cha-am, is one of
several popular beaches to the east of Phetchaburi provincial
capital.
Khao Wang
This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to
Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometers north of
Cha-am) supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in
1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer
to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill. The area is now known
as Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum and is open to the public
every day. Visitors may walk to the hilltop complex, or ascend
by cable car.
Khao Luang Cave
This picturesque cave, some 5 kilometers from Khao Wang,
contains a Buddha image cast by the royal command of King
Chulalongkorn to honor his father, King Mongkut.
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