Along the Shoreline

Phetchaburi has a stretching coastline of 82 kilometers long. Its 2 types of beaches offers different attractions. Beyong Laem Phak Bia, although the beach is muddy and not several interesting activities such as study of mangrove forest’s ecology system and visit to salt field. Fisheries along the shore is also worth observing, especially the breeding cockles as this is the biggest source of the country. The white beach starts from Hat Thawisuk, down to Hat Laem Luang, Hat Chao Samran, hat Puektian and Hat Cha-am.

How to enjoy the muddy beach

Muddy beach is generally found near the mouths of all rivers meeting the sea. Its outstanding character is a big muddy plain extending the sea. The soil is rich of nutrients washed down by the river. To observe the rich ecology system and the local fishery by boat is both informative and joyful.

To enjoy the muddy-beach trip needs a little prior planning. The most suitable time is during the highest/lowest tide between the 13^th waxing and waning moons and the 1th  waxing and waning moons (about 4-5 days of each round). The locals call this time Wan Nam Koet meaning the fast current days of the month (in opposite of Nam Tai meaning rather stagnant water). Coastal fishery is active when the water is last following, as seine, fish trap and dip nets need current to bring in the fish. Also, activities at the Blooded Cockle’s farms are better seen during low tide.  

Mangrove Forest and Fisheries, at Bang Tabun Bay

What interesting is to travel in a hired boat from the village to see how the locals make their livings near shore. Travel along the main water channel takes 2 hours., the skilful villager who controls the boat will provide you with good information. Marine farming differs upon the depth of water, starting from cockles yard, seine and dip net a little further out, and green mussel posts.

On the way back, the boat comes along the mangrove forest and visit Tao Phao Than Ta Thuai old charcoal kiln in Khlong Bang Tabun which has been producing mangrove firewood for over 100 years. Before leaving, shop for fine shrimp paste, enormous dried shrimps, delicious seafood rolls Hoi Cho tasteful of real crab and shrimp meats, and salted eggs.

The Conservation and Study Center of Mangrove Forest’s Ecology System

Bang Tabun Witthaya School

The mangrove forest of about 40 rais behind the school is still rather rich. The school made a wooden walkway about 150 meters long into the mangrove forest for closer study of the ecology system.

A nature study camp is arranged on weekends during school terms. Instructor conducts an informative tour of the forest and provides self-experimental exercise.

An Old Market at Talat Ban Laem

A hundred years ago, Ban Laem was a big fish pier and important sea communication center where steamers from Bangkok anchored.

Get in touch with the locals and try delicious dishes at la carte at the Chek Sun’s restaurant and don’t miss the Chinese moon cakes at Totengkiang sweets shop, two old establishments of the market.

Wat Ton Son

The temple enshrines Luang Pho Samrit, the bronze image of Buddha in the posture of pacifying the ocean, in Lop Buri style. Traditional homage-paying is held during Loi Krathong Festival for 5-7 days every year.

Wat Nai Klang

It is said that the mother of King Taksin took refuge with her relatives at Ban Laem after the fall of Ayutthaya. To return for their kindness, King Taksin gave a hall dismantled from the old capital including a Buddha image of Sukhothai period to the people of Ban Laem. The image is presently enshrined in the monks’ dwelling. There is a homage-paying fair every year for 5 days during the 14^th waxing moon – 3^rd wanning moon in the third lunar month.

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Wat Khao Takhrao

The temple is in Tambon Ban Khok. The Buddha image in the attitude of subduing mara is considered to be one of the three brothers: Luang Pho Wat Khao Takhrao, Luang Pho Sothon (Chachoengsao Province) and Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem (Samut Songkhram Province). Another legend cited that the image is a brother of Luang Pho Bang Pli Yai (Samut Prakan Province) and Luang Pho Wat Rai Khing (Nakhon Pathom Province).

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Hat Chao Samran

Hat Chao Samran is an old holiday seaside of Thailand. It used to be the site of the royal lodging pavilion of King Rama VI in 1917 before the completion of Phra Ratchaniwet Maruekkhathaiyawan Palace. A retaining wall and walkway are built along part of its sandy mud beach about 4 kilometers long to accommodate restaurants and stalls of dried foodstuffs. As it is the beach nearest to town, people like to drop by, sit leisurely on deckchairs or dine at one of the outdoor beach-front restaurants. Fisherman's Village (Unseen Paradise) Cheznous Boutique

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Hat Puektian

Its white sandy beach is about 4 kilometers long lined with shady pine trees. There are several types of accommodation and many sea-food restaurants. An o utstanding feature of this beach is big molded figures from a Thai literature Phra Aphaimani such as the female demon Phra Aphaimani such as the female demon Phi-suea Samut, Sutsakhon, the dragon horse, the ascetic.   Puktian Cabana Beach Resort Casuarina

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Hat Cha-am

The most popular beach where tourist activities most abound, Hat Cha-am is a clean white beach of over 7 kilometers long. The middle area provides a variety of shops and recreations: water scooter, horse riding. The more tranquil atmosphere n the north and south of the beach provides outdoor leisurely pursuits such as sunbath, plunging in the natural environment and the locals’ coastal way of life. Hat Cha-am took place after Hua Hin had been all taken up by the royalty and dignitary. A group of aristocrats led by H.R.H. Krom Phra Narathip Praphanphong pioneeringly had this sea-front mangrove wood cleared to build a new seaside village in 1921.  They built a route from the railway station to this beach (Thanon Narathip) and another road along the beach, north to Ban Pak Khlong Cha-am and south to Ban Nong Chaeng.  A cart-path (Thanon Chao Lai) was cut behind the sea-front plots of land.  The prince called the new village Sahakham Cha-am. Off Phet Kasem Road on the way leading to Hat Cha-am, is the Monument of Prince Narathip at the tri-section just before the shore.  Along the beach, holiday-makers will find various accommodations at various tariffs. Explore the northernmost beach by the fish pier to try some nice seafood at reasonable prices at one of those sea-front restaurants.  You may as well shop all day long for fresh seafood to take home.  If that is not fresh enough to your favourite, be an early bird and come before 7a.m. to shop rights from the boats that come in daily.  You can buy fresh crabs from the fishermen themselves at the local fish pier on the beach between Nong-jaeng Rd. and Siam Cement’s guest house, between 5-10 am.everyday.   Cha-am Marina Beach Garden Golden Sand Methavalai Long Beach Cha-am Spring Field Spring Field Beach

Need a car/van transfer from/to Bangkok contact us: carrent@thai-tour.com.

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