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A visit to Phetchaburi or Muang Phet which
is not all that far from Bangkok is convenient both by car
and by train. Phetchaburi has a real variety of tourist
spots. Temples and palaces are the center of superb
architectural and artistic work emulated by younger
generations. The local way of life is still seen at the
marketplace and the fishery communities by the mouth of the
gulf of Thailand and in all rural area. All coastal beaches
are good at reasonable price. A wildlife walk trail along a
natural route in the mangrove forest in an attractive
option. For adventurous travels wishing to take in nature
closely, Kaeng Krachan Forest is a perfect representative of
the rich western forest and it is a place for bird and
butterfly watching for amateurs and professionals alike.
People
The Thai community in Phetchaburi, in town
and in Ban Lat, is the same riverbank community from olden
days living in Phetchaburi style Thai Houses. They still
speak the Phet dialect and preserve local culture and
entertainment no longer existing elsewhere, such as bull
races, boat on land procession, Phuang Malai and Prop Kai
songs.
Chinese are another group of old residents
of Phetchaburi. They live in all districts especially in
Amphoe Ban Laem and many have been moving to other provinces
in the south of Thailand to do fishery. There are also other
groups of people as described below.
Thai Song Dam
Thai Song Dam, also called Thai Dam, Lao Song, or Song, Formerly lived
in Muang Thaeng, Sipsong Chu Thai region, or the present
Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. Lao Song Families were captured
and forced to relocate in Phetchaburi twice, in the reign of
King Thon Buri and King Rama III. The center of the Lao Song
community is in Khao Yoi, others live scatteredly in Nong Ya
Plong and Tha Yang.
Mon
Oppressed by the Burmese, Mon migrated to
settle at Ban Bang Lamphu, Tambon Bang Khok, and Ban Khung
Tamnak, Tambon Bang Tabun, Amphoe Ban Laem during the reign
of King II. Other Mon spread their settlement into
Phetcahburi from the Mae Khlong riverbank, Amphoe Photharam
Patchabuti.
Lao Wiang and Lao Phuan
A small group of Tai people was forceably relocated from Vientiane along
with Lao Song. They settled near Lao Song in Tha Yang and
Khao Yoi. Nowadays, Lao Wiang’s original culture, except for
their dialect old language, has nearly all disappeared.
Chinese
The Chinese live in marketplaces in all
districts especially in Ban Laem which was formerly the port
for big steamboats from Bangkok. They are mostly in the
fishery business.
Malay
They belong to the Suin sect and were
relocated up from Malay provinces since the reign of King
Rama III. The big Muslim community is in Ban Laem, others
scatter in Amphoe Muang, Tha Yang, and Cha-am.
Karen, Karang
They are mostly Karen Po or Yang Daeng and
Karang, also called Karen Sako or Yang Khao. Both are
minority groups living by the creeks of the Phet and Pran
Rivers in Tha Yang and Nong Ya Plong.
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