A Visit to Historical Sites in Phetchaburi
Phetchaburi, located 130 km south of Bangkok, is a charming town with a long history and several outstanding temples. Much of the city’s superb art and architecture reflect its long and rich history. It was already established as a Dvaravati settlement from the 7th century serving as an important post on the trade route between India and China, when it fell to the Khmer in the 12th century. It was absorbed into the emerging Thai nation at Sukhothai and formed part of the Ayutthaya kingdom from 1351 when it functioned as a significant fortified frontier town against the Burmese. In the Bangkok period, it was known for its natural scenery, a pleasant retreat for royalties, commoners and foreigners alike. There are many interesting temples with beautiful wall paintings that are among the oldest and best preserved in the country and are typical of the period. Phetchaburi is also known for its fine handicraft: wood carving, stucco work, carpentry
On Saturday, 27 August, The Siam Society will organise a day trip to Phetchaburi province. We will visit Wat Kuthi Bang Kem, whose external walls are completely carved with scenes from the Jatakas, the remains of a Dvaravati stupa at Thung Setti, one of the most significant sites excavated in recent years, a 13th century Khmer temple of which the laterite central prang and a gopura, remain in relatively good condition, Ayutthaya period temples with magnificent mural paintings and wood carvings. Lunch will be served at local sea-food restaurant near Haad Chao Samran.
When
Leader
Khun Eileen Deeley, Chair of Music and Special Events Committee at The Siam Society
Booking
Or contact Khun Supanut
supanut@thesiamsociety.org
The tentative programme will be as follows:
| Saturday, 27 August 2022: Phetchaburi | |
| 08:00 | Depart from The Siam Society for Phetchaburi province by bus. |
| Enroute: | Visit Wat Kuthi Bang Kem in Khao Yai district. |
| 10:45 | Arrive at Baan Thung Setthi in Tambon Na Yang, Cha-Am district. |
| – | Visit the ruins of a Dvaravati chedi at the foot of Khao Chom Prasat. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local seafood restaurant near Haad Chao Samran. |
| – | After lunch, proceed to the city of Phetchaburi. |
| Afternoon: | Visit four temples in the city: |
| – Visit late Ayutthaya temples of Wat Ko Keo Sutharam, and Wat Yai Suwannaram with beautiful 18th century mural painting in good condition. | |
| – Visit Khmer Bayon style Wat Kamphaeng Laeng. | |
| – Visit Wat Sra Bua to see excellent late Ayutthaya stucco work. | |
| 17:00 | Depart Phetchaburi for Bangkok. |
| 20:00 | Arrive at The Siam Society. |
| The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. | |
Booking
Important notes:
– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on the Society’s website and other online social media channels.
– As part of our effort in addressing the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend that trip participants bring their own water flask, if possible.
– Please note that cancellation notice received less than 7 days prior to the date of departure will result in a forfeiture of your deposit and/or contribution.
The contribution of THB 3,400 (THB 3,900 for non-members), will cover transportation, lunch, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7 or by scanning the QR code below. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.
For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Prasert at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 504 or Khun Supanut Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, Fax 02-258-3491 or email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
