Phetchaburi's Phra Nakhon Khiri festival kicks off with PM Anutin opening ceremony
Photo courtesy of Khaosod English
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul officially opened the 39th Phra Nakhon Khiri festival in Phetchaburi yesterday, marking the start of one of central Thailand's bigger cultural events.
The festival runs from February 20 to March 1 at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park — that's the hilltop palace complex you can see from pretty much anywhere in Phetchaburi town. Locals call it Khao Wang.
Anutin showed up with his wife Thananon Niramit for the opening ceremony. These festival openings are usually a big deal in Thai towns, complete with traditional performances and local officials making speeches.
What's the festival about
Phra Nakhon Khiri festivals typically celebrate the historical significance of King Rama IV's summer palace, which sits on top of the hill overlooking Phetchaburi. The complex dates back to the 1860s and mixes Thai, European, and Chinese architectural styles.
These annual events usually feature traditional Thai performances, local food vendors, handicraft displays, and cultural exhibitions. It's one of those festivals that draws Thai families from around the region, especially on weekends.
Getting there
Phetchaburi is about 160 kilometers southwest of Bangkok — roughly 2.5 hours by car or bus. The town sits on the main highway to Hua Hin and other beach destinations further south.
If you're already planning to hit Hua Hin or Cha-am, Phetchaburi makes for a solid day trip. The historical park is walkable from the town center, though you'll need to hike up the hill or take the cable car to reach the palace buildings.
The festival timing works out well since it's still cool season weather — much better than trying to climb that hill in April heat.
For what it's worth, Phetchaburi has some of the best traditional Thai sweets in the country. The town's been making thong yip and foi thong for generations. Worth trying even if you skip the festival.
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Source: Anutin opens Phra Nakhon Khiri festival in Phetchaburi
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