History

Phetchaburi, meaning the city of diamonds, is an old town with a long period of history. Its name was recorded as a province on early stone scriptures of the Sukhothai era. Foreign accounts tell us that first king of the Ayutthaya era governed Phetchaburi before founding Ayutthaya as the capital of Siam. Even earlier archeological records indicate that the city dates back to the Khmer and Dvaravati periods.

During the Ayutthaya era (1350-1767), Phetchaburi prospered as an important harbor town and a gateway to the southern provinces. In the later Rattanakosin era, Phetchaburi became a favorite destination of the Chakri kings. King Rama IV visited the province several times when he was a monk, and King Rama VI stayed at Ban Puen Palace for a lengthy sojourn.

Phetchaburi has been known by many names in the past, Phripphri, Phripphli or Phetchaphli, to name a few. It may have been named after the Indian style common in those days, such as Ayothaya, Kanchanaburi and Suwannaphum. It is also believed that the name Phetchaburi might have originated from the Phetch River, the main lifeline of this province.

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