Phra Nakhon Khiri is located one hour plus from Hua Hin, you can reach the site by hiring a Taxi who is familiar with the area. Chances are that most visitors would have already seen the beautiful sight of Phra Nakhon Khiri when they drove from Bangkok to Hua Hin, as it is located high upon the mountain close to the main highway. The Phra Nakhon Khiri is not only a Palace built in 1860 for Rama IV, but also became a historical park in 1979. The meaning of the Phra Nakhon Khiri is Holy Town Hill, it is also known affectionately as Khao Wang loosely translated as Mountain Palace.

To reach the park you can either climb up 100 meters up the Mountain or take the highly exciting cable car that costs only a mere 40 Thb, but the cable car will surely give you a shiver up the spine, as it raises up the mountain at a step angle. Scary and quick as the cable car might be, it will give you beautiful views of Phetchaburi town on the way up.

Once you reach the top you can walk around beautiful cobbled paths linking the 3 different main areas of Phra Nakhon Khiri, The Park is split into 3 areas on 3 peak tops. In the West is the Palace of Rama IV Palace, the middle peak holds a large stupa called the Phra That Chom Phet and in The East is a temple built for the Royals.

To note at the park is the interesting mix of Thai style and European style that Rama IV seemed to favor. Also in Phra Nakhon Khiri is an Observatory used by RAMA IV, as he was very interested in Astronomy and science in general.

This Phra Nakhon Khiri location is highly recommended for a visit both historically and for its beauty. It does get very hot, so try to arrive early to avoid getting over heated as you climb on top of the Mountain Peak. There are stalls selling water and snacks, both before the cable car entrance and at the top. This visit can be combined with Ban Puen Palace and Tham Khao Luang Cave.

• from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

• 150 baht

• from Bangkok – 113 km (1 h 45 min)
• from Hua Hin – 80 km (1 h 17 min)

• Tham Khao Luang Cave (12 km, 20 min)
• Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (15.5 km, 22 min)

We recommend to contact Hua Hin Cab. You can send them your own itinerary and ask for a quote or pick one of the day tour packages available on their website.