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Phetchabun Province
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Phetchabun is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.
Phetchabun is a province in the lower northern region of Thailand. It is situated between the northern
and the central region. From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun
was established by two kingdoms – namely the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the
Ayutthaya Period of the great King Narai.
Discussion
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Encyclopedia
Phetchabun is one of the northern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Loei, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Lopburi, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit and Phitsanulok.
Phetchabun is a province in the lower northern region of Thailand. It is situated between the northern
and the central region. From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun
was established by two kingdoms – namely the Sukhothai Kingdom, and the
Ayutthaya Period of the great King Narai. Initially the province was called "Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that is plenty of crops. The reason for being given such name is because
the province is very fertile and full of natural resources. Because of the
fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been agriculturally productive area.
Today, Phetchabun is a province with rich tourism potential such as fascinating
nature, prosperous history for more than 1,400 years and indigenous traditional
ceremonies.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 11 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 117 subdistricts (tambon) and 1261 villages (muban).
Transport
Phetchabun may be reach by Road No.21 (Kochasenee Rd.)from Saraburi and 370 kilometers from the country capital
How to get there
By Train
There is no railway system to Phetchabun
By Car
Road No.1 from capital city(Bangkok) to Saraburi province and then Road No.21 to Petchabun
Road No.12 from Khonkaen (central province of the northeastern region) to Lom Sak and then Road 21. southward to Phetchabun.
Etymology
The word Phetcha originates from the Sanskrit word vajra meaning "diamond" (or weapon of Indra), and the word bun from Sanskrit purna meaning "full", "perfect" or "whole". Hence the name of the province literally means "Perfect Diamond".
Geography
The province is located in the broad fertile river valley of the Pa Sak River, with mountains of the Phetchabun mountain range to the east and west.
It is surrounded by places of interest, many well-known national
parks, beautiful waterfalls and great lakes.
History
In the Thesaphiban administrative reforms at the beginning of the 20th century the province together with the province of Lom Sak to the north formed the monthon Monthon Phetchabun|Phetchabun]]. As it was the smallest monthon, it was also the first monthon to be dissolved in 1915, after being temporarily administrated from Monthon Phitsanulok between 1903 and 1907. The province Lom Sak was abolished and included into Phetchabun in 1932.
Phetchabun province is situated between the northern
and the central region. From historical evidence, it is believed that Phetchabun was established by two kingdoms – namely the [Sukhothai Kingdom] and the
Ayutthaya Period of the great King Narai. Initially the province was called
"Phe-cha-buth" as "Phuenchapura", which means the city that is plenty of crops.
The reason for being given such name is because
the province is very fertile and full of natural resources. Because of the
fertility of the land, Phetchabun has always been agriculturally productive area
Today, Phetchabun is a province with rich tourism potential such as fascinating
nature, prosperous history for more than 1400 years and indigenous traditional
ceremonies.
Symbols
| The provincial seal show a diamond on a mountain, as diamonds are found in the province. In the front are tobacco plants as one of the crops grown in the province.
The provincial tree is the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica). |
Khao Kho
The most engaging national park of
Phetchabun Province is Khao Kho National Park, about 1 hour northwest of Phetchabun town. It was designated to be " Little Switzerland" from many visitors, because of beautiful
scenery and cool weather like Switzerland. It was once a
battle field against communist insurgents conducted their struggles against the
authorities. Its charming scenery and great weather allure tourists to see
the mountain – top, army base turned into a museum, a Chedi containing a holy
relic and enjoy trekking in the open zoo and non – hunting areas.
Nam Nao National Park
Fifty kilometers from the west of Lom Sak District is Nam Nao National Park. It is immense tract of forest still in its original state. It is filled with pineries, glasslands and virgin jungles. Nam Nao Park is a
huge conservation park where people can learn about plants, wild animals
or outdoor activities. Visitors can touch with the great nature and a large
number of wild animals closely with trekking. If not, Nam Noa is a paradise
of people who love to watch the birds. It is habitat for more than 100
species of birds. The winter is the most popular season that a great deal
of tourists usually come to visit because they can touch with the beautiful
sea of frog and the alluring of the forest with many varieties of
trees. The mountains and forests create a cooler climate in the
park. The daytime, temperatures are very pleasant with an average annual
temperature of 25 Degree Celsius. The coldest month is being November that
temperature as low as 0 degree celsius among the frost and beautiful pineries.
Phu Hin Rong Kla
North along the border between Phitsanulok Province and Phetchabun Province, Phu Hin Rong Kla is a national park with scenic attractions
and historical significance. In the past, it was the stage of armed conflicts
due to political differences between the Thai people.
Phu Hin Rong Kla's climate is similar to Phu Kra Dung and Phu Luang.
Because of its high attitude, the park is cool all year round. In the cool season, when temperature can occasionally drop to freezing point,
mist can cool and pleasant. The deciduous trees and cold flowers attract many tourists.
Than Thip Waterfall
Waterfalls are everywhere and easily to find. Than Tip waterfall Forest
Park is located in Baan Than Tip, Bung Num Tao District, Amphoe Lom Sak. It
is the forest park of 8,750 rais in Khao Plok Lon Forest Reserve. In general,
the area consists of steep and high mountains ranging. The mixed deciduous
forest in the area is fairly rich.In the rainy season, the water
is swift and brimful. For tourists who love excitement, this is a great answer for
them. Visitors can go downstream along the rapids current that call "Long
Kang." It is an exciting activity of Than Thip waterfall that serves to
acrobatic visitors.
Si Thep Historical Park
Some 130 kilometres south of Phetchabun on Highway Number 21, is the Si
Thep Historical Park. Si Thep is an ancient town where many architectural
structures still remain to indicate its past prosperity during the 11th – 18th
Buddhist centuries.
It was once the centre of contact between the Dvarravati Kingdom in
the central Plain Basin and the Khmer Kingdom in the Northest. A twin-
city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and
laterite, most of them have since crumbled.
There are also remains of several ponds spread out all over the area. Most of the ancient relics recovered are parts of architectural
nature such as elaborate lintels, plastered designs and sema stone and human
skeletons still are adorned with ornamental pieces. In 2000, it
got a Thailand Tourism Award for guaranteeing welfare of culture and ancient
buildings.
Tourism
Sites
Wat Mahathat (??????????) on Nikon Bamrung Road in town houses a number of ancient chedis of Sukhothai style.
The Phetchabun City Pillar Shrine (?????????????????????) has been brought over from the ancient town of Si Thep and is considered the oldest such structure in Thailand.
Wat Trai Phum (??????????) on Phetcharat Road features a Buddha statue called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha cast in the ornamental Lop Buri style. The ritual bathing of the Buddha image or the traditional Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony is held during September each year.
The Huai Pa Dang Reservoir (?????????????????????) was created by the dam constructed to block the waterway to the west of town for irrigation purposes. It is a pleasant place for recreation and picnic with scenic natural views in the background, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.
Tat Mok National Park (?????????????????????) has a huge waterfall fed by streams flowing down cracks and crevices of the mountains creating a beautiful 12-level fall. On both sides of the trails leading up to it are large, shady trees providing a pleasant surrounding.
The Pho Khun Pha Mueang Memorial (???????????????????????) at Lom Sak district in the north of Phetchabun commemorates this former ruler or the area, which was a contemporary of Sukhothai.
Phu Hin Rong Kla (?????????????) is a popular destination located along the Phitsanulok and Phetchabun borders and offers exotic scenery. It was once the base of communist’s resurgent fighting against the government some twenty years ago.
Si Thep Historical Park (?????????????????????????) is an ancient town where many architectural structures still remain indicative of its past prosperity during the 11th-18th Buddhist Centuries. A twin-city, there were over one hundred ancient sites all built with bricks and laterite, most of which have crumbled.
Khao Kho is made up of mountain ranges to northwest of town about 1,174 metres above sea level covered in the main by deciduous plants. Very cold during November-February, it once was the base room which communist insurgents conducted their struggles against the authorities during 1968-1982.
Rai B.N. (?????????), is a private agriculture plantation growing cold-climate crops, including various flowers which alternately bloom throughout the year.
The Nam Nao National Park (?????????????????????) is an immense tract of forest still in perfect condition. With pineries, grasslands and virgin jungles, it is habitat to large number of animals and more than 100 species of birds. Attractions include:
- Tham Pha Hong (?????????) Within the caves are formations of stalactites and stalagmites. It is also a point from which to view the scenery at sunset.
- Ban Paek Pinery (????????????), 5 kilometres off the main road at km.49.
- Phu Kum Khao Pinery (???????????????), 15 kilometres off the main road at km.53. Dense rolls of pine trees cover an area of about 10 square kilometres.
- Namtok Heo Sai & Namtok Sai Thong (???????????????????????????), 1 kilometre and 1.5 kilometres respectively off the main road at km. 67.
- Kong Cliffs (???????????) which are 5 kilometres from the main road at km. 40 and the
- Tham Yai Nam Nao (??????????????) near km. 60.
Local Products
Sweet Tamarind (?????????), sweet tamarinds, are an agro crop which earn good income for the local growers. A fair to publicise this fruit is held annually during January - February.
Khanom Chin, popular food of Lom Kao district, is a noodle-like dish made from flour. It is served with gravy and side dish of various fresh local vegetables.
Culture
Festivals
Um Pra Dam Nam festival
The villagers in the province relate to the river very much. Such
closeness is clearly reflected in the widely known festival ceremonies
that call " Um Pha Dam Nam" or Dive the Buddha Image into the Water
Festival . Phra Buddha Maha Thammaracha is highly revered ancient Buddha
image of Phetchabun Province. This event is annually held on the fifteenth day
of the waning moon in the 10 th lunar month of during Sat Thai Period at Trai
Pum Temple. The ceremony starts at 1 P.M. The image is carried around the
town, so Buddhists can pay respect to it and stick gold left on its body. The
next morning, people make merit as it is Sat Thai Day. Food, including
Krayasat, and other necessities are given to monks. The Buddha image is then
taken to be immersed in the Pah Sak River by governor of Phetchabun. After
the ceremony, the water in the river is regarded as sacred. As a result, people
swim in it or take the water to drink before the boat racing begins.
Seng Klong – Long Com Fai
Seng Klong – Long Com Fai is the ancient tradition of Phetchabun
villagers for a long time. They believe this tradition is the way to request
the god and the angle come to make merit with them. It is held annually
during the end of Buddhist Lent around Por Kun Pah Maung Monument to
promote the honor of Por Kun Pah Maung and conserve this tradition remain
stay with villagers eternally. In this celebration, there are many activities to
enjoy for instance the drum contest, the beautiful girl contest, an array of color
fills its streets and float lanterns that can only be seen in Phetchabun.
Sweet Tamarind Fair
Sweet tamarind is grown mostly in Phetchabun due to the cool weather
and suitable environment. Farmers gain a lot of income from tamarind,
also it is the symbol of Phetchabun without arguing. Sweet
Tamarind Fair is thus organized in Phetchabun to celebrate the harvest of this
fruit during January 17 - 25. This day is also called "Phetchabun’s Agriculture
Day." During the festival, farmers bring their sweet tamarinds to sell at
reasonable price at Phetchabun’s provincial athletic field where contests
of sweet tamarinds and other crops are held. Besides this, there are other
agricultural exhibitions and entertainments organized during the event.
Gallery
External links
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