Phra Nakhon Khiri Khao Wang
Explore the historic Phra Nakhon Khiri, a former royal palace on three peaks offering stunning views and a glimpse into Thailand's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Phra Nakhon Khiri Khao Wang
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Phra Nakhon Khiri, a former royal palace on three peaks offering stunning views and a glimpse into Thailand's past. 
"Overall worthy for a visit because the real beauty of the scenery is what the camera or pictures couldn't capture. "
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
50 baht each way for the cable car. You can also walk up if you're feeling energetic!
🐒 Guard Your Snacks
Monkeys are common and can be cheeky. Keep food hidden to avoid unwanted attention.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace
Summit of the central peak
Explore the former summer palace of King Rama IV, offering stunning architecture and panoramic city views.
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The Grand Pagoda
Central peak
An iconic landmark offering breathtaking vistas of Phetchaburi and its surroundings.
Royal Gardens
Various locations
Wander through lush greenery and enjoy the serene atmosphere, keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car or Climb?
Monkey Business Alert!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
50 baht each way for the cable car. You can also walk up if you're feeling energetic!
🐒 Guard Your Snacks
Monkeys are common and can be cheeky. Keep food hidden to avoid unwanted attention.
📸 Photo Restrictions
No cameras allowed inside the museum buildings. Focus on the exterior and views!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you're walking. Services for water might be limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
50 baht each way for the cable car. You can also walk up if you're feeling energetic!
🐒 Guard Your Snacks
Monkeys are common and can be cheeky. Keep food hidden to avoid unwanted attention.
📸 Photo Restrictions
No cameras allowed inside the museum buildings. Focus on the exterior and views!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially if you're walking. Services for water might be limited.
👗 Temple Attire
Appropriate clothing is needed for temples; free loaner clothes are available if required.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Phra Nakhon Khiri for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views. The former royal palace offers a glimpse into Thailand's past, with well-maintained grounds and a unique atmosphere. Some find the restriction on interior photography disappointing, and caution is advised regarding the bold monkeys.
"I liked this place a lot!
One of the best locations I visited so far, at least for me.
It is a former kings palace with a nice garden and a stupa and a buddhistic temple all in one area.
The ticket is 200 Baht, which is fine for the amount of things you get to see.
You are not allowed to take pictures inside the palace though, but in my eyes that is no problem, since the outside was far more picturesque.
For the temple you need to wear appropriate clothes, but they give you some for free, should you need them.
The garden is green and has all sorts of animals/insects, foremost the apes, of course. You need to be a bit careful, since they might try to steal your food or your drinks, but they did not harm me or were aggressive in any way. Just hold your food/drinks tight.
From the three elevated places here you will have an excellent view of the city and the surrounding lands."
Robin Hüwener
"Phra Nakhon Khiri or Khao Wang was originally a palace of King Rama IV. It is located at Klong Krachang Sub-district, Mueang District, Phetchaburi Province. It is situated on top of three consecutive peaks, with the highest peak being 95 meters high. It was originally called “Khao Samon” (Khao Saman). On the eastern shoulder of the mountain is a temple named “Wat Samon”. In 1861, he named it Khao Maha Sawan, which was later changed to Khao Mahaisawan.
King Rama IV ordered the construction of a palace on Khao Mahaisawan in 1859. Chao Phraya Si Suriyawong (Chuang Bunnag), who was later granted the title of Somdet Chao Phraya Borom Maha Si Suriyawong, was the supervisor of the construction, and Phra Phetphisai Srisawat (Thuan Bunnag) was the supervisor. When construction was complete, he named it “Phra Nakhon Khiri”. King Rama IV was very fond of the beautiful weather and scenery of Phetchaburi. He had resided at Phra Nakhon Khiri many times throughout his reign. During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, he ordered the renovation of Phra Nakhon Khiri to be used as a place to receive royal guests from Germany.
After the reign of King Chulalongkorn, no monarch had resided at Phra Nakhon Khiri again. Until the reign of the present King, he had the idea to restore and renovate. The Fine Arts Department announced the registration of Phra Nakhon Khiri as an important national ancient site, carried out the renovation of various royal buildings, and announced the establishment of the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum on August 27, 1979 as a memorial museum. All royal utensils received back from the Bureau of the Royal Household and the Ministry of Interior were registered as antiques, conserved, and displayed inside the Phetphumiphairot Throne Hall and the Pramot Mahaisawan Throne Hall.
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• Ticket 200 baht
• Cable Car 50 baht up & 50 baht down(you can choose to walk up or down the hill without cable car)
There're many wild monkeys around the park. Please keep your food inside your bag.
No camera is allowed inside the Museum(Here I've uploaded some of the interior pictures from their official website. You can also buy their book at the information center.)
* Overall worthy for a visit because the real beauty of the scenery is what the camera or pictures couldn't capture. You need to see it through your own eyes."
Ade Ho
"Been there, great Historical park to visit, unfortunately you can’t take pictures or videos inside Rama IV & V house. Very nice trails to walk around the different sites, the day I was there, no services were available just to get water so make sure you bring a bottle or two especially if it’s sunny."
Michel Maynard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bangkok, you can take a bus or train to Phetchaburi. From Phetchaburi town, local songthaews (shared taxis) or taxis can take you to the base of Khao Wang. The journey from Bangkok typically takes 2-3 hours.
Yes, there is parking available at the base of the hill where the cable car station and entrance are located.
You have two main options: take the cable car (50 baht each way) for a quick ascent, or hike up the stairs. The hike can be strenuous but rewarding.
Absolutely! Phra Nakhon Khiri is a popular day trip from Hua Hin, located about an hour's drive away.
The park is generally open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the latest hours before your visit, especially during festivals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 200 Thai Baht for foreign visitors. The cable car is an additional 50 Baht per person, each way.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not widely available, but the general admission fee applies.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the entrance. It's recommended to have cash ready for ticket purchases and the cable car.
The ticket grants you access to the historical park, including the palaces, temples, and grounds. Photography is restricted inside the museum buildings.
Yes, Phra Nakhon Khiri often hosts festivals, such as the Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair, which includes fireworks and cultural performances. These events usually occur in March.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is not allowed inside the museum buildings, which house historical artifacts. However, the exterior architecture and the stunning views are excellent for photos.
The panoramic views from the hilltops, the grand pagoda, and the exterior of the royal buildings offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The golden hour before sunset is particularly beautiful.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historical parks and protected areas. It's best to check with park authorities upon arrival or avoid bringing drones to prevent issues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architecture. A zoom lens can be useful for details. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the site.
Yes, the elevated position of Phra Nakhon Khiri offers spectacular sunset views over Phetchaburi, making it a prime spot for photographers.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife Encounters
Yes, the park is home to many wild monkeys. They are accustomed to visitors but can be quite bold when it comes to food.
The best approach is to be cautious. Keep your food and drinks secured in your bag and avoid direct eye contact or sudden movements. They are generally not aggressive unless provoked or trying to steal food.
The gardens are home to various insects and smaller wildlife, contributing to the natural ambiance of the park.
It is generally safe if you are mindful of the monkeys and follow the advice to secure your belongings. They are more interested in food than causing harm.
Feeding the monkeys is strongly discouraged as it can lead to aggressive behavior and disrupt their natural diet and ecosystem.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
📸 Photographers' Paradise
While photography is restricted inside the museum, the exterior shots are plentiful and breathtaking. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and a zoom lens for architectural details. Be mindful of the monkeys, as they can be a distraction, but also a unique photographic subject if approached with caution. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Retreat: The History of Phra Nakhon Khiri
+1During the reign of King Chulalongkorn, the palace was renovated to host royal guests, including those from Germany. After this period, the royal residence was largely abandoned until recent times. The Fine Arts Department recognized its historical value, registering it as an important national ancient site and undertaking restoration efforts. Today, it functions as the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum, preserving royal artifacts and offering a glimpse into Thailand's royal past.
The complex itself is a testament to Thai architecture and royal life. It comprises various royal halls, palaces, and temples spread across the hilltops. The Phetphumiphairot Throne Hall and Pramot Mahaisawan Throne Hall are key structures that house conserved antiques and royal utensils. The site offers not just historical insights but also breathtaking panoramic views of Phetchaburi city and its surrounding landscapes, making it a compelling destination for history buffs and sightseers alike.
Navigating Khao Wang: Getting Around and What to Expect
Once at the top, visitors can explore the sprawling complex of palaces, temples, and gardens. The Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum is a highlight, though it's important to note that photography is prohibited inside its buildings.
Remember to bring plenty of water, especially on hot days, as on-site services for refreshments might be limited. A unique aspect of visiting Khao Wang is the presence of wild monkeys. While they add to the natural charm, visitors are advised to be cautious and keep food and drinks securely stored to prevent them from snatching items.
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