By Peeranut P., Sanook.com
PETCHABURI province today (May 29) ordered the conditional reopening of all its beaches from Monday June 1 onward but swimming in the sea is still forbidden, Sanook.com reported.
Strict measures were imposed in this province, which is around 130 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, early last month to stop the spread of Covid-19 infection and some of them are still in place.
The measures, prohibitions and requirements are as follows:
NOW ALLOWED:
- Walk on the beach;
- Rest on the beach;
- Sell food and drinks;
- Rent out beach chairs and umbrellas;
- Horse riding on the beach.
STILL FORBIDDEN:
- Swimming;
- Sports like kite-surfing, jet-ski, banana boat;
- Other types of water sports.
According to Wikitravel.com, Phetchaburi is 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the coast. The nearest easily accessible seaside village is Chao Samran, which has a few small hotels and guest houses, and one luxury resort. It is a tranquil spot, ideal for seekers of peace and solitude (except on long weekends). Legend has it that this beach was a favourite place of relaxation for Thai royalty during the 17th and 18th centuries while Ayutthaya was the capital of Thailand.
Puek Tian is a few miles to the south of Chao Samran, and is somewhat larger and more popular, although evidently dilapidated. It is distinguished by the very large statues of imaginary figures from Thai literature dispersed around the beach area.
About 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Phetchaburi town lies Cha-am, which is just 20 kilometres north of the famous Hua Hin beach. It is a rapidly developing resort with a fine long beach that is immensely popular with Thai families. There are also many good hotels and guest houses aimed at visitors from overseas, especially from Northern Europe. The ordinary fan buses take about 90 minutes to get there.
The whole of the western half of the province is given over to the Kaeng Krachan National Park, the largest such park in Thailand, and a pristine evergreen jungle covering more than 1,000 square miles that remains mostly unexplored to this day. The park headquarters can provide details of hiking, rafting and camping opportunities (☎ +66 32 459 291).
CAPTION:
Top: One of the imaginary figures from Thai literature at Puek Tian beach. Photo: Sanook.com
Below: Holidaymakers having fun at Cha-am beach. Photo: Tourism Authority of Thailand
