Embark this morning with your personal guide and private car. Exit the city into the fresh air of the coastline along the Gulf of Siam. Arrive in Petchaburi province and visit two splendid royal estates. First, take a trolley car up to the top of Khao Khiri, a hilltop retreat with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. King Rama IV commissioned a complex of pleasure palaces, temples and an observatory which were completed in 1860. The result is a harmonious balance of western neo-classic, Chinese and Thai architectural elements, rising from a verdant island in the sky. Wander around the hilltop pathways, populated now by wild monkeys and fragrant from blooming frangipani trees, and imagine life as it was in the time of the King made famous to the outside world through the Hollywood confections, "The King and I" and "Anna and the King".

Visit the charming old city of Petchaburi, filled with wooden shopfronts and quiet temples, including the impressive prang of Wat Mahatat Worawihan (see image at  right). This city is famous for delicious "rose apples " and a mouth-watering dessert, khanom mo kaeng, a kind of textured custard made from steamed mung bean, eggs, and coconut milk. Don't miss trying these local specialties! After lunch, tour an art nouveau palace of Rama VI, with its grand halls and terra cotta fantasias. For spelunking fans, there are also some famous Buddhist cave chapels in the area.

Just between the seaside resorts of Cha-Am and Hua Hin, drop by the expansive Victorian wooden palace, Phra Ratchaniwet Marukkhathayawan which King Rama VI built at the picturesque seaside. Although the decorative and structural elements were throughly modern for the time, the design of the elevated complex echoes the traditional Thai country village. If the current Royal Family is not in residence, your guide may be able to arrange a special visit to King Rama VII's 1920s Spanish-style holiday palace which he named bKlai Kangwon(Far From Worries).

Arrive in Hua Hin and spend the rest of the afternoon at this seaside resort, relaxing on the beach or strolling through the topiary gardens of the classic 1920's Railway Hotel (now Sofitel Central). The town here is walkable and very friendly. Old fashioned Thai hospitality is still the way of life. Return to Bangkok in the evening after a breezy seafood feast or see our Hua Hin Seaswept Romance package for overnight accommodations.

Cost for one or two guests when purchased along with on or our our all inclusive packages, or purchased separately     Purchased with package 191 129 94 6,300 Purchased Separately 208 140 103 6,880

Includes Personal tour guide, admissions, private car and driver; rate excludes meals. Please buy lunch for the guide. This tour is not available on Mondays. Prices based on exchange rates of 1 January 08 and are subject to fluctuation.