Wat Phra Kaeo

Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as Wat Phra Kaeo Noi, is a historic royal Buddhist temple located on the western hilltop of Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Khlong Krachaeng, Mueang Phetchaburi. Built between 1859-1860 during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) as the royal temple for the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace, it was modeled after Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and has no resident monks.

Visitors can expect a compact hilltop royal temple complex within Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, accessible by cable car or a steep stairway. The site features a white prang (chedi), a viharn (assembly hall), and auxiliary structures in Rattanakosin style with panoramic views over Phetchaburi town, surrounding plains and coastline. The temple is well-preserved, without resident monks, and is explored as part of the palace hill complex with paved courtyards and viewpoints.

Constructed in 1859-1860 under King Mongkut (Rama IV) as the royal temple (Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat) for the Phra Nakhon Khiri summer palace. Built in the Rattanakosin period and intentionally modeled after Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, it served the royal court and was never assigned a monastic community, functioning as a palace chapel.

Serves as an important example of 19th-century Rattanakosin royal temple architecture and Buddhist art. As a royal temple without resident monks, it reflects the tradition of palace chapels for royal merit-making and ceremonies, and remains a significant cultural and religious landmark within the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park.