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Ratchaburi

The motto of Ratchaburi extols the natural beauty of its land and people, including caves, earthen jars, a floating market, temples, and its beautiful and charming women.

Ratchaburi, a town of historical importance during the Dvaravati period over 1,000 years ago, is located on the banks of the Mae Klong River 80 kilometers west of Bangkok. Featuring a diverse topography, Ratchaburi features lowlands to the east and the Tanaosi Mountain Range to the west, which provides a natural border with Myanmar (Burma). The Ratchaburi provincial area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites. Ratchaburi features outstanding natural beauty and a number of opportunities to learn about Thai culture.
Ratchaburis premier attraction is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a must-see destination visited by a large percentage of tourists who visit Bangkok. Vendors in the market sell their wares by paddling boats along Ratchaburis canals. Every morning, hundreds of boats crowd the market, paddled by women in straw hats. For a few hundred baht visitors can hire their own boats and explore the canals while shopping for everything from vegetables and fruits to freshly-cooked noodle and souvenirs.

The province of Ratchaburi was founded in the Dvaravati period more than 1,000 years ago. Modern-day Ratchaburi is located on the bank of Mae Klong River, about 80 kilometers west of Bangkok. A popular destination with day trippers from Bangkok, Ratchaburi's most famous sights include the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Rose Garden. A pre-dawn start is required to visit the floating market as it generally closes by mid-morning. The Rose Garden is an excellent place to experience Thai culture, including traditional dancing and Muay Thai. Ratchaburi is also a top destination for rock climbing; The Khao Ngu Rock Park is a former mining site that has been taken over by rock climbers.

Transport

As Ratchaburi is not far from Bangkok, visitors can hire a car from Bangkok and drive to Ratchaburi or take a bus or train, both of which make multiple, regular departures in both directions.

Getting to and from Ratchaburi

  • By Train:
    Regular trains depart from both Hua Lumphong Railway Station and Bangkok Noi Railway Station daily. Traveling time between Bangkok and Ratchaburi is 2 hours. Call 1690 for more information.
  • By Car:
    1: From Bangkok take Highway No. 4 (Petchakasem Road) to Ratchaburi via Bang Khae, Om Noi, Om Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, and Nakhon Pathom.
    2: From Bangkok take Highway No. 338 to Nakhon Chai Si via Buddhamonthon and turn onto Highway No. 4 which leads to Ratchaburi.
  • By Bus:
    Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal for Ratchaburi daily. It takes 2 hour for the trip. Contact Transport Co. Ltd. Tel: 0 2435 1199-200


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