Ratchaburi

Lying on the bank of the Mae Klong River with the distance of only 80 kilometers from Bangkok, Ratchaburi, (means 'The land of the king') is a central province of Thailand. Covering a total area of 5,196 square kilometers, Ratchaburi has abundant geographical features: the eastern region is flat river plains along the fertile Kae Klong Basin, the west is Tanao Si Mountains stretching to the Thailand-Myanmar border. The province consists of nine districts including Muang, Damnoen Saduak, Phottharam, Pak Tho, Bang Phae, Chom Bung, Suan Phung, Wat Phleng and Ban Pong.

Ratchaburi has its history dating back to the Dvaravati period, as it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. It is believed to have been one of the civilized kingdoms under Suvarnabhumi from the reign of Indian Great King Asoka. At that time, the central town which was Nakhon Pathom was called “Dvaravati”. Besides, Ratchaburi was also the meeting point of ancient traders and gateway to Burma, which made it become among the most crowded cities with various different races.

Ratchaburi province abounds with many interesting things, from natural attractions to historical sites as ruins, lifestyles, culture, temples, earthen jars, floating market, basketry, hand-crafted and moulded works, caves, tides and mountains, and beautiful charming women. The premier attraction of the province is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Rose Garden, the must-see sites interested by a large number of tourists. Tourists can hire boats to explore the canals as shopping for local wares as vegetables, fruits, souvenirs or freshly-cooked noodle. And come to visit the Rose Garden, tourists can experience Thai culture through traditional dancing and Muay Thai. The Khao Ngu Rock Park is also an ideal place for who love rock climbing. In addition, Ratchaburi features numerous other cultural and historical attractions as Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat, Ratchaburi National Museum, Khao Wang, Khao Kaen Chan hill, Phra Phutthachai Tham Rusi Khao Ngu image, Thao Khao Bin cave, and Chaloem Phra Chon Phansa Park, etc.

Ratchaburi is a land of rich and abundant culture and origin, which has been preserved and enhanced. Several lively festivals are held during the year, in which the most popular one is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Sweet Grape Week Fair (in March) with many typical and unusual activities, including Thai cooking competition, boating competition, sea-boxing competition, and agricultural exhibitions. Other popular festivals are Ratchaburi Tourism Fair, Sweet Grape and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ang Mi Thong festival, etc, all of which features the variety of Thai’s culture. This has made Ratchaburi lie amongst the most interested place in Thailand and to visitors.