Your Travel Guide to Thailand
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All you need to know to visit Ratchaburi
Western Thailand
101 km from Bangkok
Province of Ratchaburi
Thai prononciation : Ratchaboori
Travel guide to visit Ratchaburi
Located 1.5 hours drive from Bangkok, the visit by foreign tourists of Ratchaburi province is often limited to a trip to the most famous floating market in Thailand, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market but it has more to offer ! Between the mountain area of Suan Phueng district which is very popular with Thais on weekends and holidays, its Nang Yai museum, a traditional shadow puppets theater, its caves, its temples of course, its waterfalls, hot springs... there is plenty to do for those who want to get off the beaten track while traveling in Thailand. But it is true that without your own mean of transportation, you will quickly be limited in your discovery of the province.There are some interesting places I still did not visit but I already liste must-see places in the section 'To see' and I hope to be able to discover the rest as soon as possible.
To see all optiosn to get around in Ratchaburi, read our dedicated paragraph about getting around in Ratchaburi.
Accommodations in Ratchaburi
For hotels and guesthouses in Ratchaburi, whether in the city or in the mountains, you will find a quality offer in sufficient quantity so you do not have to plan and book too far in advance to be sure of having a room. That being said, there are 4-5 hotels in Suan Phueng district which are very popular and often fully booked on weekends and holidays so better to book in advance, especially long weekends.Find accommodation in Ratchaburi
Practical information about Ratchaburi
The proximity of Ratchaburi province to Bangkok makes it a quite popular destination for the inhabitants of Thailand capital city for a getaway to the countryside on weekends or on public holidays. By public transport, you can get to Ratchaburi by train, bus or minivan (see the 'Go / Leave' section for details).How to go to Ratchaburi ?
To come to Ractchaburi by transport, you will have the choice between the train, from Bangkok obviously whether from Hua Lamphong station (no more trains) or that of Krung Thep Aphiwat or that of Thonburi, but also going up from the Southern Thailand. The station is located in town. Travel time from Bangkok depends on the type of train but takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. The other option to reach Ratchaburi city is either buses from the Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or minivans from the same terminal or from the Minibus Station opposite the Mo Chit bus terminal. You can book your tickets for Ratchaburi or Damnoen Saduak in online on this linkor buy them directly at the station or at the different terminals. Note that there is also a local bus which connects Ratchaburi to Kanchanaburi or another from Samut Songkram ( Mae Klong).How to get around in Ratchaburi ?
To get around town in Ratchaburi, you will find motorbike taxis with not much difficulty, to find tuk-tuks, it will be a little more difficult. The most practical thing is to use Grab even if here too, it will be easier to order a motorcycle than a car. There are far fewer cars available and often the search on the app for an available driver will come up empty. To explore the rest of Ratchaburi province, it is strongly recommended to be transported even if I have a good plan to visit Wat Kahnon and attend the performance of Nang Yaï.
Festivals in Ratchaburi ?
Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Ratchaburi. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.
Nasatta Light Festival Winter Illumination
This festival generally takes place in the month of Several times a year
Ratchaburi 8 Ethnics Marvelous Loi Krathong Festival
This festival generally takes place in the month of November
Plus d'infos sur Ratchaburi 8 Ethnics Marvelous Loi Krathong Festival
Must-visits in
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
ตลาดน้ำดำเนินสะดวกThis is the best-known and most touristic floating market in Thailand. Located a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, it is still pleasant to visit, especially early in the morning. It is open every day.
Khao Ngu Stone Park
อุทยานหินเขางูThis rock park with a small artificial lake is not lacking in charm. Its advantage is being only 8 km outside the city, but in my opinion, unless you plan to spend quite a bit of time in Ratchaburi during your trip to Thailand, it is not really a must-visit, even though it is one of Ratchaburi's best-known spots.
Wat Khanon & Nang Yai Museum
วัดขนอนLocated 25 kilometers north of the city of Ratchaburi and a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, this temple is one of the last places keeping the tradition of Nang Yai alive, a traditional Thai shadow theatre. It holds performances every Saturday and features a dedicated museum.
NaSatta Park
ณ สัทธา อุทยานไทยLocated 25 km from Ratchaburi, this cultural park is somewhat interesting under normal conditions, but it is especially during its grand light festival, which spans several months, that it is truly worth the detour! The atmosphere is simply magical, and it is just a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok.
Wat Mahathat Worawihan
วัดมหาธาตุวรวิหารThis is THE temple to visit in the city of Ratchaburi. It has stood the test of time and is as interesting historically as it is architecturally. In my opinion, even if you are a bit jaded with temples in Thailand, it's definitely worth checking out.
Oh Poi Market
ตลาดโอ๊ะป่อยThis charming little market with bamboo stalls, huts, and structures set along the river is truly delightful and virtually unknown to foreign tourists. It also features a rather unique attraction: monks arriving for morning offerings aboard a bamboo raft on the river.
Other places to see in Ratchaburi
Bo Khlueng Hot Spring
These natural hot springs, like many others in Thailand, offer an affordable way to relax in thermal waters with healing properties. Here you are in a popular spot open to everyone right in the middle of nature, not a spa.
Khao Bin Cave
I believe this is the best-known cave in Ratchaburi. I must say that, being located about twenty kilometers from the city, it is also easier to visit. The tour is pleasant and easy. You'll find a very common trend in Thailand here: multi-colored lights used to illuminate it.
Khao Krajom Viewpoint
This peak has built a reputation for its morning seas of mist. You don't get to see them every time, as it obviously depends on the weather. But just the 4x4 ride up the bumpy road makes it a memorable adventure.
Baan Hom Tien
This tourist spot created around candles, combining a small vintage market with a café overlooking the mountains of Suan Phueng and candle-making workshops, is nice to visit if you are in the area.
Weather & climate in
In Ratchaburi, precipitation levels are significantly lower during the winter season compared to those experienced in summer. The climate of the region is classified as Aw according to Köppen and Geiger. The average temperature in this area is around 27.5 °C, as determined by statistical analysis. Annually, the rainfall amounts to 1126 mm. Due to its proximity to the equator, summers in Ratchaburi are not easily defined. According to our analysis, the optimal period for embarking on a journey is during January, February, November, and December.How to ask in Thai to go to Ratchaburi ?
I want to go to Ratchaburi / Yak paï ti Ratchaboori.Where is Ratchaburi ? / Ratchaboori you ti naï ?
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