The province of Ratchaburi

Location on map

Province of region Western Thaïlande

Ratchaburi province is located in the central region of Thailand, less than 2 hours' drive from Bangkok. It is a destination very visited by foreign tourists but not the whole province, especially the Damnoen Saduak floating market, the only one open every day in the vicinity of Bangkok. Apart from its floating markets, we also note the Khao Ngu park, which houses caves and a pond, the historic temple of Wat Mahathat Worawihan and that of Wat Khanon and its Nang Yaï shows, a traditional shadow theater that is relatively little practiced nowadays.

The mountainous area of Suan Phueng district is superb and very popular with Thais. There are hot springs and the very pleasant Oh Poï Market which is held every weekend and whose highlight is the arrival of the monks for the offerings in bamboo rafts on the river. There are also some interesting crafts in Ratchaburi, including potters. And some notable caves including the most famous in the province, the Khao Bin Cave. I still have a bit left to explore because Ratchaburi has even more to offer!

Personally, I also liked the quiet little town of Phottaram.