Thailand Guides - Ratchaburi

Ratchaburi, the City of Kings, abounds with local attractions and historic sites. The town is famous for its floating market and the production of large ceramic dragon jars.

Overview

Situated on the banks of the Mae Klong River the town of Ratchaburi, also know locally as Rat’buri, dates back to the early Dvaravati period. This large and busting riverside town lies about 80 kilometres west of Bangkok making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Attractions

Ratchaburi’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market remains the towns most well known and popular attraction. Although the market is now inundated with bus loads of tourists it still makes an interesting trip. In order to beat the crowds try to get there for first light or avoid the weekends if possible. As well as selling a wide range of fresh produce, noodles and desserts from their boats, owners also hire them out for trips down he canals to local villages where coconut sugar is produced. There are several other less well known floating markets in the area, such as Talat Khun Phitak.

Khao Wang, a hill monastery and former palace of Rama V, is situated a couple of kilometres from the centre of town.

The nearby hermit cave contains a famous stone Buddha from the Dvaravati period. The 20 metre gilded image represents Buddha preaching the first sermon. The cave is now over-run by well fed and crafty monkeys.