Ratchaburi Information

Ratchaburi
This small city lies about 100 km due west of Bangkok and like many similar cities in central Thailand has been inhabited for at least 14 centuries. The city sits on the banks of the Mae Klong River with links into the central Thailand canal system. Though it’s a pleasant enough spot to live, there isn’t a whole lot for visitors to do.

Damnern Saduak Floating Market
The colorful floating markets in Thailand are one of the must-see places in Thailand. The most popular one is the Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi. Here you will be amazed with a labyrinth of narrow canals congested with small, wooden boats, paddled mainly by female vendors dressed in traditional indigo colored farmer’s shirts, and conical straw-hats.

Despite its popurarity, it is still an attractive place to see a traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables etc., from small Damnern Saduak Floating Market boats. Boat-to-boat trading like this is a common way of life of Thai people who live along the waterways. Its practice almost ceased 20 years ago when most canals were filled up with roads. Now many small floating markets are being revived as tourist attractions and trading places for the locals. The market is lively as these vendors paddle their boats up and down a canal vying for their customers.

The market starts as early as 6 am and fades around 9:30 am. Most of the goods sold are fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits and food. It makes a refreshing morning scene out on the water and gives tourists a chance to try delicious Thai food.

In addition to the market, traditional Thai stilt houses, lush green orchards and palm trees make the trip even more memorable. Local boats are avaialble for hire to explore the villages.

the Damnoen Saduak floating market is located in the south of Bangkok about 1 hour drive. A visit at the floating market is usually combined with a tour at the great Buddhist chedi in Nakhon Pathom or Rose Garden.

Pots of Dragons
The town is also well known for its “dragon jars” – big brown ceramic pots with dragons emblazoned around the outside – a feature of Thai gardens even more ubiquitous than America’s plastic pink lawn flamingos. It’s possible to visit the factory to see the jars being made, though it may be a bit difficult to haul one of these home on the plane.

Monkey Spelunking
There are a few spots of religious interest, such as the Khao Wang hill-monastery, formerly a palace of Rama V, and the monkey-infested hermit cave, which contains a very old, gilded stone Buddha image 20 meters tall. Watch out for the monkeys – they’re little furry demons and will lift your daypack given half a chance.