[ Tour the temples, visit the palaces, hug the coast of the Mae Klong river ]
The city of Ratchaburi, located in the west of Thailand, on the banks of the Mae Klong River, the major western river which is the lifeblood of the many generations of life that reside beside it. It has been the link from past to present civilization.

If you want to visit Ratchaburi, it is from here that you must begin "The ancient town of Koo Bua", the source of many archaeological remains which relate that this used to be a prosperous port during the Dvaravati period of Thai history. Located on the Taow-u-thong Road in Tambon Koo Bua, about 4 kilometers from Ratchaburi. People who are interested in seeing other ancient relics many also like to pay a visit to "Wat Khlong Suwankhiri", which is opened free of charge to those who inform the temple of their visit in advance. Apart from Wat Klong Suwankhiri, other evidence of art  from the  Dvaravati period can be found at Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu in "Tambon Ko Phlub Phla", which is located about 6 kilometers from the town. In this cave, you will find a pictures of the Lord Buddha sitting with his back against a wall feet raised in the attitude of giving his first sermon. This picture is known as "Phra Phuttachai Tham Ruesi Khao Ngu", and is another example of the unusual art that could be found during the Dvaravati period. It is believed that after the decline of Koo Bua, the center of society moved to the banks of the Mae Klong River.  It was around this time that the Cambodian influence began to spread itself to Ratchaburi and Petchburi, which can be seen in the pagodas and bas relief's in the walls of the temples around "Wat Mahatat Rachaworawiham", where examples of the distinctive Characteristics of Cambodian Bayon style art can be found. The temple is located on Khao Ngu Road in Muang Ratchaburi.  But if you really want to know about Ratchaburi, we suggest you don't miss visiting the "Ratchaburi National Museum". Near the clock tower on the river's edge. It is open daily from 9.00 am - 4.00 pm except Mondays, Tuesdays and Public Holidays and located inside the old Town Hall which almost 80 years old. The museum highlights all aspects of Ratchaburi's history, including the two most outstanding and widely-recognized features, the dazzling blade of the Ratchasatra sword, and the "Phra Awalogitaesuwan bodhisattva" image which is a fine example of  Bayon-style  Cambodian art. This image is the best-preserved example of the five that have been unearthed in Thailand. Whichever way you come to Ratchaburi, if you arrive feeling hungry, take the chance to head down to the market on the edge of the river. Here you can satisfy your pangs of hunger with a bowl of the excellent rice porridge and "foi thong" sweetmeat ice cream.
 

Around the central market in Ratchaburi, there are a lot more places that you must try to visit. For example, the revered wooden image of the venerable monk of kaen chan, or "Luang Pho Kaen Chan" which was carved from "chan" wood, and is housed in Chong Lom temple. The image is respected by all the citizens of Ratchaburi province. Or you can go to see the beautiful Buddha image of Phra Prathan, The biggest in Ratchaburi and housed within Klab viharn at "Khao Lua temple". From here, you can cross to the opposite bank of the Mae Klong river, and together look through a magnifier at a tiny figure of a durian molded into the wall, and above the door of the consecrated chapel, at "Wat Tarn". These tiny figures have their own unique design. If you're still not tired, you ought to try and visit "Khao Wang Ratchaburi" so that you can compare it to Khao Wang in Petchburi. In fact, it is at the wats and temples that many of the most valuable items in Ratchaburi are kept. And yes, there are still many more places of interest to visit-if you have time.

[ Follow the Hornbills to "NAM TOK HUAY SUAN PHLO" waterfall ]
Located in the forest animal protection zone of Pha Chee River, Muu 4 , Tumbon Ban Bung, the waterfall is surrounded by unspoilt natural forest..

It has been reported that 5 different kinds of hornbills were sighted  in this area together with other scarce birds such  as long-tailed white drongo. There are also many wild orchids during the hot season and thousands of bees. You should try to stay at least one  night if you want to see everything, and lovers of the forest can't fail to enjoy this spot.

[ Inbade the herb Jungle at "NAM TOK SUB TOEY" waterfall ]
Situated about 6 kilometers from the Amphur Sub-district. It is about 2 kilometers from the top to bottom level of this nine-level waterfall. On the way you can see all kinds of herbs, wild orchids and ferns.

[ Pay homage to the remains of Luang Pu Thet at "WAT PA PHRATHAT KHAO NOI" ]
In Muu 1 , Tambon Ban Kha, about 11/2 kilometers from the Amphur Subdistrict, there is a pagoda which houses the remains of "Luang Pu Thet" and is deeply respected by followers of Buddhism. On the mountain is a spot where you get the closest view of the Tanawsri Mountains.

[ Where a hot stream meets a cool stream at  " PHU NAM RAWN PONGKRATING " spring ]
There is a hot spring located in the park at Chalern Prakeat Thai Prachan. The temperature in the pond is 65  degrees centigrade. If visitors
to the spring clap their hands, a stream of bubbles will gush into the air. The place is open for tourists who wish to bathe at the spot where the cool water from the Tanawasri Mountains meets the hot water which flows the spring.

[ SUGGESTED DRIVING ROUTES FOR TOURISTS ]
Turn off of the main Petchkasem Road and go pass Amphur Ban Kha Sub-district, into Amphur suan Phung.  This is a beautiful route, but if you are traveling in your own car and have already been to various attractions in Amphur Chom Bung, you might like to try another route. We suggest you take road 3206 at Pak Tho and  turn on to road 3313 to Ban Pongkrating before passing Amphur Ban Kha Sub-District to Suan Phung. Alterna tively you can use the Huay Chinasi (opposite the turn off to tambon Koo Bua) Road 3337. This route takes you past Thung luang until you reach the first road at Ban Pongkrating. Turn on to this road and continue through the Amphur Ban Kha Sub district until you reach Suan Phung.  This is perhaps the most beautiful route in Ratchaburi, cutting through the forest and passing close to the undulatating mountain ranges.

[ Sample the cultural heritage at "WAT MUANG LOCAL MUSEUM" ]
This is the place to do further research into the history, past accounts and events, way of life and culture of the local community, especially the Mon or Peguan people from the past up to the present.. All of the very interesting displays in the museum are intended to show the knowledge and proud heritage of the local people. Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Government holidays from 8.00 am. - 4.00 pm. Anybody who is interested in visiting on any other day must telephone 372548 in a advance.

[ Experience The Way Of Life Amongst The Riverside People At "DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET" ]
The Damnoen Saduak District of Ratchaburi first showed itself to the eyes of the tourist world in 1967 when pictures were seen of a market trading on water. Where paddle boats loaded with all of life's necessities plied their trade up and down the river. The various vendors are often dressed in dark clothing, similar to that worn by workers in the fields, their faces shielded from the strong rays of the sun by hats made from bamboo and palm leaves. They paddle up and down the waterway selling and bartering their merchandise.  It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Nowadays, the market buses with activity  from very early in the morning until  about 11.00 am. However, at Wat Prasart Sit Floating Market, which has maintained its old style and traditions the market operates from very early in the morning, but begins to wind down  before 8.00 am.

[ FLOATING DOWN THE RIVER IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF KINGS ]
In the past, once the canals had been dug, King Rama 5 decided he wanted to known more about the lives of the people who resided along the banks. So he look a fast dugout  boat and traveled down the river by himself. His route has become part of history, and yet another example of the King's care for the lives of his subjects, who in return show their great love and respect for the monarchy. If you follow this route, you will come across more of the attractions of Ratchaburi….

Starting from the wharf of Damnoen Saduak  Canal, you pass the grape vineyards, have a chance to taste the coconut milk from the young coconuts before passing various agricultural plantations. See the traditional Thai Houses at waterside. Quench your thirst with a glass of delectable fresh coconut nectar. Fill yourself with traditional Thai noodles sold from boats. On this route, you will pass the winner of the "Best in Damnoen Saduak" award, the owner selling his delicious noodles from a boat moored alongside the river. Pass in front of  Chotikaram temple and Ban Jek Huat, or Jek Huat's house. During his reign, King Rama 5 used to come, visit and dine with the common folk along the river. From here, you proceed past Lad Phi Market before coming back to the  hub of the central Damnoen Saduak market.

□ If you are interested in taking a leisurely float down the river and through the market, you can get additional information from Khun Anon Yaiying by calling 345074 or 346161.