Mae Klong River
Location : Amphoe Muang
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.
Ruesi Khao Ngu Cave
This famous attraction of Ratchaburi is 8 kilometres from the town along the road to Amphoe Chom Bueng (Route No. 3078).
The cave houses a bas-relief Buddha image, considered the oldest archaeological evidence of the Dvaravati
period found in Ratchaburi. The figure is 2.5 metres high in the attitude of giving the first sermon.
Wat Pa Phrathat Khao Noi
Location : Amphoe Ban Kha
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.
Location: Amphoe Muang
This ancient temple, locally called Wat Na Phra That, is located on the west bank of the Mae Klong River in the town.
Its elegant prang or pagoda remains in good condition and was probably copied from Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
The prang made of bricks and stones stands on a rectangular base with pathways around the cloisters.
The outer stucco designs were made in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya. Buddha images of Dvaravati,
Lop Buri and Ayutthaya periods are placed around the pagoda. 2 kilometres west of Wat Na Phra That on the route to Khao Ngu is Wat Aranyik with
a prang identical to that of Wat Na Phra That but smaller in size.
Location: Amphoe Photharm
This 100 year old ethnic Mon temple is at Tambon Khlong Ta Khot, Amphoe Photharam, some 22 kilometres from Ratchaburi.
The fine mural paintings about Lord Buddha's life in the main shrine hall are full of detail making them seem real.
Completed in the early Bangkok period, they are very rare and worth studying. The temple also houses a Thai
style building entirely made of teak with intricate carving designs.
Location: Amphoe Photharm
More than 300 Nang Yai puppets are well preserved at this temple, some 10 kilometres from Amphoe Photharam.
Nang Yai is an old form of entertainment which gathers many kinds of arts; for example,
Thai sculpture and classical performances. The intricate carved puppets are portrayed on the
screen by skilled male performers, and it can dance according to the music.
The performance is usually demonstrated on Saturday from 10.00-11.00 a.m.
Wat Muang Local Museum
Location : Amphoe Banpong
This is a Mon temple situated in Tambon Ban Muang, west of Amphoe Ban Pong along Route No. 3089
and a left turn after crossing the Mae Klong River. Besides a Mon style pagoda, a well-managed folk museum
has been established as a research centre of history, way of life, and culture of this Mon community.
Ratchaburi National Museum
Location: Amphoe Muang
This is located on Woradet Road near the river. The edifice was formerly the town hall,
built in 1922. Established as a museum in 1988, it displays art and ancient items
of different periods found in the local area, and exhibits the history of Ratchaburi, as well as its folk art and geology.
The museum is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. exept Mondays and Tuesdays.
Phawothai Local Museum
Location: Amphoe Suan Phueng
This is located 2 kilometres from Suan Phueng district. Two Thai style houses in a pleasant garden displays a collection
of ancient artifacts. The museum is open only on Saturdays , Sundays and Public Holidays.
Accommodataion is also available for any visitors to stay overnight .
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Location : Amphoe Damnoen Saduak
In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals (or khlongs in Thai).
Bangkok’s water network was busy and served as the principal means of communication causing Bangkok
to be called as the “Venice of the East” by early European visitors.
Today Bangkok’s floating markets may not be quite so vibrant. The best known floating market is at Damnoen Saduak,
some 109 kilometres southwest of Bangkok or approximately two hours drive. It is a ‘must-see’ destination and
probably visited by nine out of every ten tourists who visit Thailand. Every morning, hundreds of boats crowd
the market area. Most of them are paddled by women with picturesque straw hats. Visitors can find everything
from vegetables and fruits to freshly-cooked noodle and souvenirs at this lively market.
Conserving The Nearly Extinct Wild Animals And Rare Plants
Location : Amphoe Jombung
This Amphur is always referred to as the gateway to "Suan Phung" or the "Bee Garden". In the past, the area was just forest and limestone mountains which
formed the many beautiful caves in the area. Nowadays, it is a conversation area for the protection of hunted animals and many rare species of plants.
The town has many attractions to visit and is one of the most suitable places in Ratchaburi for young people and families.
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