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  [ Conserving The Nearly Extinct Wild Animals And Rare Plants. ]
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.

[ See The Colour - Illuminated Rocks At Khao Bin Cave ]
Located about 22  kilometers from Ratchburi city center is the mountain range of "Khao Bin", or "Flying Mount", which is home to the cave of the same name. Inside are incomparable stalagmites and stalactites. It was one of these stalagmites in the shape of a majestic giant eagle with its wings outspread which gave the cave its name. Also inside is a small mineral spring which villagers believe is sacred. Nowadays, illumination by colored lights help enhance  visitors' view and enjoyment. Admission is just ฿ 10.

[ Be Dazzied By The Suspended Stalactite Of Chompon Cave ]
Mutchalin caveAbout 11 kilometers from Khao Bin cave and situated within an arboretum is another cave. This one was formerly known as "Tham Mutchalin" or "Mutchalin cave". Inside there are many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites which are illuminated by daylight from an open skylight. Each year during the dry season a celebration is held in honor of the  image of Phra Phutta Siyat. When King Rama 5 visited this cave he was impressed by the beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites, especially one called Pha wichit, which he thought looked like the stripes worn on the sleeve of a field marshal showing his rank. He then bestowed the cave the new name of "Tham Chompon" or "Field Marshal Cave".

[ The Flowers Of Ratchaburi ]
"THE CENTRAL REGION BOTANICAL GARDEN OF FLOWERS FROM THAI LITERATURE"
Located at the foothill of "Khao Pratap Chang" opposite the entrance to "Khao Bin" cave.  It is a peaceful and shady forest garden which houses many rare species of plant s which have been mentioned in Thai literature.  It is especially beautiful between February and April when the white Orapim flower is in bloom.  The garden is a lovely place for rest and relaxation while improving your knowledge of the plants.

[ Observe The Migrating Birds In "THE PROTECTED AREA OF KHAO PRATAP CHANG" Mountain ]
Under the control  of the Forestry Department, the  area has unspoilt forest on the mountain of pratap chang, with a reservoir in the foothills. It is a lovely site for watching the migrating birds, especially teals, which wing in from Siberia Each year to stay in Thailand from November to February.

[ Look Into The World Of Hunted Hunters At "THE KHAO PRATAP CHANG CENTER FOR THE BREEDING,  REARING AND SURVIVAL OF WILD ANIMALS" ]
This is the only center in Thailand under the control of the Forestry Department which is responsible for the  breeding, rearing and preserving of tigers. Beside this, bucks, antelopes, guinea fowl, deer etc. Are also cared for here. Most of the animals here have been donated, or were formerly held in captivity. They are brought to the area for protection, rearing, or to give birth, and allowed to live freely within the wildlife sanctuary  at Pratap Chang Mountain. An area of about 26 rai is opened free of charge to visitors each Saturday and Sunday. However donations are always received with very grateful thanks, and will be used to feed the animals and improve the environment in which they live.

 
     

   
 

[ See The 200- Year-Old Murals At "WAT KHONG KHA RAM" ]
Located about 27 kilometers from the city of Ratchaburi, this Mon temple was constructed by Phra Yarmon more than 200 years ago. The temple was originally called Wat Klarng or "Phiya To", but its new title was bestowed by king Rama 4. The murals in the main chapel at  Wat Khong Kha Ram are remarkable for their magnificent beauty

[ Visit The Countless Millions Of Bats At "KHAO CHONG PHRAN" Cave ]
Phra NonSituated  about 15 kilometers from Amphur Photharam is a beautiful cave called Phra Non. Inside the cave is a 9 - meter - long reclining Buddha image of Parng Siyas. But the thing which makes this spot famous all over Ratchaburi Province is the countless millions of bats that pour out in a line resembling black smoke for about one hour as dusk falls a around  5.30 pm every evening. In the hot summer season the flock will fly east and in the cooler winter season they fly west.

[ Enjoy The Nang Yai Shadow Puppets At "WAT KHANON" ]
Located in Tambon Soi Far, about 5 kilometers from Photharam District office is the only place in Thailand that has preserved the art of Nang Yai shadow puppet plays.  Here you can find about 330 of the puppets still in perfect condition. A  display of Nang Yai shadow puppetry is performed just once a week on Saturdays between 10.00 am. And 11.00 am.

[ Touch The Past By Visiting The "WILD TIGER" CAMP AT "KHAI LUANG BARN RAI" Camp ]
KHAI LUANG BARN RAILocated about 7 kilometers from Photharam District office, this was the site that King Rama 6 used nine times to drill the "Wild Tigers", a now disbanded pseudo-military organization. Nowadays, besides displaying a statue of King Rama 6, the camp is used as a national camp for boy scouts.

 
     

   
  [ Bee Garden : QUEEN OF THE WEST ]
The town is an area of high ground surrounded by mountains, and adjoining the Thai - Burmese border. Consequently, the climate is pleasantly cool, similar to that in the north of Thailand, and being just two hours from Bangkok is an ideal haven for those who live in, or near, the hotter, more humid and polluted capital.  Here you will find comfortable accommodation and campsites at your service, and a lot of interesting places for you to experience.

[ Refresh Yourself In The Hot Mineral Water Stream Of  "BO KHLUNG" ]
About 15 kilometers from Amphur Suwan Phung, this hot mineral stream has its source in the Tanawsri mountain range.  The stream flows throughout the year and the temperature of the water ranges from 120- 134 degrees  Fahrenheit. Travelers are able to  come and bathe in the warm mineral water. There is also accommodation and a campsite for visitors to use.

[ See The Subsided Ground Of " PONG YUB" ]
PONG YUBLocated at Ban Tha Kheay, turn left about 5 kilometers before the town center and go straight ahead for a further 5 kilometers. The subsidence of the ground has created a steep cliff similar to the one in Pae Muang Phi in  Phrae Province.

[ Freshen Up In The Cascading Water Of "NAM TOK KAEW CHAN" Waterfall ]
1 kilometer from Bo Khlung hot stream is "Nam Tok Kaew Chan" or "Nine -Level waterfall". As the name  indicates, the water cascades from the ninth level and down the central  valley of steep cliff, especially  during the rainy season when there is always a  lot of water at the top level. It is possible to walk up to the ninth level and takes about 2 hours.

[ "RAI USA-WADEE" The Place Sprinkled With Rose Petals ]
Go about 16 kilometers from the town center and turn off when you reach Huay Nam Sai. From here go straight ahead for another 5 kilometers. You will reach a private plantation where many different kinds of roses and flowering plants are cultivated in the middle of a valley. Visitors are welcomed throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the cool season when the beautiful blooming plant create a special atmosphere. Accommodation is also available for visitors.

[ Be Captivated By All Kinds Of Plants At "SUWAN PHA SOMDET PHRA NANG CHAO SIRIKIT" Or "QUEEN SIRIKIT FOREST GARDEN" ]
Opened in  honor Of, and to celebrate, the completion of Queen Sirikit's fifth cycle, or her 60th  Birthday . There are many kinds of different forest plants on show at  the center, several of which have economic benefit. The garden is also and excellent place to study nature. Adding to the atmosphere are the rapids of the pha Chi tributary  as they crash over and through large rocks and boulders. These rapids are known as the "Kang Som Maew" rapids.

[ See The Past And Thai Houses In The Beautiful Museum Gardens Of "PHIPITIPHAN PHAWOTHAI" ]
This large area of land is located on a side road about 2 kilometers from the town. Inside area number of traditional Thai houses displaying a  range of very typical Thai implements and countless ancient objects which were used in  or to adorn the houses, such as Thai wood, dwarfed trees, water jars. Accommodation and tents are available. Admission charge is 20 Baht.

[ A Challenging Route For Trabelles : "KHAW KRAJOM" Mountain "NAM TOK PHA DANG " Waterfall ]
This area reaches to the Thai-Burmese border. Go up the mountain before you reach "Rai Usa-wadee" Rose Garden.  The road is  challenging and dangerous and really suited to four-wheel drive cars. However the cool climate, beautiful view and bird watching make the effort worthwhile.

 
     

   
  [ Wat Phleng ]
This is a small district close to Amphur Muang, where a quiet calm atmosphere still prevails. A rural lifestyle still exists from the people who have built their homes in the plantations beside the waterways. From the Montree Suriyawong Road, stay close to the edge of the Mae Klong River until you reach road 3088. Then go along the banks of the Orm River, past a shady coconut plantation. This is a very suitable route if you have chosen a cycling holiday with your family or a group of friends. On the way, you can take regular breaks to drink coconut milk from young coconut, which can be purchased from the workers in the fields and gardens. Or else you can quench your thirst with "oiliang" the traditional strong Thai- style, black iced coffee.  And when you feel hungry around 2 o'clock in the afternoon, you can stop on the boat landing at Wat Chanthakharm. Here you can try some traditional Thai noodles from the vendors who row and paddle their boats up and down the river, then wash your lunch down with some more iced coffee.

Near Amphur Wat Phleng there is a well-known Christian church called Wat Phleng or Wat Praharuthai. The beautiful church is about 100 years old and is a great attraction because of its lovely Western style. There is a good chance that you might see the gardeners collecting up the coconuts and making them into long strings that will be pulled across the field. This is a traditional local way of transporting agricultural products, but yet another picture of everyday life that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

[ Bicycle Routes ]
If you are interested in touring Ratchaburi by bicycle, or joining other cycling activities  in the province or other nearby provinces, you can contact the Dork Prayong Sarnfan group. This is the gathering that uses bicycles to travel around and collect rubbish, plant trees and even preach about the teachings of Buddha. These enlightening and interesting activities will not only improve you Knowledge but also help perform public services for the good of the community. For further information get in touch with Khun Krairuek by calling 319700, or the Amphur office, Amphur Wat phleng on 399035.

 
     

Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand

 


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