Lisa’s guidebook
Historical & Cultural Ratchaburi
This historical site dates back to Dvaravati period (the 6th-11th century) and the folklore museum tell a story of the first group of Thai-Yuan settlement in Ratchaburi. At weekends, there is also a community market where new generations of Thai-Yuan dressed in their traditional costumes sell their farm produce and delicious food. A great place to explore and meet the locals.
Muang Khu Bua fornleifar
This historical site dates back to Dvaravati period (the 6th-11th century) and the folklore museum tell a story of the first group of Thai-Yuan settlement in Ratchaburi. At weekends, there is also a community market where new generations of Thai-Yuan dressed in their traditional costumes sell their farm produce and delicious food. A great place to explore and meet the locals.
My favourite market
A fun place to enjoy lunch and shop fresh local produce. Contrary to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is full of mass tourists, this market is favoured by locals and Thai visitors making it a great place to mingle with the locals.
Bang Noi flotmarkaður
ทางหลวงชนบท สส.6002A fun place to enjoy lunch and shop fresh local produce. Contrary to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is full of mass tourists, this market is favoured by locals and Thai visitors making it a great place to mingle with the locals.
Historical & Cultural Ratchaburi
Permanent exhibition is well organised and includes geography and geology of Ratchaburi, history and archeology covering pre-historic, Dhavaravati culture, Khmer influence, Sukhothai-Thonburi and Rattanakosin periods. The beautiful building that houses the museum itself was built during King Rama VI's reign. (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Ratchaburi National Museum
325/1 ถนน Voradech RdPermanent exhibition is well organised and includes geography and geology of Ratchaburi, history and archeology covering pre-historic, Dhavaravati culture, Khmer influence, Sukhothai-Thonburi and Rattanakosin periods. The beautiful building that houses the museum itself was built during King Rama VI's reign. (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Sightseeing
Ratchaburi is well known for its terracotta (unglazed ceramic) water jars. Tao Hong Tai is one of the oldest factories that has successfully evolved its ceramic design and production technique including a special technique to produce beautiful crackle effect. They have products in just about any sizes from traditional to modern styles, from small plant pots to large lotus jars or even bathtubs which are parts of their tailor-made items. Many leading hotels and resorts' corridors, gardens and outdoor areas are adorned with their products. There is also an art/photography exhibition space and outdoor sculptures display around the compound, designed by their own artist, Wasinburee Supanichvoraparchif. Many great selfie moments and shopping opportunities! If you are thirsty after walking around, enjoy refreshments at their little cafe.
Tao Hong Tai ceramics factory (เถ้าฮงไถ่)
ถนน เจดีย์หักAn old limestone quarry turned into a park where you can enjoy an hour or two outdoor activities. To avoid strong sun, best time to go is either early morning or late afternoon (from 4 pm). Activities including boat paddling, walk the nature trail, or just visit the viewpoint and enjoy a cup of coffee. Note : There are wild monkeys around and feeding is not permitted. Young children should be under careful supervision. Free admission.
Khao Ngu Steinn Park
An old limestone quarry turned into a park where you can enjoy an hour or two outdoor activities. To avoid strong sun, best time to go is either early morning or late afternoon (from 4 pm). Activities including boat paddling, walk the nature trail, or just visit the viewpoint and enjoy a cup of coffee. Note : There are wild monkeys around and feeding is not permitted. Young children should be under careful supervision. Free admission.
Neighborhoods
Amphawa Floating Market is most famous for its firefly watch. The market becomes alive and crowded at weekends.
9 íbúar mæla með
Amphawa
Amphawa Floating Market is most famous for its firefly watch. The market becomes alive and crowded at weekends.
Borgartillaga
Samgöngur
Own transportation is essential
Due to lack of sufficient public transportation service means best way to enjoy Ratchaburi is to have your own transportation (car, motorcycle or bicycle) or organise one from BKK or with the host.
Ekki missa af
Food and cafe culture
You can never go hungry here! From simple restaurants by the Mae Klong River that serves amazing Thai to more modern cafes that serve great coffees and cakes - all at a super reasonable prices. We recommend :
- Krok Daeng (Red Leach) Restaurant by the Mae Klong River for good Thai food with a view.
- Vietnamese Restaurant at Chedi Hak for fresh and delicious Vietnamese and Thai.
- Junction Cafe & Bistro, near the train station, serving amazing coffee and cool desserts.
- Bamboo Cafe in Wat Yang Ngam, in my opinion, makes the best lemon ice-tea ever! Simple lunch is also available.
Hvað á að taka með
Light clothes, sunscreen and good walking shoes
Many places are best explored on foot, and places like markets and some restaurants are outdoor/open-air so light clothes will be most comfortable. Make sure you protect yourself well from the sun.
Siðir og menning
Shoes off, feet down and when unsure of anything, ask first!
It's customary to take off your shoes before entering any rooms in a house, temple or when you are asked to!
Never point with your foot or sit with your feet pointing in the direction of another person.
When you are unsure about what you should do or how to behave (ex. taking photographs of people or a private property), always ask and don't assume so you won't offend anyone unnecessarily.
Bókaðu áður en þú leggur af stað
Your transportation
Local public transportation is almost non-existent. So, if you plan to get around, plan and organise your transportation.
Gagnlegar setningar
Learn a few Thai phrases
Men to always end a sentence with "krub"
Ladies to always end a sentence with "ka"
- Greetings anytime of the day = Swaddee krub/ka
- Thank you = Kob khun krub/ka
- Where is (place name) ? = (place name) yoo tee nhai krub/ka?
- How much is this? = Tao rai krub/ka?
- Bathroom/toilet = Hong nam
- Drinking water = nam duem
- Please help = Chuay duay krub/ka
- Turn right = Lieow kwah
- Turn left = Lieow saai
- Straight on = Trong paai