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Discovering Ratchaburi: Your Essential Guide for an Awesome EscapeBy: Preedee Thaveepiradeesak

| Last Updated: July 2024

Rooting for the best day trips from Bangkok? Well, if you want something that ticks all the boxes, Ratchaburi should be top of your list. It’s my favorite go-to mini-vacation and shopping destination!

Aside from Ratchaburi being only 2 hours away from Bangkok, it’s also filled with natural beauty and boatloads of cheap goods in its floating market! Sounds like the perfect trip, right?

Well, in this ultimate guide, we’re sharing all the essential info you’ll need to enjoy this ancient border province and help you have the best time! Let’s get started!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Ratchaburi, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Hua Hin Airport (114 km)

Best Time to Visit Ratchaburi

It’s best to visit Ratchaburi from November to January to enjoy perfect weather conditions for sightseeing and exploration. During these months, the province will have less humidity and cooler temperatures, so you get little to no rain and more sunny days.

Plus, it won’t be as hot during midday, so you’ll have a blast strolling around town and beyond from morning to night.

How to Get to Ratchaburi

Bus: Riding a bus is a cheap and fast way to get to Ratchaburi from Bangkok. You can find direct buses to Ratchaburi at the Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal and Mochit 2 Bus Terminal.

These buses will drop you off at the bus terminal in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi.

Taxi: Hiring a taxi in Bangkok is more expensive but should get you to Ratchaburi faster. Taxis are available anywhere in the capital city and you can also book them using the Grab or Bolt app.

Train: Another affordable way to get to Ratchaburi from Bangkok is to catch a train at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The train can take you directly to the station in Ratchaburi’s town center which is nice.

Rental Car: Tourists with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit can also rent a car in Bangkok to get to Ratchaburi. It’s only a 90-kilometer drive, so it should only take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Just drive east via Highway 4 until you reach Ratchaburi Town.

Where to Stay in Ratchaburi

Khum Damnoen Resort

Media from khumdamnoen.resort

Address: 50, 1 Damnoen Saduak District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 32 241 444

Website: http://www.khumdamnoen.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

If you want a peaceful hideaway close to nature, Khum Damnoen Resort is the perfect choice. This serene accommodation sits on agricultural land, so expect trees surrounding and within the property.

The elegant rustic interiors and polished hardwood floors of their poolside villas also give off tropical vibes. Some units include a claw-foot tub, sitting space, or outdoor hot tub which is a big plus.

Moreover, the foodies on our team like that it’s only a 6-minute drive to Ratchaburi’s popular floating markets: Lao Tak Lak and Damnoe Saduak.

Space 59 Hotel

Media from space59hotel

Address: 8, 9 Thao Uthong Road, Na Muang

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 32 315 559

Website: http://www.space59hotel.com/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Space 59 Hotel is a great budget option within Ratchaburi’s town center. It offers clean and functional rooms with minimalist interiors and basic amenities, so there’s no issue with comfort.

Otherwise, you can book one of their premium suites which sports an elegant contemporary interior. You also get a living room with a couch and three chairs, a bedroom with 2 king-size beds, and a fully furnished kitchen. 

It’s also a 7-minute walk from Ratchaburi Station which is great if you’re traveling here by train.

Media from navelahotel

Address: 9, 9 Don Tako

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 32 206 599

Website: https://www.facebook.com/NavelaHotel

Pricing: ฿฿

Navela Hotel & Convention is a modern hotel on the outskirts of Ratchaburi Town, perfect if you want a stunning nature view from your room window. Their minimalist rooms have neutral colors, handmade furniture, and soft lights for a more homely vibe.

They also have upgraded rooms with private balconies, perfect if you need a better view of the surrounding mountainscapes and rice fields. Or you can get one of their large suites which adds a pull-out sofa.

This gives you an extra bed which is nice when traveling with family or friends.

Where to Eat in Ratchaburi

Octospider Restaurant 

Media from octospider_restaurant

Address: Soi Wat Tao It, Wang Yen, Bang Phae District

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 63 216 9335

Website: https://www.facebook.com/octospiderrestaurant

Pricing: ฿฿

Octospider Restaurant is a work of art, so it’s definitely worth visiting for its unique architecture alone. Its design resembles octopus and spider limbs, so expect an extended and airy dining area.

The restaurant is also built over a lake which gives it a nice view and prevents mosquitoes due to its height. Moreover, its wide selection of Thai and international cuisines refines the experience.

The dishes to watch out for in their signature menu are the German pork knuckles and tom yum goong. We particularly like the deep-fried pork knuckles because the skin is super crispy while the meat is savory, tender, and juicy.

Restaurant Red Leach

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Address: 84/1, Montri Suriyawong Road, Ban Rai

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 89 919 6055

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053946687260

Pricing: ฿฿

Restaurant Red Leach offers a pleasant riverside location, so it’s ideal for casual date nights and family dinners. The wide array of excellent Thai dishes they serve are plus points.

Our team’s seafood lovers particularly love their kaeng run juan. This traditional curry dish has a sour and salty flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Not many restaurants serve this or do it justice, so it’s definitely a must-try here.

Buono Dine & Wine

Media from buonodineandwine

Address: 478 Ratchaburi Bypass Road, Ban Rai

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 32 720 577

Website: https://www.facebook.com/buonodineandwine

Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿

Buono Dine & Wine offers a nice selection of Thai, Western, and Japanese dishes, so it’s great for tourists who like variety. It has a large open-air dining area and a mini concert stage, so expect a casual and lively atmosphere.

Foodwise, our go-to is their sushi. They use premium imported ingredients, so you can definitely taste the quality.

The only downside is the expensive pricing.

What to See and Do in Ratchaburi

Study history at the Ratchaburi National Museum

Media credit: ratchaburimuseum

Address: 325, 1 Voradech Road, Na Muang

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 32 321 513

Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/ratchaburi/index.php/th/

Admission Costs: 100 baht

Going to the Ratchaburi National Museum is the best way to learn about the province’s history, so it’s definitely a must-visit. The exhibits are organized and well-structured, so you won’t miss important details during your tour.

They also have a decent collection of ancient Buddha images, antique tools, and weapons which is great if you like taking historical photos. For a comfortable tour, avoid visiting at midday because the museum has no air conditioning.

Visit Wat Nong Hoi

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Address: 3089 Khao Raeng

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Wat Nong Hoi is a beautiful and sacred hilltop temple, so it’s definitely worth a look. This place is important to local worshippers, so expect to see many people praying and making offerings, especially during holidays.

Its hilltop location also provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains and villages in Ko Phlapphla. Monkeys and dogs are also common at the temple, so be sure to keep a safe distance.

Check out Wat Mahathat Worawihan

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Address: 7, Soi Kaow Ngu, Na Muang

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 83 134 4140

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Suntorn.wmt/

Wat Mahathat Worawihan is an important historical and religious site in Ratchaburi. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed during the Dvaravati Period due to its distinct Khmer architecture.

In fact, its most important structures are the three timeworn Khmer-style prangs with intricate carvings and tower-shaped spires. The temple also has shrines and halls housing numerous golden Buddha images.

But most visitors come to pray to its giant reclining Buddha image.

Stroll around Khao Ngu Stone Park

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Address: Ko Phlappla

Operating Hours: 24/7

If you love nature adventures and landscape photography, Kha Ngu Stone Park is the place to be. This stunning venue boasts pleasant nature trails, lush greeneries, dark caves, large rock formations, and an emerald lake with a gorgeous wooden bridge.

Just walking around the park will get you plenty of postcard-perfect scenery. There’s also a wooden lakeside gazebo where you can relax and soak in the relaxing atmosphere. 

Or you can rent a swan paddle boat to cruise along the lake while enjoying the incredible view.

Spend your weekend at the Muang Khu Bua Ancient Remains

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Address: Ban Khu Bua

Operating Hours: 24/7

Muang Khu Bua Ancient Remains is the ruins of an ancient town in Ratchaburi which makes it a fan favorite among history buffs. But why do we recommend visiting on the weekend?

Well, this historical site is also popular for its weekend ethnic market. The vendors are Taiyuan tribespeople, so you can try their local food and shop for traditional handicrafts and goods.

There’s also a small stage for live folk performances, so you’re covered for entertainment.

Tour Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum

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Address: 1, Soi Fa, Photharam District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 89 555 4195

Website: https://www.museumthailand.com/th/museum/Nang-Yai-Wat-Khanon-National-Museum-

For cultured and artsy travelers, a trip to Ratchaburi won’t be complete without a tour of Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum. For one, it has a charming traditional Thai building and interior design which adds to the historical vibes.

But the museum’s main attraction is its sophisticated shadow puppet shows. Their performances feature exquisite Thai art, sculptures, lights, and shadow effects.

They use it in tandem with narration, dialogue, and music to tell a compelling story.

Admire Wat Pho Rattanaram’s unique ubosot

Media credit: mister_arnon999

Address: Pak Raet, Ban Pong District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 085 4404

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Phoratanarum/

Wat Pho Rattanara, also known as Wat Poe Khu, is a unique and modern temple. Unlike most temples with elegant gilded architecture, its ubosot was constructed using stainless steel.

That gives the temple its one-of-a-kind silvery sheen. If you’re a fan of Buddhist temples, this is certainly a must-see.

Browse the local shops at Lao Tak Lak Floating Market

Media credit: tinakornpom

Address: 

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 921 7030

Ratchaburi is famous for its floating markets and Lao Tak Lak Floating Market is one place you don’t want to miss. Here, you can shop for various things, from traditional street food to clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.

But it’s most famous for the local vendors who sell goods from their longtail boats. This traditional market experience is slowly dying out, so be sure to try it while you’re in town.

Make your way to the top of Heaven Valley

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Address: Don Sai, Pak Tho District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Heaven Valley, also known as Hup Pha Sawan, is one of Ratchaburi’s most breathtaking and unique attractions. It’s a mountaintop temple, so you must first climb a tall staircase to reach its scenic summit.

You get a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the province’s lush hills, mountainscapes, and town buildings, so it’s certainly worth the challenging ascent. But it’s also unique because of the statues you’ll find at the top.

It has giant statues of Christ the Redeemer, Ganesha, Guanyin, Buddha, and Smiling Buddha. Quite the ambitious crossover, won’t you say?

Enjoy a fun family day at Veneto Suanphueng

Media from veneto_suanphueng

Address: 231, Moo 2, Suan Phueng, Suan Phueng District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 91 561 8848

Website: http://www.facebook.com/VenetoSuanphueng

Admission Costs: 150 baht

If you’re looking for a fun place to take your family on the weekend, here’s Veneto Suanphueng. This park offers plenty of exciting activities and facilities suitable for people of all ages.

Think paddle boating, animal petting, fish feeding, archery, photo shooting, and more. There’s also a restaurant and souvenir shop, so you’re covered for your food and shopping needs.

FAQs about Ratchaburi

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