About Ratchaburi
Ratchaburi lies on the Mae Klong in western Thailand and is a quiet provincial capital, known for the region's pottery. The city sits between fertile river plains and the Tanao Si mountains that run towards the Myanmar border. Just outside the centre rises Khao Ngu Stone Park: limestone hills with caves, temples and a walk where macaques roam. On Khao Wang, a hill of about 44 m, King Rama V had a palace built. Further out lie the Khao Bin cave, the Bo Khlueng hot stream and Kaew Chan waterfall near Suan Phueng. Because Damnoen Saduak is nearby, Ratchaburi combines well with the floating market. The city itself is modest and simple, an ideal base for anyone wanting to see the region's nature.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by train or bus (about 2 hours); for the caves and waterfalls outside the city, your own transport or a taxi is useful. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Ratchaburi
- Khao Ngu Stone Park Limestone hills with caves, a temple and plenty of macaques, close to town.
- Khao Wang A hill with a palace that King Rama V had built.
- Khao Bin Cave A cave with stalactites in the Khao Bin range, about 22 km from the centre.
- Bo Khlueng and Kaew Chan A hot stream and a nine-tier waterfall near Suan Phueng.
