Key Takeaways
Overview
Ratchaburi is a lesser-visited destination in Thailand, located near Bangkok. Despite its lack of popularity among tourists, this province offers fascinating nature and beautiful folk arts that are worth exploring. In addition, Ratchaburi is famous for its floating markets, where you can enjoy shopping and indulge in delicious local dishes. This often overlooked destination has a lot to offer, and you might find yourself wanting to return again and again.
Day 1
Ladplee Floating Market
On the first day of our long weekend in Ratchaburi, we started by visiting Ladplee Floating Market. This market, also known as Wat Rat Charoen Tham Floating Market, is conveniently located close to the more well-known Damnoen Saduak and Lao Tak Lak Floating Markets. After parking our car at the parking area of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, we had the opportunity to explore Ladplee Floating Market in the morning. We enjoyed walking around the market, immersing ourselves in the community’s lifestyle, and shopping for local products. Although Ladplee Floating Market is only open in the morning, we could continue our time at Damnoen Saduak and Lao Tak Lak Floating Markets, which are open all day.
Jae Ree Broth-less Rice Porridge
After exploring the floating market, we were hungry and craving some local delights. Fortunately, there was a must-try restaurant nearby called Jae Ree Broth-less Rice Porridge at Damnoen Saduak. This restaurant is famous for its broth-less rice porridge and other signature dishes, all at affordable prices starting from just 35 THB. We highly recommend trying their dishes. The restaurant is open daily from 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM.
Maikaew Damnoen Resort
After a satisfying meal, we decided to check-in at Maikaew Damnoen Resort, which is close to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The resort immediately enveloped us in a beautifully decorated Thai atmosphere and serene nature. It offered all the expected hotel facilities, and each room was non-smoking with a designated smoking area provided. The resort also offered exclusive boat trips to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and other places of interest for their guests. Unfortunately, rowing a boat in the canal by ourselves was not possible due to the crowd. For more information about the resort and its facilities, we recommend checking their Facebook page.
Por Pla Pao Restaurant
In the evening, we left the cosy hotel and headed to Por Pla Pao Restaurant for a delicious dinner. This restaurant is located right by the city’s entrance and is just a 30-minute drive from Maikaew Damnoen Resort. One of their most popular recommended dishes is a whole fish that’s been salted, stuffed with herbs and aromatics, and grilled to perfection. The food was absolutely delicious, and we highly recommend trying it.
Day 2
Ratchaburi National Museum
On the second day of our trip, we started with a city tour of Ratchaburi city. Our first stop was the Ratchaburi National Museum, which is located at Ratchaburi’s old city hall by the Mae Klong River. The museum houses interesting historical and ethnological exhibitions, including artefacts, antiques, and folk arts from around the province. It is a must-visit for history lovers. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (except public holidays) from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM. The admission fee is 20 THB for Thais, 100 THB for foreigners, and free of charge for children.
Tao Hong Tai d’Kunst Contemporary Art Museum
Just 50 meters from the Ratchaburi National Museum, we arrived at Tao Hong Tai d’Kunst Contemporary Art Museum. This place is a popular meeting point for art lovers, where you can admire permanent art galleries and temporary exhibitions while enjoying a cup of coffee. The art museum is open daily from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Ratchaburi Noodles
After indulging in art and beauty, it was time to satisfy our hunger with a signature local meal at Ratchaburi Noodles. This noodle shop serves a variety of noodles in traditional water jars glazed with dragon patterns. You can choose from different noodle sizes and prices, all topped with fresh ingredients and full of deliciousness. The noodle shop is open daily (except on the 1st and 16th of every month) from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
Kad Viti Chum Chon Khu Bua (Khu Bua Local Community Market)
Our next stop was Kad Viti Chum Chon Khu Bua, a traditional Thai-Vietnamese market located at Wat Khlong Suwankhiri. Here, we had the opportunity to browse homemade local foods and other products while enjoying spectacular shows performed by the local people. We also had a delicious khan tok dinner at the market. Kad Viti Chum Chon Khu Bua is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM, and the show starts at 4.00 PM.
Ban Khu Bua Ancient Town
Leaving the Khu Bua Market, we followed traces of Ratchaburi’s ancient city until we reached Ban Khu Bua Ancient Town. This historical area boasts architectural remains from the flourishing Dvaravati period, which lasted from the 6th to the late 11th century. It is open to visitors daily from 8.00 AM to 4.30 PM.
Day 3
Suan Phueng District
On the last day of our Ratchaburi journey, we decided to head to Suan Phueng District, which is known for its mountains and various activities and photography spots. From fun sheep farms to picturesque European-style gardens, there were many attractions waiting for us to explore. The entrance fee to Suan Phueng District is 100 THB for adults, and children under 120 centimeters tall can enter for free. Additionally, 50 THB of each purchased ticket can be used as a discount toward Suan Phueng products.
Monkai Kitchen Restaurant
Before ending our precious trip, we made a stop at Monkai Kitchen Restaurant, one of the most famous eateries in Suan Phueng. Located about 100 meters away from Latoscana Resort, this restaurant serves mouthwatering local Thai dishes. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the moment before returning to a bustling city like Bangkok. We highly recommend trying their dishes.
If you have the chance to visit Thailand, we encourage you to explore lesser-known cities and provinces like Ratchaburi. This destination has a unique charm that will make you want to come back again and again.
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