Ratchaburi, a glorious town during the Dvaravati period, is
located on the bank of the Mae Klong River. The provincial
area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites.
It is located 80 kilometres west of Bangkok and borders on
Myanmar to the west having the Tanaosi Range as a borderline.
Ratchaburi occupies an area of 5,196 square
kilometres and is administratively divided into nine districts:
Muang Ratchaburi, Photharam, Damnoen Saduak, Pak Tho, Chom
Bueng, Bang Phae, Wat Phleng , Suan Phueng, and Ban Pong,
and one sub-district: King Amphoe Ban Kha.
Ratchaburi National Museum
This is located on Woradet Road near the river. The edifice
was formerly the town hall, built in 1922. Established as
a museum in 1988, it displays art and ancient items of different
periods found in the local area, and exhibits the history
of Ratchaburi, as well as its folk art and geology. The museum
is open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 4.00 p.m. exept Mondays and
Tuesdays. Admission fee is 30 baht.
Wat Khanon
More than 300 Nang Yai puppets are
well preserved at this temple, some 10 kilometres from Amphoe
Photharam. Nang Yai is an old form of entertainment which
gathers many kinds of arts; for example, Thai sculpture and
classical performances. The intricate carved puppets are portrayed
on the screen by skilled male performers, and it can dance
according to the music. The performance is usually demonstrated
on Saturday from 10.00-11.00 a.m.
How to get there
By
Car
a) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 (Phahonyothin Road) to
Ratchaburi via Bang Khae, Om Noi, Om Yai, Nakhon Chai Si,
Nakhon Pathom.
b) From Bangkok, take Highway No. 338 to Nakhon Chai Si via
Buddhamonthon and turn into Highway No. 4, then proceed to
Ratchaburi.
By Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses
leave Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal daily. It takes
2 hour for the trip. Contact Transport Co. Ltd. Tel: 0 2435
1199-200
By
Train
Regular trains depart from both
Hua Lamphong Railway Station and Bangkok Noi Railway Station
daily. Travelling time is 2 hours. Call 1690 for more information.