Ratchaburi (often shortened Rat'buri, Thai: ราชบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi. In the west it borders Tanintharyi Division of Myanmar.
Ratchaburi means, "The land of the king."[1] The province is full of cultural heritage, beautiful places, and historical sites. Ratchaburi covers 5200 square kilometers. It is located 80 kilometers west of Bangkok and borders Burma to the west with the Tanaosi range as a borderline.[2] It has Mea Klong River through the center of town.
History
The history of the city of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. Of the contemporary city Khu Bua nearby only ruins remains. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 10 districts (amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 104 subdistricts (tambon) and 935 villages (muban).
1. Mueang Ratchaburi
2. Chom Bueng
3. Suan Phueng
4. Damnoen Saduak
5. Ban Pong
6. Bang Phae
7. Photharam
8. Pak Tho
9. Wat Phleng
10. Ban Kha
There are three towns (thesaban mueang) - Ratchaburi, Ban Pong and Photharam - and 11 township (thesaban tambon).
Tourism
Ratchaburi has lots of places to visit and the most popular tourist attraction is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is an identity of Ratchaburi and is also well known around the world. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is in the Damnoen Saduak district.[3] It shows the people's life style and the importance of the river as a mean of commerce. The vendors would paddle their boats up and down the waterways selling and bartering their merchandise. Their faces are often shielded from the strong rays of the sun by hats made from bamboo and palm leaves [4]. The markets start in very early morning until 11:00 A.M. Nowadays, many tourists from around the world come to visit because it shows an old fascinating style traditions. That is why the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market became the top ten famous places in Thailand.
There are many famous tourist attractions in Ratchaburi that showcase the Thai culture, tradition, and way of life. Tourist can experience the authentic Thai culture by visiting these attractions. The most interesting place for tourists who are interested in Thai art is the temple. Unlike other countries, Thailand has its own identity style temple, which is gentle and splendid.
Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat - is an ancient temple, locally called Wat Na Phra That, is located on the west bank of the Mae Klong River in the town.[5]. Its elegant prangs or pagoda remains in good condition and was probably copied from Cambodia's Angkor Wat. The beautiful prang made of bricks and a stone stands on a rectangular base with pathways around the cloisters. The outer stucco designs were made in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya. Buddha images of Dvaravati, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya periods are placed around the pagoda. The temple is the most famous temple in Ratchaburi because it is the first temple and it has a fascinated architecture.
Murals of Wat Khongkharam - at a Mon monastery over 200 years old and originally called "Wat Klang" or "Phia To". King Mongkut gave it a new name as "Wat Khongkharam". It is located in Amphoe Photharam, some 22 kilometers from Ratchaburi.[5]. The beauty of the main shrine hall is very interesting and good for studying about mural paintings.
Nang Yai at Wat Khanon - Nang Yai is located in Amphoe Photharam and it is well preserved at this place only.[6] It is an old form of entertainment which gathers many kinds of arts, for example Thai designs, sculpturing, male performers plus music, mask playing and Thai literature. This is a beauty which is portrayed on the screen and it can dance beautifully to the music and the one who makes it dance. At present, Ratchaburi province is organizing a Nang Yai performance for tourists. There are about 330 Nang Yai puppets all of which are still in perfect condition to be shown on screen.
In addition, Ratchaburi has many natural tourist attractions
Bo Khloung Hot Stream - is located five kilometers beyond Amphoe Suan Phung. The stream is full of mineral water. The water flows all year round from the Tanaosi Range. Its temperature ranges between 50-68 degree Celsius. On the route to the hot stream, a three kilometers branch road leads to Namtok (waterfall)Kao Chon, which consists of 9 cascades. The waterfall is plentiful during the late rainy season.[1].Many people come to here; they believe that it can be used for skin treatment.
Kaew Chan Waterfall or Nine-Level waterfall - is one kilometer from Bo Khlung hot stream.[6]. Kaew Chan Waterfall’s name was given by Sirinthorn Princess. As the name indicates, the water cascades from the ninth level and down the central valley of steep cliff, especially during the rainy season when there is always a lot of water at the top level. It is possible to walk up to the ninth level and takes about two hours
Pong Yub - is located at Ban Tha Kheay, turn left about five kilometers before the town center and go straight ahead for further five kilometers.[1] The subsidence of the ground has created a steep cliff similar to the one in Pae Muang Phi in Phrae Province.
Khao Bin Cave - is located about 22 kilometres from Ratchaburi city centre is the mountain range of "Khao Bin", or "Flying Mount" which is home to the cave of the same name. Inside the cave there is incomparable stalagmites and stalactites. It was one of these stalagmites in the shape of a majestic giant eagle with its wings outspread which gave the cave its name. Also inside the cave there is a small mineral spring which villagers believe is sacred [6].Nowadays, illumination by coloured lights helps enhance visitors' view and enjoyment.
Khao Wang - It is a hill that is about 44 metres high and was originally called "Khao Sattanat". It is located two kilometers west of the town. King Rama V had commanded a palace to be built on the hill and made a royal visit to receive the Portuguese minister in 1887. The palace area was donated by King Rama VII to be used as a monastery, which was later called "Wat Khao Wang".[6]. Tourist can get to the hill by cable cars and see from the top how beautiful Ratchburi is.
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