Ratchaburi
Samut Songkhram

Ratchaburi, a town of historical importance during the Dvaravati period over 1,000 years ago, is located on the banks of the Mae Klong River 80 kilometers west of Bangkok. Featuring a diverse topography, Ratchaburi features lowlands to the east and the Tanaosi mountain Range to the west, which provides a natural border with Myanmar (Burma). The Ratchaburi provincial area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites. Ratchaburi features outstanding natural beauty and a number of opportunities to learn authentic Thai Culture.

Ratchaburi’s premier attraction is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a ‘must-see’ destination visited by a large percentage of tourists who visit Bangkok. Vendors in the market sell their products by paddling boats along Ratchaburi’s canals. Every morning, hundreds of boats crowd the market, paddled by women in straw hats selling for everything from vegetables and fruits to freshly-cooked noodle and souvenirs. 

Samut Songkhram is a small but interesting province because part of it connects to the Gulf of Thailand and has the Mae Klong River flowing through. The province has a fascinating history and unique tourist attractions.

Even the province is close to Bangkok, but the life of locals is still conservative in many ways. Tourists who love to experience the culture and traditional lifestyle, Samut Songkhram is where you can see vegetable gardening, making coconut sugar, or visiting Amphawa Floating Market. 

Amphawa Floating Market is one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand. The merchants sell their goods in their boats. Alongside the canal, there are shops opening to sell foods, drinks, snacks, clothes, and souvenirs. Tourists can explore the market with boat ride along the canal or cross the river to visit the nearby interesting temples.

More attractions to discover are Mae Klong Market or Rom Hoob Market (Umbrella Market); located near Mae Klong Train Station, this is the highlight spot for tourists to see amazing scene when the train passes through the market and right next to the railway is Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram; a formal house of King Rama I, the other interesting places to visit are  The Thai Traditional House which is the birth place of King Rama II or King Rama II Park and Bang Kung Camp etc.

Cr:  Information provided by Tourim Authority of Thailand