I first discovered Ratchaburi about 10 years ago, when a local Thai friend of mine wanted to get out of town for the day. “Just trust me,” he insisted, as he arrived to my Bangkok hotel in his car one Friday morning, “you’re going to enjoy yourself.”
He was right—the trip was absolutely fascinating, and we were practically the only tourists there. I’ve since returned to Ratchaburi a few times on my own, though it was definitely easier to explore with a private car than it is on one’s own.
So, is Ratchaburi worth visiting? Well, I think you know what my answer to this question will be. But don’t worry—I’m going to show my work!
How to Get to (and Around) Ratchaburi
Any southbound SRT train can take you from Bangkok to Ratchaburi in between 90-180 minutes, depending upon which departure you take—the “Special Express” ones are much faster. These trains head west from Bangkok before turning south to Hua Hin and eventually to Surat Thani, which is why they pass through Ratchaburi in the first place.
Once you arrive at Ratchaburi Station, you have a few options. One would be to book Thailand Tours Denmark, and allow a guide and driver to take you around—your only task will be to enjoy yourself. Another option is to utilize motorbike taxis, which are available either in front of the station or using the Grab app. A third option is to rent your own car or motorbike.
Things to Do in Ratchaburi
Say a prayer in a cave temple
When Yod (my Thai friend I referenced in the intro) first picked me up, he was adamant that I visit a cave temple. And he was right. Whether because of how old the air felt within the cave compared to how muggy it was outside, or seeing gilded Buddhas glittering in the darkness, cave temples like Wat Khao Chong Phran and Tham Khao Bin are very much worth the trouble.
See a performance at Wat Khanon Nai Yang Museum
When I executed my first independent Ratchaburi itinerary, on the other hand, I was less mobile; I stuck much closer to the city center. In particular, I headed to the Wat Khanon Nai Yang Museum, which is dedicated to local shadow puppetry. I wasn’t able to catch a performance, but even simply seeing the “tools of the trade” was impressive.
Hike at Khao Ngu Stone Park
Another place I made sure to hit up, since Yod and I hadn’t gone together, was Khao Ngu Stone Park. With a name that literally means “Snake Mountain” in Thailand, it’s not inaccurate to say that these towering limestone karsts appear like cobra heads. Or maybe that was just my hallucination: It’s hot and not shaded at all here, so make sure to bring plenty of water!
Marvel at Wat Nong Hoi’s hilltop Buddha
If you have a car (or a friend like Yod, or if you book Thailand Tours Norway), another great option for what to do in Ratchaburi is a visit to Wat Nong Hoi. Admire its massive Buddha image rising over emerald hills from ground level, or hike up to the top and enjoy the view. In either case, it’s without a doubt one the most iconic places to visit in Ratchaburi province.
Visit a floating market on the way back
The bad news? If we’re being technical, floating markets like Damnoen Saduak or the one at Amphawa are not technically in Ratchaburi province. The good news? They’re on your way back to Bangkok. While this can be a heavier lift if you plan to go back via public transportation, I absolutely recommend stopping if you have a private driver or your own set of wheels.
Should You Stay Overnight in Ratchaburi?
Ratchaburi is a huge province, and is definitely a place where you can spend more than one day exploring. This is particularly true if you plan to be at the mercy either of local transport or of taxi or motorbike drivers while you explore. It simply necessitates spending a lot longer in transit, and a more tedious trip overall.
On the other hand, it might not surprise you to learn that many Ratchaburi hotels leave something to be desired. And the ones that don’t (many of which are more accurately classified as vacation rentals, anyway) are far from Ratchaburi Station and will require transportation to reach anyway, hammering home that it’s simply better to have your own car to begin with.
Other FAQ About Visiting Ratchaburi
What is Ratchaburi known for?
Ratchaburi is known for its cave temples, its shadow puppetry and the fact that it’s an easy, stress-free getaway for Bangkokians who have cars. It’s not very well-known among foreigners at all, which is part of why I love visiting so much.
How to get around in Ratchaburi?
Ratchaburi doesn’t have public transportation to speak of. As a result, if you don’t obtain your own car or motorbike, I’d recommend making friends with a motorbike driver outside of Ratchaburi Station and hiring him to take you around town.
Is Ratchaburi part of Bangkok?
Ratchaburi is not part of Bangkok, though Ratchaburi province is close to Bangkok. Depending on how you travel, it’s possible to get from Bangkok to Ratchaburi in less than two hours (which is less than it can take to get across town if traffic is bad!).
The Bottom Line
Is Ratchaburi worth visiting? Yes, and for many reasons. For starters, it isn’t touristic at all—in fact, you might be the only tourist! This is true whether you have a friend who can drive you (or, better, you rent a car yourself), or whether you go by train and get around via motorbike taxi. Secondly, the attractions are objectively impressive. Whether you explore cave temples underground, or Big Buddhas and stone karsts above ground, Ratchaburi holds its own against other day trips from Bangkok. Need personalized help incorporating Ratchaburi into your trip? Consider commissioning a custom Thailand itinerary!
