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Ratchaburi: A Hidden Gem in Thailand
As a National Geography journalist, I have had the privilege of traveling to many beautiful cities across the globe, but none have quite captured my heart like Ratchaburi, a charming city located just a few hours southwest of Bangkok in Thailand. This picturesque city is home to countless natural attractions, historical sites, and mouth-watering street food that will leave you craving more.
One of the things that I love about Ratchaburi is its peaceful and calming atmosphere. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the city boasts some of the most stunning scenery you will ever lay your eyes on. If you are looking for some fresh air and a bit of peace and quiet, you will not be disappointed.
As with any city, there are also some areas that I am not so keen on. The traffic can be quite heavy at times, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons. However, this is a small price to pay for the beauty that surrounds you.
One of the best things about Ratchaburi is that it is relatively affordable to live in. A budget of $50 per day will be more than enough to cover your food, accommodation, and transportation. Speaking of food, Ratchaburi is famous for its street food. With a wide range of dishes available, you are in for a real treat.
If you are planning a trip to Ratchaburi, here are 20 must-visit spots that you should not miss:
1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Tambon Damnoen Saduak, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak (www.damnoensaduakfloatingmarket.com)
2. Wat Mahathat Worawihan – Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
3. Khao Ngu Stone Park – Tambon Khao Ngu, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
4. Wat Khanon – Tambon Khanon, Amphoe Mae Klong
5. Sanam Chandra Palace – Tambon Ban Ko, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
6. Wat Khlong – Tambon Nong Ratchawat, Amphoe Muang Ratchaburi
7. Tham Khao Bin – Tambon Khlong Phutsa, Amphoe Chom Bueng (www.tourismthailand.org)
8. Wat Bang Kae Noi – Tambon Kae Noi, Amphoe Pak Tho (http://www.watbangkaenoi.com/)
9. Baan Hom Tien – Tambon Tha Sao, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
10. Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha That – Tambon Rattanakosin, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
11. Wat Khao Chong Pran – Tambon Photharam, Amphoe Photharam (www.facebook.com/)
12. Khao Wang – Amphoe Mueang Phetchaburi (www.tourismthailand.org)
13. Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park – Tambon Khlong Krachaeng, Amphoe Muang Phetchaburi (www.phranakhonkhiri.com)
14. Kaeng Krachan National Park – Tambon Kaeng Krachan, Amphoe Kaeng Krachan (www.dnp.go.th)
15. Wat Sutthawat – Tambon Ratchaburi Tai, Amphoe Mueang Ratchaburi
16. Pong Yub Temple – Tambon Khao Ruea, Amphoe Photharam (www.facebook.com/)
17. Bangkok Observation Tower – Tambon Tha Bo, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan (www.mahaphunichbhuti.com)
18. Wat Pak Nam Jolo – Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Phrom Khiri
19. Wat Nang Nong – Tambon Pak Tho, Amphoe Pak Tho (www.watnangnong.com)
20. Wat Huay Mongkol – Tambon Huai Sat Yai, Amphoe Hua Hin (www.tourismthailand.org)
Now, let’s talk about food. Here are 20 of the best street foods that you simply have to try when in Ratchaburi, along with their prices and locations:
1. Khao Khluk Kapi (shrimp paste fried rice) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
2. Pad Thai – 40 THB, found at street food vendors
3. Kai Jeow (omelette) – 20 THB, found at street food vendors
4. Moo Ping (grilled pork skewers) – 5 THB per skewer, found at street food vendors
5. Guay Tiew Kua Gai (chicken stir-fried noodles) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
6. Khao Man Gai (chicken with rice) – 30 THB, found at street food vendors
7. Kuay Tiew Moo (pork noodle soup) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
8. Khanom Buang (Thailand’s version of crepes) – 20 THB, found at street food vendors
9. Kluay Tod (deep-fried bananas) – 20 THB, found at street food vendors
10. Kanom Krok (coconut pancakes) – 20 THB, found at street food vendors
11. Kub Kao Moo (braised pork belly on rice) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
12. Khao Soi (curry noodles) – 40 THB, found at street food vendors
13. Pad See Ew (stir-fried noodles with soy sauce) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
14. Bamee Nam Sai (clear noodle soup) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
15. Khao Na Ped (roasted duck on rice) – 50 THB, found at street food vendors
16. Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) – 30 THB, found at street food vendors
17. Gai Tod (fried chicken) – 20 THB per piece, found at street food vendors
18. Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken soup) – 50 THB, found at street food vendors
19. Nam Prik with Vegetables (chili dips with vegetables) – 20 THB per serving, found at street food vendors
20. Larb Moo (spicy minced pork salad) – 35 THB, found at street food vendors
Now that you are craving some delicious street food, you will need a place to stay. Here are 10 of the most reasonable hotels and 10 Airbnb lists that I recommend, along with their details, price in US dollars, ratings, and reviews:
Hotels:
1. Victoria Resort and Hotel – starting at $28 per night, 7.5/10 on Booking.com
2. Navela Hotel and Banquets – starting at $22 per night, 8.2/10 on Booking.com
3. Rattana View Apartment – starting at $16 per night, 8.1/10 on Booking.com
4. Marina Island Resort – starting at $24 per night, 7.5/10 on Booking.com
5. Mwel Ka Petch – starting at $19 per night, 8.1/10 on Booking.com
6. Grace Inn – starting at $15 per night, 7.4/10 on Booking.com
7. Lemon Tree Resort – starting at $21 per night, 7.9/10 on Booking.com
8. Doggie Love Resort – starting at $27 per night, 8.3/10 on Booking.com
9. Bann Yukontara – starting at $16 per night, 7.6/10 on Booking.com
10. Phetala House – starting at $14 per night, 7.6/10 on Booking.com
Airbnb:
1. Ratchaburi Cozy Room – starting at $17 per night, 5/5 stars on Airbnb
2. Pink Dolphin Guest House – starting at $19 per night, 5/5 stars on Airbnb
3. Stay in Ratchaburi – starting at $21 per night, 5/5 stars on Airbnb
4. River Hut – starting at $49 per night, 5/5 stars on Airbnb
5. Eunkongsuk Place – starting at $15 per night, 4.9/5 stars on Airbnb
6. Payakpreeyachat – starting at $23 per night, 4.9/5 stars on Airbnb
7. Modern Condo – starting at $18 per night, 4.8/5 stars on Airbnb
8. Gorgeous Condo – starting at $21 per night, 4.8/5 stars on Airbnb
9. Kaewsa Resort – starting at $22 per night, 4.8/5 stars on Airbnb
10. The Green-Homestay – starting at $19 per night, 4.7/5 stars on Airbnb
All in all, I would give Ratchaburi a 9/10 rating. The stunning scenery, delicious food, and affordable cost of living make it a must-visit destination in Thailand. Don’t just take my word for it, pack your bags and go discover this hidden gem for yourself.
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