The artistic flair is immediately palpable upon entering Ratchaburi. Art installations line the Mae Klong, the canal that winds its way through the city center. But Ratchaburi has much more to offer. From well-preserved, magnificent leather doll art to religious art and contemporary projects, all of this reflects the creative spirit of this small city. The following section introduces Ratchaburi's key art scenes.

Ratchaburi National Museum: This beautiful 1920s building, the former town hall, was converted into a museum in the late 1980s and has since become Ratchaburi's main attraction. Extensive exhibits on geology, archaeology, and art await you. It's an ideal base for exploring this small city. Tao Hong Tai Pottery Factory: The nearly 100-year-old Tao Hong Tai Pottery Factory is a landmark of Ratchaburi and a major tourist attraction in the province. Enjoy the creative products, the art exhibition, and the museum-run café.

Who would have thought that the best place to experience the rare and exquisite performance of traditional Thai puppet theater is the Nang Yai Wat Khanon temple in Photharam? Performances still take place every weekend. The UNESCO World Heritage Puppet Theater Museum is also well worth a visit. The Jipathapun Ban Khu Mua Museum pays tribute to the Thai-Vietnamese ancestors who lived in Ratchaburi. It houses a significant collection of this unique cultural heritage, whose origins date back to the Dvaravati period (6th–11th centuries).

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Sights near Ratchaburi

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The Damnoen Saduak floating market is a legendary, centuries-old market, known worldwide and arguably one of the most photographed places in Thailand. It is open daily from early morning until early afternoon.

The Koi Ki Old Market, which is probably much older than the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, still preserves the traditional way of life on the riverbank of Ratchaburi. Here, untouched tradition meets modern, artistic endeavors; a pedestrian zone invites visitors to stroll on weekends.

Wat Nong Hoi is a Thai-Chinese temple whose highlights are the enormous Guan Yim statue on the hill and the highly revered Luangpho Yai Buddha statue. Panoramic views, especially at sunset.