Not far from Bangkok lies the province of Ratchaburi, famous for the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Souvenirs, local specialties, noodles, and fruits are typically sold from boats or directly on the riverbank. Muay Thai demonstrations also take place in the area, and nearby is a rose garden showcasing traditional Thai dances, elephant rides, handicrafts, and authentic house styles from various regions of Thailand.

Ratchaburi, located just 80 km west of Bangkok, has long been known for its Damnoen Saduak floating market, the Suan Phueng district, and its traditional pottery and ceramic products. However, in recent years, this small province has transformed from an old-fashioned town into an arts hub, boasting a fantastic array of creative artworks, particularly contemporary art.

An ideal starting point for art lovers is the Tao Hong Tai: d Art Gallery, the first gallery dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. Founded by Silpathorn Award-winning ceramic artist Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, the gallery presents inspiring artworks by various artists—paintings, photographs, sculptures, and ceramic objects—in a restored, century-old wooden building. And the best part: you can take some of your favorite pieces home, as some exhibits are also for sale.

Anyone with a passion for ceramics should definitely visit the legendary Tao Hong Tai Ceramic Factory (+66 3233 7574). There, you'll find a wide selection of exquisite ceramic products – from classic Thai water jugs, tiles, and vases to modern home accessories and European-style terracotta. A factory tour will show you how these products are made. Afterward, you can stroll through the expansive art garden and admire the imaginative sculptures and colorful art objects. Don't forget to take a selfie with the iconic, giant, otherworldly "Dollar" sculpture before you leave. If the artwork at these two locations isn't enough, walk along Woradej Road to the clock tower on the Mae Klong River. Here, you can enjoy street art in the form of sculptures and graffiti in a relaxed atmosphere. The enormous fiberglass sculpture of a boy sitting by the river is particularly impressive.

For sculpture enthusiasts, the Siam Cultural Park (+66 3238 1401) is an absolute must-see. There, you can admire and photograph realistic wax figures of famous Thai and international figures, as well as some of the most revered Buddhist monks, up close. You can also learn about the different characteristics of Buddha representations from the three periods of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, and Chieng San (also known as Lanna), as well as about traditional Thai houses from four different regions.

If you are not interested in visual arts, visit Suan Silp Baan Din (+66 3239 7668) to enjoy various lively performing arts such as classical Thai dance, folk dance, cultural performances and plays.

In addition to contemporary art, Ratchaburi boasts a rich Thai cultural heritage. Lovers of traditional Thai art will be captivated by a performance of the shadow puppet show "Nang Yai," staged every Saturday and Sunday at Khanon Temple. This ACCU Award (UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre) showcases the graceful movements of the leather puppets, whose characters are largely drawn from the Indian epic Ramayana. Just a stone's throw from the puppet theater is the Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum (+66 3223 4834), where visitors can view an exhibition of shadow puppets and learn more about the history and art of shadow puppetry. Similarly, art enthusiasts will be enchanted by the over 250-year-old, intricately painted murals at Wat Khongkharam.

The province delights visitors who want to experience nature up close. The Suan Phueng district boasts numerous Mediterranean-style resorts nestled in the picturesque mountain landscape. Attractions include Scenery Vintage Farm (+668 1000 6677), an English-style sheep farm where you can feed the sheep and watch shearing demonstrations, and Alpaca Hill (+668 0821 2108), where you can spend time with a herd of fluffy alpacas on a sprawling 250-rai farm and also observe the South American capybara. Those who prefer organic food should visit Rai Pluk Rak (+668 6332 7365). There you'll find a wide selection of certified organic products, and half-day or full-day tours provide valuable information about organic farming. Blooms Orchid Park (+668 6111 0084) is well worth a visit, where you can enjoy a pleasant botanical walk amidst a variety of beautiful orchids, tropical flowers and tall trees.

Other popular tourist attractions include the Ratchaburi National Museum, Suntree Land of Dolls, Ban Hom Tien, the Bo Khlueng Hot Stream, Wat Nong Hoi and the Veneto Suanphueng Recreation Park.

Art Festival “All About Art”: If you are in Ratchaburi on the last Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the month, don't miss the festival at the old Chet Samian market near the train station. There, you can participate in various activities free of charge, including painting, folk art demonstrations by older artists, contemporary works by Thai and international artists, and performances by Suan Silp Baan Din. You will also have the opportunity to purchase a wide variety of food and local products from the Chet Samian community.

Getting there: From Bangkok, take Highway 4 (Petchakasem Road) to Ratchaburi, passing through Bang Khae, Om Noi, Om Yai, Nakhon Chai Si, and Nakhon Pathom. Alternatively, you can take Highway 338 to Nakhon Chai Si via Buddhamonthon and then turn onto Highway 4, which leads to Ratchaburi. There are regular daily train services from Hua Lamphong and Thon Buri stations in Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses run daily from Bangkok's South Bus Terminal to Ratchaburi (www.transport.co.th).

For further information, please contact the TAT office in Petchaburi at +66 3247 1005-6 or +66 3247 1502.