I am not disagreeing with you, I wouldn't normally eat in upmarket establishments, but we were on a mini-holiday. Of course I could have gone to lesser establishments and paid less. However, I chose to go upmarket, and the price comparison to a similar Hua Hin establishment is fair IMHO.
It is a fact, we pay OTT for most things in Hua Hin compared to regular Thailand. Hopefully, most of us knew that before we moved here. It is just so nice to encounter 'real' Thai prices once in a while.
Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle 
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
-
Bamboo Grove
- Moderator
- Posts: 5292
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 12:59 pm
- Location: Macau, China
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
I used to take tourists to Khao Bin cave and remember how hot and sultry it was. So I can understand how exhausted you must have been. I was in my late 40's when I used to visit the cave. It is beautiful inside though. Good that you got out on your own.
Back in Bamboo Grove
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
http://bamboogrovestories.blogspot.com/
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Yes, I don't really think the hot and sultry would have been a problem had I actually known how BIG the cave actually was. I was all alone down there, and often wondered how many circuits I had already done. If there was just a warning that a circuit of the cave normally takes 45 to 75 minutes, I wouldn't have squeezed through some of the nooks and crannies looking.
It was well worth it though, and most definitely the highlight of the trip.
It was well worth it though, and most definitely the highlight of the trip.
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Part 4
Day 3 – 23 July 2023
Prach Phatthana Dam
Not a dam at all, but we knew that.
This was another of the main sites I’d been wanting to visit for many years. I’ve had a photo on the Desktop of my laptop for ages to remind me that I must visit one day.
I was now going to fulfil another ambition.
We left the hotel, and immediately told to take a U-turn. U-turns were still figuring largely during this visit. It wasn’t too far to drive, and I found a parking space immediately, which was a bonus. It was wheelchair friendly as advertised, and it was exactly as I’d imagined it. Problem was, as with most attractions in Ratchaburi, it was very small. We’d walked the entire length in 5 minutes.
It was nice to see the giant dragon pot,
and the white image of a large man sitting at the end of the attraction. I’ve no idea what he was symbolizing.
There were some very ornate light fittings along the length of the attraction.
It seemed everything in Ratchaburi was depicting a dragon. I’ve always know the football team are nicknamed the dragons, but it was becoming obvious dragons had quite a connection to Ratchaburi. I’ve asked Mr Google, and this video explains the connection
The floating platforms were just that. I presumed they would be shops or restaurants (or both). Just covered platforms with the odd person fishing. Quite disappointing actually.
There were 2 levels to the main park area, but despite claiming to be wheelchair friendly, the lower level was only accessible via a lot of steps, so we didn’t bother. Access to the floating platforms was from the lower level, so we were excluded.
Wat Nong Hoi
This was always going to be a step too far for the wheelchair, but I wanted to give it a try anyway. The Thai Tourist guide states everybody who goes to Ratchaburi on holiday, goes here to worship. Well, what can I say? I had no intention of worshiping, but it was Wat Huay Mongkol on steroids. A cash collection system for the Thai Buddhist system. I have never liked Huay Mongkol for just that reason, but everything (to me, and I’m not trying to knock Thai religion) was geared to collecting money. The tourist bumf should have read, “Everybody who goes to Ratchaburi, goes here to donate money.”
The entire place was a con. The attraction is to visit the big Buddha on the hill. I drove up the hill as far as could, and it was immediately obvious it was not going to be suitable for the wheelchair. I left my wife in the car and went exploring alone.
Of course, everything was written in Thai, so it was a bit of a mystery tour. Many levels of construction, with many biggish Buddha images. Many chambers with shops selling amulets, slot machines (not Vegas style – they give a % back) for people to donate to their favourite Buddha, even big Buddhas with holes in their stomachs where you could try to throw your money inside. I wandered and I wandered, but I couldn’t find the Buddha image that I’d gone to view.
The constructions were massive, but when I looked down into some of the vast rooms, they were just empty buildings.
There was a great view of the surrounding countryside from up here.
I eventually gave up trying to find the elusive Buddha image – it actually saddens me to see people parting with their money so freely. I found a route back to the car, and told my wife we were leaving without me snapping the Buddha I’d come to see.
As we were driving out, my satnav was saying turn right, then as I got to the junction it had a sudden change of mind and said turn left (this was quite a common occurrence around Ratchaburi, and often a bad decision). I did as I was told, and low and behold, 400 yards along the wrong road, there was the missing Buddha, on top of another hill (no visible road up). I stopped a couple of times, and zoomed in on the image – I wasn’t going to be seen off.
If I hadn’t taken the wrong turning, I would never of had the opportunity to snap what I’d driven all of that way to see. It was little more than another con in my mind.
………………..to be continued/
Day 3 – 23 July 2023
Prach Phatthana Dam
Not a dam at all, but we knew that.
This was another of the main sites I’d been wanting to visit for many years. I’ve had a photo on the Desktop of my laptop for ages to remind me that I must visit one day.
- Latlee.jpg (35.55 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
We left the hotel, and immediately told to take a U-turn. U-turns were still figuring largely during this visit. It wasn’t too far to drive, and I found a parking space immediately, which was a bonus. It was wheelchair friendly as advertised, and it was exactly as I’d imagined it. Problem was, as with most attractions in Ratchaburi, it was very small. We’d walked the entire length in 5 minutes.
It was nice to see the giant dragon pot,
- IMG_8074.jpg (122.2 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
- IMG_8076.jpg (101.49 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
There were some very ornate light fittings along the length of the attraction.
- IMG_8112.jpg (101.91 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
The floating platforms were just that. I presumed they would be shops or restaurants (or both). Just covered platforms with the odd person fishing. Quite disappointing actually.
There were 2 levels to the main park area, but despite claiming to be wheelchair friendly, the lower level was only accessible via a lot of steps, so we didn’t bother. Access to the floating platforms was from the lower level, so we were excluded.
Wat Nong Hoi
This was always going to be a step too far for the wheelchair, but I wanted to give it a try anyway. The Thai Tourist guide states everybody who goes to Ratchaburi on holiday, goes here to worship. Well, what can I say? I had no intention of worshiping, but it was Wat Huay Mongkol on steroids. A cash collection system for the Thai Buddhist system. I have never liked Huay Mongkol for just that reason, but everything (to me, and I’m not trying to knock Thai religion) was geared to collecting money. The tourist bumf should have read, “Everybody who goes to Ratchaburi, goes here to donate money.”
The entire place was a con. The attraction is to visit the big Buddha on the hill. I drove up the hill as far as could, and it was immediately obvious it was not going to be suitable for the wheelchair. I left my wife in the car and went exploring alone.
- IMG_8114.jpg (218.48 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
- IMG_8121.jpg (136.76 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
- IMG_8124.jpg (147.18 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
There was a great view of the surrounding countryside from up here.
I eventually gave up trying to find the elusive Buddha image – it actually saddens me to see people parting with their money so freely. I found a route back to the car, and told my wife we were leaving without me snapping the Buddha I’d come to see.
As we were driving out, my satnav was saying turn right, then as I got to the junction it had a sudden change of mind and said turn left (this was quite a common occurrence around Ratchaburi, and often a bad decision). I did as I was told, and low and behold, 400 yards along the wrong road, there was the missing Buddha, on top of another hill (no visible road up). I stopped a couple of times, and zoomed in on the image – I wasn’t going to be seen off.
- IMG_8129.jpg (94.25 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
- IMG_8137.jpg (91.45 KiB) Viewed 1530 times
………………..to be continued/
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Part 5
Day 3 – 23 July 2023
Wat Aranyikkawas
This wasn’t a planned stop. I spotted it as I drove to Wat Nong Hoi. It was the huge reclining Buddha that attracted me. This place was in the middle of nowhere – certainly not on any tourist route. If you keep your eyes open, you often find little gems like this when driving around Thailand.
When we arrived, I just parked in a field, and we walked through an open gate. This was a modern temple with quite a few relics scattered around. There was just one monk sat there, reading a book, and we did see a Thai couple initially circling one of the relics with their hands in a preying position. Such a pleasure after the hustle and bustle of Wat Nong Hoi. We could just enjoy this place – not a begging bowl in sight.
We started off by looking at the 500 year old relic, which was obviously the focal point of this temple.
We then wandered through a door to see the giant reclining Buddha.
After that I took a couple of snaps of the ancient JDs (burial chambers) at the front of the temple. There had originally been 5, but only 2 remained.
Mai Thai Restaurant
The first place I’ve been in the last few days that didn’t involve doing a U-turn anywhere en-route. We were in old Ratchaburi – narrow streets and wooden terraced buildings. Quite beautiful in it’s own quirky way. There were plenty of photographs around the walls depicting this as a restaurant to the celebrities as well. I was actually wondering who else had sat in my seat before, and also were there any celebrities in tonight? A bit of a Bangkokian haunt methinks – I was hoping the prices didn’t reflect this.
What a special little restaurant this was. It didn’t feel Thai in any way. It was just different to anything I’ve been to in Thailand.
Food was really special as well. I pushed the boat out and had the steak (came with chips, egg, broccoli, sweetcorn, carrot and a salad garnish. Not sure what the steak sauce was, but it was lovely. Even my frozen chips were cooked to an acceptable level. My wife had Somtam, spare ribs and rice. We had a couple of soft drinks each, and I had chocolate ice-cream for sweet.
I was delighted when the bill came, and it was only 870฿. That would just about cover the steak in Hua Hin.
There was nice background music, but then a big surprise, a man turned up with his guitar and we had live music as well.
………………..to be continued/
Day 3 – 23 July 2023
Wat Aranyikkawas
This wasn’t a planned stop. I spotted it as I drove to Wat Nong Hoi. It was the huge reclining Buddha that attracted me. This place was in the middle of nowhere – certainly not on any tourist route. If you keep your eyes open, you often find little gems like this when driving around Thailand.
When we arrived, I just parked in a field, and we walked through an open gate. This was a modern temple with quite a few relics scattered around. There was just one monk sat there, reading a book, and we did see a Thai couple initially circling one of the relics with their hands in a preying position. Such a pleasure after the hustle and bustle of Wat Nong Hoi. We could just enjoy this place – not a begging bowl in sight.
We started off by looking at the 500 year old relic, which was obviously the focal point of this temple.
- IMG_8138.jpg (110.83 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
- IMG_8140.jpg (107.65 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
- IMG_8141.jpg (111.15 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
After that I took a couple of snaps of the ancient JDs (burial chambers) at the front of the temple. There had originally been 5, but only 2 remained.
Mai Thai Restaurant
The first place I’ve been in the last few days that didn’t involve doing a U-turn anywhere en-route. We were in old Ratchaburi – narrow streets and wooden terraced buildings. Quite beautiful in it’s own quirky way. There were plenty of photographs around the walls depicting this as a restaurant to the celebrities as well. I was actually wondering who else had sat in my seat before, and also were there any celebrities in tonight? A bit of a Bangkokian haunt methinks – I was hoping the prices didn’t reflect this.
What a special little restaurant this was. It didn’t feel Thai in any way. It was just different to anything I’ve been to in Thailand.
- Mai Thai Restaurant1.jpg (170.05 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
- Mai Thai Restaurant3.jpg (181.78 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
- Mai Thai Restaurant6.jpg (206.41 KiB) Viewed 1467 times
I was delighted when the bill came, and it was only 870฿. That would just about cover the steak in Hua Hin.
There was nice background music, but then a big surprise, a man turned up with his guitar and we had live music as well.
………………..to be continued/
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Part 6
Day 4 – 24 July 2023
The journey home did not involve any U-turns whatsoever. Quite an uneventful trip home in fact, with just one bit of excitement – a police roadblock at Petchaburi. I usually get waved straight through – they see the white skin, and don’t want to be bothered speaking English. Today seemed different, he was slowing every car down, before waving them through, but as each car passed, the officer seemed to be staring right at me. As I approached him, he waved me straight through, but pounced on the car directly behind me. Several officers immediately put traffic cones right around the vehicle. I guess I must have been feeling guilty, because he had been staring at the car directly behind me. Obviously, a tip off as he knew exactly what he was looking for.
Conclusion
A trip decided at very short notice, which went extremely well. I would estimate the 4 day trip including fuel, hotel, food and admission charges, I’d put the total cost at less than 6000฿ (<£150) – a bargain in anybody’s book. There was no restriction on what we were spending, either.
Yes, we were disappointed with some of the attractions, but you aren’t going to please all of the people all of the time. I had satisfied my curiosity to see a few things that had been on my to do list for a few years.
The best thing, Ratchaburi was incredibly cheap. We ate at 3 better than average restaurants whilst away, and the bills were hideously low, when compared to what they would have cost in Hua Hin. I didn’t expect it. but I ate Western cuisine each night, and it was good quality food (apart from the frozen chips, which I would normally avoid). If you combined some of the attractions I visited with maybe a trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you really have a half decent trip planned – definitely worth consideration.
Driving inside Ratchaburi was a challenge. So many U-turns, just to go straight. Many junctions are not just crossroads, there are often 5 or 6 roads at each junction, and the road markings do not necessarily give priority to the traffic on the main road – often, Thai interpretation of the road markings differed significantly to mine. Even with traffic lights they were very confusing. Strange, actually, I opened by saying I’ve been to Ratchaburi dozens of times, but this was the first time I’d encountered the U-turns or oversized junctions here.
For a town with a reputation for going to bed when the sun goes down, we did find quite a few late-night opening restaurants. I hadn’t stayed here since the start of Covid, and the restaurant scene had vastly improved during the Covid years.
We hit the jackpot with the weather. It absolutely poured down each night with thunder and lightning, but the days were dry, although humidity was very high.
As could be seen from yesterday’s visit to Wat Aranyikkawas, there are little ‘off the tourist track’ gems like that one everywhere. Just keep your eyes open whilst driving, and just pull over and have a look. I’ve never known anybody object to date. These places are often a little bit special in their own particular way.
Was Ratchaburi wheelchair friendly? Surprisingly, it was. This was despite only seeing one other wheelchair whilst we were there. The only places we couldn’t access were:
• Wat Nong Hoi – with the money they were collecting, and the amount of construction that had gone on, I’m sure they could have managed an escalator or elevator at little extra cost. After all, many monks are in their twilight years and often need assistance.
• The lower level of Prach Phatthana Dam – this entire area was advertised as wheelchair accessible, but we could only get to 50%.
Of course. This is Thailand and pushing a wheelchair along any pavement is a challenge with street vendors, trees and hideously high kerbs.
The air-conditioning only gave up the once in the car – no idea why. I haven’t bothered to have it checked out since returning to Hua Hin.
The most impressive visit of the trip was the Khao Bin Cave. I’ve never been in such a dark, large, empty space alone before. In fact, thinking about it afterwards, if I’d known how dark and lonely it was, I probably wouldn’t have bothered without a companion. However, it was brilliant, and I’d recommend it to anybody, but practice your limbo dancing first.
The most disappointing was Wat Nong Hoi for reasons already stated.
Truly Unseen Thailand. If you’re looking for a budget trip away, Ratchaburi is definitely worth consideration.
A glutton for punishment, I'm off to Ratchaburi again this evening for the footie
Day 4 – 24 July 2023
The journey home did not involve any U-turns whatsoever. Quite an uneventful trip home in fact, with just one bit of excitement – a police roadblock at Petchaburi. I usually get waved straight through – they see the white skin, and don’t want to be bothered speaking English. Today seemed different, he was slowing every car down, before waving them through, but as each car passed, the officer seemed to be staring right at me. As I approached him, he waved me straight through, but pounced on the car directly behind me. Several officers immediately put traffic cones right around the vehicle. I guess I must have been feeling guilty, because he had been staring at the car directly behind me. Obviously, a tip off as he knew exactly what he was looking for.
Conclusion
A trip decided at very short notice, which went extremely well. I would estimate the 4 day trip including fuel, hotel, food and admission charges, I’d put the total cost at less than 6000฿ (<£150) – a bargain in anybody’s book. There was no restriction on what we were spending, either.
Yes, we were disappointed with some of the attractions, but you aren’t going to please all of the people all of the time. I had satisfied my curiosity to see a few things that had been on my to do list for a few years.
The best thing, Ratchaburi was incredibly cheap. We ate at 3 better than average restaurants whilst away, and the bills were hideously low, when compared to what they would have cost in Hua Hin. I didn’t expect it. but I ate Western cuisine each night, and it was good quality food (apart from the frozen chips, which I would normally avoid). If you combined some of the attractions I visited with maybe a trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you really have a half decent trip planned – definitely worth consideration.
Driving inside Ratchaburi was a challenge. So many U-turns, just to go straight. Many junctions are not just crossroads, there are often 5 or 6 roads at each junction, and the road markings do not necessarily give priority to the traffic on the main road – often, Thai interpretation of the road markings differed significantly to mine. Even with traffic lights they were very confusing. Strange, actually, I opened by saying I’ve been to Ratchaburi dozens of times, but this was the first time I’d encountered the U-turns or oversized junctions here.
For a town with a reputation for going to bed when the sun goes down, we did find quite a few late-night opening restaurants. I hadn’t stayed here since the start of Covid, and the restaurant scene had vastly improved during the Covid years.
We hit the jackpot with the weather. It absolutely poured down each night with thunder and lightning, but the days were dry, although humidity was very high.
As could be seen from yesterday’s visit to Wat Aranyikkawas, there are little ‘off the tourist track’ gems like that one everywhere. Just keep your eyes open whilst driving, and just pull over and have a look. I’ve never known anybody object to date. These places are often a little bit special in their own particular way.
Was Ratchaburi wheelchair friendly? Surprisingly, it was. This was despite only seeing one other wheelchair whilst we were there. The only places we couldn’t access were:
• Wat Nong Hoi – with the money they were collecting, and the amount of construction that had gone on, I’m sure they could have managed an escalator or elevator at little extra cost. After all, many monks are in their twilight years and often need assistance.
• The lower level of Prach Phatthana Dam – this entire area was advertised as wheelchair accessible, but we could only get to 50%.
Of course. This is Thailand and pushing a wheelchair along any pavement is a challenge with street vendors, trees and hideously high kerbs.
The air-conditioning only gave up the once in the car – no idea why. I haven’t bothered to have it checked out since returning to Hua Hin.
The most impressive visit of the trip was the Khao Bin Cave. I’ve never been in such a dark, large, empty space alone before. In fact, thinking about it afterwards, if I’d known how dark and lonely it was, I probably wouldn’t have bothered without a companion. However, it was brilliant, and I’d recommend it to anybody, but practice your limbo dancing first.
The most disappointing was Wat Nong Hoi for reasons already stated.
Truly Unseen Thailand. If you’re looking for a budget trip away, Ratchaburi is definitely worth consideration.
A glutton for punishment, I'm off to Ratchaburi again this evening for the footie
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
thanks for this report. I enjoyed a lot !
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Wat Nong Hoi,
I've always wondered about that temple. Occasionally, I go by it on the way to Royal Ratchaburi Golf Course which is maybe 2-3kms further east.
As a sight, it is impressive but I've only used it as a landmark for the golf course and am glad I've never had the occasion to get fleeced.
The golf course is a gem though.
I've always wondered about that temple. Occasionally, I go by it on the way to Royal Ratchaburi Golf Course which is maybe 2-3kms further east.
As a sight, it is impressive but I've only used it as a landmark for the golf course and am glad I've never had the occasion to get fleeced.
The golf course is a gem though.
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
I'd never heard of it before last week. Thais may love it, but for me, it was quite awful. As you drive, do you realise the main Buddha is actually separated from the rest of the complex? I certainly never twigged on the way there.
Championship Stoke City 3 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Points 48; Position 20
Points 48; Position 20
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
No, didn't realise that.
It just looks impressive from the main road and is a landmark.
I have seen those "decrepit rooms" from the road and I always thought "well, someone is happy and pumping money into something. There must be loads of monks etc"
Your photos put me straight.
It just looks impressive from the main road and is a landmark.
I have seen those "decrepit rooms" from the road and I always thought "well, someone is happy and pumping money into something. There must be loads of monks etc"
Your photos put me straight.
Re: Ratchaburi - Trip/Photo Report
Top trip report. Need to get on the road again!
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson