Friend:Where should we go out for 3 days holiday?

Me: Ratchaburi

Friend: What are you going to do there? for engagement?

Me: No, I am going to Ratchaburi for travelling.

Friend: What tourist attractions are there in Ratchaburi?

If talking about Ratchaburi, many of you would think that Ratchaburi is only the passing way to other provinces or Suan Phueng would be first priority attractive place to visit. But, actually Ratchaburi has many attractive places. If you want to know other interesting places there, let follow me now. I departure from Lopburi, passing through Sing Buri , Suphanburi, Nakhon Pathom and go straight to Ratchaburi. My first destination is starting at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located at Damnoen Saduak district. It's an ancient market which was canalized according to King Rama 5's idea because he saw traffic in the area with no roads connecting to other districts. This canal is connecting to Tha Chin and Mae Kong River. It takes about two years to canalize the river.

I have known Damnoen Saduak Floating Market since I was a child and I think this place must be a starting point and prototype of many market that called themselves as a "floating market".

I have not been to this floating market for a long time. I remember last time I come here, I see small and big paddle boats which belong to mongers and travelers. They are trading in the Damnoen Saduak canal. The traffic seems going smoothly in the canal at that time and after that a boat driver takes me downstream along the small canal to see local people lifestyle, climbing the coconut tree and the process of making coconut-palm sugar

Recently, traffic in the canal is considered as congested due to the number of tourists are increasing every day. The goods are sell on boat and land. The goods selling are souvenirs, snacks and appetizers, including Barbecued red pork in sauce with rice, Fried pork crackling, Kuay Jap, Noodle, Rice, Grilled squid , grilled prawns, dumpling, fried rice banana fritters and various types of fruits.

This floating market opens every day around 6.00 am. to around 11.00 pm

I have a chance to talk with mongers who sell souvenirs and ask her that do many tourists like this every day or not? and she says tourists are visiting here every day but mostly a great number on weekend and if you like walking peacefully in an old floating market, you should better walk to the end of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market ,then you will see the bridge crossing to Lao Tak Lak Floating Market. After listening to her words then I go across to the other side to see Lao Tak Lak Floating Market.

The atmosphere of Lao Tak Lak Floating Market is so different from the atmosphere of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, can't believe that crossing the bridge to another side of the chaotic canal is a peaceful place. Trading at Lao Tak Lak Floating Market is mostly on land. Not many store open here, from my observation, there are stores selling Pat Thai, Vietnamese Crispy Pancakes, Noodle and souvenirs.

I have my meal at Lao Tak Lak Floating Market. I order Yen Ta Four Tom Yum with egg, its taste is good without adding more ingredient. Moreover, there is Tom Som noodle also, but I don't taste it. Lao Tak Lak market opens only on Saturday and Sunday morning.

While I am heading from Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to Ratchaburi province, I accidentally see a sign leading to ST.Anthony Church Donmottanoi. So, I take time to visit it.

You would barely see the church when driving into the market area because in front of the church there is a set up of a permanent tent which overlays the visibility of the church. If you want to see the outside of the church, it can be seen only from the lateral.

Inside of the church, Although it looks simple, but it's hidden with magical.

I don't have any information about this church although I try to find it from Google but there is not detail telling about the story and history of this place. I just know that when Christmas comes, many Christians are gathering here.

From ST.Anthony Church Donmottanoi, I heading to Wat Phleng District to see another elegant church, it's named Haruethai Church; Wat Phleng.

It's a compact church, not so big and so small, it's Laver color with a delicate pattern with white stucco which I can't take my eyes out off it, it's mesmerize me to walk and observe around the church.

There is a label at the church's door mentions that this place is rewarded as an outstanding conservation of architectural monuments and temples from The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in the year 2006.

This church is decorated by the western style of Gothic architecture. The arches and stained glass windows are magnificently decorated. The wall is well painted behind the altar, it's so beautiful. The structure is a wall makes of brick and lime, bearing a weight and pass down to a foundation wood piles.

I think Haruethai Church is beautiful like Maephra Patisonti Niramon Church at Chantaburi. This church is prominent in the use of stained glass to design an arch windows and add the charm patterns on the church's wall on the outside. I highly recommend this place to people who pass through Wat Phleng district that you should not miss to visit it. I guarantee that if you have a chance to visit this place, you would be definitely feel very impressed.

After visit Haruethai Church, you can also visit Bang Nok Kwaek but I just had been there so I cut it off from my plan this time. I pass through the town and heading to the route that leading to Chom Bueng district but on the way I need to recharge my energy by having meal at Kai Yang Wi Chain Buri before I adventure to Khao Bin Cave.

Khao Bin Cave is an attraction place located in the National Reserve Forest area. The cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. This cave is about 20 kilometers away from the city, a road sign is posted clearly.

From the parking lot we have to walk for about another 200 meters to reach the cave. A ticket point is at the entrance of the cave. Admission fee is 20 baht, there is also a local guide to service you too. But I have already found detail about the cave , so it have no need to use the service.

While walking through the cave, I see many travelers walking out of the cave's mouth. Each of them is so sweaty. I can also feel the heat inside the cave when standing at the mouth of the cave.

There are 8 large rooms in the cave. Each room is named according to stalactites and stalagmites formed.

This is the first room named Ar Kan Tu Ka Hall, it's a living room that use to welcome visitors with emerging of stalagmites and stalactites. It's said that whoever comes into this room is so lucky, being authority and surround by many friends. Sorrow will go away if you walk through this room. According to my information, it's said that there is a face of one old man on the cave's wall. I try looking for it but I can't find it out.

The pathway is considered as convenient but also I have to be careful of the slippery from the a small water dripping from the cave wall. The light in the cave is not dark, you can see a stalactites and stalagmites along the route.

The second room is named Si Wa Sa Tharn. According to the information, it's said that whoever touches the monolithic pillar of the Holy's Cave, you will be happy, wish will come true, sickness are instantly gone and a good opportunity fortunately come to you immediately. But, I don't agree with an advertisement that persuade people to touch the pillar. Normally, Eco-tourism will not touch thing that create naturally at all, specially stalagmites and stalactites in the cave, it must not be touch by hands at all because it would turn black or in worse case it would be dead ( When your hand touch the rock it would stop proliferation or lopping).

The third room is named Tarn A No Dat, stalactite in the cave resemble a limestone waterfall that flows down to visitors.The cave walls are Cave Grape and stalactite that looks like underwater coral reefs.

The forth room is named Sa khun Chat Ku Ha, the cave wall shapes like a bird spreading its wings which becomes the name of this cave. Ancient believes that whoever see it, has a longsighted like the king of eagle.

The fifth room is Tae Wa Sa Pa Sa Mo Sorn Satharn. There is a large tons of Columnar Pillar. Behind the Columnar Pillar, there is a rock that resemble an emerging waterfall. People believe that this place is a gathering community of the manitu in the cave. People believe that whoever visit this room, they will have a prosperity future, no suffer and brilliant brain.

The sixth room is named Kin Nor La Tat Sa Na or Kin Na Lee Tad Sa Na. This wall's room is a white color. People believe that whoever see it would have a long life and they will be praised. In this room, there is also a turtle limestone and a sacred spring that never dry and it's being used as a holy water of the famous preacher.

The seventh room is Pruksa Him Ma Pan. the one who discovers this room imagine that this stalagmite is simple as a bat spread its wing. I try to imagine it but I can not see any point that look like a bat at all. A rocky garden is on the other side of the room. Many tree are in stalactite and Columnar Pillar shape. People believe that whoever traveling to this room will have a lovely house, being loved and their offspring can reply on them.

Now come to the eighth room, it is named Tuai Tape Natural Park. People believe that this is a conference room of a holy of the cave. Tourists like to worship here because they believe that they will have a good fortune, get away from suffering and disease.

When observing inside of the cave, I recommend you to follow the stated route, don't get out off the way because you can get lost. The air inside the cave is extremely hot, not different from Sauna. My shirt get soaked with sweat and when I reach the cave mouth, I have to take a deep breath otherwise I would have fainted.

I think the stalactite in the cave is beautiful but the lighting at some point is not elaborated. Some of the light is beautifully setting up. But, It would be more beautiful if the lights are put between the rock, it would become more attractive.

Before I head to the next destination, I have to change my cloth first because the shirt is getting wet. So, if I sit in the car, a car seat would also get wet too.

I use a direct road to get me back to Ratchaburi again and visit a Khao Ngu Stone Park before I enter the city.

Khao Ngu Stone Park originally is a rock blasting area and an important rock crushing in Thailand since Rattanakosin period. After that the government and populace see the decline of the terrain so they cancel the blasting concession then its becomes an abandoned and poor mine.

After I drive around Khao Ngu Stone Park, it can obviously see that this place is not quite popular so they let unwanted weed grow. There is also a group of monkeys, people who passing this place can also feed them.

Next I would like to close the trip of today at this ceramic factory, Tao Hong Tai.

This factory have running the business for almost 80 years. Producing of pottery and ceramic products like earthen jar.They currently remodel of the products to have more contemporary look. Adding more color and makes it outstanding. Product ranges are pots, vases, jars, tables, chairs, dolls that use to decorate a garden.

In front of the garden there is a coffee shop which is decorated by a colorful tiles, waiting to welcome visitors. ,whoever feeling hot can take a rest there. And for those who like to take a photo, there are also many cool corners for you to take and share your pictures with your friends.

Next to the garden is a ceramic factory. Visitors can go inside and see the manufacturing process. In front of the factory, there are finished goods waiting for selling, you can buy it if pleased right there. The price range starts from hundred up to thousand baht.

Today trip makes me so exhausted. I feel so exhausted since I get out of the cave. So, I want to take a rest right now. I choose SPACE59 for accommodation of tonight. The hotel I stay tonight is booked from Agoda. Total expense for 1 room which including hotel tax and service charge is 800 baht/room.

The hotel is quite new. There is an open space for 20 mins parking. If many guest are checking in, outside the hotel can also park for not more than 10 cars.

Hotel's decoration is an Arts style, I really like it.

The Lobby has an area for guests to sit and relax while Check in/Check out, including sipping some coffee.

After Check in, I then ask the price for Walk in customer. The answer hurts me a lot because if you Walk in, the price is 750 Baht, 50 Baht cheaper than booking from Agoda. If you are interested to stay here, I recommend that you should better book a room directly via phone (032-315559)

Close to the Lobby is a door going to lift and stairway. A big little bear is standing there to welcome you at the door.

When open the door and enter the area, on the left hand is a coffee corner. This place has no Breakfast service but provides a coffee corner instead for the whole day and also provides a free bread for morning time.

Lift is at the opposite side of the coffee corner. You can also do some exercise by walking up the stairway and see different decoration style on each floor.

I stay at 6th floor, the top floor.

There is a living space on the 6th floor too.

Let's see the accommodation, there are 2 types of room which are Superior and Duplex, all together are 59 rooms.

I choose Superior style, it looks simple but Chic style. Facilities are television, refrigerate, air conditioner, phone. There is no closet but a space for hanging clothes, including a table to sit and write books or playing on notebook here. A signal of Free Wi-fi here is strength enough.

Bath room is located at the end of the room. Separate wet and dry by a glass mirror. There are 2 types of showers and rinse spray is also provided.

You can sniff a good air by walking out to the balcony at the back of the room to see the view.

The hotel provides a Firm pillow, hairdryer, strip, Iphone charger, including bicycle are all available at the center area. If customer want to use it, they can contact staffs at the lobby. The service provides to first come, first serve customer.

I reach there when the Sun set. The sky is changing its color so I decide to settle down here and capture a last rays at the back porch of the room.

I go out to have dinner at Clock Tower Night Market near Mae Klong river after take some rest.

There are many stores at night market and there is also a market street outside.

Mae Klong river is located next to the night market. When walking down the ladder, there is many massagists ,ready for neck and foot massage. The price is 120 Baht/hour.

Another Art corner is located at the Mae Klong side. After feeling full of eating dinner, I have to go back to the hotel to take more rest and be ready for the next day.

After having breads and Ovaltine as a snack which are provided by the hotel in the morning, now I am ready to start my journey.

My first destination of my second day is at the Ratchaburi National Museum.

The museum building was built in the reign of King Rama 6, it used to be the city hall before. Later it's transformed into the National Museum in 1989. The exhibition inside is telling story about the history, archaeology, local art of Ratchaburi. But since I have limited time, I have not visit the inside, just take a picture of the atmosphere outside the museum only.

Near the national museum, there is one row of old houses with a nice Lucky Cat painted on the door.

I continue my journey to Tao Hong Tai Art Gallary: d Kunst ( Kunst is a German word means art) which is located next to the national museum.

Originally the house here is building up with a Manila style. We assume that it's built since the end of King Rama 5 which considered as an old house building of Ratchaburi. Recently Tao Hong Tai then restores to a contemporary art gallery and is dedicated as an art and education-based community. This art gallery divides into 3 floors.

The outside ladder lead us to the 2th floor, there is a living corner for reading books or chi-chat and a small cafe is opened there too.

There is another room next to it for sit back and relax.

The upper floor is an art galleries, takes turn showing a contemporary arts of artists. The period I go there is showing an embroidery theme.

The ground floor is a library.

This national art gallery is located near Mae Klong River, It's setting beside the National Museum of Ratchaburi. People can sit there in their free time.

After that I hurriedly heading to Photharam District to watch a big performance of shadow puppet show at Wat Kanon which the show starts around 11.00 am.

There are 3 important points at Wat Kanon, the first point is sanctuary, it's located in front of the temple.

The second point is a Nang Yai Theater of Wat Kanon, the show is available at 10.00 am and 11.00 am on Sunday, only 1 round per day. Nang Yai show is considered as a Thai cultural treasure which is regarded as a high class show. The show is including variety of arts such as the art of designing an exquisite mural Thai pattern mix together with exquisite craftsmanship and sculptor. The show is also feature in art of dancing, the movement of tempered actor according to the story, accompany with a dubbing, tale, singing and playing a classical Thai orchestra which generate and create an aesthetic story.

I hear the Wai Kru ceremony before the show which hold behind the scene. After that classical Thai orchestra will play an overture during the ceremony before the show begins. Then MC will be on stage and tell the history of a Nang Yai Show.

Ramayana is a show for today, listening to a dramatic musical, Thai folk song and folk-tale along with a delicate dance moves, especially a drift show which makes 45 minute of the show goes very fast. Nang Yai show is free, not request for any fee but there is a donating box for helping to restore the show at the back of the hall. After watching the show, I personally think that 100 Baht is not too much for this exquisite show and seldom seen a show like this.

The last important point of Wat Kanon that you must not miss is a Nang Yai Museum which is located at the opposite side of the theater.

There is an exhibition to honor His Majesty the King.

A bronze statue of Pha Kru Sat Tha Suen Thorn (Luang Pu Kom) who originates the carve on leather.

Many old sculptures are displayed here.

Sa Mud Koi, the paper made of peel of Uricaceae. It had been used since Sukhothai to the beginning of Rattanakosin period. It is a long single folding paper, a folding back and forth book. The page is called "Pha Nerk", 1 book contains around 20-40 Pha Nerk.

A picture of Phra Bod, the word Bod comes from Pali language which is called Phra Ta which means fabric sheet. So a picture of Phra Bod means a picture of Buddha or a Buddha's story which is painted on the fabric sheet by powder color.

A Swan pole is counted as a symbol of Wat Mon. Wat Mon must have a swan pole because Mon peple believe that swan is related to the legend and history of Hongsawadee city which is a prosperous capital city of Mon territory before they was beaten by Myanmar in 1757.

This house is a showcase of leathers, gradually began to build up in the period of King Rama.5 by Luang Pu Korm. He persuaded to assemble many technicians to create Hanuman Ramayana and then create 9 more sets. Presently, all leathers are 133 sets.

The main leather mostly comes from cow skin and carve it according to character in the story. An important character is Nang Jao or Nang Kru which is a character that uses in Wai Kru ceremony, that 3 important characters are hermit, Lord Shiva and Pha Narai. A cow leather that is being used to create characters is come from a leather of a cow that simultaneously died with their child while pregnant or is bitten by a tiger or is killed by lightening strike. But if they really can not find a cow's skin, a tiger's and bear's skin will be used instead. Creator must wear white cloth and observe 8 religious precepts, write and paint it within 1 day but for other show, buffalo's skin is used to make it.

Each leather that are displaying in the museum will be attached with a light box, it makes leathers looks more lively.While observing the museum, I am so doubt that why every leather has been using for very long time but the showing one still looks very new. Then our guide answers my doubt by closing a light behind the leather so that I can clearly see its archaic layout.

This is a leather of Pha Narai Song Suban which is incarnate character of Pha Ram. This character uses 4 leather of cows which have 3.15 meter high. It takes 2 days to finish it and is considered as the biggest leather in the world.

H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn appreciates a value of the Nang Yai show. It is her idea to conserve all 313 leathers and manipulate a new one to use instead. Silpakorn University responsible for making all main leathers and give it to H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and she then gives it to Wat Kanon to use in the next show. Please notices that there is a hand writing of our princess on it too.

A sprawling branch of Chan-In tree is planted at the terrace protruding from the museum, it makes shady to the place. I am not sure that this area is being used for practicing the show or not because what I watch from tv show, this place is used for teaching Nang Yai show.

Board of UNESCO, declared "The Inheritance and Restoration of Wat Khanon" to receive reward from UNESCO and is honored to be part of 6 best communities of the world which provides a great work in conserving and restoring intangible cultural heritage. I feel so proud of Wat Khanon and recommend people who visit Ratchaburi should not miss to visit Wat Kanon and should well plan of the time schedule to see the show. That should be worth visiting this place.

I go out of the temple in the afternoon so I have lunch at Photharam ancient market, ordering Beef noodle and Fried noodle.

Now let's take some rest with a cool drink at "Do Nom", a cool cafe at Photharam. This store has both indoor and outdoor seat. Many beautiful corners for photo taking in a green garden.

After taking rest for a while, we are heading toward to our next destination which is Wat Kong Ka Ram which is located not far away from the ancient market.

Wat Kong Ka Ram is a Mon temple. We assume that it was built during Ayudthaya and Thonburi period, it was built by Phaya Mon. This temple was flourish during King Rama 4 period and was also supported by Jao Jom Marnda Kin and gave it to Monastery. The important archaeological site inside of Wat Kong Ka Ram is this acne. It's surrounding of 7 Mon pagodas which are a representative of all 7 Phaya Mon..

The front door makes of teak wood with a delicate design and an very old mural painted on the it.

In the chapel, there is a mural aged around not less than 250 years. The picture is about a background of Buddha that facing with devils and the difference levels of heaven, the picture of the Buddha's past which is sitting on a throne, the picture of Buddha's history and Buddha Jataka. These pictures are painted since the beginning of Rattanakosin period. This murals are rarely seen nowadays. I heard that this place is the first choice for whose who study mural to come and copy from the original picture here.

I actually have another program at Photharam which is Wat Tum Nam but after calculating my time, if I go there it would take around 1.30 to 2 hours but because the time is limited so I have to cut this plan off and heading to Nakhon Pathom. The place I book for accommodation is Kamonthara Apartment.

Kamonthara Apartment. is located near Sanam Chandra Palace at the lotus pond's side. I book this room via Agoda again. All together the cost, including hotel tax and service charge is around 800 Baht/room and because of my curiosity, so I ask for the Walk in price. The Walk in price is again 50 Baht cheaper than Agoda ( no breakfast and free coffee service here).

The room is wide enough. Refrigerator, T.V., closet, table, air condition and Free Wi-Fi are all provided

After recharge my energy, then I am heading to Phra Pathom Chedi.

Phra Pathom Chedi is one of the oldest sacred place in Thailand. Presumably built during the reign of Phra Jao Ashoka and later when King Rama4 entered the priesthood and hiked here, he saw a 84 meter tall of pagoda. So when he leave his brotherhood and got the throne, he requested to built up a new pagoda to cover the old one. The original one has 120 and 45 centimeter tall. It was built simultaneously with the Cloister and terrace surrounding it but he passed away before the construction finished. Later, King Rama 5 requested to restore and built a belfry and decorated with tiles. After that King Rama 6 requested to restore the grand monastery, painted the original pagoda and other pictures on the wall. Demolished a temple porch in the north side and rebuilt to place Phra Ruang Road there.

Phra Ruang Road, his full name called Phra Ruang Road Sri Inthraratid Tummopat Mahawicharavut Ratpuchanibopit. It is the attitude of persuading the relatives not to quarrel, a Buddha of Sukhothai style, standing on a brass metal base with inverted lotus pattern. The face is long, conical jaw, hand and foot finger are disparate.

The right hand is swag down to his body side, unfold and erect the right hand protrude forward his chest which is a prohibit act, the gut stick out, clad a thin robe cover and enclose his body. His face turns to north way and his height is measuring from foot to head is 7.42 meter or around 12 cubit and 4 inch long. It makes up of brass with 100 picul weight which Thai Buddhism people generally worship him.

Phra Pathom Chedi is a big inverted bell-shaped pagoda, a big base, The structure is a timber tied with a large lope, a masonry structure decorated with tiles over it. Sanctuaries are located in 4 directions and 2 layers of glass wall which enshrined relics of the Buddha.

Reclining Buddha image for worship.

A glass wall, there is a Chinese doll locating at the entrance along the way.

A dusking atmosphere is also beautiful

I am looking for dinner around the night market, in front of the temple. There are many stores open here. Each store has many customers. This meal I want to have oysters fried in egg batter for my dinner. So I go and observe and find out that there are 3 stores selling this menu. So, I ask other monger for their advise to choose which store is the most delicious one. Then mongers recommend this store for me. So I sit and wait but the result is there are so many queues. The monger says if I can wait then just wait because right now there are still around 30 dishes pending to order. I personally want to sit and wait at the table but there is no available table at all. Then I have to surrender ordering for this store and find another store instead.

I have in mind that Nakhon Pathom people is not cooking for dinner but rely on buying many foods from the night market.

I am not full but I can't continuously stand and wait for the queue so I drive my car out and find some snack to eat. Lastly I eat Japanese food at the side walk and go back to hotel.

In the evening period, in front of my accommodation, near a lotus pond, a small restaurant is opening and showing a live music. So, I just sit and feel atmosphere, listening to music before I go to sleep.

Morning of the last day I have a travel program that like " Sur Sing Kating Rad Hong", Hongkong Mafia Movie
with a Chiniese style in Thailand at Wat Samphran.

This temple is a popular of seeking peace of mind and come to practice the dharma and ordain Brahmin. When stepping into this temple I can feel shady and cool from a large, small flowers and trees. Every place in here
has Latent slant to remind visitors's consciousness as well such as a tile walkway of footprint , each row has are 8 pairs, warning that we need Mak or the way to extinguish sorrow (Noble Eightfold Path). Noble Eightfold Path is a right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right deliberation.

and what I come to see here is an elegance of a giant dragon, rotates around a red dominant 17 floors towering , known as "Gutiroipadgayjiajarn Mangkorntagaifha Saolakpakkamfah " or simply known as
"Mang Korn Pan Rak". Inside the dragon there is the pathway up to the building, a total distance of 300 meter. But it seems like the temple is not allowed to go to the top floor, but can walk around downstairs.

Going out from the Sampan , I'm heading to Bangpama district, Supanbuli to find a retro atmosphere in Talad Gao Hong 100 years. This is my second time. This time the old market has renovated in the landscape around Tha Chin River but some of the traditional houses start molder and dilapidated.

Tarad Gao Hong's feature is a 2 floor wooden house form a long row, facing each other, located near Suphan River or Tha Chin River. It's built since Early King Rama 5 period. In the past the wooden house is used as an exchange goods of Thai-Chinese community.

An old women takes me walk to the side of Tha Chin River and point out to let me see the traditional Thai houses across the street. Then she says that that house is the original of the word "Gao Hong, nine rooms." "Gao Hong", its building style is based on the length of the house, the house pole is arranged in 10 rows. 2 rows are deemed as 1 pole or 1 slot. The house that has 10 rows is called 9 pole or 9 slots. Too bad I forget to take the photo of the house.

Right now I am at Tarad Gao Hong, If anyone like to eat traditional recipe of Chinese pastry (Kanom PIA). I suggest that you should not miss a famous TANGGUIGI Shop. There are variety of stuffs for you to choose, such as black bean, red bean, hatch and hatch mixed with bean. Price range are starting from 10 baht, 25 baht ,50 baht and up to 100 baht. I have to say that the stuffed are cramming within Kanom PIA. I think this pastry's quality is high and worth paying for the price. The important point is that I guarantee that you will get a fresh dessert back home because the shop makes fresh everyday. Besides a Chinese pastry, here are also many traditional recipes of desserts such as Kanom Buahima , Kanom Pla , Kanom Tao, Kanom Go-on , selling at 10 baht per/pack only. Unfortunately, that day I buy too less, hoping that one day I will come back here to buy these things again .

I like this market because the place is not crowded of people , and this is a real local market area that is being used as a residence and trading, not the capitalists from other provinces to set up shop on specific day on Saturday and Sunday. I recommend you guys to hanging out here .

On the right side is a community of Tarat Gao Hong which I can see a robber watching tower from here. Even though time changes so fast but time can not change environment and life style of local people here.

From Gao Hong Market, I am heading to downtown of Suphan Buri to see Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. I just come here in the end of 2014, when the temple is restoring PhaPang Prathan ,and that trip I miss seeing one of the important point of this temple which is Wat Faet.

Here is my review in the year 2014 at Suphanburi

http://pantip.com/topic/33062286

twins temple

Today, Phaprang Prathan has already finish restored .

And this is the temple of Wat Faet, which is adjacent to the Phaprang Phatarn. Phaprang Phatarn has been restored as well but it does not remain enchanted anymore. The original temple is very old, sharing the same pillar ,facing each other. Inside the temple is a statue of The attitude of subduing Mara Buddha but it's close when I arrived.

This is a picture of Viharn Faet before its restored, CR : written in the picture.

I am heading to Sam Chuk District. There is a restaurant named " Kung Pen" on the left side of the road, approximately 2 km before reaching Sam Chuk crossroad. I visit here to recharge my energy first before I get to the destination.

Restaurant named " Kong Pen" is implied that this restaurant's outstanding food is a seafood. Shrimps here sell at Kilo. There are small,medium,large, it depends on customer satisfaction. After select the shrimp size as desired, now it depends on what menu you want to eat whether a grill shrimp or hot spicy shrimp. You can order it as you like.

Another recommend menu is a fish category. This meal I select a Soft Fried Fish with Garlic. I can say that garlic here is very intense. Restaurant dipping it with a flour and fry. It looks like crackling.

I finish my meal today with a a spicy deep fried Ivy Gourd. A sheet of Ivy Gourd is fried with a small fried shrimp putting on it. It's served with a spicy sauce. I actually don't appreciate this menu, I think the sauce is too clear. If they change from fried shrimp to boil one and add a raw mango with minced pork in it, I think this menu would be more interesting.

After the main dishes, there is a free watermelon provided by the restaurant. I think this restaurant is okay, the taste and price are acceptable. I am stuffed now but I have no time to take some more rest because I have to visit Sam Chuk market.

Sam Chuk market is declared as a 100-year-old conservative historical market. It is located on the bank of Tha Chin River. My last visit is in the end of the year 2014, so this time I just strolling and buy some souvenir back home.

Sam Chuk district office

Many stores for shopping and food tasting.

When arriving at Sam Chuk, don't forget to eat Rice wrapped in Lotus leaf, a famous food here, you would be regret if you miss it. Moreover, Tiew Yum Bok and Fish curry in babana leaves is also a famous delicious food here.

I am stuffed and souvenirs are bought so this mean that my goal is achieved. It's time to heading back now. I use the same route which is passing through Nang Buat- Hai Si Hu - Sing Buri - Lopburi. When arriving at Hai Si Hu, I see a sign leading to Tao Pao Mae Nam Noi, so I decide to visit this place for a while because it not dark yet.

Tao Pao Mae Nam Noi is located at Wat Phra Pang(Channasut). It is a source of the largest earthenware in Sukhothai period. Entering this building, you will see the exhibition showing a sample of various earthenware which dig up from around Tao Pao Mae Nam Noi.

This building is built to cover a kiln.

An appearance of the kiln in this building is the oven has an oblique way of releasing its heat. It was built by a brick, its body similar to a boat top(Pa tun) so it's called " Tao PaTun". The kiln is large, length is 14 meters long , 5.60 meter wide and diameter of the chimney is 2.15 meter long. It's used to produce pottery, such as earthen jar, basin,mortar, a small earthen pot, gable apex(Chofah) and floor tiles.

Let's take a look at the size of the kiln which is placed at the right side of the picture and comparing with a numbers of pottery, then you will see how big this kiln is.

There are sample fragments of broken pottery placed on the kiln.

A replica of Tao Pa Tun

The side of building exhibit another 2 furnaces which are smaller than the one in the building

This archaeological site is not only an important cultural heritage site, this place is also one of the most important academic center of ceramic in the world.

Travelling to Ratchaburi this time makes me feel that Ratchaburi has many interesting places which just 2 days and 1 night is not enough for you to a wonderful trip visiting it. I don't want you guys to think that Ratchaburi is just a city to past through only. I recommend you to spend your day at Ratchaburi then you will know that "Ratchaburi" really has a lot more interesting places to visit.