Ratchaburi,
a province famous for its water jars, has some well-preserved
temples.Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat features some
stucco designs that retain much of their original
beauty. Wat Khao Wang was originally built as a
residence for King Chulalongkorn, and later turned
into a temple on a hill overlooking the town. Wat
Khongkharam in Photharam District is a classic Mon
temple, with beautiful murals in the main hall dating
back 200 years. |
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Most
visitors stop by to enjoy Damnoen Saduak Floating Market,
one of the most-photographed sights in Thailand.
Originally a working market, it is now a major tourist
attraction, with small boats filled with produce are
on sale daily - usually to the visitors. Boat
tours of the surrounding tiny canals give fascinating
views of rural life.
Rayong
is famous for Sunthorn Phu, Thailand's most notable poet,
with a picturesque park in his honour, and for its
great fruit orchards. Come May and June, the province
is awash in succulent pomelo, rambutan, durian and jackfruit.
Most
people head for Samet island, renowned for its white sandy
beaches, irregular shaped rocks and clear waters.
Part of a marine national park, the island's beaches
are clean and relaxing along the East Coast, with Sai
Kaeo and Wong Duan the most popular. The island
has bungalow accommodation and restaurants, with
good diving at its southern tip.
Boats
for the island leave regularly from the
fishing village of Ban Phe, where Sopha
Botanical Gardens has a great variety of
trees and plants, plus some pleasant
old Thai houses. |
The long stretch of Mae Ramphung Beach
with
a
gentle slope makes it a popular place to
relax
On
the border with Chanthaburi, Khao Chamao-Khao
Wong National Park contains two forested
mountains, with many waterfalls and caves,
that connects to Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary.
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