Exploring Ratchaburi and Petchaburi’s Undiscovered Sites

Originally lived somewhere between Northern Vietnam and Laos and spread throughout Southern China downward to Malaysia. These indigenous people first immigrated to Thailand during the reign of King Taksin the Great who conquered Vientiane and herded the defeated population to Ratchaburi & Petchaburi where people now inhibit and make a living by weaving traditional cloth.

Tai Song Dum go global with Leicester City; the UK-based football team owned by Thai Tycoon weaved the team’s sportswear with their techniques. Guests who are Interested can go to Leicester City website and makes a purchase. Alternatively, the indigenous group has Facebook site where product and cultural heritage is advertised.

Built in the image of Hindu-Buddhism religion, the temple exudes Lanna heritage to the keen eyes. the structure utilizes golden teak wood with intricate hand-made woodcarving techniques. The roof and staircase railing are adorned with naga.

This temple is recently built and is inhabited by monks practicing Buddhism.

Heaven Valley (Hup Pha Sawan) is a cultural/religious attraction located in the middle of the mountain in the midst of nature. The site combines Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism faith together. Originally established by a Thai Shaman named “สุชาติ โกศลกิติวงศ์” in 1983, the man built his shrine here as a place for healing various illness.

Afterward, a number of issues concerning his prophetic behaviors in relevant to political & security matter arisen till the shine had to be closed down and nationalized. Now Heaven Valley is an attraction site for climbing and sightseeing.

Thaweechai Crocodile Farm started 20 years ago from passionate owner who originally raised a crocodile as a pet. Now he owned crocodile business with 400 of them.

The farm commercializes crocodile by selling various products that could be made of crocodiles such as, leather, meat etc.

Initially existed as a hut, later evolved into a temple in early 2000. Unique seashell decorates temple exterior wall, intricate sculpture and wood carving incorporates Lanna cultural influence, highlighting the craftsmanship of local artisans

There’s a monk living inside this temple, guests can visit the site to observe his Buddhism practice and temple’s unique scenery.

Originally a place of intense war between Thailand Communist Party and Gov’t, after taking control of the area, gov’t reformed local livelihood and restored destroyed surrounding forestry.

The National Park is in most pristine condition due to its proximity to Kaeng Krachan National Park. Guests can visit the site for well-developed hot-spring and nature trail.

Established in 1933 as the first pottery factory in Ratchaburi province, Thailand, for commonly utilized Chinese Pottery Ware in dragon Patterns; as the demographic shifts, traditional items slowly faded away and replaced by petroleum-based products, Hence, In 1999, owner began adding more colours to earthernware and adapt product line for survival. The factory now turns to common ceramic & porcelain wares for household utilization.

Visitors to the factory may find interesting household ceramic and porcelain items such as custom-made sculptures, decorative wall-tile & floor-tiles, pottery and assortments of earthernware. It’s appropriate for a half-day trip.

(40 mins away) Khao Nang Phanthurat is named after a female giant from religious fairly tale often studied in Thailand primary education due to its similarities to the character; but it’s known to local as Khao Nang Nhon (เขานางนอน). The forest park is a one of many natural restoration projects funded by Thai gov’t to preserve nature after devastating anti-communist war.

Visitors to the site may hike this limestone mountains for a lush, green wonderland. The trail winds through dense forests, and when you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Gulf of Thailand. Along the way you may see some local wildlife, carrying a camera is a must.

(Varied distance) Numerous famed Buddhism branches and monks, both officially and unofficially registered, are located in Kongkarn’ s area; each branch has different cultivation method, almost all aim to one purpose – the enlightenment or for common population – harmonious life. Guests visiting the areas will find temple such as Wat Hatainares วัดหทัยนเรศวร์, Wat Wang Pu Sai – วัดวังพุไทร, Wat Bang Ka Ma – วัดบางกะม่า.

Compared to busiest districts of Bangkok and other economic areas, life of Buddhism cultivation seem surreal, almost out of the world, for material world of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, or genocidal stories of modern conflicts are irrelevant or even obstructive to the way of Buddhism cultivation. Hence, there’ re no better place for Buddhism practices than in these remote areas. Note for interested guests, English communication is not necessarily required for enlightenment, depending on practice methods.

(20 min away) Karen are one of many minority groups in Thailand; their numbers are significantly fewer than native Thai populations and rarer to find. Karen lifestyle revolves around subsistence farming and freelance for-hire jobs.

In contemporary economy, Karen groups are fading away for governmental policies perception; which is unfortunate. Guests can visit their village and cultural center to purchase authentic handcrafts and learn of their lifestyle.