Ratchaburi

Ratchaburi is the floating market province — Damnoen Saduak is the most famous, a photogenic canal market that's touristy but still delivers the flat-bottomed-boat-through-vendors experience. For something more authentic, the Suan Phung area near the Myanmar border has quieter markets and a micro-climate cool enough for vineyards and flower farms. The entire western edge of the province rises into the Tenasserim Hills with caves, waterfalls, and forest reserves.

The provincial capital on the Mae Klong River has roots dating to the Dvaravati period, and the Ratchaburi National Museum occupies a handsome old building with artifacts spanning millennia. Khao Ngu Stone Park (Snake Mountain) is a former quarry turned sculpted park with massive Buddha carvings cut into cliff faces. Photharam district is known for dragon jar pottery — the oversized glazed jars used across Thailand for water storage originate here. Ratchaburi combines well with Kanchanaburi for a western Thailand circuit from Bangkok.