Ratchaburi, a province in Central Thailand located only about an hour away from Bangkok, is often overlooked as a travel destination by many. When it comes to travel destinations in Central Thailand, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya often take the center stage, but what about other lesser-known provinces? What can they offer that popular destinations like Ayutthaya can't? Well, let's find out.
For those of you who want to explore a more authentic side of Thailand, Ratchaburi offers a great range of things to do across both spectrums, from touristy activities like visiting the floating markets to unique experiences like watching millions and millions of bats emerge from their habitat for a whole hour.
Best of all, it is only about an hour away from Bangkok, making it one of the best options for those looking to take short trips or spend a weekend away from the bustling capital city.
Within this guide, I will take you through some of the best things you can do in Ratchaburi for solo travelers, complete with all the information you need to plan a great trip to this stunning, off-the-beaten-path destination. Without further ado, let's take a look at all the best things to do laid out on a map below:
- Ratchaburi Things To Do Itinerary Map
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13 Best Things to Do in Ratchaburi
- Visit One of the Many Floating Markets
- Watch A Train Goes Through the Mae Klong Railway Market
- Stroll Around Muang Khu Bua Ancient Ruin
- Learn the History at Ratchaburi National Museum
- Visit Wat Mahathat Worawihan
- Hike Up the Huppha Sawan Peak
- Go For A Walk Around Khao Ngu Stone Park
- Check Out the Stunning View at Wat Nong Hoi Park
- Explore the Caves of Wat Tham Nam and Tham Sati
- Watch Millions of Bats Fly Off at Wat Khao Chong Phran
- Watch Nang Yai Shadow Play at Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum
- Admire the Beauty of Khao Bin cave
- Visit Suan Phueng
- More Ratchaburi Activities
- Where to Stay in Ratchaburi?
- What to Eat and Drink in Ratchaburi?
- Thailand Travel Video
- When to Visit Ratchaburi?
- How to Get to Ratchaburi?
- How to Get Around Ratchaburi?
- How Many Days To Spend in Ratchaburi?
- How Much Money Do I Need For Ratchaburi?
- Is it Safe in Ratchaburi?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?
- What to Pack for Ratchaburi?
- Further Reading for Central Thailand
Ratchaburi Things To Do Itinerary Map
13 Best Things to Do in Ratchaburi
1. Visit One of the Many Floating Markets
One of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, that many people would travel all the way from their countries just to see, is the famous Thailand floating market. There are quite a few in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkram, an adjacent province which is so near to Ratchaburi that we might as well consider it part of Ratchaburi.
Floating markets are essentially flea markets that revolve around a body of water, such as a canal, where people would come and congregate with wooden boats. They have been bartering and trading all kinds of things for centuries.
It definitely is one of the most interesting and unique places to visit in Thailand, for sure. However, due to the number of tourists who visit each year, some floating markets have turned into more of a tourist trap than an authentic experience.
I visited 3 floating markets in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkram, so you don't have to. I discovered that 2 of them were heavily catered to tourists (tourist traps), while the other one, which happens to be my favorite, felt much more authentic.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market are two of the most well-known floating markets in Thailand. They attract the most tourists, which in turn attracts all kinds of businesses that make the markets feel more like tourist traps.
Everything seems awfully overpriced in these two floating markets, from boat tours costing upward of 3,000 THB for a short ride around the canal to a bottle of beer that costs 300 THB.
These two floating markets used to be popular among locals, but since the world discovered them, the prices kept increasing and eventually drove the locals away to other floating markets.
That said, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market are definitely livelier, and if you are looking for a place with many things to do and don't mind the inflated price tag, these two floating markets are great enough places to visit.
If you are looking for a more authentic floating market experience, I highly recommend you visit Tha Kha Floating Market instead. Tha Kha Floating Market is much smaller compared to the other two, but with that comes a more authentic look at what the local life living by these canals is actually like.
There are plenty of street foods to try here, and they are all very cheap. The prices of things you pay at Tha Kha Floating Market are local prices, unlike at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market.
Tha Kha Floating Market may not be as popular or as lively as the other two, but if you are looking for a more peaceful and authentic experience, you will love Tha Kha Floating Market.
If you are planning to visit one of these floating markets, make sure that it is either Saturday or Sunday, as floating markets are only open on weekends. It will feel pretty dead and dull if you decide to visit on weekdays. Trust me, I made that mistake a while ago, and it was definitely not worth the trip 😅.
2. Watch A Train Goes Through the Mae Klong Railway Market
Not far from the floating markets, you will find Mae Klong Train Market, or as it is also known, the "folded market". It is one of the most unique things to see in the world and something you should not miss.
Mae Klong Train Market, as the name suggests, is a fresh market located right on the train track just before the Mae Klong Train Station. Whenever a train is about to get into the station, the entire market folds up and makes way for the train to go through.
The swift action of locals folding their storefronts before the train arrives is quite a sight to behold. I've seen some weird and cool things in my life, but this one is definitely among the top.
The only place I know that does similar things is at a market in Vietnam, but you won't find this anywhere else in the world, so if you are looking for unique things to do in Thailand, this is it.
Keep in mind that the train runs on schedule, and you will have to align your time carefully to see the market folds. Since Mae Klong Station is a terminus station, you should be able to witness the "folding" twice: once as it arrives, and another as it departs, if you wait long enough.
On a normal schedule, the Mae Klong train arrives four times a day at 8.30 AM, 11.10 AM, 2.30 PM, and 5.40 PM, and the train departs from the Mae Klong Station at 6.20 AM, 9.00 AM, 11.30 AM, and 3.30 PM.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the schedule has been reduced to 3 times a day at 8:30 AM, 11:10 AM, and 5:40 PM for arrival, and 6:20 AM, 9:00 AM, and 3:30 PM for departure from Mae Klong Train Station.
3. Stroll Around Muang Khu Bua Ancient Ruin
Muang Khu Bua Ancient Ruin is an ancient remnant of the once prosperous capital city of the Dvaravati Kingdom that reigned over the area from the 6th - 11th centuries, and it serves as a reminder of Ratchaburi's rich history. I have to admit, I didn't realize how significant Ratchaburi was in the past until I learned about it at the National Museum.
Unfortunately, only the base of what is considered to be one of the largest pagodas at the time, that was only second to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom, is left standing. However, you can still stroll around and visit the weekend market that surrounded the ruin.
Muang Khu Bua market is probably one of the most colorful markets you will see in Ratchaburi. The market is decorated with colorful lanterns, umbrellas, and all kinds of colorful decor. Within the market, you will find local people dressed in traditional dresses, selling street food and snacks, as well as handicraft products.
If you are planning to visit the ancient ruin as well as the market, be sure to be there either on a Saturday or Sunday, as the market only opens on weekends.
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4. Learn the History at Ratchaburi National Museum
Now that the history of Ratchaburi has piqued your curiosity, it is time to learn more about it at the Ratchaburi National Museum, a great museum full of information about Ratchaburi from prehistoric times all the way to modern-day Ratchaburi.
The museum is located in this beautiful, pink, colonial-style town hall building, and the exhibition is divided into time periods. Here, you can learn all about the history of Ratchaburi from the beginning to the present day, all within about an hour.
The exhibition is very well designed, and you will see many old artifacts from the Dvaravati era, all accompanied by English descriptions. The entrance fee for Ratchaburi National Museum is 100 THB for foreigners and 20 THB for Thais. If you want to learn more about Ratchaburi, there's no better place to be than here.
5. Visit Wat Mahathat Worawihan
I actually almost missed this temple, but thanks to the information from Ratchaburi National Museum, I was able to make it to Wat Mahathat Worawihan, one of the most prominent and ancient temples in the city.
It is believed that the temple was built between the 10th and 11th centuries during the Dvaravati period, right about the same time when Ratchaburi City was actually settled. Since then, the temple has gone through several periods from Dvaravati to Khmer to Ayutthaya, which is reflected by the diverse architectural style of the principal stupa.
The principal stupa, which is over 24 m high, and its three surrounding stupas are very well maintained. You can walk around the temple or even climb up to the prayer room inside the principal prang and pay respect to the site.
There were not a whole lot of people around when I was there, and I found it quite peaceful to walk around and observe all the little details on the stupas. The temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM, and it is free to enter.
6. Hike Up the Huppha Sawan Peak
Huppha Sawan is probably one of the best viewpoints in Ratchaburi and, hands down, my favorite place in the province. Huppha Sawan is such a hidden gem that not even the locals know about it.
Huppha Sawan is a pilgrimage trail located inside the Wat Buriratchawanaram temple, and the trail will take you up to the top of the mountain where you will be able to see a 360° unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, as well as a statue of Buddha and a Christ the Redeemer statue, all spread out on other peaks.
The trail consists of long and steep stairs that will take you from the temple ground all the way to the top in about 20 minutes of non-stop hiking. There are a few rest stops along the way, and there are several trails you can take once you are up at the top.
You can either enjoy the view once you reach the viewpoint or continue on further and hike to the Buddha image and Christ the Redeemer statue on the other two peaks that you see from the viewpoint.
There are several side trails you can do at Huppha Sawan, and you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours on the hike. So, if you are looking to watch the sunset up there, be sure to time your hike carefully.
Huppha Sawan is definitely one of the best views in the province, in my opinion. If you are looking for something active to do in Ratchaburi that will reward you with a stunning view unlike any other place, Huppha Sawan is the place to be.
7. Go For A Walk Around Khao Ngu Stone Park
Khao Ngu Stone Park is another stunning natural attraction in Ratchaburi that I really like. The Khao Ngu Rock Park is a small park with a lake surrounded by several large sandstone mountains that you can see from miles away.
If you drive along the road from Bangkok to Ratchaburi, you will probably notice just how flat the landscape is until you see Khao Ngu Rock Park. When I first saw it, it reminded me of an oasis.
Surrounded by nothing but rice fields and flatlands, all of a sudden, you stumble upon this huge collection of jagged peaks all concentrated in one area around a lake. It sure is quite a sight to behold.
There are several walking paths within the park, and you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour strolling around and checking out all the viewpoints in the park.
If you are planning to walk a lot, I recommend visiting the stone park in the early morning or evening as it can get extremely hot when the sun is above the mountain line.
There is no official opening time for Khao Ngu Stone Park, so you can visit as early or as late as you want. It is also free to enter for both Thais and foreigners, which is a huge plus.
8. Check Out the Stunning View at Wat Nong Hoi Park
Not too far from Khao Ngu Stone Park, you will find Wat Nong Hoi Park, a park surrounding a massive sacred temple located on top of a mountain where you can drive all the way up to the top to see just how beautiful the landscape in Ratchaburi actually is.
I was blown away by just how beautiful the view was from the temple. You can see how beautiful Khao Ngu Stone Park is all the way from here, as well as other beautiful mountains around the area.
The temple is popular among the locals, and you will often see many people visiting the temple to pay respect to the Guan Yin image throughout the day. There are several buildings you can enter to get a similar view, but the one at the top will offer you the best vantage point of Khao Nhu Stone Park and the surrounding mountains.
Just be mindful of monkeys and DO NOT feed them or have anything dangling around that monkeys could steal, and you are all set. Wat Nong Hoi Park's opening hours are between 06:30 AM and 6 PM every day, and it is free to enter.
9. Explore the Caves of Wat Tham Nam and Tham Sati
Something I didn't realize until now is that there are so many caves here in Ratchaburi, and some of them are even turned into temples. Wat Tham Nam and Tham Sati are some of the prettiest temple caves in Ratchaburi, and since they are so close together, you might as well visit both of them at the same time.
Wat Tham Nam, the larger cave of the two, is a temple built inside a long water cave where they have turned each room into different prayer halls filled with Buddha images. They have also constructed a walking path above the waterway to connect them all and for visitors to walk around.
It will take you around 20 minutes to walk all the way from the entrance to the end and back. That is how big Wat Tham Nam is. It is pretty unique and definitely worth the long drive to visit.
Tham Sati, on the other hand, is a much smaller cave temple consisting of only one prayer hall and an altar. However, what makes this cave worth a visit is the gray-colored seated Buddha image carved straight from the mountain itself.
It is a work of art, and the more you stare at the image, the more you wonder how they did it. Both caves are open from 7 AM to 5 PM, and they are both free to enter for both foreigners and Thais.
10. Watch Millions of Bats Fly Off at Wat Khao Chong Phran
One of the most unique things in Ratchaburi that I don't think I have ever experienced anywhere else in the world is witnessing millions and millions of bats flying off into the night for an hour at Wat Khao Chong Phran.
At about half an hour before sunset every day, there is a phenomenon near Wat Khao Chong Phran where you can witness millions and millions of bats emerging from their cave nearby and flying off into the night, forming a huge line across the sky.
It goes on for more than an hour every day at around 6-7 PM, depending on the time of year. If you don't want to miss it, I suggest you first look up the sunset time and make sure to be at the temple parking lot 30 minutes before. You won't regret it. I've never seen anything quite like it.
11. Watch Nang Yai Shadow Play at Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum
Every Saturday at 10 AM and Sunday at 11 AM, you can catch a free Nang Yai show at Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum. This traditional shadow play features several puppets made from painted buffalo hide that are controlled by a puppeteer against an illuminated white background, while the story is narrated through folk songs and traditional music.
Nang Yai is a traditional way in which the Thai people kept themselves entertained way back before the industrial revolution, and Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum plans to preserve this lost art by running free shows for tourists. They also aim to preserve and showcase some of the most stunning painted buffalo hide puppets in the country.
Visiting Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum and catching the play is a great way to witness something that is part of Thai culture that you can no longer see in real life.
The play itself is narrated in Thai, but even if you do not understand it, you will definitely appreciate the effort the puppeteers put into narrating the story, as well as the local musicians that kept the show going. Best of all, it is free of charge, both the play and the museum, as long as you are there either at 10 AM on a Saturday or 11 AM on Sunday.
12. Admire the Beauty of Khao Bin cave
Khao Bin Cave is another impressive cave to visit in Ratchaburi, but unlike the other two caves I mentioned here, this cave is in its own league when it comes to size.
Within Khao Bin Cave, you will find eight massive halls, each with its own unique features and different rock formations for you to explore. In each room, you will find all kinds of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, many of which are more than a thousand years old.
The cave is well-lit with a clear walking path that goes in a loop, and it will take you at least 45 minutes to complete the loop. Keep in mind that once you are inside the cave, there are no toilets or resting spots, so be sure to prepare yourself before entering the cave.
The cave is also extremely humid, even more so than any of the caves I have been to in Thailand, so make sure you bring a bottle of water with you when you enter.
Khao Bin Cave's opening hours are between 8 AM and 4 PM every day, even during COVID. The admission fee is 20 THB for both Thai and foreigner adults, and 10 THB for children.
13. Visit Suan Phueng
Last but not least, if you are traveling with children and you are looking for a place for them to interact with animals, or if you are a backpacker and are looking for a place near nature to relax in Ratchaburi, Suan Phueng, a small district located on the foothill of Tenasserim Hill, is the place for you.
Suan Phueng is actually a very popular place among Thais. The area is dotted with tourist attractions that cater to Thai tourists, such as themed cafes and animal farms, which I do not think most backpackers will enjoy.
That said, if you are traveling with children, places like Suan Phueng Highland and Alpaca Hills can offer you and your children a chance to interact with rare animals you can't find in Thailand, such as alpacas and wallabies. Heck, even I was surprised by just how much fun I had interacting with these animals at Alpaca Hill.
There are also a few adventurous things you can do in Suan Phueng, such as Bore Klueng Hot Spring, Kaew Chan Waterfall, and even go up to Khao Krajom Viewpoint by the border between Thailand and Myanmar with a jeep. Unfortunately, none of these places are open for some time now due to COVID, and there seems to be no end in sight.
All in all, if you are looking to be a little closer to nature in Ratchaburi, I highly recommend you visit Suan Phueng, spend at least 2 nights here, and take it slow before heading back down to Ratchaburi City.
Where to Stay in Ratchaburi?
Accommodation in Ratchaburi City
Accommodation in Suan Phueng
What to Eat and Drink in Ratchaburi?
1. Eat Lunch at Chum Tang Khong Aroi Restaurant
Chum Tang Khong Aroi Restaurant is a great place to stop for lunch in Ratchaburi city center. The restaurant is popular among locals here, and they serve all kinds of delicious Thai street food, from Lad Na (wide noodles in a thick sauce) to meatballs on sticks.
They have quite a lot of options to choose from, and they are all very cheap and delicious. The restaurant opens from 10 AM to 5 PM, and you should have no trouble finding a parking lot on the side of the road near the restaurant.
2. Check Out Street Food At Khoi Gi Weekend Night Market
If you are in Ratchaburi on a weekend and want to visit a night market for some street food treats, I highly recommend you visit Khoi Gi Weekend Night Market. It is a night market located by the side of the Mae Klong River, full of street food for you to indulge yourself in.
For street food, you can walk along the riverside section of the night market, buy whatever you want to eat, and find a nice spot to sit and eat. You can also go inside Ratchapatsadu Market where you will find proper local restaurants with proper seats for dinner.
I went the street food route and found a nice restaurant selling Khanom Chin (fresh, thin rice noodles with selected toppings) with chicken green curry topping for only 20 THB. 20 THB in 2021! Now, that is real cheap, delicious Thai food I've come to know and love.
Khoi Gi Weekend Night Market starts at 5 PM and goes on until 10 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is not a whole lot of parking lot around the area, so you will have to drive around the block until you find a space on the side of the street to park your car.
When to Visit Ratchaburi?
The best time to visit Ratchaburi is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid than other months, making it much more enjoyable to explore Ratchaburi.
That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.
March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be a bit better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.
All the other months are considered to be the rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain, which might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to the rain.
As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality, or vice versa.
How to Get to Ratchaburi?
Ratchaburi is located about 100 km away from Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. In order to get there from your home country, you are going to have to get yourself to Bangkok first.
Thankfully, Bangkok is one of the largest hubs in the region, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast, or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.
From Europe, you can fly from most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. You can also go with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.
From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from various hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connections to Bangkok from around Asia.
To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.
Getting From Bangkok to Ratchaburi
By Trains: You can reach Ratchaburi from Bangkok by train. There are around 3 trains per day that depart from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok to Ratchaburi Train Station.
The whole journey should take around 2.5 - 3 hours, and the price should range between 80 - 300 THB, depending on the class you choose. You can book the train from Bangkok to Ratchaburi here.
By Bus: You can also travel by bus from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Ratchaburi bus terminal, which leaves every half an hour from 6 AM to 11 PM every day. The journey should take around 2 hours and cost 83 THB per person. Unfortunately, you cannot book this trip online, so you are going to have to visit the bus terminal and get the ticket from there.
By Car: For the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Ratchaburi, you can rent a car straight from Bangkok's airports and drive directly to Ratchaburi, which should take you about 1.5 hours.
Renting a car in Bangkok is pretty straightforward and should cost you around 26 USD per day. For the cheapest option, be sure to click the link below to find a cheap car rental place in Bangkok.
How to Get Around Ratchaburi?
By Rented Car: Since most tourist attractions in Ratchaburi are scattered around a large area, if you want to see them all, I highly recommend renting a car so that you can explore these remote places at your own leisure. You can rent a car in Ratchaburi or Bangkok here.
By Motorbike: You can also rent a motorbike from Sombat Car Rent, which is a reputable local company located right at the city center of Ratchaburi. The rental fee for a motorcycle should cost no more than 200 THB per day with a deposit of around 1,000 THB.
How Many Days To Spend in Ratchaburi?
Two to three days are a great amount of time to enjoy both Ratchaburi and Suan Phueng (the highland area). Here is a rough itinerary for a 3-day trip to Ratchaburi:
Day 1: Visit the floating markets in the morning and watch the train go through Mae Klong train market at 11:10 AM before visiting Muang Khu Bua Ancient Ruin, Ratchaburi National Museum, Wat Mahathat Worawihan, hike up Huppha Sawan for sunset, and end your first day at Khoi Gi Weekend Night Market.
Day 2: Visit Khao Ngu Stone Park first thing in the morning, go up Wat Nong Hoi Park after, and visit Wat Khanon Nang Yai Museum around 10 AM (Sat) or 11 AM (Sun) just in time for the Nang Yai show. After that, continue and explore the Tham Nam and Tham Sati caves, as well as Khao Bin Cave before heading to Suan Phueng to spend the night.
Day 3 (Optional): Enjoy a nice, relaxing day at Suan Phueng visiting animal farms or just chill out at one of the many cafes there.
How Much Money Do I Need For Ratchaburi?
With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Ratchaburi as follows:
Accommodation: For 4 nights in Ratchaburi, it should cost around 72 USD (2,300 THB) for accommodation.
Food: Food costs about 50 THB on average in Ratchaburi, so you can expect to pay around 450 THB per person for 3 days.
Transportation: For transportation, if you rent a motorcycle for 3 days, you can expect to pay around 1,000 THB (600 THB for the rental fee + 400 THB for gas). You can also rent a car for 3 days, which should cost around 2,100 THB, plus an additional 1,000 THB for gas.
Activities: Most of the places we are going to visit in Ratchaburi are free, except for Ratchaburi National Museum (100 THB for foreigners, 20 THB for Thais) and Khao Bin Cave (20 THB). So, expect to pay around 120 THB for activities in Ratchaburi.
Total Budget for 3 days in Ratchaburi: 3,870 THB (120 USD)
Is it Safe in Ratchaburi?
It is pretty safe in Ratchaburi. The locals are friendly, as you can come to expect from Thai people, and you won't encounter as many scammers and touts as in Bangkok. In fact, I did not see any touts the entire time I was in Ratchaburi, despite the fact that, for some reason, I do not look like a Thai to Thais 😅.
That said, if you choose to drive in Ratchaburi, it is my duty as a Thai to warn you that we are not the best drivers in the world. The roads are great throughout, but be aware of motorbikes and pick-up trucks that can often appear out of nowhere, and they do drive like maniacs sometimes! Just be extra careful when you are driving on Thai roads.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Ratchaburi, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Ratchaburi, Thailand:
There are 3 major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True. All of them offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverages. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone. They have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand, and their coverage hasn't failed me yet. So, if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.
There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on how long your trip to Thailand will be, you can pick one of these 3 packages that fit your itinerary the most.
With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.
For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for Ratchaburi?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Ratchaburi, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Ratchaburi, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Central Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Central Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Central Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a comprehensive travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
- Escape the bustling city of Bangkok and cycle around Bang Krachao, the green lung of Bangkok, with this travel guide: A Complete Travel Guide to Bang Krachao.
- Don't have a lot of time in Bangkok? Check out our One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
- Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
- For the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok, check out: 7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok.
- Looking to escape Bangkok for a little while? How about exploring the ancient city of Ayutthaya? Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Ayutthaya for Backpackers.
- Looking for a place to visit for a short beach vacation near Bangkok? One of the best places to visit is Phetchaburi, and here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phetchaburi.
- For the very best beaches near Bangkok, I highly recommend you visit Hua Hin, a small seaside city full of stunning mountains and secluded beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Hua Hin.
- Kanchanaburi is a great place to visit for a quick trip from Bangkok. Here are 17 Best Things to Do in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
- Here is how to visit Erawan Falls, the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. A Complete Hiking Guide to Erawan Falls, Kanchanaburi.
- Let’s get off the beaten path and visit Sangkhlaburi, a small Mon village by the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand.
- Pilok is probably a travel destination in Thailand that you have never heard of, and here is why you should visit it. Here's The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Pilok Village.
- Have an entire week to spare and would like to go beyond the surface in Kanchanaburi and explore the less traveled route of the province? This travel guide is for you: One Week Itinerary for Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
- Nakhon Pathom offers a great day trip for those who are looking to visit some places off the tourist-beaten path in Thailand. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Pathom.
- For a quick trip from Bangkok, Lopburi is a great destination to travel to. Here are 10 Best Things to Do in Lopburi, Thailand.
- Want to escape Bangkok and be with nature for a few days? How about a 2-day trip to Saraburi? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Saraburi, Thailand.
- Looking to do some hiking near Bangkok? Here's a One-Day Hiking Guide to Krok E-Dok Waterfall.
- Home to one of the largest Buddha images in the country, Ang Thong is worth a visit if you are interested in seeing the best temples in Thailand. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Ang Thong, Thailand.
- What do you know about the brave warriors of Bang Rachan of Singburi? Well, find out for yourself with the ultimate travel guide and 8 Best Things to Do in Singburi, Thailand.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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