Ratchaburi province
Ratchaburi, a glorious town during the Dvaravati period, is located on the bank of the Mae Klong River. The provincial area abounds in natural attractions and historical sites. It is located 80 kilometres west of Bangkok and borders on Myanmar to the west having the Tanaosi Range as a borderline.
Ratchaburi occupies an area of 5,196 square kilometres and is administratively divided into nine districts: Muang Ratchaburi, Photharam, Damnoen Saduak, Pak Tho, Chom Bueng, Bang Phae, Wat Phleng , Suan Phueng, and Ban Pong, and one sub-district: King Amphoe Ban Kha.
Etymology
The word Ratch originates from the Sanskrit word Raja meaning King or Royal, and the word buri from Sanskrit Puri meaning town city. Hence the name of the province literally means Royal City.
Geography
The east part of the province contains the flat river plains of the Mae Klong river, crisscrossed by many khlongs. The most famous tourist spot in this area are the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak. The west of the province is more mountainous, and includes the Tanawsri mountain range. As the mountains are made mostly of limestone, there are several caves containing stalactites. Some caves are inhabited by large colonies of bats, and it is an impressive sight when they swarm out in the evening to feed. Other caves like the Khao Bin are accessible for visitors. The main river of the west part is the Phachi River.
At the left bank of the Phachi river the Chaloem Phra Kiat Thai Prachan National Park is in process of being established since 2003: It is scheduled to protect 384.39 km² of forests which had been battle ground with the Communist party of Thailand in the past.
History
The history of the city of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. Of the contemporary city Khu Bua nearby only ruins remains. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows the royal sword and the royal sandals, as the name Ratchaburi means City of the King. The name derives from the fact that King Rama I was born here. The provincial slogan is Beautiful women of Photharam, beautiful women of Baan Pong, the city of earthern jars, shadow plays at Wat Khanon, magnificent caves, floating market at Damnoen, bats, delicious Yii Sok fish.
The provincial flower is the Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana), and the provincial tree is Wrightia pubescens.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 10 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 104 subdistricts (tambon) and 935 villages (muban).
- Mueang Ratchaburi
- Chom Bueng
- Suan Phueng
- Damnoen Saduak
- Ban Pong
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- Bang Phae
- Photharam
- Pak Tho
- Wat Phleng
- Ban Kha
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There are three towns (thesaban mueang) - Ratchaburi, Ban Pong and Photharam - and 11 township (thesaban tambon).
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