| Statistics | |
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| Capital: | Ratchaburi |
| Area: | 5,196.5 km² Ranked 43rd |
| Inhabitants: | 788,525 (2001) Ranked 28th |
| Pop. density: | 152 inh./km² Ranked 23rd |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-70 | Map |
Ratchaburi (often short Rat'buri, Thai ราชบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Phetchaburi. In the west it borders Myanmar.
| Table of contents |
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2 History 3 Demographics 4 Symbols 5 Administrative divisions 6 External links |
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.
History
The history of the city of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period, when it was an important city of the Mon kingdom. According to legend it even dates back to the mythical Suvannabhumi kingdom predating Dvaravati.
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The provincial seal shows the royal sword and the royal sandals, as the name Ratchaburi means City of the King. 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 Damnern, bats, delicious Yii Sok fish.
The provincial flower is the Pink Shower Tree (Cassia bakeriana), and the provincial tree is Wrightia pubescens. |
| Amphoe (districts) | King Amphoe (minor districts) | |
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