Itinerary Ideas: Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi and Kanchanaburi

In this edition of our Itinerary Ideas series, we focus on some of the provinces closest to Bangkok. Discover the colourful markets, fascinating history, and incredible nature all within easy reach of the Thai capital. And if all that wasn’t enough to convince you, this itinerary also includes an opportunity to relax at two ofThailand’s longest-established seaside resorts. 

This particular itinerary can be adapted so you can cherry-pick the parts you like. Even if you don’t have time to spend two or three weeks exploring all of these provinces, you can still enjoy some of the highlights from this itinerary on day trips or overnight visits from Bangkok.

We suggest starting this itinerary after spending time in Bangkok so a suggested itinerary could look like this:

• 1/2 days Samut Sakhon
• 1/2 days Samut Songkhram
• 1/2 days Ratchaburi
• 5/6 days Phetchaburi (and Hua Hin)
• 3/4 days Kanchanaburi

Alternatively, you could visit Kanchanaburi at the start of this itinerary. Whichever order you decide is best for you, consider taking the train for at least part of the journey to experience the joys of slow travel in Thailand. 

Samut Sakhon

Samut Sakhon is famous amongst Thai people for its seafood industry and no visit to this coastal province would be complete without a trip to Mahachai Market. This is one of Thailand’s largest seafood markets with fresh catches from the Gulf of Thailand sold daily. The market is bustling with activity and is a good place to experience local life and sample fresh seafood.

Pay a visit to the village of Ban Don Kai Dee to learn more about Thai culture. The village is famous for its Benjarong porcelain and is also a delightful location in which to enjoy an overnight homestay. For another cultural experience, visit Wat Yai Chom Prasat. This ancient temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period and features unique wooden architecture and intricate murals. 

Nature enthusiasts can take a boat tour on the Tha Chin River to explore the mangrove forests and see the birdlife that thrives here. Make time too for a stroll along the Red Bridge boardwalk at Moo Baan Pramong which is renowned as a viewing point to see rare Irrawaddy dolphins (best chance is November to January). This area is popular with Thai people and you’ll find a host of excellent, value-for-money seafood restaurants here.

Whale watching
Coastal areas in the provinces of Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and Phetchaburi are considered to be some of the few locations in the world where Bryde’s whales can be seen all year round. The whales are drawn to this coastal region by the abundance of mackerel and anchovies and although they can be seen all year round they are still rare and the best opportunities to spot them are from September to December. Boat trips can be arranged with a reputable service such as Wild Encounter Thailand.

Samut Songkhram

Thailand’s smallest province may not be packed with tourist attractions, but it is home to several photogenic markets and cultural attractions.

One of the most famous locations in Samut Songkhram is the Mae Klong Railway Market. Known in Thai as ‘Talat Lom Hup‘ (‘Folding Umbrella Market.’) This unique market is set along a railway track and when trains approach, vendors quickly pull back their awnings creating a memorable spectacle.

A market of a different kind, Amphawa Floating Market, is another venue that attracts a mix of local and overseas visitors. Locals sell goods from boats at this lively market which is open from Friday to Sunday. The market is famous for its seafood, traditional Thai sweets, and handicrafts. As the sun sets, visitors can also enjoy a boat tour to see the fireflies that illuminate the trees along the riverbanks. If you’d like to experience a quieter market with more of a local atmosphere, head to the nearby Tha Kha Floating Market. 

The Amphawa area is a lovely location for an overnight stay, especially during the quiet weekday period. Many of the accommodation options can be found along the waterfront and waking up early gives you the chance to offer alms to monks as they paddle their boats along the canals in the early morning.

As an alternative to staying in Amphawa, you can also enjoy homestay hospitality and learn about local life in the village of Ban Bang Phlap. 

For history enthusiasts, the King Rama II Memorial Park offers an insight into the life and times of the second monarch in the Chakri dynasty. The park features traditional Thai houses, beautiful gardens, and a museum showcasing artefacts from the early Rattanakosin period.

The temple of Wat Bang Kung may only be small, but it is an amazing sight with the roots of a banyan tree wrapping around the structure. The nearby salt pans are another unique attraction, offering a glimpse into the region’s traditional salt-making industry.

There is also an opportunity to join locals and dig for razor clams at low tide on the expansive sandbar at Don Hoi Lot. This area is also famous for its seafood with an abundance of eateries nearby. 

Ratchaburi

Out of all the floating markets in Thailand, it’s Damnoen Saduak in Ratchaburi province which is the best-known and busiest. Although Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is touristy, it can still be sanuk. For somewhere with more local people and fewer tourists, cross the bridge to the nearby Lau Tak Lak Floating Market. Held on weekends, this market gets overlooked by the Bangkok day-trippers and consequently makes for a more serene alternative to bustling Damonoen Saduak.    

For history and nature enthusiasts, the Khao Ngu Stone Park is a fascinating site. This park features impressive limestone mountains and cave temples, including Wat Khao Ngu, where you can find ancient Buddha images and intricate murals.

Art lovers should take the chance to visit the Ratchaburi National Museum, housed in a historic building from the early 20th century. The museum showcases the province’s cultural heritage including the traditional ceramics for which Ratchaburi is famous. Try to make time also to visit the old town area of Photharam to see the elegant wooden houses and enjoy the atmosphere of a bygone era. 

Nang Yai is the traditional Thai art form of shadow puppetry. Puppet masters use intricately hand-crafted figures to recount folk tales and stories from the Hindu epic Ramayana (also known as Ramakien). In Ratchaburi, visit Wat Khanon Nang Yai which is home to the Nang Yai Museum where you can learn more about this ancient art. On Saturday mornings, local school children continue this old tradition with a shadow puppet performance.

Nature lovers can explore Suan Phueng, a picturesque district known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and charming European-style resorts. The area is perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply relaxing in a serene environment.

Ratchaburi’s Bat Cave is a natural wonder where thousands of bats emerge at dusk, creating a spectacular sight against the setting sun. The area near Wat Khao Chong Pran is one of the most convenient locations to watch this natural spectacle.

Phetchaburi (and Hua Hin)

Although Hua Hin is in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, it’s only a stone’s throw away from Phetchaburi province. Phetchaburi is also where you will find Hua Hin’s near neighbour, Cha Am. The beaches at both of these seaside resorts are pleasant rather than spectacular, but there is plenty to see and do away from the beach.

This area has a long-standing association with Thai royalty and is home to several interesting palaces. One of Phetchaburi’s most iconic landmarks is Phra Nakhon Khiri (also known as Khao Wang). This historic hilltop palace, built by King Rama IV, offers panoramic views of the city below and houses museums showcasing royal artefacts and ancient murals. The mix of Thai, European, and Chinese architectural styles adds to its unique charm.

The elegant, but simple teakwood summer residence of King Rama VI is located halfway between Hua Hin and Cha Am. Constructed in the early 1920s, Marukhathaiyawan Palace features picturesque grounds and is popular with Thai visitors.

Nature enthusiasts will find Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest national park, a haven for wildlife and outdoor activities. The park offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and exploring waterfalls and caves. Don’t miss Pala-U Waterfall, one of the park’s highlights, where you can swim in natural pools surrounded by lush forest.

For a responsible wildlife experience, visit Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) or stay at their I Love Phants Lodge. The WFFT wildlife centre provides the chance to learn more about wildlife in Thailand and the local conservation efforts.

Food lovers won’t be disappointed in Phetchaburi which has earned the title ‘City of Gastronomy’. To sample some local dishes, head to the Phetchaburi Riverside Market. Must-try dishes are the province’s famous dessert, khanom mo gaeng, and the savoury dish of kaeng hua nod (toddy palm curry).

Kanchanaburi

We’ve put Kanchanaburi at the end of this itinerary and suggest spending at least three days here to experience not just the historic sites, but to take time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the province. Alternatively, you could visit Kanchanaburi from Bangkok at the start of this itinerary and then work your way down through the other provinces highlighted earlier.

12 of the best things to see and do in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi’s most famous attractions are both poignant reminders of World War II; the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Death Railway. Visitors can walk across the bridge, explore the nearby JEATH War Museum, and visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to pay respects to the fallen soldiers.

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum is another must-visit site which commemorates the sacrifices of those who suffered during the construction of the Death Railway. The museum offers a deeply moving experience, with exhibits and a walking trail through the infamous Hellfire Pass.

Nature lovers should not miss Erawan National Park, home to the stunning Erawan Waterfall. With its emerald green pools, this seven-tiered waterfall is perfect for hiking and swimming with each tier offering a unique view.

For a serene experience, visit Sai Yok National Park or take a boat trip on the River Kwai. Kanchanaburi also offers opportunities for bamboo rafting, ethical elephant interactions, and exploring ancient temples, making it a diverse and enriching destination and a wonderful way to round off this itinerary.

Itinerary Ideas
This article is part of our Itinerary Ideas series. These particular itineraries are for anybody, but may appeal more to repeat visitors to Thailand looking to explore different destinations on their next trip or anyone seeking meaningful travel experiences. If you’re a first-time visitor to Thailand or looking for more ideas of where to go and what to do, check out these articles too:
2-week Thailand itinerary
3-week Thailand itinerary
4-week Thailand itinerary

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