Private Tour: Ratchaburi & Samut Songkhram Highlights

This excellent full day Private guided tour takes you to several fascinating places that are just east of Bangkok in nearby Ratchaburi Province and Samut Songkhram Province.

At around 7.00am your Guide will come to pick you up from your centrally located Bangkok hotel upon which you will immediately head east for the drive out of Bangkok. First stop will be at Maeklong Railway Market, otherwise known as Talad Rom Hub. It is famously known around the world by the names of Umbrella Market or Risky Market. Whilst at first it appears to be just a normal market beside a railway station, you will soon realise that the market is actually sitting right on top of the railway tracks! It is filled with locals buying and selling products such as fruits and vegetables and much more, as you will see as your guide takes you for a short walk through the vibrant area. The highlight is when the train approaches and seconds before arrival the umbrellas are pulled back as people and merchandise is cleared off the tracks. It is mind-blowing to see how precise the vendors must be!

Then it is off to the most famous floating markets in Thailand. Hop into a long-tail speedboat for a thrilling canal ride to glimpse the timeless lifestyle of the people who reside along the interconnecting waterways of the Damnoen Saduak District. The eye-opening long-tail speedboat ride is extremely interesting. After approximately 30 minutes your boat will pull into the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Straight away you will experience the colourful scene of vendors selling a variety of products from their boats, including fresh produce, handicrafts and much more.

If time permits, you will be able to purchase a paddle boat ride in the market. Otherwise, seeing the action from the water's edge is just as illuminating and the guide will take you to stalls to try traditional foods or desserts such as coconut pancake, coconut juice and more.

Drive onto Wat Bang Kung, which is a unique temple hidden within the roots of a giant banyan tree. The beautiful natural surroundings alongside the western banks of the Maeklong River in Amphawa is filled with historical significance.

Enjoy Thai food at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch then visit Amphawa Sugar Palm Factory. Walk in the coconut plantation to see how sugar comes from the coconut flower then goes through a manufacturing process the traditional Thai way to become one of the main ingredients in Thai food and desserts.