Ratchaburi National Museum

Ratchaburi National Museum is an intriguing destination for those who wish to delve deeply into the history and culture of Ratchaburi province. Located along the Mae Klong River near the clock tower and Koy Ki Market, the museum is housed in the old Ratchaburi Provincial Hall, built during the reign of King Rama VI. The building features striking and beautiful light pink European-style architecture. Inside the museum, there are 12 permanent exhibition rooms covering key topics such as geography and natural sciences, history and archaeology, ethnology, cultural and natural heritage, as well as notable figures of Ratchaburi province. One of the highlights of the museum is the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva radiating light, a Bayon-style Khmer art piece. It is one of the five statues discovered in Thailand and is the most complete and exquisite. Additionally, the museum showcases the cultures of various ethnic groups in Ratchaburi, such as Lao Song, Karen, and Tai-Yuan. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays. Admission fees are 20 baht for Thai nationals (free for children) and 100 baht for foreigners. For those interested in learning about local history and culture, Ratchaburi National Museum is a must-visit. A tour typically takes about 1–2 hours, making it suitable for families, students, and photography enthusiasts.