Explore Nature Close to Home in Chom Bueng, Ratchaburi

The grand running event is approaching with the “SSS Chom Bueng Marathon 2019” taking place in Chom Bueng, Ratchaburi, as it does every year. Besides preparing for the race, some participants may be looking for nearby attractions to enjoy the atmosphere as well.

Ratchaburi is another important province that hides many interesting places and stories. It is also one of the 55 provinces designated as a secondary tourist destination, offering a complete experience of tourism, community lifestyle, and learning from all 9 districts. Notable sites include Khao Ngu Cave, the ancient city of Khu Bua, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Khanoon Giant Buddha Temple, the Golden Ubosot of Wat Phra Sri Ariya, Baan Pla Park, Mon Chida Butterfly Garden, Kao Jon Waterfall, and the Siam Wax Museum, among others.

Since our running event is centered in Chom Bueng, today the SSS website team presents attractions that many may not have visited yet, specifically in Chom Bueng, as options for those who prefer not to travel far or are interested in a nature getaway over the weekend.

Khao Bin Cave

Khao Bin Cave, located in Moo 11, Hin Kong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ratchaburi, is about 20 kilometers from the province along the Ratchaburi-Chom Bueng road. This natural attraction features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that reflect light vividly. The cave rises approximately 272 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 5 rai. After entering the cave for about 50 meters, visitors will find a fork: the left path leads to the cave's depths, which is 300 meters long, while the right path follows the ridge, leading to a depth of about 200 meters.

The cave is divided into 8 main chambers: 1) The Guest Hall 2) Shiva Shrine 3) Anodatha Stream 4) Sukunachit Cave 5) Devasabha Club 6) Kinnara Viewpoint 7) Phuksa Himmapan 8) The Garden of Deities. Each chamber's name is derived from stories and beliefs, so to truly understand, one must visit and experience it firsthand.

Khao Bin Cave is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with an entrance fee of 20 baht per person. For more information, call 032-391-397.

Central Literature Botanical Garden

The Central Literature Botanical Garden, located at the foot of Khao Phra Thap Chang, is opposite the entrance to Khao Bin Cave, about 25 kilometers from the province. This forest garden collects rare literary plants in a serene environment. From December to April, it is particularly beautiful as the pure white flowers of the Arapim bloom abundantly, making it an ideal place for relaxation and nature study.

Additionally, there is a nature trail called “Diverse Flora” with 13 stations along a 900-meter path, showcasing plants related to Thai literature, such as medicinal herbs and provincial plants. Visitors can also encounter wildlife like tigers, deer, and more, with a total walking time of about 45 minutes.

From January to June each year, the botanical garden collaborates with Rajabhat University Chom Bueng to organize running and mountain biking activities in the garden.

Khao Phra Thap Chang Wildlife Exhibition Center

The Khao Phra Thap Chang Wildlife Exhibition Center is located in Pak Chong Subdistrict, Chom Bueng District, Ratchaburi, about 25 kilometers from the province. The atmosphere here is unique as it is situated in a valley between mountains, covering an area of about 26 rai, showcasing various wildlife species in a small zoo format. Most animals here are either donated or rescued and are cared for and bred. Visitors can purchase food to feed the animals.

The entrance to the center is opposite Khao Bin Cave and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with no entrance fee. For more information, call 032-211025 ext. 807.

Chao Phraya Cave

Chao Phraya Cave is located in Chom Bueng District, about 30 kilometers from the city, within Chao Phraya National Park, adjacent to Rajabhat University Chom Bueng. The entrance fee is 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. Historically, several kings have visited and viewed Chao Phraya Cave, including King Rama V, VI, IX, and X. The cave entrance features the initials of King Rama V and the number 114, indicating the year of his visit and the name he bestowed upon the cave.

Inside Chao Phraya Cave, there are 9 significant areas: 1) Silas Stream 2) Mini Cave 3) Chao Phraya Stream 4) Hanging Stalactites 5) Beautiful Cliff 6) Jamboree Whip 7) Masyas Cave 8) Niramit Stream 9) Borom Asana. Notably, at point 9, there is a stalactite resembling a pot. It is recommended to visit around 1:15 PM (some sources suggest 2:00-2:30 PM) to see the light shining down from the cave, reflecting beautifully on the stone floor and the reclining Buddha statue. The most stunning times to witness this phenomenon are in April and August.

National Park

The National Park located in front of Chao Phraya Cave is a beautiful natural area where locals often relax. It provides shade and allows visitors to study various tree species such as olives, thorn trees, figs, and more.

Chao Phraya Cave and the National Park are excellent places for educational purposes for both local and international students, allowing them to learn about the formation of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as studying various wildlife both inside and outside the cave, including monkeys, squirrels, and over 50 species of birds.

Additionally, on January 20, 2019, there will be an interesting event, the “SSS Chom Bueng Marathon 2019,” a running event that has been held continuously for over 30 years, earning the title "If you haven't run at Chom Bueng, you're not a real runner." This event is organized in collaboration with the Health Promotion Foundation (SSS), the Thailand Walking and Running Association, and Rajabhat University Chom Bueng, offering three distances: a full marathon of 42.195 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.1 kilometers, and a mini marathon of 10 kilometers. Interested participants can look forward to the event atmosphere on the website thaihealth.or.th, the SSS Facebook page, and the Chom Bueng Marathon Facebook page.

Thank you for the information from www.thaihealth.or.th