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Bangkok Travelbug February 15 Suan Phueng Ratchaburi January 31, 2015 |
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Suan Phueng today Suan Phueng (phueng – bee, suan - garden) isn’t noted for its bees. This small district in western Ratchaburi measures about 50 km from north to south and 35 km from east to west at its broadest part. It’s nestled in the foothills of the Tanaosi mountain range that separates Thailand from Myanmar. 
View westwards to the green hills, Myanmar and beyond Today, the area is a favourite with Thai tourists because of its nature reserves, waterfalls, reservoirs, orchid and rose gardens. Numerous European styled resorts, hotels and family-owned motels have sprouted up to cater to the visitors. It’s an ideal location for a weekend getaway or even a honeymoon. To my mind, it’s more appropriate to call the place Honey Garden instead. Let’s visit some of these attractions in Suan Phueng. Table of contents Baan Hom Tien Baan Hom Tien (fragrant candle house) consists of a series of souvenir shops built along the slope of a hill. The shops that gave the place its name sell scented candles of various shapes and sizes placed in beautiful lanterns. 
The candle shops They even conduct candle making classes to help visitors make candles of their choice. Here’s a sample of the products. 
Made during the candle making class But it’s the environment that makes Baan Hom Tien so special. There are wooden balconies and walkways along the side that give a beautiful view of the lush greenery on the distant mountains. 
Take a walk for some beautiful views 
Relax over a coffee Take a leisurely stroll through the place and stop for refreshment in cosy cafes overlooking the pleasant surroundings. 
Lush surroundings Table of contents Suan Phueng Orchid Garden Our next stop was the Suan Phueng Orchid Farm further up the road. The climate and soil here must be conducive to growing these beautiful blooms. The owner of the farm was kind enough to take us on a tour of his premises. 
The farm grows these orchids for the domestic market as well as for export. Many of his orchids are cross-pollinated to produce multi-coloured blooms. On a hill behind the orchid farms he has started a rose garden as well. 
Table of contents Scenery Resort & Farm Lastly we stopped at the Scenery Resort and Farm, which is modelled like an English farm. The resort used to have overnight stays but have discontinued this. 
The farm house Currently they cater for one-day trips that include feeding the sheep, kayaking in the mountain streams nearby and touring the surrounding area to admire the beautiful natural scenery. 
Feeding the sheep It’s a pleasant and peaceful place to wander around, take photos and feed the sheep. Pony rides are also available for the children. 
Pony rides Table of contents Suan Phueng hotels There is no shortage of accommodation in Suan Phueng. These range from up-market European styled resorts with individual chalets to modest family owned motels. Prices range from 2,000 – 3,000 baht per night to 500 baht per night. Even the inexpensive motels are air-conditioned, with hot and cold showers, free wifi and satellite TV! The place where we stayed even had beautiful orchids in their garden. 
Orchids at the hotel where we stayed To complement these hotels are numerous food and beverage outlets in the area where a good meal can be served at relatively inexpensive prices. 
Our dinner of spicy wild boar meat, deep-fried soft-boned fish and spicy stir-fried morning glory It was only after my visit to Suan Phueng that I found out about the unfortunate incident back in January 2000. Suan Phueng is so peaceful and pleasant today, that day in 2000 wouldn’t have made a difference. Have a Happy St Valentine’s Day! Table of contents Map to the Suan Phueng attractions View Suan Phueng attractions in a larger map Opening hours and admission Baan Hom Tien Opening hours 0700 – 1800 hours every day Admission: 50 baht for adults (you can exchange your ticket for a souvenir candle) 
Entry tickets exchanged for souvenir candles Suan Phueng Orchid Garden Opening hours 0800 – 1630 hours everyday Admission: 20 baht Scenery Resort & Farm Opening hours Mondays – Fridays 0830 – 1600 hours Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 0830 – 1630 hours Admission: 50 baht for adults How to get to there By car Go along Phetkasem Road (highway 4) till you get to Ratchaburi city. You can get on to highway 3208 till you get to the Suan Phueng Hospital. Continue on to highway 3087 which leads onto Suan Phueng town. Alternatively you can go directly onto highway 3087. Baan Hom Tien is along the main road highway 3087. The other two attractions are off the main road. Table of contents Hotels in Ratchaburi
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