Sirikit Forest Garden

Sirikit Forest Garden is a Royal Forest Department reforestation project in the hills of Suan Phueng district, Ratchaburi, created to mark Queen Sirikit’s birthday and named in her honour. The full project spans roughly 524,000 rai across three districts along the Tenasserim range near the Myanmar border, but the part travellers actually visit is a small study centre and forest area near Ban Huai Muang, in Tanao Si subdistrict. Entry costs around 20 THB per person, and the gate is open daily 06:00-18:00.

The main draw is Kaeng Som Maeo, a run of rock rapids on the stream that cuts through the forest here. In the rainy season the water runs cold and fast over the flat rock shelves, and it’s become a popular spot for wading and picnicking rather than a serious swimming hole — expect ankle-to-knee depth in most sections, deeper pools in a few spots after heavy rain. The surrounding forest is planted and managed rather than untouched jungle, part of the reforestation effort, but it’s grown in enough now to give real shade and cover for a walk along the water.

Insider Tip: Come on a weekend if you want food and inner-tube rental on site — vendors from the nearby village only set up Saturday and Sunday. Weekday visitors should bring their own food and water.

A small plant study centre sits within the grounds, and villagers from the surrounding area sell handmade ceramics near the entrance, a minor but genuine local craft rather than a souvenir stand. The setting is quiet even on busier weekends, since Suan Phueng’s better-known draws — Fantasea-style resorts, the Swiss Sheep Farm, hot springs — pull most of the district’s tourist traffic elsewhere.

Watch out: There’s no public transport out here. The forest garden sits well off the main Suan Phueng road, so plan on a car or motorbike, and check conditions before visiting in heavy rain — the rapids rise quickly and the access road can flood.

Comfortable water shoes are worth packing if you plan to wade the rapids, along with sun protection for the walk in from the car park.