Pak Tho

Pak Tho (ปากท่อ) is a district town in southern Ratchaburi Province, about 30 km south of the provincial capital. The name means "mouth of a water pipe," originating from a low-lying area called Nong Thale ("sea pond") that was prone to flooding — the narrow outlet where water rushed out resembled a pipe.

Pak Tho has a long history as an agricultural district. Around 1900, the government separated it from Mueang Ratchaburi district, creating a new district named Tha Nat Wat Pradu. The district office was moved to its present location in Pak Tho in 1914. In 1991, the district was visited by Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (now King Rama X), who received a petition about water shortages for farming. This led to the construction of five reservoirs that have since transformed Pak Tho into an intensively farmed area, producing fruits, vegetables, and rice year-round. The district has a population of about 67,500 spread across 758 km² of rolling plains and low hills.

The climate is tropical savanna. November–February is the most pleasant time (23–33°C). The hot season (March–May) is very dry and hot. The rainy season (June–October) brings the water that fills the reservoirs and irrigates the farms.

By Plane

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the nearest major airport, about 130 km east (2 hr by taxi, 1,500–1,800 baht). Don Mueang (DMK) is about 150 km northeast.

By Train

Pak Tho Railway Station is on the Southern Line, about 2.5 hr from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station (40–100 baht for ordinary-class tickets).

By Car / Road

Pak Tho is on Highway 3233, off Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road). From Ratchaburi town, take Highway 3087 south (about 40 min by car). Buses from Ratchaburi Bus Station run throughout the day (30–40 baht). From Bangkok, the drive takes about 1.5–2 hr.

Pak Tho town is small and walkable. Songthaews serve the outlying villages and reservoirs. For visiting the reservoirs and the dam system, a car or motorbike is essential — the sites are spread across the district.

• Pak Tho Reservoirs — five reservoirs built after the 1991 royal visit transformed the district's farming. The largest, Hin Si Ton Bon, can store one million m³ of water. The reservoir areas are peaceful and attract migratory birds in the cool season.

• Wat Pak Tho — the district's main temple, a modern complex near the town centre.

• Pak Tho Market — a traditional morning market with fresh local produce, river fish, and snacks.

• Don Sai Lake — a scenic reservoir popular with local picnickers, especially on weekends.

• Rural farming landscape — the district's grid of irrigation canals, fruit orchards, and vegetable plots makes for pleasant cycling or driving.

• Bird-watching — the reservoirs attract waterfowl, including herons, egrets, and migratory shorebirds. The best season is November–February.

• Cycling the irrigation roads — the network of roads along the canals is flat, quiet, and excellent for cycling. Bicycles can be rented at a few shops in town (100–200 baht/day).

• Fruit-picking — Pak Tho's irrigated farms produce durian, rambutan, pomelo, and mango. Some orchards offer pick-your-own during harvest (April–August).

• Picnicking at Hin Si Ton Bon Reservoir — the largest reservoir has shaded banks popular for weekend family outings.

• Grilled freshwater fish — the reservoirs and canals supply fresh fish; several simple restaurants near the market serve grilled fish and tom yam (80–150 baht).
• Som tam (papaya salad) — roadside stalls serve multiple versions, including with salted egg (som tam khai kem).
• Khao tom (rice soup) — a breakfast staple at the morning market (30–40 baht).
• Vegetarian food — available at the morning market; some noodle shops offer jay versions.

• Fresh coconut water — sold at the market and roadside stalls (20–30 baht).
• Coffee — a few small coffee shops in town serve basic Thai coffee.

• Budget: Pak Tho Resort — basic bungalows near the market, fan rooms from 350 baht. Baan Suan Pak Tho — simple guesthouse with air-con rooms from 500 baht.
• Mid-range: P.2. Place Hotel — a clean, modern hotel in the town centre, air-con rooms from 700 baht. Resort at Hin Si Ton Ton — lakeside bungalows with basic facilities, from 800 baht.
• Upscale: very limited — most visitors stay in Ratchaburi town or Amphawa.

• Fresh fruit — Pak Tho's farms sell direct to visitors. Look for durian, pomelo, and mango at roadside stalls along Highway 3233.
• Local honey — produced from the orchard blossoms, sold in markets.

• Amphawa (30 km south) — charming canal-side floating market in Samut Songkhram, with firefly-watching tours.
• Wat Phleng (15 km east) — small district known for its market and Wat Tham Phleng cave temple.
• Ratchaburi town (30 km north) — Khao Wang, the National Museum, and dragon-jar pottery.
• Ban Kha (25 km northwest) — hill district with waterfalls and mountain scenery.
• Phetchaburi (50 km south) — historic town with Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace and Kaeng Krachan National Park.