Don’t you just wish you could get away from the city to a place nearby and relax? About 1 hour away from Bangkok lies a 70-acre property called Rose Garden Riverside. Although you are just an hour away, the atmosphere of this area takes you much further. The Rose Garden Riverside is a living example of traditional Thai living. You a glimpse into the way Thai people used to live and how a community works. Life back in the day was much less complicated

Thai Village and Cultural Learning Centre

As you can guess, you are transported to a typical Thai village in this exhibition. The villagers will guide you through the various activities that you can get your hands on and participate in. Guests can learn about Thai arts and crafts (silk, pottery, etc.), martial arts, and rice cultivation. Watch how Som Tum and Thai desserts are made. Interact with the elephants by feeding them, and learn more about how to care for one of these mammoth mammals.

If you leave the village, don’t forget to come back to watch the Cultural Show at 14.45 (02.45PM). The cultural show is a mélange of customs and dances from all regions of Thailand. You see representations of Thai life, Buddhism, and rituals to mark the cycles of the village’s crops. You will also get to witness the noise and drama of Thai kickboxing and sword fighting, and view a village wedding ceremony.

After the show, if you’re feeling a bit tired, try a bit of spiritual healing that will do more than revive your olfactory sense. Let the expert figure out which element you are, and they will explain to you what foods you should eat and avoid to improve your health. Then you will be matched with scents that fuel your element, and you will be given a bar of soap of your element to take home. Before going home, visit the riverside market to buy yourself fresh fruits and vegetables which have been organically grown and chemical-free. You can also buy handmade souvenirs.

The activities at Rose Garden Riverside don’t end just there. The 70-acre property that extends to both sides of the river lends itself to activities such as sailing along the river, trekking, cycling around the compound, getting a massage at the spa, or eating at the restaurant. The food prepared is made from the same organic fruits and vegetables sold; they even have homemade ice cream.

“The Rose Garden is Thailand the way it used to be - and perhaps the way it should be today” is not an understatement. The peacefulness, serenity, and heart-warming vibes from this community destination don’t give you the feeling of being at an attraction. Instead, you get to immerse yourself with the culture and customs of Thais before modernity came along. Three generations of owners and villagers have put their passion and energy into bringing back the old but simpler way-of-life.

Address : 32km road marker, Phetkasem Rd., Sam Pran District, Nakhon

GPS : 13.733500, 100.245517

Contact no. : 034 322 544, 034 225 205 Fax : 034 322 775

E-mail : hotel@rosegardenriverside.com

Website : www.rosegardenriverside.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/rosegardenriverside.thailand

Opening Hours : 10.00-18.00

Entrance Fee : Watching and participating in activities and exhibitions 200 Baht per Person; 150 Baht for children not over 100cm in height.

Best Time : Anytime of the year

Highlight : Learning about Thailand’s history by taking part in cultural and daily life activities

Activities : Edutainment

From Bangkok, take Phetkasem road, and drive towards Nakhon Pathom until you reach the 32nd road marker. You will see the Rose Garden Riverside on your left.