The province of Ratchaburi dates back to the Dvaravati period. Legends also say it was once part of the mythical Suwannaphum, the "Land of Gold". Ratchaburi sits on the banks of the Mae Klong River, and like the surrounding provinces of Bangkok has a canal network that inter-connects Ratchaburi with other central provinces. Ratchaburi covers an area of over 5000 sq km and is located 100 km from Bangkok, along the Petchkasem Highway.