Sanburi Tourist Attractions
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Sanburi, also called Sankha Buri, on the bank of the Menam Noi only a few kilometers from Chainat, was a prosperous town known as Phraek during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. Today the small town is quiet and forgotten, only the ruins of some sacral buildings bearing witness to its past.By car: from Chainat Highway 340 (17 km (11 mi.)). From Ayutthaya Highway 309 to Singburi, then Highway 3251 (110 km (68 mi.)).Some ruins of the town's fortifications (walls and moats) still remain.
Wat Song Pi Noi
The Wat Song Pi Noi in the south beyond the former town walls is probably of 15th c. origin. A chedi and a 14-m (46-ft) high brick prang are among the impressive ruins still to be seen with the remains of beautiful stucco decoration and interesting Buddha figures in three of the niches. Also of interest are a standing Buddha in a forceful poise with a wide face (late U-Thong style) and a stepping Buddha in the almost swinging position typical of Sukhothai style. The head is in late U-Thong style.
Wat Phra Kaeo
The Wat Phra Kaeo is in the north of the town. Its relatively narrow soaring chedi in Sukhothai style stands on a massive square pedestal. On it is a rigidly formed square base and a richly sculptured part with niches. Upon this stands the lower part of the narrow bell, ornately decorated with ledges; it is finished by a ringed spire. The Buddha figures are high up in the niches.The small bot close by contains a seated Buddha in U-Thong style.
Wat Mahathat
The Wat Mahathat built in the Ayutthaya period is in an advanced state of decay. Remains of several chedis and prangs can be seen, a Buddha figure screened by a naga in a bot and in the open the large figure of a seated Buddha in Ayutthaya style. A small museum contains Buddha figures in different styles; the most beautiful are in the National Museum in Bangkok.
Wat Tanod Lai
From the Wat Tanod Lai, which can be reached in the same way as the Wat Song Pi Noi, are ruins of a 20-m (66-ft) high bell-shaped chedi.
