Saraburi Tourist Attractions

Saraburi, provincial capital and important traffic junction, is situated 100 km (62 mi.) north-east on the edge of the central plain. Here the endless expanse of rice fields gives way to delightful hills from which here and there soar craggy limestone rocks. In the vicinity are two holy places worshipped by Buddhists, the Wat Phra Buddhabat and the Wat Phra Buddhachai, whereas the Chinese pilgrims visit Hin Kong. The town itself has no sights.

By car: from Bangkok Highway 1 (110 km (68 mi.)).

By bus: from Bangkok (Northern Bus Terminal) several times daily.

By rail: station on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani line.

Chinese Temples

4 km (2 mi.) north of the small town of Hin Kong (Highway 1, about 8 km (5 mi.) south of Phra Buddhachai) on a mountain slope are several Chinese temples, the destination of many Chinese pilgrims. There is a Chinese cemetery close by.

Surroundings

There are a number of attractions within a short distance of Saraburi.

Wat Phra Buddhabat

A masterpiece of Thai architecture, the sacred Wat Phra Buddhabat is a popular site to visit in Saraburi. The Temple is the site of a bi-annual pilgrimage which attracts hundreds of visitors.

Wat Phra Buddhachai

5 km (3 mi.) south of Saraburi near Highway 1 (turn right into Highway 3042) is the Wat Phra Buddhachai ("Temple to Buddha's Shadow"). The natural relief-like drawing of an almost vertical soaring monumental limestone rock is interpreted as the shadow of Buddha. A steep staircase hewn out of the rock leads to the wat, which is consecrated to the "Shadow". From here there is a magnificent view over a fascinating mountain landscape.

Phu Khai

Approximately 16 km (10 mi.) north of Saraburi lies the small nature park of Phu Khai which developed from a botanical garden. There are many tropical trees, bushes and magnificent blooms to admire. Plantations of teak around the edges of the park were planted on an initiative of the forestry ministry.

Wat Tham Si Wilai

The route to Phra Buddhabat (Highway 1 towards Lopburi) passes the cave temple Wat Tham Si Wilai with beautiful stalactite formations in the huge halls.

Nam Tok Sam Lan and Man Tok Bo Hin Dad

At the end of Highway 3042 paths lead right and left to the waterfalls Nam Tok Sam Lan and Nam Tok Bo Hin Dad.

Wat Chanthaburi

Near Sao Hai, 8 km (5 mi.) west of Saraburi, the 19th c. Wat Chanthaburi is worth a visit; its wiharn preserves original frescos.