Saraburi Province
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| Statistics | |
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| Capital: | Saraburi town |
| Area: | 3,576.5 km² Ranked 56th |
| Inhabitants: | 575.053 (2000) Ranked 42nd |
| Pop. density: | 161 inh./km² Ranked 17th |
| ISO 3166-2: | TH-19 |
| Governor: | Thawatchai Thoetphaothai (since November 2006) |
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Saraburi (Thai: สระบุรี) is one of the central provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Lopburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed in the year 1548 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya as a centre for recruiting troops.
The City of Valuable Buddha’s Footprint, Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, Industrial Production Base, Agro-tourist Attractions, Unique Curry Puffs and Dairy Products, Beautiful Flower Offering Festival, Golden Sunflower Fields, and Famous Junction City.
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[edit] Geography
Saraburi is located on the east side of the Chao Phraya river valley. The east part of the province is covered by high plains and plateaus, while the western part is mostly low flat plains.
Two national parks are located in the province. Namtok Chet Sao Noi protects 28 km² around a scenic waterfall. Phra Phutthachai protects the Khao Sam Lan Forest, which consists of hilly landscape and is the source to several rivers and waterfalls. The highest elevation is the Khao Khrok, 329 m above sea level. The 44.57 km² were declared a national park in 1981.
The town, as a gateway to the northeastern region, is only 108 km from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 3,576.5 square kilometres.
[edit] History
Saraburi has been an important city since ancient times. It is assumed to have been established approximately in 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It is assumed that the king had ordered to combine some parts of Lop Buri and Nakhon Nayok together and set up Saraburi province with an aim to be a centre for mobilizing the citizens during times of war. Therefore, from the Ayutthaya period, the story of Saraburi has usually related to battles and wars. As for the origin of the word “Saraburi”, it is assumed that due to its location near a swamp called “Bueng Nong Ngong”, when the town was established a combination of “Sa”-a swamp- and “Buri”-a town was suggested and the town was named “Saraburi”.
[edit] Places
The most important Buddhist temple is Wat Phra Phutthabat, built under King Songtham in the 17th century, is located around a Buddha footprint. It is the most popular pilgrimage site within central Thailand.
Close to that temple, Wat Tham Krabok is famous for its drug detoxification. Additionally it was the last of the Hmong refugee camps in Thailand.
[edit] Symbols
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The provincial seal shows the temple Wat Phra Buddha Baat. In the 17th century a hunter found a puddle of water which looked like a (oversized) footprint. It was declared a footprint of Buddha, and the temple was built around it. Phra Phutthabat means footprint of Buddha.
Provincial tree is Lagerstroemia floribunda, provincial flower is the Yellow Cotton Tree (Cochlospermum regium). |
[edit] Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 13 districts (Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 111 communes (tambon) and 965 villages (muban).
[edit] Tourism
[edit] Sights
Wat Phra Phutthabat
Wat Phra Phutthabat located in Amphoe Phra Phutthabat; 28 km north of the town along Highway No.1; it is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand. The temple houses the footprint of Lord Buddha found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill. The footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. A cone-shaped structure or mondop was built to cover the footprint.
Wat Phra Phutthachai
This temple which is situated on a hillside. The main attraction is a picture of Lord Buddha appearing on a cliff wall. A Wihara has been built to cover it. The surroundings are very pleasant and shady.
Khao Sam Lan National Park
This is the nearest national park where tourists can take a short journey form Bangkok. It is 4 km beyond Wat Phra Phutthachai. The park offers many small waterfalls, some of which can be reached by short hiking trails. The best time to visit the falls is the late rainy season when water is plentiful.
Crocodile Farm and Zoo (ฟาร์มจระเข้ และสวนสัตว์) is a location where crocodiles are raised and bred. Apart from the crocodiles, there are many other kinds of animals such as deer, monkeys, and various species of birds
Phra Phuttha Nirarokhantarai Chaiwat Chaturathit (พระพุทธนิรโรคันตรายชัยวัฒน์จตุรทิศ) resides in the cruciform pavilion of Wat Sala Daeng. It is the Buddha image of the East and one of the four images made by the Territorial Defense Department to express loyalty to King Rama VI and King Rama IX.
Phu Khae Botanical Garden (สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ภาคกลาง (พุแค) It is a garden of a collection of various kinds of flora, comprising 35 kinds referred to in Thai literature, as well as, the herbal ones.
Tham Si Wilai (ถ้ำศรีวิไล) Inside the cave resides the Phra Phutthanaowarat Buddha image, an art of the Chiang Saen period, as well as, stalagmites and stalactites.
Sao Ronghai (เสาร้องไห้) It is a gigantic post made from a hardwood tree known as Takhian, which is believed to possess a female spirit called “Takhian Thong”. This post was sank at this sub-district for approximately more than 100 years until 1958 when the locals brought it out of the water and kept it in the shrine.
The Golden Buddha Image (พระพุทธรูปทองคำ) It is a Buddha image in the meditation posture. The Fine Arts Department examined it and analysed that there is 70% gold. Therefore, the locals named it “Luangpho Thongkham” (the Golden Buddha image).
Wat Phayao (วัดพะเยาว์) The golden Buddha image of Wat Phayao is considered as one of the major sculptures of Ayutthaya period. The believers built a wihan with a cruciform plan as a residence for the Buddha image to enhance its dignity and honour to the people of Saraburi.
Wat Khao Kaeo Worawihan (วัดเขาแก้ววรวิหาร) When King Rama IV visited Sao Hai District, he ordered the renovation of this temple and promoted it as a royal temple. There has been a rumor that there used to be a bright crystal ball over the Wihan of Wat Khao Khaeo on some nights.
Ban Khao Kaeo (บ้านเขาแก้ว) is a traditional Thai wooden house of approximately 80-100 years old and is the property of Achan Songchai Wannakun. The house is established as the “Thai Yuan Cultural Study Centre”, collecting folk utensils, weapons, living tools, as well as, ancient woven textiles aged more than 100 years old.
Bencha Sutthi Khongkha (เบญจสุทธิคงคา) refers to the sacred water from 1 of the 5 important rivers that flows through Sao Hai District, which has been used in the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony from the reign of King Rama IV until the present time.
Wat Samuha Pradittharam (วัดสมุหประดิษฐาราม) Inside are very beautiful mural paintings depicting the Khawi folk tale, the main Buddha image taken from Sukhothai’s Ancient City and cast of bronze covering with gold leaves in the posture of subduing Mara, as well as, the images of the Lord’s 2 major disciples.
Wat Chanthaburi (วัดจันทบุรี) The admirable points are the Ubosot, constructed in 1893 during the reign of King Rama III. Inside are mural paintings of the similar period as the Ubosot which remain perfect and beautiful, depicting the gathering of angels and story of the Lord Buddha.
Weaving Centre of Tambon Ban Ton Tan (ศูนย์การเรียนรู้ทอผ้าตำบลบ้านต้นตาล) This centre is a complete learning venue for youth and the public. There are various kinds of woven fabric on display such as loincloth, plain coloured cloth, Pha Si Khao, and fabric in the Dok Phikun – bullet wood flower – pattern, which is a traditional Thai Yuan style.
Thanon Phrachao Songtham or Thanon Farang Song Klong (ถนนพระเจ้าทรงธรรม หรือ ถนนฝรั่งส่องกล้อง) is a road constructed during the reign of King Songtham. At present, approximately 9 kilometres of the path remain to be seen, starting from the area opposite Wat Sang Sok. It was transferred into a laterite and concrete road with a width of 6-8 metres.
Thale Ban Mo (ทะเลบ้านหมอ) is a deep and wide pond, being a habitat of various water animals with a serene atmosphere. During February to July, a flock of thousands of migratory birds from Siberia will come, and live in this area.
Samnak Song Tham Krabok (สำนักสงฆ์ถ้ำกระบอก) It is a well-known rehabilitation centre for drug addicts. This monastic residence was established by a Buddhist nun, Mian Panchan in 1957.
Bo Phran Lang Nuea (บ่อพรานล้างเนื้อ) is a small stone well near Wat Phra Phutthabat. At the mouth of the well are knee prints. There are stone slopes and a deep hole whose size is equal to a can of milk near the well. The water that flows from the hole is believed to be holy water.
Phra Tamnak Than Kasem (พระตำหนักธารเกษม) This palace was built in 1633 during the reign of King Prasat Thong as a residence on his royal visit to pay respect to Phra Phutthabat. The base of the palace still remains nowadays.
Tham Thep Nimit Than Thong Daeng (ถ้ำเทพนิมิตรธารทองแดง) It is a prehistoric archaeological site. Artefacts of the late Neolithic period were discovered.
Tham Narai or Tham Khao Wong (ถ้ำนารายณ์ หรือถ้ำเขาวง) It is a stalagmite and stalactite cave with ancient Mon scripts at the entrance of the cave.
Tamnak Sa Yo (ตำหนักสระยอ) is a royal residence constructed at the edge of Than Thong Daeng after Somdet Phrachao Prasat Thong’s command when he visited to pay respect to Phra Phutthabat.
Phra Tamnak Thai Phikun, the Ancient Palace (พระตำหนักท้ายพิกุล พระราชวังโบราณ) Nowadays there is no remains of the palace. Only the royal elephant mounting platform and the wall around the area are left.
Tham Phrathat Charoen Tham or Tham Bo Pla (ถ้ำพระธาตุเจริญธรรม หรือถ้ำบ่อปลา): The cave is divided into 3 big rooms. In the cave resides Luangpho Yai, a stucco Buddha image with black lacquer applied, as well as, covered with gold leaves in the gesture of subduing Mara from the Ayutthaya period.
Pha Sadet (ผาเสด็จ) It is the cliff where King Rama V and the Queen resided when the Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima railway was constructed in 1895. Both of them also inscribed their royal initials, Cho Pho Ro and So Pho at the cliff.
Tham Phra Phothisat (ถ้ำพระโพธิสัตว์) There is a bas-relief of the Dvaravati period on the cave wall, depicting the preaching Buddha and Hindu gods. Outside the cave are plenty of trees of various kinds, as well as, the royal initials, Cho Pho Ro, inscribed as King Rama V witnessed the waterfall, Tham Thammathat, Tham Lumphini, a stone garden and Tham Sa-ngat Chedi.
Khao Phra Phutthabat Noi (เขาพระะพุทธบาทน้อย) features undulating steep limestone mountains comprising of many pointed summits. Inside lies a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, around 1 cubit wide and 3 cubits long imprinted deep into the ground.
Phra Bowon Ratchawang Si Tha (พระบวรราชวังสีทา) The compound of the residence was very large, covering an area of approximately more than 150 rai. Its remain is a lotus base for a wooden house made of brick and cement. There is an area of around 4 rai left which the Kamnan - village headman, Mr. Suphat Ritthichampha, has reserved as a public area.
Ban Dong Nam Bo Archaeological Site (แหล่งโบราณคดีบ้านดงน้ำบ่อ). It is a cemetery where burial ceremonies were conducted and an archaeological site of the Pa Sak River culture. Also, iron and stone tools, jewellery, bangles and beads, aged approximately 2,000 years were discovered.
Chet Khot - Pong Kon Sao Nature and Ecotourism Study Centre (ศูนย์ศึกษาธรรมชาติและท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศเจ็ดคด-โป่งก้อนเส้า) It is abundant with a biodiversity of both plants and animals. It comprises many kinds of forests such as dry evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and savanna. Animals living in this compound are wild elephants, gaurs, bears, deer, barking deer, lories, mouse deer, wild boar and approximately 158 kinds of birds.
Nature Study Routes (เส้นทางศึกษาธรรมชาติ) There are 3 overall. The first route is from the sightseeing spot located 12 kilometres from the centre. The second route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Hin Dat Waterfall. The third route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Namtok Chet Khot Nuea, Klang and Tai. Other waterfalls found in the area and nearby are differently splendid. Significant ones are as follows: Namtok Khao Khaep, Namtok Krok Fa Phanang, and Namtok Sap Pa Wan.
Sekeikyuseikyo Thai Headquarters (องค์การศาสนาเซไคคิวเซเคียวประจำประเทศไทย) lies the tropical Miroku Botanic Garden. There is also a pool, marble sculptures in various shapes, and a Japanese garden with a beautiful landscape. The other side of the project lies an organic demonstration vegetable plot by using the Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology, a use of a micro-organism to reduce pollution in the environment.
Rafting along the Pa Sak River (การล่องแม่น้ำป่าสัก) The natural surroundings along both sides of the river is beautiful. The mountains line up along the rafting route. At some parts are stones and cliffs in strange shapes, similar to animal ones.
Namtok Heo Noi (น้ำตกเหวน้อย) Proceeding further from this waterfall, there are high waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. The most appropriate period of travelling is during July - November.
Muak Lek Arboretum (สวนรุกขชาติมวกเหล็ก) and Namtok Muak Lek (น้ำตกมวกเหล็ก) The lively stream originates from the tributaries in Khao Yai National Park that flow into the Pa Sak River that is the border between the two provinces. The stream has rock slopes that form small beautiful cascades.
Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกเจ็ดสาวน้อย) The waterfall flows along a stream and has 7 levels. The height of each level is approximately 4 metres and offers a spacious shady swimming area.
Namtok Sap Heo (น้ำตกซับเหว). There is a large basin for swimming. On the right side of the waterfall is a path to a small cave which houses stalagmites and stalactites. Trekking to the waterfall is quite difficult.
Tham Dao Khao Kaeo (ถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว) The distinguished points of this cave are its red, black and brown spots on the ceiling, as well as, the stalagmites and stalactites and a lot of bats.
The Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand (องค์การส่งเสริมกิจการโคนมแห่งประเทศไทย (อ.ส.ค.)) The Danish government and the Danish Dairy Farming Association together offered a promotion project on the raising of dairy cows. They coordinated with the Thai government to establish the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm (TDDF) and a training centre in Muak Lek District, Saraburi.
Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (เขื่อนป่าสักชลสิทธิ์) which was selected as one of the “Unseen Thailand Destinations” . It is the longest earth filled dam in Thailand with a length of 4,860 metres along the crest.
Tree Tunnel (อุโมงค์ต้นไม้) is an arch formed by trees bending towards each other on both sides of the road, similar to a 200-metre long tunnel with shady beauty.
Sunflower Fields (ทุ่งทานตะวัน) are found between Lop Buri and Saraburi, along the Phatthana Nikhom – Wang Muang route. From November – December, the yellow sunflower fields along the road attract all passers-by when they are in full bloom.
Chedi Phrakhun Mae (เจดีย์พระคุณแม่) The chedi is surrounded by the Buddha images representing the seven days of the week. This chedi was constructed to encourage good children to remember the kindness of their mothers and conduct goodness in return.
Phai Tam Sub-district Bird Garden (สวนนกธรรมชาติตำบลไผ่ต่ำ) The garden covers an area of approximately 3 rai and is a residence of various kinds of birds of more than 17 species. These birds always find their food early in the morning and fly back to their nest at dust.
[edit] Activities
Cliff Climbing – Abseiling (ปีนหน้าผา-โรยตัว) at Wat Phra Chai, Mueang District. It is a large cliff with a height of 35 metres appropriate for the Bouldering Cliff Climbing- a climb of less than 5 metres high without using a rope. However, cushions are provided on the ground below and a climbing partner will always take care and block from behind the climber. The spot is on a mountain which is surrounded with cliffs on every side. On the east of Wat Phra Phutthachai lie large round stones alternating with timber forests. On the other route is a climbing location with a rope or Top Rope with a length of 40 metres. Also, this is a sightseeing spot of the plain of the Pa Sak River as well as the scenery of Saraburi.
Tham Lumphini Suan Hin (ถ้ำลุมพินีสวนหิน) is in Kaeng Khoi District with a length of 1,800 metres. It is the longest cave in perfect condition of Saraburi that has occurred from the natural underground water.
[edit] Local Products
Food and Dairy Products: Products from the Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand, Muak Lek Dairy Cooperatives, and private organizations are sold, including sweetened beef, salted beef, curry puff, vegetables and seasonal fruits like Nong Saeng mangoes, oranges, custard apples, pomegranates, dragon fruits, grapes, etc.
Local Hand-woven Fabrics are Tin Chok, silk, and Mudmee textiles of the Thai Yuan people. Herbal Chinese Pork Sausage with Iodine (Kun Chiang), Sweet Dried Pork (Mu Sawan), Pounded Pork (Mu Thup) and Pork Stewed in Gravy (Mu Phalo) Krayasat – cereals and nuts in honey caramel. Herbal Shampoo, Conditioner, Facial Foam. Straw Mushrooms Pla Soi Fish Sauce Nong Saeng Mangoes Artificial Flowers Made of Banana Stems Dried Beef Curry Puffs
[edit] Culture
[edit] Festivals
The National Dairy Cow Festival (งานโคนมแห่งชาติ) is organized in Muak Lek District in January every year. H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the chairperson in the opening ceremony. It is the biggest event of the professional dairy cow farmers.
Phra Phutthabat Homage Paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาท) is held twice a year: from the first day of the waxing moon till the full moon day in the third lunar month totalling 15 days; and from the eighth day of the waxing moon until the full moon day in the fourth lunar month for 8 days.
Kam Fa Festival (ประเพณีกำฟ้า) is held on the second day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month. The eve of the festival features various forms of folk entertainment and activities including cockfighting, toasting sticky rice in bamboo, etc. On the third day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month, the day of the Kam Fa Festival, people perform merit making and attend sermons, etc. The festival takes place annually at Phai Lio Sub-district, Don Phut District.
Wat Sung Songkran Festival and Sao Nang Takhian Bathing (ประเพณีสงกรานต์สรงน้ำเสานางตะเคียนวัดสูง) is held annually on 23 April in front of Wat Sung’s ordination hall, Sao Hai District. People perform merit making and pour water onto elders and to Nang Takhian pillar.
Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo (ประเพณีแห่พระเขี้ยวแก้ว) Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo was the tooth of the Lord Buddha. The tradition is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month. The people of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat will take the tooth from Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum and bear it in a procession around the town. They believe that if the procession is held, they will live in wealth and happiness. It is an annual tradition of Phra Phutthabat District.
Chaopho Khao Tok Fair or Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (ประเพณีเจ้าพ่อเขาตก หรือ งานแห่เจ้าพ่อเขาตก) is held at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat District, and is an annual fair. The event features the supernatural power performances of Chaopho Khao Tok and walking on fire, Lo Ko dragon parade and Chinese opera. Mostly Chinese people, especially the followers of Chaopho Khao Tok from all over the country will come to join the festival. The event is held from the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month for 4 days.
Tak Bat Dok Mai Ceremony (ประเพณีตักบาตรดอกไม้) is considered as the significant tradition of Phra Phutthabat District. This merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. During the ceremony, people will offer alms to monks, as well as, candles for the Buddhist Lent to Wat Phra Phutthabat in the morning. During the afternoon, they will offer flowers to the monks at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Khun Khlon Sub-district, Phra Phutthabat District. They will go to collect a kind of flower similar to Krachai (Rotunda) or turmeric with yellow or white flowers called “The Flower of Buddhist Lent”. This herb-like flower is found on the hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period and only in Saraburi. While the monks are walking up the staircase to bring the flowers to pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s footprint, people will wait along the steps with a bowl of clean water floated with bullet wood flowers. They will pour the water onto the feet of the monks as a means of washing their sins. The Flower of Buddhist Lent was listed as a new species of plant in the world in the International Flowers Fair in July 2001 at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.
Pa Sak Boat Racing Festival (การแข่งขันเรือยาวประเพณีลุ่มน้ำป่าสัก) is a major annual regatta that takes place at the pier in front of the Sao Hai District Office on the last Saturday or Sunday of September. Famous long boats from all over the country join in the race divided into 4 categories of 55 paddlers, 30 paddlers, 12 paddlers, and 10 paddlers. This festival is a way to preserve the local tradition.
[edit] External links
- Province page from the Tourist Authority of Thailand
- Saraburi provincial map, coat of arms and postal stamp
- Saraburi history in Thai language
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