Just a hundred kilometres away from Bangkok, Suphan Buri is an ancient town rich in natural and historical heritage. The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Suphan Buri kingdom. So, today, travelling around the province is like drifting through historical novels. Historical evidence leads you to travel to the past such as Don Chedi Monument, Wat Khao Khuen whose abbot played a significant role in Thai history, U Thong National Museum, etc. Furthermore, various natural wonders such as Phu Toei National Park, Bueng Chawak Aquarium, as well as the famous local-style cake Sali Suphan always impress visitors.
What to See
Banharn - Jamsai Tower
Located in the downtown area on Nang Phim Road, this country's first and highest view point tower overlooking Chaloem Phatthara Rachini Park allows tourists to enjoy a bird's eye view over the province at a height of 123.25 metres. The tower has four view point decks, including ticketing and souvenirs, snack bar and park view souvenir and downtown viewpoint decks, and the fourth panoramic viewpoint deck is at a height of 78.75 metres. Telescopes are available on the decks. The interior is decorated with murals featuring King Naresuan the Great.
Wat Pa Lelai
This is a very old temple located on the west bank of the river on Malaimaen Road in the town. It is believed to have been built some 800 years ago when Suphan Buri was a prosperous community. A huge sitting Buddha image named "Luang Pho To", 23 metres in height, is enshrined in the main chapel. The image was originally situated in the open area and was later covered by the chapel. Worship fairs celebrating the image are held twice a year in April and November.
In addition, an old Thai style house called Khum Khun Chang has been built in the temple compound. The design of the construction has followed the description in Khun Chang-Khun Phan, a classic Thai poem which is a work of Sunthon Phu, the greatest poet of Thailand during the early Bangkok period.
Bueng Chawak
Bueng Chawak was originally a part of Tha Chin River. After a period of times, a part or the river branched off to form a crescent shaped lake tht took up some areas of Doem Bang Nang Buat district, Suphan Buri province, and Hankha district, Chai Nat province. In 1994, the Suphan Buri Provincial Authority and H.E.Mr.Banharn Silpa-archa, the Prime Minister, and various sectors, public and private. Initiated the Bueng Chawak Chalerm Phra Kiet Development Project to celebrate His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej's on his 50th Year Accession to the Throne.
The lake was excavated to dam up 10 million cubic meters of freshwater to irrigate 6,500 rais (10,400,000 sq m.) of agricultural land. The surrounding areas were developed into other projects such as the Wildlife Extension Center (Department of Livestock Development), a garden of indigenous vegetables, and an exhibition center for aquatic animals.
Don Chedi Monument
This is located at Amphoe Don Chedi, 31 kilometres from the township area. The pagoda was constructed by the royal command of King Naresuan the Great to commemorate his victory against King Maha Uparacha of Burma in single-handed elephant back combat in 1592. A cast statue of King Naresuan the Great mounting the elephant's neck was placed in front of the pagoda.
Buffalo Village The Buffalo Village is situated on Suphan Buri-Chai Nat Road, Amphoe Si Prachan. This tourist attraction wishes to pay tribute to this particular aspect of Thai culture and history and inspire the public to appreciate this cute beast and its mighty contribution to Thailand in the past. Interesting places in the compound are Farmer Village, His Majesty the Kings New Theory on Managing Agricultural Land Project and Thai-Style Teak Wood Houses. For more information, contact Buffalo Village at tel: 0-3558-2591-3, fax: 0-3558-1676 or visit www.buffalovillages.com
How to Go
Car
There are many routes for travelling from Bangkok to Suphan Buri:
Bangkok-Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri, a distance of 107 kilometres.
Bangkok-Pathum Thani-Lat Lum Kaeo-Suphan Buri, a distances of 115 kilometres
Bangkok-Suphan Buri-Suphan Buri, a distance of 132 kilometres
Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Kamphaeng Saen-Suphan Buri, a distance of 164 kilometres
Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses departs from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2435 1199-200) and Mochit 2 Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2936 2852-66) to Suphan Buri many times daily.
Train train leaves Bangkok Station daily for Suphan Buri at 4.40 pm. and reaches the province at 7.32 pm. On the return trip, the train leaves at 5 am. and reaches Bangkok at 8.10 am. For more details, call 1690, 0 2220 4334 or visit the website
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