Saraburi

Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times. It is believed to have been constructed in 1548 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphai. Saraburi is only 108 kilometers from Bangkok occupying 3,576.5 square kilometers. It is administratively divided into 11 Amphoes and 2 King Amphoes; Muang Saraburi, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae, Wihan Daeng, Nong Saeng, Muak Lek, Ban Mo, Phra Phutthabat, Sao Hai, Nong Don, Don Phut and King Amphoe Wang Muang. What to see and what to do in Saraburi? Phra Phutthabat Shrine literally means the Buddha's Footprints. They are housed in the Mondop located on the shelf of Suwan Banphot Hill or Satchaphan Khiri Hill, Amphoe Phra Phutthabat, 31 kilometers from the provincial town. From Saraburi one takes a left turn and travels one kilometer before arriving at Amphoe Phra Phutthabat site. The footprints were discovered in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. There are two annual fairs celebrating the footprints. The first one falls on the 8th waxing moon day to the 1st waning moon day of the 3rd lunar month. The second falls on the 8th waxing moon day to the 1st waning moon day of the 4th lunar month. Phra Phutthachai literally means the Buddha's Shadow. Follow Bangkok-Saraburi Road to Km.102 where a right turn is to be made for a distance of four kilometers then take a left turn to the monastery. One can follow the signs clearly leading to the location in the foot hill area of Patthawi Hill, Tambon Nong Pla Lai. The main attraction is the shadow of a Buddha image seen on a cliff wall. It can be accessed via a spiral staircase. The surroundings are very pleasant and shady. During the 'cold season' the sunflower fields in Saraburi attract lots of visitors. Khao Sam Lan National Park is located 16 kilometers from the city on the same route as Wat Phra Phutthachai. The park is made up of various kinds of wild woods and beautiful waterfalls such as Nam Tok Sam Lan, Nam Tok Pho Hin Dat and Nam Tok Ton Rak Sai. Muak Lek Arboretum is located 36 Kms. from Saraburi on Friendship Highway behind the shops selling products of the Dairy Farm Organization. It occupies an area of 375 rai midway between Amphoe Muak Lek of Changwat Saraburi and Amphoe Pak Chong of Changwat Nakhon Ratchasima. Nam Tok Sao Noi or Ched Sao Noi is accessible through the same road as Nam Tok Duak Lek but nine kilometers further. The waterfall has many levels and the surroundings are naturally beautiful with a spacious shady swimming area. http://travel.thainn.com/thailand/