Saraburi

Located 108 km from Bangkok and 65 km from Ayutthaya it is conveniently commutable within a day. Saraburi, in the upper central region of Thailand is rich in tourist attraction resources including natural sites, artifacts, festivals, temples as well as historical sites. Topographically the southern and western parts of Saraburi are plateaus 2 metres above sea level. Ranging from plains to plateaus of 8 to 10 metres high above sea level broken by mounds and hills, the land gradually rises to the north and the northeast. Saraburi is on the one very important river: the Pasak River which flows through Amphoe Muak - lek, Kaengkhoi, Muang Saraburi and Saohai and meets the Chao Phraya River at Ayutthaya. It s length is 105 km. Important canals are Raphiphat, Roeng - rang Wihandaeng, Phrieo etc.

Festivals & Events

Phra Phutthabat Homage-paying Festival

When : February - March

Location : Wat Phra Phutthabat Shrine

Stems from the time when Lord Buddha's Footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. The mondop was built to cover the footprint. At present, the footprint is situated at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Tambon Khun Khon. A large number of Thais and foreigners come to Phra Phutthabat during the event. The event is held twice a year: from the first day till the fifteenth day of the waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar totaling 15 days; and from the eighth day until the fifteenth day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar for 8 days.

Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo

When : March

Location : Wat Phra Phutthabat Shrine

Or Celebrations of Lord Buddha's Tooth. Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo is the tooth of Lord Buddha. The festival is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The people of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat will present the tooth that is to be taken 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.

Chao Phor Khao Tok Festival

When : March

Location : Wat Phra Phutthabat Shrine

Or Chao Pho Khao Tok Procession is an annual festival. The event features the supernatural power performances of Chao Pho Khao Tok and walking on fire, Lo Ko dragon parade, and Chinese opera. Mostly Chinese people, especially the pupils of Chao Pho Khao Tok, will come to join the festival. The event is held from the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar for 4 days at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan in Phra Phutthabat district.

Tak Bat Dok Mai

When : July

Location : Wat Phra Phutthabat Shrine

The Food Offering Festival, is an important event of Phra Phutthabat district. This impressive merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent (around June-July) when Buddhist monks must stay in their temples. In the morning, the people will offer food and candles to Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Tambon Khun Khon, Phra Phutthabat district. They will go to collect a kind of flower called The Flower of Buddhist Lent, to offer to the monks for merit. The herb-like flower has yellow or white colors and is found at a hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period in Saraburi. While the monks come along the passage to bring the flowers to pay homage to Lord Buddha's Footprint, people will wait at the stairs with a bowl of clean water floating Mimusops. They will pour the water onto the feet of the monks and the novices as a means of cleaning ones mind.

Songkran Song Nam Sao Nang Takian Wat Sung

When : April

Location : Wat Sung at Amphoe Saohai

Is held annually on April 23 in front of Wat Sung's chapel, Sao Hai district. People perform merit making by pouring water to the elders and to Nang Takian pillar.

Pa Sak Boat Racing Festival

When : September

Location : Pa Sak River in front of Sowhai District Hall

Is a major annual regatta that takes place in front of Sao Hai district offices pier on the last Saturday or Sunday of September. Famous boats from all over the country join in the race. This festival preserves local tradition.

Kam Fa Festival

When : February

Location : Phai Lio District , Amphoe Don Phut

Is held on the second day of the waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar. The festival features folk entertainments and activities including a pitch and toss game, cockfighting, toasting rice in bamboo, etc. On the third day of waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar, people perform merit making and attend sermons, cook and tell stories about ancestors. The festival takes place annually at Tambon Phai Lio, Don Phut district.