Sing Buri

Sing Buri is 142 kms. north of Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was established in the year 1895 during the reign of King Rama V through a consolidation of three small riverside towns including Sing Buri, In Buri, and Phrom Buri. The province currently occupies an area of 822 square kilometres.

Attractions

The most popular attraction is the 46-meters Chaksi reclining Buddha image at Wat Phra Non Chaksri. Another highly revered image is a diamond-encrusted Buddha image sitting in the meditation pose.

The Bang Rachan Fortress Park is a peaceful arboretum with a monument dedicated to the local heros and heroines whose continuous efforts foiled Burmese invaders from re-enforcing their troops at Ayutthaya during 1765. Their efforts became a significant Thai historical event, which has been popularized by the release of the movie Bang Rachan that has been distributed worldwide. H.R.H. the King presided over the park's opening in 1976 which is on the actual site of the former fortress. Within the fortress is Wat Mai Dang (Red Wood Temple) where the villagers sought solace and a redwood tree dating back to the Ayutthaya era.

Wat Sawang Arom is the center for sculpting Buddha images where the traditional skill of sculpting and casting has been passed down for generations. It also houses and preserves the provincial oldest long-tailed boats, such as the Golden Swan boat. A collection of shadow play pieces numbering more than 300 are also kept here.

Thailand's largest sitting Buddha in the blessin gesture, Phra Bhut Suwan Mongkol Mahamunee , is housed in a large wiharn (hall) whose walls are adorned with beautiful golden murals within Wat Pikun Thong. The temple ground also has a tranquil park for meditations.

The Inburi National Museum houses rare, historical artifacts from the reigns of King RamaV and Rama VI. Aside it is a historical building built on railroad tracks. The wooden chapel's doors and window panels were embellished with delicate carvings that took 10 years to complete.

City Attractions

Wat Sawang Arom This temple is situated in the town. It is a centre for Buddha image sculpture. The technique was handed down from the Ban Chang Lo School in Thon Buri. A collection of 300 Nang Yai or shadow play figures at this temple is considered the most complete in Thailand.

Old Court and City Hall These two European style buildings are located on Wilaichit Road by the Chao Phraya River in the town. Both are constructed at the same period, some 90 years ago during the reign of King Rama V. They are still in perfect condition.

Wat Phra Non Chaksi This temple is 4 kms. south of the town along the Sing Buri-Suphan Buri route. It houses a huge Sukhothai-style reclining Buddha image, which is revered by the local people and renowned for its large size, almost 46 metres long.

Wat Na Phrathat This temple, first called "Wat Hua Mueang” by the villagers, is located 1 km. west of Wat Phra Non Chaksi. It houses an ancient brick pagoda which was built during the ancient Khmer's glory. The pagoda was later renovated during the early Ayutthaya period. This area is assumed to have been the ancient site of Sing Buri.

Bang Rachan

Wat Phra Prang and Ancient Kilns This ancient site is located in Tambon Choeng Klat, Amphoe Bang Rachan, 17 km. west of the the town. The temple contains an old pagoda of the Lop Buri style assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Narai the Great. The pagoda measures 15 metres high and has some Buddha images at its base. Not far from the pagoda, 3-4 ruined ancient kilns have been discovered. They were used for firing earthenware during the Ayutthaya period. The kilns were relatively large and once produced jars, bowls, mortars, pots, gable tops, and floor tiles.

Tha Chang

Wat Phikun Thong This temple in Tambon Wihan Khao, Amphoe Tha Chang, is 9 kms. from Wat Phra Non Chaksi. Visitors come here to pay homage to the statue of Luang Pho Phae, a famous former abbot of the temple. The temple also houses Thailand's largest sitting Buddha image, 23 metres wide and 42 metres high, made of concrete and decorated with golden mosaic.

In Buri

In Buri National Museum This museum is situated inside a temple called Wat Bot. It exhibits several old objects such as King Rama V's palanquin, large shadow play figures, various styles of "Phat Yot”(monk ranking ecclesiastical fans), a Green Stone Buddha Image, and an ancient sugar cane crushing machine.

Wat Bot This is an old temple constructed in an unusual style having iron rails as the core of the lower part. The window and door panels of the chapel were carved exquisitely by the best artisan of Sing Buri, a man by the name of Chuen Hathakosol, who devoted 10 years of his life doing this piece of work.

Khai Bang Rachan

Monument of Bang Rachan Heroes This is situated in Amphoe Khai Bang Rachan, 13 kms. southwest of the town on Route No. 3032. The statues refer to the villagers of Bang Rachan who bravely fought against the Burmese army in 1765 during the reign of King Ekkathat of Ayutthaya. In spite of many more troops than the villagers, the Burmese had to make eight attacks before the villagers were defeated due to their shortage of weapons.

Wat Pho Kao Ton This temple is near the Monument of Bang Rachan Heroes. It was the base where the Bang Rachan villagers resisted the Burmese attacks. A replica of the ancient fortress, identical to the original, was constructed. In a chapel, there is the statue of Phra Achan Thammachot, who was both a monk and a leader of the Bang Rachan's heroes

Festival

Khai Bang Rachan Hero Day is usually held between February 4-6 at the Khai Bang Rachan Park. Activities include homage rituals to pay homage to the sculpture of Phra Achan Thammachot, historical about the heroes of Bang Rachan accompanied by Light and Sound Presentation, together with local entertainment and exhibition of Sing Buri's products.

Traditional Boat Race is held yearly in S eptember on the Chao Phraya River in front of the old town hall. This exciting and colourful event attracts entries from many provinces vieing for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.

Sing Buri Fish-Eating and Red Cross Fair Being close to many natural water ways, Sing Buri is well known for abundant fish particularly the Mae La catfish. The province is also where the Khrua Hua Pa recipe originated. The fair features some of Song Buri's best culinary creation, usually held in late December e ach year

Hotels and accommodation

• Chao Phraya Garden : 184/13 Sing Buri-Lop Buri Road Amphoe Muang [0 3651 1348, 0 3651 1957 Fax: 0 3651 1348] : 120-700 baht

• Chao Phraya Hotel : 949/35-37 Khun San Road Amphoe Muang [0 3651 1776, 0 3651 1348] : 120-240 baht City : 151/30 Sing Buri - Lop Buri Road Amphoe Muang [0 3651 1189, 0 3651 2254] : 180-600 baht
• Sing Buri Hotel : 882/18 Khun San Road Amphoe Muang [0 3651 1752, 0 3651 1653] : 190-600 baht
• Sing Buri Palace : 982/9 Wilaichit Road Amphoe Muang [0 3652 0159, 0 3652 0904, 0 3653 0717 Fax: 0 3652 0159] : 825-3,000 baht

• Rung A-Run Resort : 139 Mu. 3, Sing Buri - Ang Thong Road, Tambon Rong Chang Amphoe Phrom Buri [0 3659 9111] : 500-700 baht

• Charoen Tip : 153/12 Nai Tan Rd., Bang Phutsa, Tel: 0-3651-1293, 0-3651-2539
• Suan Aharn Tuptim :: 103/2 Singburi-Lop Buri Rd., Bangman, Tel: 0-3651-1739
• Nampung Pla Pao : Singburi-Ang Thong Rd. (old route), near Wat Chang Promnok
• Mae La Pla Pao : Asia Highway, Singburi-Chai Nat, Bangman, Tel: 0-3651-2431
• Ruammit : 521-523 Wilai Chit Rd. (banks of the reservoir), Bang Phutsa, Tel: 0-3651-1172
• Ruen Luang : 113/9 Moo 5, Lop Buri-Singburi Rd., Tel: 0-3651-1505
• Rung Arun Fishing Park : Singburi-Ang Thong Rd. (old route), Hua Pla, Tel: 0-3651-1003
• Athit Pochana : 949/1 Wilai Chit Rd., Tel: 0-3651-2517

How to get there

* By car
- From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and Highway No. 32 to Sing Buri via Ayutthaya and Ang Thong.
- From Bangkok, travel to Ayutthaya via Highway No. 32 , then proceed along Highway No. 309 to Sing Buri via Ang Thong.

* By bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Sing Buri every day. Call 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.