Suphan Buri

Suphan Buri is an ancient town rich in culture and historical temples. It is located on the bank of the Tha Chin River, sometimes called the Suphan Buri River by its people. Suphan Buri once was an important border town involved in battles and wars during the Ayutthaya period.

Suphan Buri is located some 169 kilometres from Bangkok along Highway No. 340. It occupies an area of 5,358 square kilometers.

Attractions

Within town, the old Wat Pa Lelai , commonly called "Wat Pa” (forest temple), houses the highly revered Luang Phor Tho Wat Pa Lelai, a huge, restored, Dvaravati-style Buddha image.

The town's principal temple called Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat boasts a beautiful prang restored in the Ayutthaya period and once again in the 20 th century. Inside the prang is a 600-year old Budhha relic.
Situated on the opposite bank, the riverside Wat Phra Rup houses a reclining, Dvaravati-style Buddha image and a carved wooden Buddha Footprint that is priceless.

The centrally located Banharn-Chamsai Tower is the first and the tallest viewing tower in Thailand with telescopes installed at the top for better viewing of the city and surrounding environs.

The large white Memorial Don Chedi was built by King Naresuan to mark the site of the Nong Sarai Battle between the Burmese and Thai forces led by the king. Presently, a statue of King Naresuan riding atop an elephant is situated in front of the structure.

North of the town's principal temple is Wat Kaa , an old temple whose name appeared in the classical Thai literature of "Khun Chang Khun Pang”. Within the compound is a large tamarind tree and an ancient style Thai wooden house called ‘Khum Khun Pang'.

The U Thong National Museum contains artifacts and artworks from different periods that were excavated from nearby which shows the evolution of civilization in Suphan Buri.

Outside of town, Wat Pai Rong Wua (Cattle Bamboo Ranch Temple) houses the sacred and handsome Phra Phut Kodom, Thailand's largest bronze cast Buddha image and Phra Kaku Suntho, the world's largest clay sculpture Buddha image.

To the east of the city is the colorful, Chinese Chao Phor Shrine. Nearby, the interior walls of the bot at Wat Pratu San contains impressive murals depicting Buddha's life painted in the 19 th century.

The Krasiew Dam was constructed with packed earth soils and holds the records for being Thailand's longest dam with a length of 4 km.

City Attractions

City Pillar Shrine This is located on the west bank of the Suphan Buri River. Originally it was built in Thai style architecture but later altered to a Chinese pavilion design. The shrine houses statues of the god Vishnu carved out of green stone.

The National Museum of Thai Rice Farmers This is located on Phraphanwasa Road in front of the city hall. Opened in August 1994 and dedicated to the history and study of rice farming, exhibits include tools of the trade, the many rites surrounding it, and the historical role of royalty in rice farming. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday and close on Monday, Tuesday and National Holiday. Admission is free.

Wat Sanam Chai This is an abandoned temple on the east bank of the Suphan Buri River in the town. Only ruins of a large pagoda are left to be seen. It is estimated that its height should be 70-80 metres if it were in perfect shape. After the excavation, some human relics were found, and it was assumed that they should belong to warriors who died on the battlefield in ancient times.

Wat Suwannaphum This temple of the early Ayutthaya period is located opposite the City Hall. There is a museum which stores ancient artefacts such as bowls and cups, vases, Buddha images of various periods, clocks and weapons.

Suphan Buri Tower Rising up to 123 metres in the middle of a public park in the heart of Suphan Buri, the tower offers a panoramic view of the provincial town with an exhibition centre and souvenir shops inside.

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.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat This temple is at Tambon Rua Yai on the west bank of the Suphan Buri River in the town. Locally called Wat Phrathat, it was constructed during the early Ayutthaya period, over 600 years ago, and houses a large U Thong style pagoda with Lord Buddha's relics.

Wat Phra Rup This temple is located on Khun Chang Road on the west bank of the Tha Chin River opposite the town's market. Also built during the early Ayutthaya period, the temple houses a 13-metre long reclining Buddha image called by the villagers "Nen Kaeo” with the most beatific face among all other statues of the same period. There is also Lord Buddha's footprint made of wood, the only one existing in Thailand.

Wat Khae This old temple is mentioned in the Khun Chang-Khun Phaen literature. It houses a very old gigantic tamarind tree and ancient Thai-style houses called "Khum Khun Phaen”. The temple is 2 kilometres beyond Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.

Wat Phra Non This is a popular attraction where visitors come to pay homage to a reclining Buddha image and also feed a large shoal of fish in the river by the temple.

Western Handicraft Promotion Centre This is located at Tambon Don Kamyan on Malaiman road about 8 kilometres from Amphoe U Thong. It has been established to promote the support of cottage and handicraft industries in Suphan Buri and other nearby provinces in the western region. Many fine handicrafts are on display and on sale.

Tha Sadet Bird Sanctuary This is 15 kilometres from the town along the Suphan Buri-Don Chedi Route (Highway No. 322). Some birds can be viewed during the day time while a tremendous number of birds such as open-billed stork, heron, comorants, painted storks, night heron, and white ibises can be seen in the evening when they return home

Doem Bang Nang Buat

Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phra Kiat was originally a part of Tha Chin River. After a period of times, a part or the river branched off to form a crescentshaped 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 irragate 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.

Wildlife Extension Center Bung Chawak:
- Tourist Information Center Service : The center offers information on breeding and caring many kinds of wildlife, as well as bird watching. In the large aviary connected to the building, many kinds of birds are housed for visitors to observe and study them. In addition, a video room is provided to display films and slides on wildlife plus narration about the origin of the center.
- Aviary : This 5 rai (8,000 sq m.). 25-meter high aviary houses a menagerie of birds. The interior of the aviary is made to provide a living condition that closely resembles their authentic natural surroundings. There are 45 species of birds and pheasants that include Green Peafowls, Grey Peacock Pheasants. Red Junglefowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, Crested Firebacks, Alexandrine Parakeets, Cockatoos, Spot-billed Ducks, Sarus Cranes, Painted Storks, and Asian Openbills.

Rare Animals Breeding Enclosures :
- Tigers and Lions zones are located next to each other, Inside, the large banister is arranged with caves and high rocky hills to resemble their natural surroundings, Other species nearby panthers, clouded leopards, and leopard cats.
- The wading birds aviary was constructed to house many types of wading bird for study purposes, as well as for bird watching including Sarus Cranes, Pelicans, Coot, and White-winged Ducks.
- Pheasants and rare birds zone house rare and near extinct pheasants and birds such as Green Peafowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, and Hornbills.
- Other rare animals located nearby are ostiches, camels, and zebras.
The Wildlife Extension Center Tel : 0 3543-9206 / 0 3543-9210 Fax : 0 3543-9210

The Garden for Indigenous Vegetables :
- The Garden was established by the Departnent of Agricultural Promotion under the umbrella of Ministry of Agriculture aiming to educate people about the importance of indigenous vegetables and theire significant values to Thailand. Many types of vegetables were collected from all parts of Thailand, so the Thai public could study the process of planting, propagation, comsumption, and their nutritious value.
- The garden is located on a beautiful landscape. Numerous items on indigenous vegetables are available at the kiosk and library. They hydrophonics (planting without soil) agriculture of more than 500 types of vegetables is demonstrated at the Garden. Seeds of many cultivars are also available for sale.
- The Garden of Indigeous Vegetables : 102 M.9 Doem Bang, Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri 72120 Tel : 0 1948 9214, 0 9836 1358 Fax : 0 3543 9523
- The Garden runs tours 4 times a day :
Morning from 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon from 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
General visit is everyday from : 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.

The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals (Department of Fisheries) was constructed under the Bueng Chawak Royal Development Project to celebrate His Majesty the King's 50 Year Accession to the Throne. The construction was commenced on 19 July 1996, and opened to public in February 1998. The aim of this construction is to provide a state of the art center for behavioral study of Important aquatic animals for academics, students, as well as the general public. The attractions of the center as follow :
1. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 1 was built to host and exhibit numerous interesting aquatic animals. In this section, there are more than 50 species aquatic animals, both native and foreign, as well as exotic fishes. Some of the species on display are the Mekong Giant Catfish, Siamese Tiger fish. Many interesting rare fishes from other parts of the world such as the Amazon Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, and Amazon Red-tailed Catfish are also shown for visitors to acquire first-hand knowledge on the ecological system. In addition to the aquatic species mentioned above, marine creatures like Schooling Bannerfish, Blue-spotted Ray, Niger Triggerfish, Nurse sharks, and Thorny Sea Horses are also on display.
2. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 2 was constructed subsequently when the original building became too small since it could only keep 50 acquatic species, which left no room for expansion, H.E.Mr.Banharn Silpa-archa , thus commissioned the construction of Building 2 to be located nearby. Inside the Building, there is a large 400 cubic meter circular aquarium that all visitors can walk around and observe the fishes from all directions. There is an 8.5 meter walk through tunnel, the first of its kind in Thailand, where all visitors can view a numerous aquariums, 30 containers of show-cased freshwater fishes and 7 tanks of beautiful seawater fishes are also displayed in the building.
3. Crocodile Pool was built to provide a natural surrounding and living quarters for these large prehistoric reptiles. The 3 rai (4,800 sq m.) of land comprises a large pool and a dry area with planted trees to provide a home for 80 Siamese Crocodiles with sizes ranging from 1.5 to 4 meters in length.
- The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals is opened everyday.
Fees are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
- Opening hours are :
Monday-Friday 10.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 09.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : 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.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : U Thong
U Thong Ancient Town About 30 kilometres to the east of the town near the Chorakhe Sam Phan River, U Thong was once a prosperous town during the Dvaravati period before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital in 1347. The U Thong National Museum in the U Thong district exhibits artefacts and archaeological materials, such as tools, utensils, and Buddha images found from excavations and shows the development of communities settled in Suphan Buri in different periods.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : Song Phi Nong
Wat Phai Rong Wua This temple is located at Tambon Bang Ta Then, Amphoe Song Phi Nong, 43 kilometres from the town on the way to Bangkok. It houses the largest metal cast Buddha image of the world called "Phra Phutthakhodom”, which has a lap width of 10 metres and a height of 26 metres.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : Si Prachan
Buffalo Village is situated on Suphan Buri-Chai Nat Road, Amphoe Si Prachan. This new 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 King's 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

Doem Bang Nang Buat : Doem Bang Nang Buat
Bueng Chawak Chaloem Phra Kiat was originally a part of Tha Chin River. After a period of times, a part or the river branched off to form a crescentshaped 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 irragate 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.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : Wildlife Extension Center Bung Chawak
- Tourist Information Center Service : The center offers information on breeding and caring many kinds of wildlife, as well as bird watching. In the large aviary connected to the building, many kinds of birds are housed for visitors to observe and study them. In addition, a video room is provided to display films and slides on wildlife plus narration about the origin of the center.
- Aviary : This 5 rai (8,000 sq m.). 25-meter high aviary houses a menagerie of birds. The interior of the aviary is made to provide a living condition that closely resembles their authentic natural surroundings. There are 45 species of birds and pheasants that include Green Peafowls, Grey Peacock Pheasants. Red Junglefowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, Crested Firebacks, Alexandrine Parakeets, Cockatoos, Spot-billed Ducks, Sarus Cranes, Painted Storks, and Asian Openbills.
- Rare Animals Breeding Enclosures :
1. Tigers and Lions zones are located next to each other, Inside, the large banister is arranged with caves and high rocky hills to resemble their natural surroundings, Other species nearby panthers, clouded leopards, and leopard cats.
2. The wading birds aviary was constructed to house many types of wading bird for study purposes, as well as for bird watching including Sarus Cranes, Pelicans, Coot, and White-winged Ducks.
3. Pheasants and rare birds zone house rare and near extinct pheasants and birds such as Green Peafowls, Silver Pheasants, Siamese Firebacks, and Hornbills.
4. Other rare animals located nearby are ostiches, camels, and zebras.

The Wildlife Extension Center
Tel : 0 3543-9206 / 0 3543-9210
Fax : 0 3543-9210

Doem Bang Nang Buat : The Garden for Indigenous Vegetables
The Garden for Indigenous Vegetables : The Garden was established by the Departnent of Agricultural Promotion under the umbrella of Ministry of Agriculture aiming to educate people about the importance of indigenous vegetables and theire significant values to Thailand. Many types of vegetables were collected from all parts of Thailand, so the Thai public could study the process of planting, propagation, comsumption, and their nutritious value.

The garden is located on a beautiful landscape. Numerous items on indigenous vegetables are available at the kiosk and library. They hydrophonics (planting without soil) agriculture of more than 500 types of vegetables is demonstrated at the Garden. Seeds of many cultivars are also available for sale.

The Garden of Indigeous Vegetables : 102 M.9 Doem Bang, Doem Bang Nang Buat District, Suphan Buri 72120 Tel : 0 1948 9214, 0 9836 1358 Fax : 0 3543 9523
The Garden runs tours 4 times a day :
Morning from 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
Afternoon from 2.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.
General visit is everyday from : 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.

Doem Bang Nang Buat : U Thong
The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals (Department of Fisheries) was constructed under the Bueng Chawak Royal Development Project to celebrate His Majesty the King's 50 Year Accession to the Throne. The construction was commenced on 19 July 1996, and opened to public in February 1998. The aim of this construction is to provide a state of the art center for behavioral study of Important aquatic animals for academics, students, as well as the general public. The attractions of the center as follow :

1. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 1 was built to host and exhibit numerous interesting aquatic animals. In this section, there are more than 50 species aquatic animals, both native and foreign, as well as exotic fishes. Some of the species on display are the Mekong Giant Catfish, Siamese Tiger fish. Many interesting rare fishes from other parts of the world such as the Amazon Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, and Amazon Red-tailed Catfish are also shown for visitors to acquire first-hand knowledge on the ecological system. In addition to the aquatic species mentioned above, marine creatures like Schooling Bannerfish, Blue-spotted Ray, Niger Triggerfish, Nurse sharks, and Thorny Sea Horses are also on display.

2. Aquatic Animals Exhibition Building 2 was constructed subsequently when the original building became too small since it could only keep 50 acquatic species, which left no room for expansion, H.E.Mr.Banharn Silpa-archa , thus commissioned the construction of Building 2 to be located nearby. Inside the Building, there is a large 400 cubic meter circular aquarium that all visitors can walk around and observe the fishes from all directions. There is an 8.5 meter walk through tunnel, the first of its kind in Thailand, where all visitors can view a numerous aquariums, 30 containers of show-cased freshwater fishes and 7 tanks of beautiful seawater fishes are also displayed in the building.

3. Crocodile Pool was built to provide a natural surrounding and living quarters for these large prehistoric reptiles. The 3 rai (4,800 sq m.) of land comprises a large pool and a dry area with planted trees to provide a home for 80 Siamese Crocodiles with sizes ranging from 1.5 to 4 meters in length.

- The Exhibition Center for Aquatic Animals is opened everyday.
Fees are 30 baht for adults and 10 baht for children.
- Opening hours are :
Monday-Friday 10.00 a.m.-05.00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 09.00 a.m.-06.00 p.m.

Festival

Don Chedi Memorial This annual fair is held for 7 days to commemorate the historic event at Don Chedi in 1592 that led to the liberation of the kingdom from foreign occupation. The celebration commences on the 25th of January, which is regarded as the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day, with historical exhibitions and outdoor entertainment.

Activities include a light and sound show of the elephant fight, a Don Chedi Beauty Pagaent (with contestants in period costume), a fair of both government and private organizations, and other stage performances

Hotels and accommodation

  • Big Inn : 125/6 Mu 8 Tambon Pho Phraya Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2838] : 250-600 baht
  • Country : 207 Mu 3, Suphan Buri-Bang Bua Thong Road Amphoe Muang [0 3550 2297-9 Fax: 0 3550 2298] : 400-450 baht
  • Dee Rak : 2 Nen Kaeo Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1513, 0 3552 1546] : 350-450 baht
  • K.A.T. Hotel : 27 Phra Phanwasa Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1639, 0 3552 1619, 0 3552 1927] : 150-270 baht
  • Khum Suphan Hotel : 28/2 Mun Han Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2273-5] : 1,400-5,400 baht
  • King Pho Sai : 72 Nen Kaeo Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1216, 0 3552 1259, 0 3552 2412 Fax: 0 3552 2412] : 150-300 baht
  • Pachara Hotel : 3 Nang Soifa Road Amphoe Muang [0 3551 1860, 0 3552 1007, 0 3552 1637 Fax: 0 3552 1007] : 150-500 baht
  • Phaithun : 2 Pracha Thippatai Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2094] : 100-220 baht
  • Song Phan Buri : 135/1 Phracha Thippatai Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2555-7] : 1,600 baht
  • Sri Muang : 30-36 Phra Phanwasa Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2036] : 120-300 baht
  • Sri Suphan : 31-33 Khun Krai Road Amphoe Muang [0 3551 1122] : 160-330 baht
  • Sri Uthong : 113 Nang Phim Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1668] : 220-350 baht
  • Suksan : 113 Nang Phim Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1668, 0 3552 1748, 03552 2470, 0 3552 3477 Fax: 0 3552 1748] : 200-350 baht
  • Sulak : 577-8 Phlai Phet Road Amphoe Muang [0 3551 1576] :120-250 baht
  • Valentine : 195 Nen Kaeo Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 1836, 0 3552 1841] : 120-300 baht
  • Wanchai : 309-310 Phra Phanwasa Road Amphoe Muang [0 3551 1056] : 80-120 baht
  • 99 Hotel : 654-5 Pracha Thippatai Road Amphoe Muang [0 3552 2094] : 200-300 baht
  • Bee Hut Resort : Suphan Buri-Si Prachan Road Amphoe Si Prachan [0 1433 9111] : 700-1,500 baht
  • Wang Yang River Park Resort : 28/1 Mu 6 Suphan Buri-Chai Nat Road, Tambon Wang Yang Amphoe Si Prachan [0 3554 8869-71, 01216 2835] : 2,000 baht / 3,000-6,000 baht / 350 baht
  • Si Prachan : 613 Mu 3 Tambon Si Prachan Amphoe Si Prachan : 100-200 baht
  • Ngo Chip Seng : 785 Mu 6 Tambon U Thong Amphoe U Thong [0 3555 1245] : 60-120 baht
  • Siam : 1603 Mu 6 Tambon U Thong, Soi Suk Sala Amphoe U Thong [0 3555 1570] : 200-400 baht
  • U Thong Thani : 1027 Mu 6 Thao U Thong Road Amphoe U Thong [0 3554 2730] : 200-300 baht
  • L.P. Hotel : 229 Tambon Song Phi Nong Amphoe Song Phi Nong [0 3554 2730] : 350 baht

Restaurants

  • Kaotom Nong Poo : 28 Munhan Rd., Tel: 0-3551-1203, 0-3550-2971
  • Cook Ocha : Foot of Pai Kwang Bridge, Tel: 0-3541-2387
  • Dee Suki : 74/64-65 Klong Song Nam R1, Tel: 0-3551-1817, 0-3550-0626
  • Tip One Bakery : 137/4-5 Prachatipathai Rd., Tel: 0-3551-1998, 0-3551-1001
  • Nopparat Restaurant : 334 Munhan Rd., near Wat Prasat Thong, Tel: 0-3551-1708, 0-3550-2690
  • Bua Ngern : 359/2 Pai Kwang-Lad Tan Rd., Tel: 0-3552-3816
  • Suan Aharn Pai Kwang : 167 Moo 2, Pai Kwang, Tel: 0-3552-3014-5
  • Pachara : 1 Nang Soi Fah, Tel: 0-3552-1007, 0-3551-1860
  • Ruen Thai : 21 Nang Thep Thong Rd., Tel: 0-3552-1582
  • Ruen Pae (Krua Suphan) : 99 Moo 3, Suphan-Pho Payao Rd., Tel: 0-3552-3057

How to get there

* By 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-Ayutthaya-Suphan Buri , a distance of 132 kilometres
Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom-Kamphaeng Saen-Suphan Buri , a distance of 164 kilometres.

* By 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.