Suphan Buri

Muang Suphan Buri has been prosperous since the Dvaravat and was formerly called Phanchum Buri. It was constructed during the year 877-882 A.D. on the left bank of Tha Chin River in the vicinity of Tambon Rita Yai adjacent to Tambon Phihan Daeng. Later or when the Phanchum era was over, King Katae (half Thai-half Burmese; was crowned and after ascending to the throne be commanded the town to he moved to the right bank of the Tha Chin River, to construct Wal Sanam Chai and to restore Wat Pa Leylai. He then persuaded 2,000 officials to enter the monkhood. The name of the town was then changed to the Song Phan Buri (city of two thousands) Later on, King U Thong moved the location to the southern bank (west of Tha Chin River). The city was given a new name as U Thong until the reign of King Khun Luang Pha Ngua when the name was changed to Suphan Buri. Suphan Bun had been an important border town involving battles and wars. This caused regular damage through all ages in the past until the Ratanakosin era during the reign of King Rama VI. Then the Suphan Buri communities were consolidated and settled down on the east bank of the Tha Chin River (Suphan River) as it is now.

Suphan Buri is located some 169 kilometers from Bangkok (approximately 100 kilometers through the new Nonthaburi-Suphan Buri Highway, from the Khae Rai Intersection in Nonthaburi Province it is only 72 kilometers to Suphan Buri). Occupying an area of 5,358 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 10 Amphoes: Muang; Doemhang Nangbuat, Bang Pla Ma, Si Prachan, Song Phi Nong, Sam Chuk, U Thong, Don Chedi, Dan Chang and Nong Yasai.


Suphan Buri Attractions.


City Pillar Shrine This shrine is located on the west bank of Suphan River (Tha Chin River) half a kilometer from the bridge. The shrine was originally of typical wooden Thai design housing two Vishanu God statues carved out of green stone. It is now in the Chinese pavilion design. This Chao Pho Lak Muang Shrine is highly revered by the inhabitants.

The Four Sacred Ponds The four ponds named Sa Kaeo, Sa Kha, Sa Yomana, and Sa Ket are located in the vicinity of Amphoe Muang near the Tha Wa River 14 kilometers from the township area. They are assumed to provide sacred water ever since the prosperous U Thong City era; water from these four ponds have been utilized for various coronation ceremonies.

Tha Sadet Bird Sanctuary To find the location one can travel along the road leading through the Highway Division Intersection; then left turn is made to go over a bridge and straight on to Tambon Tha Sadet where a right turn is made for a distance of 12 kilometers to arrive at the unit. Some birds can he viewed during the day time while a tremendous number of birds such as open-billed stork, heron, stork, comorants, painted storks, night heron, and white ibises, etc.,can be seen in the evening when they come home.

Don Chedi Monument This monument is located in the vicinity of Tambon Don Chedi, Amphoe Si Prachan, 31 kilometers 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 hand elephant back combat. Found in 1913 in mined condition, only the base part can be seen. It was renovated having a new pagoda to cover the original one in the year 1952 by the government. A cast statue of King Naresuan the Great mounting the elephant's neck was placed in front of the pagoda. An annual fair celebrating the monument for seven days and seven nights commences on the 25th of January which is regarded as Royal Thai Armed Forces Day. The celebrations include historic shows, folk entertainment and shops selling all kinds of merchandise and service.

Muang U Thong This city currently located at Amphoe U Thong is a very old town found in the legend of Ayutthaya. King U Thong led a migration of his subjects running away from cholera at U Thong City to establish a new capital at Krung Si Ayutthaya in the year 1347. Later on the search for evidence at U Thong City revealed many factors which indicate that this is an old town and established a long time before Ayutthaya. It had been abandoned for some centuries before King U Thong established Ayutthaya as the capital so it is now believed that King U Thong did not run away from the cholera there as afore mentioned. The main attraction of tI Thong is the U Thong National Museum which stores artifacts and archaeological materials found from excavations, such as, tools, utensils and Buddha images displaying human development in the different ages when those people used to reside in this area of Suphan Buri.


Wat in Suphan Buri. (Temple)

Wat Suwannaphum The monastery called by the villagers as Wat Mai is located opposite to the City Hall. The main attraction is Pun Punnasiri Museum which stores very interesting artifacts and archaeological materials such as howls and cups, vases, Buddha images of various periods, clocks, weapons, etc.

Suphan Buri Tower Rising up to 123.25 meters in the middle of a public park in the heart of Suphan Buri, the tower offers a panoramic view of the provincial town with exhibition center and souvenir shops inside.

Wat Pa Lelai This is a very old monastery located on the west bank of Suphan River, two kilometers from the bank. It is generally called by the villagers as "Wat Pa". The Vihara houses a Buddha image in the attitude of leading a jungle life named "Luang Pho To". The image, highly revered by the people, was formerly in the attitude of giving the first preaching sermon but was changed to be in the present attitude when it was renovated. Every year there are two worshipping fairs falling on the 5th to the 9th waxing moon days of the 5th and the 12th lunar months.

Wat Sanam Chai An abandoned monastery located at Mu 5 Tamhon Sanam Chai, Amphoe Muang is one kilometer from the bank of the Suphan River to the east. Only ruins of the northern side of a large pagoda are left to be seen. It is estimated that its height should be 70-80 meters if it were in perfect shape. Early in 1962 the Fine Arts Department attempted to rehabilitate the pagoda searching for outstanding archaeological materials. Nothing was found probably because they might have been taken away by smuggling searchers many years ago. Some human relics were found and it was assumed that they should belong to warriors who died on the battle field in ancient times, so the name of "Unknown Warrior Chedi" is given to this pagoda.

Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat This monastery is located in the vicinity of Tambon Rua Yai, Amphoe Muang on the bank of the Suphan River 200-300 meters from the bridge crossing the river. It is locally called Wat Phrathat and is over 600 years old. The main attraction is a large prang housing the Lord Buddha's relics. It was probably built either during the reign of King Ti Thong (A.D.1350-1369) or the reign of King Ramathibodi II (A.D.1424-1448)

Wat Phra Rup This monastery is located on the west bank of the Tha Chin River opposite Suphan Buri provincial market in the vicinity of Amphoe Muang. It is a very old monastery built in the late U Thong era. The main attractions of this monastery are a reclining Buddha called by the villagers "Nen Kaeo" and Buddha's footprint made of wood which is very valuable as it is the only one in existence in Thailand, and is assumed to be the only one in the world.

Wat Mahathat This monastery is generally called by the villagers "Wat Phrathat Nok" and is located in the vicinity of Tambon Suan Taeng, Amphoe U Thong, 15 kilometers along Malaimaen Road from the township. The main attraction is a not so big prang of early Ayutthaya design having a good looking shape.

Wat Phai Rong Wua This monastery was built in the present era and is located in the vicinity of Tambon Bang Tathen on the bank of Khlong Phraya Banlue, Amphoe Song Phi Nong. It houses the largest metal cast Buddha image of the world called "Phra Phutta Khodom" which has a lap width of 10 meters and a height of 26 meters. There is various construction concerning Buddhism, such as, the Three season Palace of Prince Sitthattha, places of gaining enlightenment, giving the first preaching sermon, and Nivarna (passing away stage), the hell being community, etc. The monastery is reached by Highway No. 321 to Amphoe Song Phi Nong with right turn to Wat Phai Hong Wua; or take a boat trip from Tha Chang Landing, Bangkok, every Sunday at 07.00 hours.


Amphoe Doem Bang Nang Buat

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.

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 Pea fowls, Grey Peacock Pheasants. Red Jungle fowls, 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 ostriches, 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 Department of Agricultural Promotion under the umbrella of Ministry of Agriculture aiming to educate people about the importance of indigenous vegetables and their 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, consumption, 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 hydroponics (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 Indigenous 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 aquatic 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.



Amphoe Don Chedi

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.



Amphoe Mueang

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, cormorants, painted storks, night heron, and white ibises can be seen in the evening when they return home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thai Rice Farmers National Museum
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 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 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 Rup
This temple is located on Khun Chang Road on the west bank of the Tha Chin River opposite the towns 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 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 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 artifacts such as bowls and cups, vases, Buddha images of various periods, clocks and weapons.



Amphoe Si Prachan

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.




Amphoe 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.




Amphoe U Thong

U Thong National Museum
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 artifacts 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.


Festivals

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 Pageant (with contestants in period costume), a fair of both government and private organizations, and other stage performances.


How To Get There

Distances from Amphoe Muang to Other Districts :
Bang Pla Ma 10 kilometres
Si Prachan 20 kilometres
Don Chedi 31 kilometres
U Thong 32 kilometres
Sam Chuk 39 kilometres
Doem Bang Nang Buat 54 kilometres
Nong Ya Sai 58 kilometres
Song Phi Nong 70 kilometres
Dan Chang 77 kilometres

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

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

A 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 www.railway.co.th

Local Products

Hand-woven rattan and bamboo products
Hand-woven rattan and bamboo products especially Dok Phikun and Nam Thurian patterns are available at Song Phi Nong, U Thong and Doem Bang Nang Buat districts

Khanom Sali
Khanom Sali, sweet and soft cakes made from egg and flour, which can be bought in many shops in the town

Wickerwork from water hyacinths
At Ban Ratsadon Bamrung of Amphoe Don Chedi, wickerwork from water hyacinths is made into trays, baskets, purses, hats and cages, some of which are produced for export.