:: PRACHIN BURI

Prachin Buri used to be a very prosperous town with beautiful waterfalls and canals which are very popular among nature adventurers.

In the old days, Prachin Buri had a long history of civilization of about 800 years ago, since the Dvaravati period. The ruined town of "Mueang Si Mahosot” at Tambon Khokpip, Amphoe Mahosot was discovered. At Ban Khok Kwang, Amphoe Si Mahosot, east to Mueang Si Mahosot, there was an ancient community at the same period as Muang Si Mahosot.

Through the traces of the ancient towns, there were discoveries of historical venues that were used for religious purposes and historic materials such as Buddha images, earthenwares, and pottery. It was also recorded that the center of civilization has been moved to the present coast of the Bang Pakong River. There were many administration alterations, from town to Monthon, and Changwat (Province) at present.

In general, Prachin Buri has plain areas and highlands. There are hills and mountains in the north adjacent to Dong Phaya Yen Mountain ranges. In the south and east, there are plains and forests. Low-lying plains suitable for agriculture are in the west of the province


:: Attractions

Located in Sri Mahosot District, the highly revered Wat Thon Pho Sri Maha Pho contains the oldest ‘ pho ' tree in Thailand. The ‘ pho ' tree is significant in Buddhism for the Lord Buddha meditated and reached enlightenment under such a tree. This tree's shoot was brought over from India and planted here. Nowadays, many Buddha images encircles the base of the big, shady tree.

The Prachin Buri National Museum contains a collection of important artifacts discovered within the province and from other Northeastern provinces.

Lining one side of the Prachin-Nakhon Nayok Highway heading away from Prachin Buri is the famous Nong Cha-am Fruit Market with many vendors selling the local fruits, such as durians, cantaloupes, and bamboos, at very affordable prices.The large, Buddhist Sa Morakot (Emerald Pond) Historical Complex contains structures that were constantly rebuilt on top of each other since before the 10 th century. Sites of interest include a pair of Buddha Footprints imprinted on a slab of natural sandstone, a emerald pond (sa morakot), a lotus pond (sa bua lum), and the Sri Mahosot structure.

Majority of the plant found in the Tublarn National Park consists of species related to the palm tree family, of which some are considered rare to find. These trees will produce flowers only after they've matured to 20 years and beyond. Another highlight is the Tublarn Falls.


:: City attractions


Prachin Buri - Khao Yai Highway, this waterfall is a part of Khao Yai National Park, which covers the area of Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Saraburi. It is a gigantic and beautiful waterfall with 60 metres in height and steep cliff. You can travel from Prachin Buri town via Suwannason Road to Noen Hom Intersection or Naresuan Circle, turn left to Highway No.3077. At the 24th kilometre turn right to the waterfall. From the parking area, visitors have to walk for 1 kilometre. There is a walkway from upper level down to lower level for a better and more beautiful view.

King Naresuan the Great Shrine  Located at Noen Hom Intersection, 8 kilometres north to Prachin Buri by Highway No.320, this shrine houses the image of King Naresuan the Great in a standing position to commemorate his camping at Prachin Buri on the way from Ayutthaya to Cambodia. People in Prachin Buri and nearby provinces normally pay respect to this shrine.

Wat Kaeo Phichit The temple is located on the right coast of Bang Pakong River in Prachin Buri Municipal Area, 2 kilometres east to town. Being an old and major temple, the place was built in 1879 by a Prachin Buri millionaire. In 1918, Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate (Chum Aphaiwong) constructed a new chapel (ubosoth) which had an architectural design of mixed arts styles of Thai, Chinese, European, and Cambodian. The significant attractions are the Ramayana mural paintings on the exterior of the chapel, while the interior are ornated by the paintings of the legend in Buddhism by the royal artists of King Rama VI. In front of the chapel is a concrete building with the style of Greek or Roman dome. Moreover, within the compound, the temple also features a holy scriptures library, and 3- facet meeting hall (sala) at the pier with shaded atmosphere.

Prachin Buri Cultural Centre Situated on the coast of Bang Pakong River and Prachin Anuson Road, near Amphoe Mueang's auditorium, this center was built in the reign of King Rama V. Its architecture is a mixture of Thai and western style. The Department of Fine Arts has registered this place as an ancient site and has renovated as the Cultural Center to display documents, ancient materials, utensils used for the history, tradition and culture of the local people.

Prachin Buri Province in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand has set up the Tourist Information Center at this Cultural Center to provide information of Prachin Buri and other tourist attractions. The center provides service during 08:30 - 16:30 hrs. except on public holidays.

Prachin Buri National Museum Located about 200 metres at the back of Prachin Buri City Hall, this archeological museum is set to be the center of artefacts in 7 provinces: Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Chacherngsao, Chonburi, Chantaburi, Trad, and Rayong. The Museum displays important artefacts discovered from ancient cities in Davaravati Period. Thai arts in various periods were also displayed for comparative study, including artefacts found under sea water from Koh Kram, Chonburi. Moreover, the temporary exhibition at special occasions has been on display. The Museum service hours are during 09:00 - 16:00 hrs., everyday except special holidays. The admission fee is 30 baht. More details are available at Tel: 0-3721-1586.

Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate Building The building is located in Chao Phraya Abhai bhubate Hospital on Prachin Anuson Road. It was constructed by the budget of Chao Phraya Abphaibhubate in 1909 as a residence for King Rama V on his royal visit to Prachin Buri. Its architecture is a 2-storey Renaissance building with the front porch featuring a central dome. Floral design ornated the outside walls, doors and windows. The inside is decorated in a western style.

 

The Department of Fine Arts has registered the building as the ancient venue. There is also, the Abhaibhubate Traditional Medicine Museum which is the centre for collection of Thai traditional books, herbs, medicine, and local medicine. Therefore, this place is also a study centre for the research and dissemination of knowledge on local people's lifestyle related to local herbs and medicine.

Wat Bot This temple is located on the west of town, on Bang Pakong River coast. Starting from Thetsaban Damri Road to Suwinthawong Road (Highway No.319), go straight to Highway No.3071 for 4 kilometres. There are 3 Buddha images along the coast named Phra Siri Mongkhon Nimit, the walking Buddha; Phra Sapphasit Nawa, the sitting Buddha; and Phra Maha Chin Saiyat, the reclining Buddha. The atmosphere in the temple is quiet and very shady.

Wat San Si's Bird Park Being in Tambon Wat, the park is the place for various kinds of thousands birds. The best season to watch the birds is during July to April. The accessibility to the park is by using the same road to Wat Bot but taking the right turn at the intersection. The park is 18 kilometres from town.

Bamboo Garden Supervised by the Department of Corrections, the garden is located in Tambon Noen Hom with the area of about 300 Rai. This place has the collection of various kinds of bamboo to study. From Highway No.33, turn left at Noen Hom Intersection to Highway No.3077 (Noen Hom - Khao Yai) for 11 kilometres or 20 kilometres from town.Huai Kasian Waterfall It is located about 15 kilometres from Prachin Buri town. At 166th kilometre, in Ban Khon Khwang, Tambon Dong Khilek. Turn left for about 4 kilometres to the waterfall.

Chakkraphong Reservoir The reservoir is an earth dam of 16.50 metre high and 740 metre long. From Noen Hom Intersection, turn right to Highway No. 33 for about 3 kilometres, turn left at the sign to the reservoir, between 160th-161st kilometre, for about 2 kilometres. From the entrance to the reservoir on the left, there is a 9 kilometre road to the top of the mountain to view the scenic atmosphere. At the 6th kilometre, there is a wonder hill for about 150 metres. If you stop your car, leave it at the neutral gear, your car seems to run up hill because of illusions affected by the surroundings.

Khao Ito Waterfall This waterfall in Tambon Dong Khilek is a popular tourist attraction which run through rocks at different levels. Only during the rainy season that there is water. Surroundings are full of forests. The waterfall is on the same route to Chakkraphong Reservoir but is 700 metres further.

Than Rattana Waterfall Located in Tambon Noen Hom with the distance about 100 metres from Noen Hom - Khao Yai Highway, and about 25 kilometres from Mueang District Office, this waterfall has plenty of water during the rainy season.