Quick Facts:
- Location: Central Thailand
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Status: Province
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Population: About 620,454
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Area: About 3,576.5 square km
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Telephone area code: 066-019
Lying on the east side of the Chao Phraya river valley, 108 kilometers to the north of Bangkok, with the varied terrain of high plains and plateau in the east and low flat plains in the west, Saraburi is a province of upper central region of Thailand. It covers an area of 3,576.5 square kilometers and consists of 13 districts including Muang Saraburi, Nong Khae, Kaeng Khoi, Wihan Daeng, Muak Lek, Nong Saeng, Ban Mo, Sao Hai, Phra Phutthabat, Nong Don, Don Phut, and Wang Muang.
Saraburi has become an important city since the ancient times. It is believed to have been founded in 1549 under the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayuthaya Kingdom. According to historical documents, some parts of Lop Buri and Nakhon Nayok were combined into Saraburi province to become a center for calling up citizens during the war times by the King. Therefore, since the Ayutthaya period, Saraburi has had stories related to battles and wars. The name “Saraburi” is originated from the location of the town near a swamp, it was the combination of “Sa” (means “a swamp”) and “Buri” (means “a town”).
Saraburi Province is an attractive destination with rich tourist attractions, from natural sites to cultural festivals, historical venues and majestic temples. The most important Buddhist temples is Wat Phra Phutthabat, which was built in the 17th century, with a “Buddha footprint” which makes it be the most famous pilgrimage site in central Thailand. Besides, the province features other cultural and historical attractions as Wat Phra Phutthachai, Phra Phuttha Nirarokhantarai Chaiwat Chaturathit Buddha image, the Golden Buddha Image, Wat Phayao, Ban Khao Kaeo-a traditional Thai wooden house, etc. Furthermore, the province hosts two famous national parks, including Namyok Chet Sao Noi with a scenic waterfall and Phra Phutthachai with the Khao Sam Lan Forest and some rivers and spectacular waterfalls. Tourists can also come to visit Sunflower Fields to admire the beauty of yellow sunflower, or Crocodile Farm and Zoo with many kinds of crocodiles and animals. More interesting thing, Cliff Climbing or Tham Lumphini Suan Hin will bring you interesting experiences as joining in these activities.
Apart from natural and historical attractions, Saraburi is also the land of famous local products and rich culture. Coming with this land, tourists can enjoy the special tastes of food and dairy products as sweetened beef, salted beef, seasonal fruits, vegetables, etc. Rich culture and tradition is also a special characteristic of Saraburi, with a wide range of events and festivals taking place throughout the year as The National Dairy Cow Festival, The Kam Fa Festival, Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo, The Chaopho Khao Tok Fair, The Tak Bat Dok Mai Ceremony, The Pa Sak Boat Racing Festival, etc, with numerous traditional ceremonies and interesting activities which will surely bring enjoyable experiences for you.