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The vineyards in Muak Lek district, Saraburi The vineyards in Muak Lek district At the Muak Lek District, there are vineyards open all year for tourists. Visitors can either taste fresh grapes, processed grape products such as wine, seedless grapes, grape juice, grape candy, grape jam, raisins, preserved grape jam, etc. or join a grape picking activity. At the Muak Lek District, there are vineyards open all year for tourists. Visitors can either taste fresh grapes, processed grape products such as wine, seedless grapes, grape juice, grape candy, grape jam, raisins, preserved grape jam, etc. or join a grape picking activity. The vineyards open to the public are Kamnan Meng’s Vineyard, Tel. 0 3634 4693; Khun Mali’s, Tel. 0 3622 7056-7, 08 1853 5893; or Phu Amon Vineyard and Wine, Tel. 0 3632 7183, 08 1906 9373. Seedless grapes can be purchased at Kamnan Meng’s Vineyard, 101 Mu 5 (the entrance to Ban Bo Tana), Mittraphap Road, Muak Lek District, Tel. 0 3634 4693, 0 3634 1015, Rai Nam Phu Fa at Lam Phaya Klang Sub-district, Muak Lek District, Tel. 08 1216 6419. To get there: The vineyards will be along Highway No. 2089, the Muak Lek - Wang Muang route.

Wat Phra Phutthachai, Saraburi Wat Phra Phutthachai Wat Phra Phutthachai is situated on the foot of Khao Pathawi, Nong Pla Lai Sub-district, the same entrance as Phra Phutthachai National Park, where Phra Phutthachai or Roi Phra Phuttharup - a shadow of the Buddha is located on the cliff. A mondop - a square building with a crown-like spire - was built to cover it. Wat Phra Phutthachai is situated on the foot of Khao Pathawi, Nong Pla Lai Sub-district, the same entrance as Phra Phutthachai National Park, where Phra Phutthachai or Roi Phra Phuttharup - a shadow of the Buddha is located on the cliff. A mondop - a square building with a crown-like spire - was built to cover it. A staircase was also constructed to lead the way from the temple to the cliff above the Mondop. Moreover, there are pre-historic line drawings at the foot of the cliff such as the drawing similar to deer. Near the entrance to Phra Phutthachai, there are human hands and symbols. From Tham Ruesi to Phra Phutthachai on the western side, there are drawings of chickens, Buddha images and symbols. Also, on the Cho Po Ro cliff, a gigantic and complicated drawing was found. It is similar to the pre-historic one at Pha Taem, Ubon Ratchathani. Moreover, there is an ancient drawing with latex, aged approximately 3,000 years, symbolising the meaning among the group and probably used as a ceremonial medium or belief of the people in that period of time. Furthermore, Roi Phra Phutthabat Bueang Khwa - Buddha’s right footprint - was discovered in 1994. The Fine Arts Department renovated the Mondop on the mountain in the area of Wat Phra Phutthachai. When the cement floor was removed, the Buddha’s right footprint appeared under the sand printed on a stone.

Khao Sam Lan National Park, Saraburi Khao Sam Lan National Park The Khao Sam Lan National Park covers 4 districts: Mueang, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae, and Wihan Daeng and occupies an area of 44 square kilometers. It was declared a national park on June 2, 1981. October to January (winter season in Thailand) is the best time to visit. Namtok Sam Lan National Park originally called “Khao Sam Lan National Park”, covers 4 districts: Mueang, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae and Wihan Daeng, and occupies an area of approximately 44 square kilometres or 27,856 rai. It was declared a national park on 2 June, 1981. October to January, which is during winter, is the best time to visit. The park comprises many tiny and large mountains with a plain in the valley. The highest summit is Khao Khrok with a height of 329 metres. It is the highest sightseeing spot where the panoramic view surrounding the centre of Saraburi and nearby districts can be clearly witnessed. During World War II, the Japanese soldiers used this spot to watch the movements of their opponents through binoculars. The condition of this area is still naturally abundant. Many wild animals can be witnessed such as pheasants, red jungle fowls, barking deer, monkeys, wild boars, and various kinds of birds such as the Asian fairy-bluebirds, the white-crested laughing thrushs, the lineated barbets, the green-billed malkoha, as well as, many types of butterflies. There are many waterfalls inside the national park such as “Namtok Sam Lan”. It features 3 levels of rock terraces similar to a staircase, and this is the origin of the waterfall’s name. It is 300 metres from the office of the National Park. There is also “Namtok Pho Hin Dat", approximately 300 metres from the park office. It is a single-levelled waterfall, suitable for swimming. In the area of the waterfall is a wide rock terrace with a gigantic Pho or Bodhi tree, extending its branches outward. Moreover, there is “Namtok Ton Rak Sai”, which is 400 metres from the park office and originates from the same stream as Namtok Pho Hin Dat. It is a single levelled waterfall. Its lively stream flows from the 7-metre high stone cliff to the basin below. Around the basin are many big and small rocks which can be used as the place for admiring the waterfall. There is a trail, connecting these waterfalls together, which takes approximately 2-3 hours to get back to the starting point without having to return the same way. The waterfall is most beautiful during the end of July until the beginning of October. Other interesting attractions are as follows: Khao Ruak Reservoir is a small reservoir with a carrying capacity of 50,000 cubic metres. It is located between Khao Ruak and Khao Daeng and was constructed in 1980 with a sightseeing spot and venue for recreational activities such as kayaking, cycling a punting boat, swimming, etc. Phra Phutthachai Tunnel is 12 kilometres from the park office. It is a one-way train tunnel which is 7 metres wide, 7 metres high and 1,197 metres long. It was constructed in 1994 and is the longest train tunnel in Thailand built by Thai people. It is at Khao Chong Ling on the border between Tambon Charoen Tham , Amphoe Wihan Daeng and Tambon Nong Pla Lai, Amphoe Mueang, Saraburi. World War II Memorial of the Japanese Army (Khao Daeng) is 2 kilometres from the park office. It is a historical attraction. During World War II, the Japanese soldiers occupied the area of Khao Daeng as a military base and prison for captives. There remain traces of holes caused by the bombs left behind by the Japanese soldiers. The constructions made by the Japanese soldiers are the commanding tunnel, trenches along the valley, the commanding room, a treasure room, and the bunker lines. Ancient Chedi on Top of Khao Radar is assumed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period but was struck by the thunderbolt. At present, there are some traces left. Another historical importance is that the Japanese soldiers once used this place as a cannon base. Besides, there are 3 natural study routes; namely, 1) Khao Daeng route, a distance of 1.6 kilometres, 2) Sam Lan – Ton Rak Sai route, a distance of 3.2 kilometres, and 3) Sam Lan – Sap Pla Kang route, a distance of 4.5 kilometres. For the 3rd route, tourists can stay overnight. Please inform the national park officer in advance. The admission is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Accommodation and Facilities: The park has three guesthouses provided for tourists, costing 600-2,400 Baht, a camp for 60 people, costing 6,000 Baht/night, and a camping site for tourists bringing their own camping gear. Besides, there are punting boats and canoes for rent. For more information, please contact the park office at Tel. 0 3622 5171-2 or at the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bang Khen, Bangkok, at Tel. 0 2562 0760, or at www.dnp.go.th. To get there: The park is located on the Bangkok - Saraburi Road, on Highway No. 1, Phahonyothin Road, approximately 16 kilometres south of Saraburi. Departing from Bangkok, turn right to make a U-turn before reaching Km. 102 to Highway No. 3042 and 3046, respectively to the asphalt road for 8 kilometres.

Sunflower Fields, Saraburi Sunflower Fields Sunflower Fields are found between Lop Buri and Saraburi along the Phatthana Nikhom-Wang Muang route. From December to January (Thai winter season), the sunflowers along the road attract all passersby when they are in full bloom.

Wat Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi This temple is located in Tambon Khun Khlon, 28 kilometres north of the town, turn left 1 km. before arriving in Phra Phutthabat district. The important historical site here is Lord Buddha's Footprint that was found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill or Satchaphanthakhiri Hill. Lord Buddha's Footprint measures 21 inches wide, 5 feet long, and 11 inches deep. The footprint was discovered during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. The footprint had 108 religious aspects, so he commanded a temporary Mondop be built to cover the footprint and it has been refurbished several times. The Mondop is a square building, has a seven-tier castle roof and each is roofed with green glazed tiles. Each level is decorated with an arch supported by wood, gold and colored glasses. The external walls are also decorated with gold and coloured glasses in the shapes of mythological gods and lotus top. The pearl inlaid artwork on the Mondop doors represents one of the best craftsmanship in the country. The Mondop entrance has three Naga (mythical serpents) stairs, each conveying the meaning of silver, gold, and glass stairs that stretch from the heavens. A five-headed Naga cast in bronze flanks the stairs. The Mondop is surrounded by bells, which visitors can rap to make merit. The surrounding ubosot and vihara were built according to the architecture of the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods. In the temple compound there is the Phra Phutthabat National Museum which displays various precious artifacts including King Songthams attire, ceramics, bronzeware, old weapons, a replica of Lord Buddha's footprint, an old Mondop top, Phat Yot (ecclesiastical fans) from various periods, and the pipe dating from the King Narai period. The Phra Phutthabat Festival is held twice a year, during the eighth day of the waxing moon until the first day of the waning moon in the third month and the fourth month of the lunar calendar. Bo Phran Lang Nuea is a small stone well near the temple. At the mouth of the well are knee prints. There are stone slopes and a deep hole the size of a milk can near the well. The water that flows from the hole is believed to be holy water. According to legend, Bun, a hunter who found Lord Buddha's Footprint, washed game meat at this well by kneeling down and the small hole was made from his spear which was stuck into the ground. There is a continuous flow of water from the well.

Namtok Chet Sao Noi, Saraburi Namtok Chet Sao Noi is a small waterfall at Tambon Muak Lek, on the same route as Namtok Muak Lek and continue on for another 9 kilometres on an asphalt road. The waterfall flows along a stream and has 7 levels. The height of each level is 4 metres and offers a spacious shady swimming area.

Weaving Centre of Tambon Ban Ton Tan, Saraburi Weaving Centre of Tambon Ban Ton Tan was originated from a group of unemployed women but would like to make use of their free time and create more income for their families. This centre is a complete learning venue for youth and the public. There are various kinds of woven fabric on display such as loincloth, plain coloured cloth, Pha Si Khao, and fabric in the Dok Phikun – bullet wood flower – pattern, which is a traditional Thai Yuan style. To get there: Take Highway No. 3041 and turn right on to Highway No. 3341 until reaching Ban Pak Bang. Enter the same entrance as Wat Ton Tan. The centre is near the temple.

Tham Phra Phothisat, Saraburi This cave is located in the compound of Wat Tham Phra Phothisat, Tambon Thap Kwang, 32 kilometres from Saraburi town, 15 kilometres along Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Nakhon Ratchasima and 11 kilometres along the access road following the road sign. The cave is situated in the middle of Khao Nam Phu. It houses a bas-relief Buddha image on the wall, a Lankan pagoda of the Dvaravati period as well as monumental stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is teeming with various kinds of trees. Tham Thammathat, Tham Lumphini, Tham Sangat Chedi and a stone garden can be seen in the area.

Sao Ronghai, Saraburi Sao Ronghai is in Chao Mae Takhian Tong Shrine at Wat Sung, Tambon Sao Hai. It is located 500 meters from Sao Hai District Office. It is a large pillar, which is believed to be a female spirit because offerings people give to this pillar are all female items. According to legend, when Bangkok was built as the capital, there was a decree that the most beautiful pillars from all over the country would be taken to Bangkok for selection to find the City Pillar. Saraburi sent a nearly perfect pillar by floating it down the Pa Sak River. However, it arrived just after the selection of another pillar was made and it was designated as a secondary pillar instead. If it had arrived in time, it would have been chosen as the city pillar because of its large size and unmatched beauty. The pillar became very sad and floated itself back to Saraburi where it later sank. Afterwards, villagers would report hearing crying sounds. Hence, the name of the Tambon as Tambon Sao Ronghai and its subsequent name of Amphoe Sao Hai.

Samnak Song Tham Krabok, Saraburi Samnak Song Tham Krabok is located at Prong Prap hills, Khun Khlon Sub-district, 25 kilometres from the centre of Saraburi along Phahonyothin Road. It is on the left side if coming from Mueang district of Saraburi. Its entrance is between Km. 132-133. It is a well-known rehabilitation centre for drug addicts. This monastic residence was established by a Buddhist nun, Mian Panchan in 1957. After her death, Luangpho Chamrun Panchan, her nephew, has continued the mission. He was awarded the “Magsaysay Award” on 10 September, 1975.

Thanon Phrachao Songtham or Thanon Faran..., Saraburi Thanon Phrachao Songtham or Thanon Farang Song Klong is a road constructed during the reign of King Songtham when he came to examine the Buddha’s footprint by his royal barge travelling along the Pa Sak River. As the king arrived at the pier, he continued his trip by an elephant led by Phran Bun. On his way back, he ordered a foreigner to look through a telescope and had a 10-wa (20-metre) road cut as a royal path straight through to the pier. At present, approximately 9 kilometres of the path remain to be seen, starting from the area opposite Wat Sang Sok. The first kilometre is a dirt path, which is no longer used and the rest is a laterite road passing behind Wat Panchaphirom, Wat Nong Khonthi, crossing Phra Phutthabat – Ban Mo Road in front of Wat Kanlayana Banphot, passing in front of Chaopho Khao Tok Shrine and Phra Tamnak Sa Yo before disappearing. It was transferred into a laterite and concrete road with a width of 6-8 metres.

Wat Chanthaburi, Saraburi Wat Chanthaburi is located at Ban Mueang Kao, Mu 6, Mueang Kao Sub-district, 1 kilometre beyond the District Office. Take Highway No. 3041. The temple is on the right side. There is a clear direction sign to the temple. The admirable points are the Ubosot, constructed in 1893 during the reign of King Rama III in brick and cement with a gable roof, Cho Fa - gable finial - and Bai Raka - crockets - on the roof. The gable is decorated with stucco relief and crockery. Inside are mural paintings of the similar period as the Ubosot which remain perfect and beautiful, depicting the gathering of angels and story of the Lord Buddha.

Wat Samuha Pradittharam, Saraburi Wat Samuha Pradittharam is located in Suan Dok Mai Sub-district, 2 kilometres from the District Office. Its Ubosot was completely constructed in 1897. Inside are very beautiful mural paintings depicting the Khawi folk tale, the main Buddha image taken from Sukhothai’s Ancient City and cast of bronze covering with gold leaves in the posture of subduing Mara, as well as, the images of the Lord’s 2 major disciples: Moggallana and Sariputta residing on both sides. In September every year, a traditional long boat race is organised at this temple.

Wat Khao Kaeo Worawihan, Saraburi Wat Khao Kaeo Worawihan is located in Ton Tan Sub-district, on the right side of the Pa Sak River, 6 kilometres from Sao Hai District Office. When King Rama IV visited Sao Hai District, he ordered the renovation of this temple and promoted it as a royal temple. There has been a rumor that there used to be a bright crystal ball over the Wihan of Wat Khao Khaeo on some nights. It is considered a miracle of the sacred object contained inside the Chedi. Inside the small 5-spired Chedi situated between the bell tower and the main chedi reside the adorned Buddha image, Buddha image in the Palelai (Palilayaka) posture, and the Lord Buddha’s footprint. All of these are beautiful.

Wat Phayao, Saraburi Wat Phayao is located on the bank of the Pa Sak River, Mu 1, Tambon Sala Rithai. At the back of the temple is the Pak Bang – Saraburi Road, passing by the golden Buddha image of the Ayutthaya period. The image originally resided at a deserted temple in Uthai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Later, King Rama I the Great ordered to take it to reside as the principal Buddha image of Saraburi. The golden Buddha image is the most revered by the people of Saraburi. This golden Buddha image of Wat Phayao is considered as one of the major sculptures of Ayutthaya period. It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of either Somdet Phra Borommatrailokkanat or Somdet Phra Ramathibodi II. Also, it is believed that the casting of the Buddha image from liquid gold into a gigantic one cannot be done by normal human beings. Only a king who possesses royal charisma would have been able to have constructed a Buddha image like this. The golden Buddha image of Wat Phayao processes fine characteristics of proportionate body and elegance, sitting in the meditation posture presenting courage and strength. The believers built a wihan with a cruciform plan as a residence for the Buddha image to enhance its dignity and honour to the people of Saraburi. To get there: Take the Saraburi – Ban Yang Route and turn right at the opposite site of the Pa Sak River Bridge and proceed further for 100 metres. The overall distance from Mueang district of Saraburi is approximately 9 kilometres.

Phra Phuttha Nirarokhantarai Chaiwat Cha..., Saraburi Phra Phuttha Nirarokhantarai Chaiwat Chaturathit resides in the cruciform pavilion of Wat Sala Daeng, Phichai Ronnarong Songkhram Road, opposite the city hall. It is the Buddha image of the East and one of the four images made by the Territorial Defense Department to express loyalty to King Rama VI and King Rama IX. On 27 December, 1968, H.M. the King gave the Buddha image to the people of Saraburi.

Tham Si Wilai, Saraburi This cave is in Wat Tham Si Wilai at Tambon Na Phra Lan, some 22 kilometres from Saraburi town. The cave houses Phra Phutthanaowarat, a Buddha image of the Chiang Saen period as well as beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. From here, visitors could appreciate scenic views of mountain ranges.

Phu Khae Botanical Garden, Saraburi This Botanical Garden is located in Phu Khae district, 17 kilometres from town along the Saraburi-Lop Buri route (Phahonyothin Road). It collects various kinds of plants for study and breeding. The vast expanse of garden and the flowing stream are suitable places for relaxation. The garden is open daily from 08.00-18.00.

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