Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Central Thailand

Prachin Buri is located some 134 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 11,957 square kilometres. Traces of the ancient town of the Dvaravati period has been found in the region. The forested area to the north of the town forms a part of Khao Yai National Park.

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Prachin Buri is administratively divided into 7 districts (Amphoes): Muang Prachin Buri, Ban Sang, Kabin Buri, Na Di, Amphoe Prachantakham, Si Maha Phot, and Si Mahosot. Book your hotel in Prachin Buri before you leave home and save money!

Prachin Buri National Museum Located near the City Hall, this museum displays artifacts discovered within Prachin Buri and neighbouring towns. It also exhibits ancient sculptures of various styles and periods with an aim to educate visitors on Thai art history. Underwater archaeology in the Gulf of Thailand as well as artifacts found off the coast of Amphoe Sattahip, Chon Buri are also on exhibition.

Wat Kaeo Phichit This old important temple is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River in the vicinity of the township. The ubosot houses beautiful mural paintings. The unusual characteristic of this temple is the combination between the Greek and Thai arts. The date of construction is unknown.

Phraya Abhaibhubate Building This is and old building situated in the provincial hospital. It was constructed in 1909 as a residence of King Rama V when visiting this town. It is a two-storey European style building. The front porch is highlighted by a central dome. The outside walls, doors and windows are covered in a floral design. It is also a study centre for traditional Thai medicine and medicinal plants.

King Naresuan the Great Shrine This is on Highway No. 33 near Chakkrapongse Camp. The shrine houses a standing statue of King Naresuan the Great. The background relating to the construction of the shrine is that King Naresuan once led his army through the Prachin Buri area to Lawaek Town.

Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho This is an important temple located in the vicinity of Amphoe Si Mahosot, 22 kms. south of the town. In the compound of this monastery lies the largest and oldest Bhodi tree in the country. The seedling stock of this Bhodi tree was brought over from Bodhgaya, India. There are various Buddha images of different attitudes enshrined around the trunk.

Si Mahosot Ancient Town This was a large community of the Dvaravati Period over 1,000 years ago. The town is located 1 km. away from Amphoe Si Mahosopt along Route No. 3070. Remains of the town wall and moats, a laterite pond with carvings, and other architecture are found in the area.

A Pair of Lord Buddha's Footprints at Sa Morakot is Iocated in Amphoe Si Mahosot, some 23 kms. south of Prachin Buri on Highway No.319 Lord Buddha's Footprint, discovered at the ancient Sa Morakot ruins in February 1986, are the largest and oldest footprints ever found in Thailand. They were carved on the natural laterite floor. Each foot is about 1.30 metres wide and 3.50 metres long and has the Wheel of Dhamma in the middle of its sole. These footprints were dated between 13th to 15th centuries B.E. (or 7th to 8th century A.D)

Royal Handwriting Monument The monument, in the playground of Lai Phrahat School, Amphoe Si Maha Pho, is a stone slab inscribed with the royal handwriting of King Rama V who made a visit in 1908. It is now regarded as an important place of worship in Prachin Buri.

Namtok Khao Ito These falls are 12 kms. from the town by way of a road leading to a three-way intersection at the main highway. After making a right turn, it is 2 kms. to the waterfall. This is a famous natural tourist attraction of Prachin Buri comprising of a main stream that passes through rapids at many levels. However, there is water only during the rainy season and at the beginning of the cool season.

Namtok Huai Kasian The branch road that leads to these falls is located at Khon Khwang, Tambon Dong Khi Lek, at Km. 166 or 15 kms. from Prachin Buri via a journey of 4 kms. through a branching road. In the area of this waterfall one can view beautiful mountainous and jungle scenery.

Kaeng Salatdai These large rapids in Khlong Prachantakham is located 30 kms. from the town. It takes one hour going by boat to these rapids, locally called by Prachantakam inhabitants "Takhro Waterfall".

Thap Lan National Park This park is in the vicinity of Amphoe Na Di on Highway No. 304, about 30 kms. beyond the Kabin Buri intersection. It was established as a national park on 23 December, 1981. occupying an approximate area of 2,240 square kilometres. The plants mostly found are of the palm family.

Namtok Heo Narok This is a grand waterfall in Khao Yai National Park and can be reached by a 2-km. trekking trail. The sharp cut of the high cliff is a pathway of tremendous water during the rainy season and offers the exciting scenes when looking at it.

Kaeng Hin Phoeng These rapids are in the Sai Yai River, which originates in Khao Yai National Park in Amphoe Na Di. There is a strong whirlpool that requires quite an effort by skilful oarsmen to clear the hazard. The trip takes one hour through the rapids before running into smooth water about 2 hours towards the end of the journey. Raft riding is possible here during the rainy season from June to October.

Local Products:

Prachin Buri produces a variety of durian, pomelo, mango, jackfruit and bamboo shoots. The local fruit market at Nong Cha-om, Amphoe Muang, sells produce fresh from the orchards. The produce and handicraft market at Noen Hom intersection offers in-season fruit and hand-made bamboo products.

COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.