Introduction

“A City of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, Sweet Bamboo Shoots, Tasty Fruits and Ancient Remains of Dvaravati Towns”

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 Muang 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, earthenware, and pottery.

Stone Statues of Buddha belonging to Dvaravati period found in Prachinburi Province

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.

Prachinburi is located some 134 kilometers from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 11,957.5 square kilometers and is administratively divided into seven Amphoes.

History

History of Prachinburi is closely associated with Dvaravati period which dates back to about 800 years. Prachinburi’s history is of the evidence that the ruined town of”Muang Sri Mahosot at Tambon Khokpip, Amphoe Sri Mahosot was discovered. At Ban Khok kwang, Amphoe Sri Mahosot, east to Muang Sri Mahosot, there was an ancient community as the same period as Muang Sri Mahosot.

History and culture of Prachinburi is of great importance to the archaeologists and anthropologists since there have been the discoveries of the ancient towns, there were also the discoveries of the historical venues that were used for religious purposes and historic materials such as Buddha images, earthen wares, and pottery.

These historical attractions are very important when it comes to the history of Prachinburi and a tourist must know these interesting facts before exploring the beautiful province of Prachinburi. In the temple Wat Si Maha Phot there is a provincial seal that displays a Bodhi tree and it is the first Bodhi tree that has been planted about 2000 years ago. All these historical attractions in Prachinburi are simply going to make to make the vacations of a guest to Prachinburi simply amazing and worth it. The history of Prachinburi shows that these colors are red and yellow – red stands for the land, and yellow for Buddhism.

Provincial tree is the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa); provincial flower is the Cork Tree (Millingtonia hortensis). It was also kept notice that the center of civilization has been moved to the present coast of the Bang Pakong River. There were many administrative alterations, from town to Monton and Changwat (Province) till the present date. All these facts of the history of Prachinburi reflects that this region was rich in the culture and civilization.

Maps

Click here to download Prachinburi-tourist-map.pdf

Click here to download Prachinburi-city-map.pdf

Administrative Divisions

1. Mueang Prachinburi
2. Kabin Buri
3. Na Di
6. Ban Sang
7. Prachantakham
8. Si Maha Phot
9. Si Mahosot

Prachinburi Administrative Divisions

Geographical Locations

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.

The province is divided into two major parts, the low river valley of the Prachin Buri River, and the higher lands with plateaus and mountains of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains. In those areas are also two national parks, Khao Yai and the Tab Larn National Park.

Weather

Prachin Buri has an alternative climate of both dry and damp. Tropical rain in the southeast monsoon season causes damp and rain throughout the season. Northwestern wind in cool season causes dryness. There are 3 different seasons: rainy, during June October ; cool, during November – February; and dry, during March – May. The average temperature of the year is approximately 27 – 30 degree Celsius or 83 – 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

Communications

By Car

Prachin Buri is accessible via many routes from Bangkok:
1. Travel along Phahonyothin Road to Rangsit, and keep left to use the overpass.Change to Highway No. 305. Drive along Khlong Rangsit through Amphoe Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok. Change to Highway No. 33 (Nakhon Nayok – Prachin Buri Route), and turn right at Nong Cha-om T-junction at Km 155. Then, change to Highway No. 319 before reaching Prachin Buri. The total distance is about 132 km. Or use Highway No. 33 and turn right at the roundabout near the King Naresuan the Great Shrine. The total distance is 136 km.

2. Travel along Highway No. 1, pass Amphoe Wang Noi, Ayutthaya. Turn right at Km 90, and change to Highway No. 33. Travel through Amphoe Wihan Daeng, Saraburi, and Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Nayok. Turn right at Nong Cha-om T-junction at Km 155. Then, change to Highway No. 319 before reaching Prachin Buri. The total distance is 164 km.

3. Travel along Highway No. 304 through Amphoe Mueang, Chachoengsao, and Amphoe Phanom Sarakham. Then, change to Highway No. 319 and go through Amphoe Si Mahosot before reaching Prachin Buri. The total distance is 158 km.

4. Travel along Highway No. 3481 at Khet Nong Chok and pass through Amphoe Bang Nam Priao, Chachoengsao, and Amphoe Ban Sang, Prachin Buri. The total distance is 70 km.

By Bus

The Transport Company Limited provides buses from the Bangkok (Northeastern) Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road (Mo Chit 2) to Prachin Buri many times daily, taking about 2 hours to get to the province. For further information, contact the Transport Company Limited, Tel. 0 2936 2852-66, 0 2936 3670, 0 2936 2816 (reservation) or visit www.transport.co.th. The Prachin Buri Provincial Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3721 1292.

Buses travel via these two main routes:

1. Bangkok – Hin Kong – Nakhon Nayok – Prachin Buri route: The first-class and second-class air-conditioned buses No. 58 and 59, cost Baht 110 and 85, respectively. The first trip from Bangkok leaves at 4.50 a.m. and the last trip leaves at 9.00 p.m. Buses depart every 30 minutes.

2. Bangkok – Ongkharak – Nakhon Nayok – Prachin Buri route: The first-class and second-class air-conditioned buses No. 920, cost Baht 92 and 71, respectively. The first trip from Bangkok leaves at 5.25 a.m. and the last trip leaves at 6.25 p.m.

By Train

A train service between Bangkok and Prachin Buri is available 4 times daily: 5.55 a.m., 8.00 a.m., 9.40 a.m., and 3.25 p.m. Trains depart Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) at 5.55 a.m. and arrive in Prachin Buri at 8.55 a.m., while another departs at 8.00 a.m. and arrives in Prachin Buri at 10.41 a.m. For further details, please contact the Travelling Service Unit, Bangkok Railway Station, at Tel. 1690 or 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444.

Places of Interest

Mueang Prachinburi(administrative division)

King Naresuan the Great

Located at Noen Hom Intersection, Tambon Ban Phra, 9 kilometres north of Prachin Buri by Highway No. 320, the roundabout of King Naresuan the Great Shrine is on the right hand side. Another route is from Nakhon Nayok by Highway No. 33 at Km 158. The shrine houses a standing statue of King Naresuan the Great to commemorate his camping at Prachin Buri on the way from Ayutthaya to Cambodia in 1589. People in Prachin Buri and nearby provinces normally come to pay respect.

Adjacent to the King Naresuan the Great Shrine (towards Sa Kaeo province), this museum houses prehistoric archaeological finds, various artefacts and art objects from neighbouring countries, as well as, reproduction of antiquities. There are about 900 pieces of these archaeological objects such as bronze bangles, pottery, ceramics, Buddha images in various positions, Thai coins, ancient coins from the neighbouring countries, spur disc supports, etc.
Open daily (including holidays) from 8.30 a.m.- 4.00 p.m.

2nd Infantry Division, Queen’s Guard

Located at the Phomyothee Camp, Tambon Ban Phra, this Queen’s Guard Unit offers many activities such as golfing, horse riding, and shooting. For further information, the 9-hole golf course, Tel. 0 3747 1439 ext. 7032. The horse-riding club, 30th Cavalry Battalion, Phomyothee Camp, is located along Highway No. 320 at Km. 159. Open daily from 7.00 – 9.00 a.m. and 4.00. – 6.00 p.m. It offers a 20-hour basic riding course. Contact Tel. 0 6394 1619, 0 3747 1190 or www. geocities/ Phomyothee. The shooting club offers a shooting range for pistol and rifle (to both members and non-members).
Open daily from 8.00 a.m.- 4.30 p.m., Tel. 0 6536 2279. For further details, contact Civilian Affairs, Tel. 0 3721 1439 ext. 63315.

Yusuksuwan Museum ( Lamps Museum)

Yusuksuwan Museum prachinburi

The museum is in the Forestry garden 6 kilometers from Prachinburi City Hall. In the Yusuksuwan Museum are the collections of lamps hanging from the ceilings, decorating shopping and parking areas even the rest rooms.

The Yusuksuwan Museum is comprised of five buildings.

Rachawadee building, has two floors. The exhibition on the first floor is the collection of ancient silverware, brassware, pottery, irons, kerosene refrigerators and kerosene fans.The second floor is a show room for the collections of pressure lamps, ship lamps and the lamps for slide projectors. The components of the lamps are displayed in details for visitors to study.

Leelawadee building is a twin building of six rooms. On the first floor is Ratchapruk Room. Ancient crockery, ceramic trays, pots and lemonade bottles are shown in this room. The next room is Chaiyapruk Room for the exhibition of brassware, betel trays, bronze bowls, kerosene stoves, oil lamps. Also on this floor is Kalapapruk Room. The collections of bicycles and motorcycles are exhibited in this room.

On the second floor of this building is Tong-gwaw Room. Children can see many kinds of toys displayed in this room.

Yusuksuwan Museum-toys

Tonglang Room on this floor is an exhibition of small Buddha images. Tongphanchang Room exhibits the collections of scales and measurers of all sizes. Chuanchom building, has one floor. It displays the pictures of prachinburi in the old days. Among the pictures of great value is the picture of our beloved King visiting Wat Kaewpichit, Prachinburi. The collections of old newspapers , cartoons, stamps, books and lottery are also displayed in this building.

Chow Payu building, is designed and constructed in the room form of a pressure lamp, 13 meters high. Visitors can see the scenery around the museum from the top of this building. Apart from the collections of valuable things, pleasant surroundings are waiting for visitors to enjoy, including fish ponds, large bird cages, peacocks, turtle and also crocodile ponds.

The inner most of the museum is the boat-house. Many kinds of boats, including a dugout are shown here.

Yusuksuwan Museum-bamboo-hut

There is also a bamboo house in the area. The house was built without nails and wire. Thai tools for living in the old days are displayed in the house, too.

Open daily from 9.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Admission fees for adults and children are 60 and 30 Baht, respectively. For further information, Tel. 0 3721 1345.

Wat Kaeo Phichit

The temple is located on the right bank of the Bang Pakong River, Thanon Kaeo Phichit, Tambon Na Mueang, Prachin Buri, 2 kilometres east of the town. Being the very first Dhammayutika Buddhist temple in Prachin Buri, it was built in 1879 by a Prachin Buri millionaire who was a wife of Khun Pramunphakdi.

Wat Kaeo Phichit and the Golden Buddha

In 1918, Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr (Chum Aphaiwong) constructed a new ordination hall (Phra Ubosot) to replace the old dilapidated one. The unique characteristic of this hall is the combination between the Thai, Chinese, European, and Cambodian art. The principal Buddha image, built in 1919 by Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr, was granted the name “Luangpho Aphaiwong” or “Luangpho Aphai” by King Rama V to commemorate Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr himself. The Phra Ubosot houses fabric banners with religious paintings such as the Ten Jatakas by the royal artists of King Rama VI. The exterior showcases the Ramayana stucco reliefs. Certain religious riddles were introduced by Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr – - a clock that never tells noon or exact time at the entrance archway, or the single lion at the window (a governing riddle). In front of the Phra Ubosot houses a concrete building – the Dhamma School – with a dome-shaped stupa in the Greek or Roman style. Moreover, within the compound, the temple also features a Holy Scriptures library, and 3 – facet pavilion (Sala) at the pier with a shady environment.

Open at 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. For further information, Tel. 0 3721 2795, 0 1481 1740, 0 1650 0327.

Prachin Buri Cultural Centre

Situated on the bank of the Bang Pakong River, Prachin Anuson Road, near the District Auditorium, this centre was built by Phra Prichakonlakan (Sam-ang Amattayakun) in the reign of King Rama V. Its architecture is a mixture of the Thai and western style. After having undergone renovation and been registered as an ancient monument by the Department of Fine Arts, it is currently the Prachin Buri Cultural and Red Cross Offices.

Prachin Buri National Museum

Located some 200 metres behind the City Hall, this archaeological museum displays artefacts discovered within the eastern region and neighbouring provinces like Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Rayong. The museum mostly displays important artefacts discovered from the ancient city of Mueang Si Mahosot.

A view of Prachin Buri National Museum

There are two zones; downstairs displays the archaeology of Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, and special exhibitions. While upstairs displays the archaeology of Thailand, prehistory of the Eastern region, celadon found under water from Ko Khram, Chon Buri. The museum displays important artefacts discovered from ancient cities in the Dvaravati Period such as Buddha images, Hindu statues, Shiva Linga – Hindu phallic symbol of creative power, lintel, and bronze tools. Thai arts in various periods since the prehistoric until Rattanakosin period (King Rama V) are also displayed for comparative study. Moreover, temporary exhibitions on special occasions have been on display.

The museum service hours are Wednesday -Friday, and holidays, 9.00 a.m – 4.00 p.m. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. The admission fee is Baht 30. More details are available at Tel: 0 3721 1586.

Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Building

The building is located 2.5 km. from town in the Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital on Prachin Anuson Road (Highway No. 3069). Its architecture is a 2-storey Renaissance building with the front porch featuring a central dome. Stucco reliefs in a floral design ornate the outside walls, doors and windows. The inside is decorated in a Western style. It was constructed by the personal budget of Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr in 1909 as a residence for King Rama V on his next royal visit to Prachin Buri. Unfortunately, His Majesty passed away in 1910. King Rama VI and his family stayed here instead during his royal visit in 1912. It can be seen that the owner never did stay in this building at all. The building used to serve as the administrative office of the hospital. While downstairs featured the examination room, medicine room and operating room, upstairs served as the women’s ward. It was in full operation until 1969 when the present administrative office was completed. In 1990, the Department of Fine Arts registered the Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Building as an ancient monument. It was officially opened on 24 June, 1996, as the Abhaibhubejhr Thai Traditional Medicine Museum, the centre for collection of Thai traditional books, herbs, medicine, and local medicine. It is also a study centre for research and dissemination of knowledge on the local’s lifestyle related to local herbs and medicine. Downstairs features the building’s history, Thai traditional books, Thai medicine, local medicine, as well as, samples of ancient Thai medical tools like the medicine cabinet, herb grinder, slate, and sorcerer’s knife. While upstairs features Thai folded books, medicine books, and grinding stones from Dvaravati period.

Open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.00 p.m

Sa-nga Ngam

This temple is located in Tambon Bang Boribun. To get there, proceed along Highway No. 3069 and at Km. 7, go 1 km further. Wat Sa-nga Ngam was granted consecrated boundaries on 10 April, 1917, and the Ubosot, where devoted Buddhists duck under and pass through it for good luck and pray to recover from their illnesses, was officially constructed on 12 March, 1971. Since the temple ground was likely to be flooded, a problem for monks in performing their ceremonies, during July – August of every year, the whole Ubosot was lifted and underwent major renovation on 15 February, 2002. This was when the ducking ritual and gilding the statue of Luangpu Phio, a former abbot (Phrakhru Silawisutthachan), began. It was subsequently spread by word of mouth.

For further information, Tel. 0 3721 4490, 0 6097 5803.

Wat Bot

Located in Tambon Wat Bot, the temple is on the west of town. It was built in 1278 on the bank of the Prachin Buri or Bang Pakong River and covers an area of 45 rai. There are 3 Buddha images along the bank; namely, Phra Siri Mongkhon Nimit (the walking Buddha), Phra Sapphasitthi Nawa (the Buddha sitting in the European style), and Phra Maha Chinasaiyat (the reclining Buddha). The temple is peaceful and shady.

To get there: Proceed along Thetsaban Damri Road to Suwinthawong Road Intersection (Highway No. 319). Change to Highway No. 3071 and proceed for another 4 km.

Bamboo Garden

Supervised by the Department of Corrections, the garden is located in Tambon Noen Hom with an area of about 300 rai. It has a wide collection of bamboo species for research and breeding. One area is allocated as a training centre – cut bamboo, growing vegetables, building furniture – for good behaviour inmates. Various young bamboo plants are available for sale on the roadside in front of the garden.
Operating hours are between 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m., Tel. 0 3721 9904, Fax. 0 3721 2661.

To get there: From Highway No. 33, turn left at Noen Hom Intersection (King Naresuan the Great Shrine Circle). Proceed along Highway No. 3077 (Noen Hom – Khao Yai route) for 10 kilometres (the same route to Khao Yai National Park) or 20 kilometres from town.

Namtok Heo Narok

Located on the Prachin Buri – Khao Yai route, Namtok Heo Narok is part of Khao Yai National Park, which covers the area of Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Saraburi provinces. It is a gigantic and beautiful waterfall 60 metres in height and a steep cliff. The water, running to the valley down below, is very vigorous during the rainy months. It can be reached by a 1 km. trekking trail. There is a path from the upper level down to the lower level for a better and more beautiful view. To get there: Proceed from Prachin Buri via Suwannason Road to Noen Hom Intersection (King Naresuan the Great Shrine Circle). Turn left to Highway No. 3077. At Km. 21-22, turn right and proceed for another 40 km. to the waterfall.

Chakkraphong Dam

The reservoir is an earth dam of 16.50 metres high and 740 metres long. From the entrance to the dam on the left, there is an 11-kilometre road up to the top of the mountain for viewing the scenic atmosphere. At Km. 7-8, there is a 150-metre long wonder hill. If you stop your car and leave it in neutral gear, the car seems to run up hill because of illusions affected by the surroundings.

To get there: From Noen Hom Intersection, turn right to Highway No. 33 for about 3 kilometres, turn left at the sign to the dam, between Km. 160-161, for about 2 kilometers.

Namtok Than Rattana

TLocated in Tambon Noen Hom, about 100 metres from Noen Hom – Khao Yai route (Highway No. 3077) at Km. 16 and some 25 kilometres from Mueang Prachin Buri District Office. This waterfall, running through the valley, has plenty of water during the rainy season

Namtok Khao Ito
This not-so-high waterfall in Tambon Ban Phra is a popular tourist attraction, which runs through rocks at different levels. Surroundings are full of timber forests. There is plenty of water only in the rainy season. The waterfall is on the same route to the Chakkraphong Dam but is 1 kilometre further.