Singburi, Thailand
 

Overview:
Sing Buri is an interesting town of 142 kms. north of Bangkok and was probably founded in pre-historical period. In the reign of King Rama V through consolidation of 3 small towns located on the bank of The Chao Phraya River north of Ang Thong.

The three small towns, Sing Buri, In Buri and Phrom Buri, were then established as a new town on the west of the Chao Phraya River named as Sing buri.  Sing Buri currently occupies an area of 841.40 square kilometers and is administratively divided into 6 districts, Muang Sing Buri, In Buri, Bang Rachan, Khai Bang Rachan, Phrom Buri and Tha Chang.

 

Boundary
North-Connects with Chainat and Nakhon Sawan Provinces.
South-Connects with Ang Thong Provinces.
East-Connects with Lopburi Provinces.
West-Connects with Chainat and Suphan Buri Provinces.

 

How to get there:
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin) to the traffic roundabout at Bang Pa- In, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and then turn right to Mittraphap Road, which is some 60 kilometers from Saraburi town.

By Bus
There are many daily regular buses and air-conditioned coaches from the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet II Road. Call : 0-2537-8055 for more information.

By Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong), there are daily Bangkok-Saraburi trains. A stop at Kaeng Khoi and Muak Lek could also be made. Call the Travel Service Bureau at 0-2223-7010 or 0-2223-7020 for more information.

Attractions:
Old Court and City Hall
These two European style buildings are located on Wilaichit Road by the Chao Phraya River in the town. Both are constructed at the same period, some 90 years ago during the reign of King Rama V. They are still in perfect condition.
 

Wat Sawang Arom
This temple is situated in the town. It is a centre for Buddha image sculpture. The technique was handed down from the Ban Cha Lo School in Thon Buri. A collection of 300 Nang Yai or shadow play figures at this temple is considered the most complete in Thailand.
 

Wat Phra Non Chaksi
This temple is 4 kms. south of the town along the Sing Buri-Suphan Buri route. It houses a huge Sukhothai-style reclining Buddha image, which is revered by the local people and renowned for its large size, almost 46 metres long.
 

Wat Na Phrathat
This temple, first called "Wat Hua Muang" by the villagers, is located 1 km. west of Wat Phra Non Chaksi. It houses an ancient brick pagoda which was was built during the ancient Khmer's glory. The pagoda was later renovated during during the early Ayutthaya period. This area is assumed to have been the ancient site of Sing Buri.
 

Wat Phikun Thong
This temple in Tambon Wihan Khao, Amphoe Tha Chang, is 9 kms. from Wat Phra Non Chakis. Visitors come here top pay homage to the statue of Luang Pho Phae, a famous former abbot of the temple. The temple also houses Thailand's largest sitting Buddha image, 23 metres wide and 42 metres high, made of concrete and decorated with golden mosaic.
 

Monument of Bang Rachan Heroes
This is situated in Amphoe Khai Bang Rachan, 13 kms. southwest of the town on Route No. 3032. The statue refer to the villagers of Bang Rachan who bravely fought against the Burmese army in 1765 during the reign of King Ekkathat of Ayutthaya. In spite of many more troops than the villagers, the Burmese had to make eight attacks before the villagers were defeated due to their shortage of weapons.
 

Wat Pho Kao Ton
This temple is near the Monument of Bang Rachan Heroes. It was the base where the Bang Rachan villagers resisted the Burmese attacks. A replica of the ancient fortress, identical to the original was constructed. In a chapel, there is a statue of Phra Achaan Thammachot who was both a monk and a leader of the Bang Rachan's heroes.
 

Wat Phra Prange and Ancient Kilns
This ancient site is located in Tambon Choeng Klat, Amphoe Bang Rachan 17 km west of the the town. The temple contains an old pagoda of the Lop Buri style assumed to have been constructed during the reign of King Naria the Great The pagoda measures 15 metres high and has some Buddha images at its base. Not far from the pagoda, 3-4 ruined ancient kilns have been discovered. They were used for firing earthenware during the Ayutthaya period. The kilns were relatively large and once produced jars, bowls, mortars, pots, gable tops, and floor tiles.
 

In Buri National Museum
This museum is situated inside a temple called Wat Bot. It exhibits several old objects such as king Rama V's palanquin, large shadow play figures, various styles of " Phat Yot" (monk ranking ecclesiastical fans), a Green Stone Buddha Image, and an ancient sugar cane crushing machine.
 

Wat Bot
This is an old temple constructed in an unusual style having iron rails as the core of the lower part. The window and door panels of the chapel were carved exquisitely by the best artisan of Sing Buri, a man by the name of Chuen Hathakosol, who devoted 10 years of his life doing this piece of work.


Local Products:
The snakehead mullet caught in Sing Buri, known as "Pla Chon Mae La" is noted for its large size and quality flesh. Many local restaurants along Highway No. 32 serve delicious fish menus, such as baked fish with broiled vegetable steamed and grilled fish.
 

Famous local product of Sing Buri include "Khanome" or Chinese cake made in Amphoe In Buri and "Kun Chiang" or Chinese style pork sausage which is available in the town.
 

Bamboo wickerwork and products made from palm leaves are produced at Ban Ranam, Mu 6, Tambon Chai Nam Rai, Amphoe In Buri.