Prachin Buri is located some 134 kms. from Bangkok. 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.
Attractions
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.
Phraya Abhaibhubate Building –
This is an 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 – 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 Mahosot. Remains of the town wall and
moats, a laterite pond with carving designs, and other architecture
are found in the area.
A Pair of Lord Buddha’s Footprints at Sa
Morakot – Sa Morakot
is located in Amphoe Si Mahosot. 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 13 th
to 15 th centuries B.E.
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.
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 Ban Khon Khwang, Tambon Dong Khi Lek. In the area
of this waterfall one can view beautiful mountainous and jungle
scenery.
Thap Lan National Park – This park is in the vicinity of Amphoe
Na Di. It was established as a national park on 23 December,
1981, occupying an approximate area of 2,240 square kilometers.
The plants mostly found are of the palm family.
Namtok Neo 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 skillful
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, orchards.
The produce and handicraft market at Noen Hom intersection offers
in-season fruit and hand-made bamboo products.