Prachinburi Province
Encyclopedia
Prachin Buri is a province
Provinces of Thailand
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are...

 (changwat) of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...

. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Nakhon Ratchasima
Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Nakhon Ratchasima or , often shortened to Korat or Khorat , is one of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand...

, Sa Kaeo
Sa Kaeo Province
Sa Kaeo is a province of Thailand.It is located in the east of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram...

, Chachoengsao
Chachoengsao Province
Chachoengsao is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Nayok. It also has a short coast to the Gulf of Thailand.-History:Chachoengsao or Paet Rio is a province in the Central region...

 and Nakhon Nayok
Nakhon Nayok Province
Nakhon Nayok is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao and Pathum Thani....

.

Geography

The province is divided into two major parts, the low river valley of the Prachin Buri River
Prachin Buri River
The Prachin Buri River begins at the confluence of the Phra Prong, Hanuman and Prachantakham rivers in Amphoe Kabin Buri, Prachin Buri province. It passes Amphoe Si Maha Phot, Mueang Prachinburi and Ban Sang....

, and the higher lands with plateaus and mountains of the Sankambeng Range
Sankambeng Range
The Sankamphaeng Range, also Sankambeng Range or Sungumpang Range is one of the mountain ranges separating Eastern Thailand from the northeast or Isan.-Description:This mountain chain runs in a WNW-ESE direction...

, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen mountains
Dong Phaya Yen mountains
Dong Phaya Yen is a mountain range in central Thailand.-Description:Dong Phaya Yen is the southeastern extension of the Phetchabun mountains, dividing the Chao Phraya river valley of Central Thailand and the Khorat Plateau of the northeast...

. In those areas are also two national parks, Khao Yai
Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is a national park in Thailand.-Description:Khao Yai National Park is situated in the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, the southern prolongation of the Dong Phaya Yen Mountains, at the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau....

 and the Tab Larn National Park.

Symbols

The provincial seal
Seals of The Provinces of Thailand
-Present-day provinces of Thailand:This list includes all the seals of the Provinces of Thailand. It also includes the special administrative area of the capital, Bangkok.-Former Provinces:-External links:*...

 shows the Bodhi tree
Bodhi tree
The Bodhi Tree, also known as Bo , was a large and very old Sacred Fig tree located in Bodh Gaya , under which Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism later known as Gautama Buddha, is said to have achieved enlightenment, or Bodhi...

. It symbolizes the first Bodhi tree planted about 2000 years ago in the temple Wat Si Maha Phot. The provincial colors are red and yellow - red stands for the land, and yellow for Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...

.

Provincial tree is the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), provincial flower is the Cork Tree
Cork tree
Cork tree may refer to:* Cork Oak, the tree from which most cork is harvested* Chinese Cork Oak, a tree from which cork is occasionally harvested* Cork-tree, a species of Phellodendron...

 (Millingtonia hortensis).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 7 districts (amphoe
Amphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...

). These are further subdivided into 65 subdistricts (tambon
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...

) and 658 villages (muban
Muban
Muban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...

).
1. Mueang Prachinburi
Amphoe Mueang Prachinburi
Mueang Prachinburi is the capital district of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand.-Geography:Neighboring districts are Prachantakham, Si Maha Phot, Si Mahosot and Ban Sang of Prachinburi Province, and Pak Phli of Nakhon Nayok Province.-Administration:The district is subdivided into 13...

2. Kabin Buri
Amphoe Kabin Buri
Kabin Buri is a district in the southeastern part of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand.-History:Mueang Kabin Buri was an ancient city of Ayutthaya kingdom. The city hall located in Ban Hanuman. In 1906 the city hall was moved to Ban Paknam, the area of the Hanuman and Phra Prong Rivers joint...

3. Na Di
Amphoe Na Di
Na Di is a district in the northeastern part of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand.-Geography:Neighboring districts are Kabin Buri, Prachantakham of Prachinburi Province, Wang Nam Khiao, Khon Buri of Nakhon Ratchasima Province and Mueang Sa Kaeo of Sa Kaeo Province.The Sankambeng Range...

6. Ban Sang
Amphoe Ban Sang
Ban Sang is the westernmost district of Prachinburi Province, central Thailand.-History:In the past the area of he district was dense forest with many wild elephants. Laotians from Vientiane moved to settle their village in the area, which they named Ban Chang...

7. Prachantakham
Amphoe Prachantakham
Prachantakham is a district of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand.-Geography:Neighboring districts are Na Di, Kabin Buri, Si Maha Phot, Mueang Prachinburi of Prachinburi Province, Pak Phli of Nakhon Nayok Province, Pak Chong and Wang Nam Khiao of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.The Sankambeng...

8. Si Maha Phot
Amphoe Si Maha Phot
Si Maha Phot is a district in the southern part of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand. The name may also be spelled Sri Maha Phot, and honors the Bodhi Tree -Geography:...

9. Si Mahosot
Amphoe Si Mahosot
Si Mahosot is a district of Prachinburi Province, eastern Thailand. It may also be spelled Sri Mahosot.-Geography:Neighboring districts are Ban Sang, Mueang Prachinburi and Si Maha Phot of Prachinburi Province and Phanom Sarakham of Chachoengsao Province.-History:The minor district Khok Pip was...


 

The missing numbers 4 and 5 as well as 10 to 12 are the districts split off to form the province Sa Kaeo.

Sights

Amphoe Mueang (อำเภอเมือง)

King Naresuan the Great Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) 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.

Phrakhru Uthai Thammathari (Seng Sukhito) Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พระครูอุทัยธรรมธารี (เส็ง สุขิโต) 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.

2nd Infantry Division, Queen's Guard (กองพลทหารราบที่ 2 รักษาพระองค์ฯ) This Queen's Guard Unit offers many activities such as golfing, horse riding, and shooting.

Yusuksuwan Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์อยู่สุขสุวรรณ์) This museum houses everyday objects from the past. Many collector's items feature various pressure lanterns, coins, bank-notes, different types of cabinets like teak cabinets, dressing tables, and fans using kerosene. Another interesting item is the 70-year old lottery (Thailand's first issue).

Wat Kaeo Phichit (วัดแก้วพิจิตร) 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. 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.

Prachin Buri Cultural Centre (ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมจังหวัดปราจีนบุรี) 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 (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ปราจีนบุรี) 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.

Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Building (ตึกเจ้าพระยาอภัยภูเบศร) 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. He died 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.
Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, a pilot hospital on Thai medicine, won the 4th Thailand Tourism Award (2003) in the category of tourism promotion and development project.

Wat Sa-nga Ngam (วัดสง่างาม) 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.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.

Wat Bot (วัดโบสถ์) 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.

Bamboo Garden (สวนพันธุ์ไผ่) 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.

Namtok Heo Narok (น้ำตกเหวนรก) 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.

Chakkraphong Dam (อ่างเก็บน้ำจักรพงษ์) 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. It is believed that 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.

Namtok Khao Ito (น้ำตกเขาอีโต้) 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.

Amphoe Ban Sang (อำเภอบ้านสร้าง)

Bats at Wat Bang Krabao (ค้างคาวแม่ไก่วัดบางกระเบา) The highlight of this temple is the spectacular sight of thousands of bats living on the trees.

Amphoe Si Mahosot (อำเภอศรีมโหสถ)

Ton Pho Si Maha Pho (The Great Bodhi Tree) (ต้นโพธิ์ศรีมหาโพธิ) The country's oldest and largest bodhi tree, it was recorded that 2000 years ago, the seedling stock of this bodhi tree was brought from Buddhgaya, India. The tree is about 20 metres in circumference, 30 metres in height, and 25 metres in diameter. Legend has it that Phrachao Thawanampayadit, the ruler of Mueang Si Mahosot during the Khmer empire sent his representatives to Nakhon Patuliputra in India for a branch of the Pho tree, under which the Lord Buddha had sat during his enlightenment. This Pho tree has been the symbol of Prachin Buri.

Luangpho Thawarawadi(หลวงพ่อทวารวดี) Currently situated in the Wihan in front of the Si Mahosot District office, this 1.63-metre greenish sandstone Buddha image in a standing posture and giving the sermon, believed to be from the 7th -9th Century or Dvaravati Period, was discovered at the leprosy settlement, Camilo Hospital, to the south of Mueang Si Mahosot.

Sa Morakot Archaeological Site (กลุ่มโบราณสถาน สระมรกต) This gigantic complex of Buddhist ancient monuments, lying on top of one another since the 9th – 13th Century, comprises laterite and brick architectures – with only the bases left. The most fascinating attraction is Thailand's largest and oldest Lord Buddha's Footprints (รอยพระพุทธบาทคู่) - - like a human's - - carved on the natural laterite floor. More attractions are holy well (บ่อน้ำศักดิ์สิทธิ์) and a rectangular pond called Sa Morakot (สระมรกต).

Si Mahosot Ancient Town (โบราณสถานเมืองศรีมโหสถ) Tthis oval or rectangular shape with round edge ancient town dates back to the Dvaravati period, covering an area of about 700 rai. Remains of the moat, mound, and more than 100 interesting ancient monuments such as various architecture, knolls, ponds, and wells are found scattered in the area. Most of the archaeological finds are related to Hinduism such as shrines, graven images, and Shiva Linga. The most important venue is the complex in the centre of town (กลุ่มโบราณสถานกลางเมือง).

Amphoe Si Maha Phot (อำเภอศรีมหาโพธิ)

Royal Handwriting Monument (อนุสาวรีย์ลายพระหัตถ์) This inscription of the royal initials was made during the visit of King Rama V to Prachin Buri in 1908. The inscription was made on a laterite artefact from the Lop Buri Period, dating back to the 7th - 8th Century.

Lum Mueang (หลุมเมือง) This is a place with about 48 holes or "Lum" of different sizes dug deep on laterite ground. The date of the digging is unknown. During his royal visit on 18 December, 1908, King Rama V assumed that the holes were mortars for mixing cement for architectural decoration. But some elderly believed that these holes were meant for a local game known as "Lum Mueang".

Phan Hin Ancient Monument (โบราณสถานพานหิน) This large square Phan Hin ancient monument is made solely of laterite. It is 15.50 metres wide on each side, and 3.5 metres high, with 4 porches. It is assumed that the building was a shrine for the Hindu God, Vishnu, built during the 7th - 9th Century in the reign of King Jayavarman I of Chenla. The shape of a sculptural pedestal found in the centre of the ancient remains is similar to a tray or "Phan" in Thai. Therefore, the place has been called "Phan Hin" or stone tray since.

Amphoe Prachantakham (อำเภอประจันตคาม)

Namtok Than Thip (น้ำตกธารทิพย์) The waterfall runs through different rocky levels. At some point, it passes a wide rock terrace, and some points are a deep pool. People can swim here. There is a rock terrace for recreation.

Namtok Som Poi (น้ำตกส้มป่อย) This not-so-high waterfall runs through cataracts at different levels. The stream stretches some 400 metres and there are pools suitable for swimming.


Namtok Takhro and Namtok Salat Dai (น้ำตกตะคร้อและน้ำตกสลัดได) This waterfall has wide rapids and there is a suspension bridge spanning across it. The left side features a hill while the right hand side features a timber forest –a relaxing stop.

Amphoe Kabin Buri (อำเภอกบินทร์บุรี)

Kabin Chaloem Rat Park (อุทยานกบินทร์เฉลิมราชย์) This large park/swamp occupies an area of approximately 900 rai. During October - May, thousand of grebes migrate from Siberia.

Mueang Thong Kham Ban Bo Thong Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์เหมืองทองคำบ้านบ่อทอง) Intended as a knowledge and cultural hub, this museum features history of gold mining, archives, as well as, mine-related objects such as artefacts, or local tools. Exhibitions inside displays the history of the gold mine such as underground mining, and separating the ores.

Amphoe Na Di (อำเภอนาดี)

Thap Lan National Park
Thap Lan National Park
Thap Lan National Park is located in Prachinburi Province, Thailand. Established as a national park on December 23, 1981, it was the country's 40th...

 (อุทยานแห่งชาติทับลาน)
occupies an approximate area of 2,240 square kilometres or 1,400,000 rai. It was established in 1981. Usually there is no accommodation available in the Park. Tourists need to bring their own tents.

Kaeng Hin Phoeng (แก่งหินเพิง) These beautiful and large rapids are in the Sai Yai River. It is most popular for the challenging and enjoyable whitewater rafting during the rainy season (July-November) -- the water is very vigorous and flows through different cataracts. After the rainy months, Kaeng Hin Phoeng becomes a large rock terrace.

Suan Nongnuch Camping Resort (สวนนงนุช แคมป์ปิ้ง รีสอร์ท) Occupying an area of approximately 2,000 rai, Suan Nongnuch Camping Resort, filled with a variety of flowering plants and exotic gardens, is adjacent to Khao Yai National Park.

Interesting Activities

Trekking: Many trekking routes are available as follows:
  • Trekking in Thap Lan National Park (เดินป่าในอุทยานแห่งชาติทับลาน)
  • Khao Samo Pun Route (เส้นทางเขาสมอปูน)
  • Namtok Som Poi -Tat Hin Yao - Thung Ngu Lueam Route(เส้นทางน้ำตกส้มป่อย ตาดหินยาว ทุ่งงูเหลือม)
  • Namtok Takhro - Namtok Heo Chakkachan Route (เส้นทางน้ำตกตะคร้อ-น้ำตกเหวจั๊กจั่น)
  • Khao Yai National Park Safeguard Unit 10 Route (Prachantakham - Namtok Fong Sabu) (เส้นทางจากหน่วยพิทักษ์อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาใหญ่ หน่วยความรับผิดชอบที่ 10 (ขญ.10 ประจันตคาม-น้ำตกฟองสบู่)
  • Namtok Takhro - Namtok Wang Heo - Sai Yai Route (เส้นทางน้ำตกตะคร้อ-น้ำตกวังเหว-ใสใหญ่)


Whitewater Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng


Bicycling Those who bring their own bicycle can tour along the routes as follows:
  1. Khao Yai Grand View Thani Resort to Namtok Khao
  2. Sa Morakot Archaeological Site Route starts from the Buddha's Footprints.


Golf Prachinburi has two major golf courses, being:
  • Hillside Country Home Golf and Resort (ฮิลล์ไซด์ คันทรี โฮม กอล์ฟ แอนด์ รีสอร์ท)
  • Phrom Yothi Camp Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟค่ายพรหมโยธี)


Ban Dong Bang Agro-tourism Attractions

Ban Nong Chuang – Ban Nong Kankrao Fruit Streets, filled with different types of orchards such as:
  • Santol Orchards
  • Durian Orchards
  • Pomelo Orchards
  • Mangosteen/ Marian Plum Orchards
  • Mangosteen/ Durian Orchards

Local Products

  • Fruits and Agricultural Produce of the province are well-known because they are generally recognized of high quality such as durians, rambutans, pomelos, santols, mangosteens, marian plums, Ma Fai, Long Kong and Phai Tong bamboo shoot.

  • Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Herbal Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์สมุนไพรเจ้าพระยาอภัยภูเบศร) are produced from Thai herbs with various qualities. They are in easy-to-use forms such as curcuma and mangosteen soap, tamarind facial foam, shampoo, toothpaste, skin lotion, lemongrass mosquito repellent, Salet Phangphon balm, herbal tea and juice and various kinds of medicine from herbs. The products are available in the Chaophya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital.

  • Bamboo Furniture is produced in Ban Ngong and Ban Pho, Amphoe Prachantakham into tables, chairs, garden furniture, shelves, etc. These products are sold along the route through the production area (the way to Amphoe Phanom Sarakham).

  • Grass Brooms' production areas are Tambon Prachantakham and Tambon Pho Ngam in Amphoe Prachantakham.

  • Reed Mat is generally produced in Amphoe Ban Sang, especially widely throughout Tambon Bang Plara. It is made of reed plants including Krajut, Kok Sam Liam and Kok Langka. Most of them are woven into large mats for lying on, folding mats and bags. There are both in natural colour and in dyed ones.

Events and Festivals

Makha Purami Si Prachin Festival (งานมาฆปูรมีศรีปราจีน) takes place yearly on Makha Puja Day at Wat Sa Morakot, Amphoe Si Mahosot. In the event, both monks and the public will practice meditation, as well as, pay respect and participate in the candlelight ceremony around the biggest and the most ancient Buddha's Footprints in Thailand with lighted candles, incense and flowers.

The Bang Fai Sky Rocket Festival (งานแห่บั้งไฟ) is organized annually on Visakha Puja Day at Wat Ton Pho Si Maha Pho, Amphoe Si Mahosot. There is the lighting of the Bang Fai sky rocket, the competition of Soeng Traditional Dance in the Sky Rocket Procession, as well as, performances celebrating the event.

Agriculture and Well-known Products of Prachin Buri Fair (งานวันเกษตร และของดีเมืองปราจีน) happens approximately during May-June every year in front of the city hall. In the fair, there are fruits and agricultural product market, fruits and vegetable contests, agricultural competition and demonstration, exhibitions by various authorities, as well as, competition of agricultural vehicles and entertainment celebrating the event.

Whitewater Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng Week (งานสัปดาห์ล่องแก่งหินเพิง) is organized annually around August-September at the 9th Safeguard Unit, Khao Yai National Park, Amphoe Na Di. In the event, there is a rafting competition and an economical whitewater rafting at Kaeng Hin Phoeng.

Traditional Long Boat Races (งานแข่งเรือยาวประเพณี) takes place during the second week of September every year on the Bang Pakong River, in front of the Mueang District Administration Office. There are both traditional long and local boats competing to win Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's Cup.

Loi Krathong Festival (งานลอยกระทง) is organized on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month at the edge of the dam next to the conference hall of the Mueang District Administration Office. There is the Nang Nopphamat Beauty Contest, Krathong procession contest, students' performances, as well as, performances celebrating the festival.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
x
OK