Saraburi has been an important town since ancient times.  It is believed to have been constructed in the year 1548 during the reign of King Maha Chak-kaphat of Ayutthay as a centre for recruiting troops.

   The town, as a gateway to the northeastern region, is only 108 kms.  from Bangkok.  It occupies and area of 3,576.5 square kilometres, and is administratively divided into 13 districts:  Muang Saraburi, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae, Wihan Daeng, Nong Saeng, Muak Lek, Ban Mo, Phra Phutthabat, Sao Hai, Nong Don, Don Phut, Wang Muang, and Chaloem Phra Kiat.

ATTRACTIONS

   Wat Phar Phutthabat  -   Located in Amphoe Phra Phuthabat, 28 kms. north of the town along Highway No.1, it is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand.  The temple houses the footprint of lord Buddha found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill.  The footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya.  A cone-shaped structure or mondop was built to cover the footprint.  The beautiful mondop, which is a square building, has a seven-level castle roof.  Each level is decorated with and arch supported by wood and decorated with gold and coloured glass.  The external walls are also decorated with gold and coloured glass in the shapes of mythological gods and rice offering ceremonies.  The pearl inlay artwork on the mondop doors is one of the best samples of this type of craftsmanship in the country.  A five-headed Naga, mythical serpent, cast in bronze flanks the stairs to the mondop entrance.  The mondop is surrounded by bells used by visitors to make merit for other people.  A museum in the temple displays many ancient objects including King Songtham's attire, old weapons, bronzeware and ceramics.  Annual fairs celebrating the footprints are held twice a year, in February and March.

   Wat Phra Phutthachai   -  At Km. 102 or Km. 104 before arriving in the town, there is a 5 km. access road leading to this temple, which is situated on a hillside.  The main attraction is a picture of Lord Buddha appearing on a cliff wall.  A vihara has been built to cover it.  The surroundings are very pleasant and shady.

   Khao Sam Lan National Park  -    This is the nearest national park where tourists can take a short journey from Bangkok.  It is 4 kms. beyond Wat Phra Phutthachai.  The park offers many small waterfalls, some of which can be reached by short hiking trails.  The best time to visit the falls is the late rainy season when water is plentiful.

   Tham Krabok   -   This place is known for its treatment provide against narcotics addiction.  It is located at Tambon Khun Khlon, Amphoe Phra Phutthabat, 25 kms. north of the town along Highway No. 1.

   Muak Lek Food Market  -    This is located on Mitraphap Road (Highway No. 2), halfway from Saraburi to Pak Chong.  This place is a centre for various kinds of local food including curry puffs, sweet meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy and meat products.

   Muak Lek Arboretum   -  This is an intermediate forested area between Muak Lek and Pak Chong Districts, 37 kms. from Saraburi on Highway No. 2.  The entrance is near the Muak Lek Food Market.  The area is shady and very pleasant with a stream where visitors can enjoy swimming.

   Namtok Chet Sao Noi   -   This water fall is 9 kms. beyond the Muak Lek Arboretum.  There are many resorts on the route to the waterfall.  The waterfall has many levels and offers a spacious shady swimming area.

   Tham Phra Phothisat  -  This cave houses a bas-relief Buddha image of the Dvaravati period as well as beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.  It is located at Tambon Thap Kwang, Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, 15 kms. from the town along Highway No. 2 and 11 kms. along an access road.

   Tham Phrathat Charoentham   -   This is another beautiful cave, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites.  It is located at Tambon Song Khon, Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, 22 kms. from Saraburi along Highway NO. 2.

   Pa Sak River trip  -   The Pa Sak River, which runs through the area of Amphoe Kaeng Khoi, offers beautiful scenery of forests and high cliffs along the riverside.  Boat trips are operated by some riverside resorts such as the Supalai Pasak Resort, 13 kms. beyond Kaeng Khoi Market.

EVENT

   Tak Bat Dok Mai (Merit-Making Festival)   -    This impressive merit-making ceremony coincides with the start of the annual three-month Rains Retreat (around June-July), when Buddhist monks must remain in their temples.  Devotees offer flowers and incense to a procession of monks who then ascend to the Shrine of the Holy Foot-print where they present the offering as tribute to Buddha.

LOCAL PRODUCT

   Marble Products    -    Marble manufacturers are found at Tambon Na Phra Lan on the way to Amphoe Phra Phutthabat.  The products are noted for their diversity and used for construction materials, interior decoration down to small pieces of gifts, all crafted in fine workmanship.

   Sao Hai Hand-woven Fabrics   -   The weaving of the Sao Hai materials is an art handed down from the past by the Chiang Saen people who migrated from the north.  While retaining the traditional way of hand-looming, the villagers have also been trained by the Department of Industrial Promotion in both designs and lypes of material which now include Madmi, Pha Khao Ma, blankets, Pha Thung (native skirts) and satchels.