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Phra Phutthabat
contains the Buddha's Footprint and is one of the nation's
most sacred places of worship. According to legend, the Footprints
(one is in Sri Lanka) showed where Lord Buddha had walked upon the
Earth. The 5-ft long footprint lies in an ornate shrine. Religious
worshippers flock to the temple every year to present their offerings.
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Slightly south of that is Phra Phutthachai.
Literally meaning "Buddha's Shadow",
a faint Buddha image painting can be seen on the face of the
cliff. A staircase leads to the top of the cliff and the hike
is made pleasant by the shady surroundings. This site is also
frequented during the pilgrimage to Phra Phuttabat.
On the same route to Phra Phutthachai,
Khao Sam Lan (30,000 Hills) National
Park contains picturesque mountain forests and
several scenic waterfalls.
The Muak Lek Waterfalls
is situated 37 km east of the provincial town. The water originates
from a natural forest river in the Khao Yai National Park.
It features a suspended wooden bridge connecting the 2 banks.
The Jed Sao Noi ( 7 Small Girls)
Waterfall is also located in Muak Lek District.
The fall cascades over many tiers into a wide, shady pool
that is ideal for swimming.
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Phra Phutnirokhantrai is the
Buddha image of the East enshrined in Chaturamuk Hall. It is one
of the most important Buddha images that His Majesty King Bhumibol
granted to the Saraburi people.
Phu Khae Botanical Garden is
located in Phu Khae district, 17 kilometres from town along the
Saraburi-Lop Buri route (Phahonyothin Road). It collects various
kinds of plants for study and breeding. The vast expanse of garden
and the flowing stream are suitable places for relaxation. The garden
is open daily from 08.00-18.00.
 Khao
Sam Lan National Park covers
4 districts: Mueang, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae, and Wihan Daeng and
occupies an area of 44 square kilometers. It was declared a national
park on June 2, 1981. October to January (winter season in Thailand)
is the best time to visit. Located 16 kilometres south of the town
along the Bangkok-Saraburi route Highway No. 1 (Mittraphap Road),
it is accessible by routes along Km. 102 or Km. 104. The National
Park can also be reached by taking the bus to Saraburi town, and
then renting a van or a local truck to the park.
The park has mountains of various sizes and plains in the valley.
The highest peak is Khao Khrok
which is some 329 metres high. Visitors can see a clear view of
the town and neighbouring districts from here. The park is also
home to pheasants, jungle fowls, barking deer, monkeys, wild boars,
and birds of various species, especially Princess
Sirindhorn Bird or the White-eyed River Martin. Khao
Sam Lan National Park offers several waterfalls: Sam Lan waterfall
is a wide stone plateau that falls down 3 levels and is similar
to stairs. Pho Hin Dat waterfall is 300 metres from the park office
and has a wide stone plateau and a single-level waterfall which
is suitable for swimming. Ton Rak Sai waterfall is some 300 metres
from the park office and 500 metres from Pho Hin Dat waterfall,
and originates from the same stream as Pho Hin Dat waterfall. The
lively stream flows through Pho Hin Dat waterfall before running
into Ton Rak Sai waterfall, a 7-metre one-level waterfall. Touring
around these attractive waterfalls can be made within 2-3 hours
on walking trails where visitors will not have to use the same trail
on their return.
In addition, there are other splendid waterfalls that can be reached
by walking for some distance from the park office: Khao Daeng waterfall
(800 ms.), Kuak Ma waterfall (2 kilometres), Krok I Wo waterfall
(3 kilometres), and Nang Chon waterfall (6 kilometres)
The park offers camping sites for eighty persons (visitors must
bring sleeping bags by themselves). For visitors who bring their
own tents, the park accommodates campsites. Call the National Park
Division, Royal Forestry Department, Bang Khen at 0-2561-4292 ext.
724-725, 0-2579-5734 and 0-2579-7223.
World War II Memorial of the Japanese
Army (Khao Daeng) is located in Khao Sam Lan National
Park, next to the south of Wat Phra Phutthachai. There are bomb
craters from made by Japanese forces in World War II.
Wat Phra Phutthachai is on
Khao Patthawi in Tambon Nong Pla Lai. It can be reached by taking
the same route as KhaoSam Lan National Park. At Km. 102, there
is a 5-km. access road and then follow the road sign. It enshrines
Phra Phutthachai or the picture of Lord Buddha
appearing on a cliff wall. A cone-shaped structure or Mondop
was built to cover the picture. Stairs were built from the temple
area to the Mondop and go onward to the cliff that is over the
Mondop.
There are interesting prehistoric paintings on the cliff: behind
the door area, there are drawings of animals (deer). Beside
the door, there are pictures of hands and symbols. The west
of Phra Phutthachai is the Ascetic Cave, where there are paintings
of chickens, Buddha images and symbols. The Cho Po Ro cliff
wall has large, sophisticated drawings like the paintings of
the prehistoric period that were found at Pha
Taem in Ubon Ratchathani. The drawings were painted
with wood oil, dating from 3,000 years ago. They represent the
communication symbols of the same group and presumably were
ritual mediums and reflect the beliefs of people of those times.
Crocodile Farm and Zoo
is on the same route to Wat Phra Phutthachai and located
near the east of Khao Phra Phutthachai. The farm consists of
a crocodile breeding pond and has various species of animals
such as deer, monkeys, and birds.
Tham Si Wilai
is in Wat Tham Si Wilai at Tambon Na Phra Lan, some 22
kilometres from Saraburi town. The cave houses Phra Phutthanaowarat,
a Buddha image of the Chiang Saen period as well as beautiful
stalactite and stalagmite formations. From here, visitors could
appreciate scenic views of mountain ranges. |
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