Blossoming Outing to Saraburi & Lopburi

Lopburi and Saraburi,  are located about 2 hours drive from Bangkok, are the key provinces in Thailand with Sunflower field attractions. The blooming period for the sunflowers are between November to January, otherwise it will not be a good time to visit the fields. In Lopburi, the blooming season starts slightly earlier and ends earlier. Hence, Saraburi will be a better option if you are visiting the fields near end January.

The most convenient and easiest way to get to Saraburi is definitely 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 about 60 km from Saraburi town. Alternatively, there are regular daily buses and coaches from Bangkok Bus Terminal stations and/or daily Bangkok-Saraburi trains from Hua Lamphong Railway Station

Admission to the sunflower fields is free and visitors can wander around the fields freely, taking pictures and admiring the beautiful scenery. Each stalk of sunflower costs 10baht (equivalent to S$0.40 only) and you can pluck them freshly out from the soil! There are usually stalls outside the fields selling souvenirs, ranging from; mini sunflower pots; photo frames; bookmark; clips etc, embossed with sunflower designs.

Though there are many other attractions in Saraburi itself, the key attractions in this province are the sunflower fields and Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park which consists of a nice waterfall. The waterfall has 7 levels. The height of each level is approximately 4 metres and offers a spacious shaded swimming area which is extremely popular with the locals. If you are there on a weekend, you will see huge crowds there with their picnic mats!

 

In addition, there is an important buddhist temple, Wat Phra Phutthabat, which was built under King Songtham in the 17th century. This temple is known to be located aroud a Buddha footprint and is a popular pilgrimmage place in central Thailand. As I was rushing to another temple in Lopburi before sunset, I had to give Wat Phra Phutthaba a miss this round =(  

The Lopburi Monkey Temple, Wat Phra Prang Sam Yod, is about 1 hour drive from Saraburi. The Wat is located on Vichayan Road, near the railway line and is surrounded by a legion of monkeys! The entrance fee to the Khmer style temple is 50baht and closes at 6pm. Bananas and nuts can be bought outside the temple but be aware that at least 30 monkeys will flock to you! For your safety, do not tease the monkeys as they are quite aggressive if provoked. I experienced a monkey jumping onto me, thinking that I have food in my bag; and another jumping onto my friend, thinking her hair is food! Do stay away from monkeys with little children as the parents are very protective of their mischievous young and may jump towards you if you approach them. The little monkeys are very adorable, of course! Otherwise, it is pretty safe to observe the hundreds of monkeys within the temple. You can also see the monkeys climbing on the rooftops of buildings across the temples!


Across the railway line and temple is a shrine and visitors should stay for prayer. Joss-sticks can be purchased outside the shrine and 3 small pieces of golden foil will be given as well. The foils are meant to be pasted on the 3 statues inside the shrine. Fortune sticks and prediction sheets are also available in the shrine. Like in Singapore, the thai locals always practice burning/throwing away negative prediction sheets in the temple.

A day trip to Saraburi & Lopburu will be sufficient to cover the few key places above. Appreciate the brightness and peacefulness of these 2 provinces!