Three day road trip to Suphanburi province
Recently, I went on a three day trip to Suphanburi province. The main reason for this trip was to visit the Don Chedi Memorial and Red Cross Fair. Every year they put on a big show to commemorate the victory of King Naresuan the Great in a traditional royal battle on elephant back. The follow photos were tweeted live during the trip.
DAY ONE:
Setting off on a 3-day road trip this morning to explore Suphanburi province, about 90 minutes northeast of Bangkok. No fixed plans or hotels booked. It’s the way I like it. Feel free to send suggestions. My map list here: https://t.co/PuPIOQrRVD #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/4eT83p7oIf
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Drone photos of the giant seated Buddha at Wat Phai Rong Wua in Suphan Buri. It is 10 meters wide and 26 meters high. Map: https://t.co/lyuBrO6Zsp #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/wBfC88SpIi
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Wat Phai Rong Wua (วัดไผ่โรงวัว) in Suphanburi has been described as a kind of Buddhist version of Disneyland without the rides. There are literally hundreds of Buddha images in all shapes & sizes and monuments pertaining to the Buddha’s life #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/Rfa3s2zXnG
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Wat Phai Rong Wua in Suphanburi also has an extensive Buddhist Hell Garden where you can see what will happen to you if you commit various sins such as adultery and drug addiction #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/PmX47dVo5u
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
If Wat Phai Rong Wua in Suphanburi is the Buddhist version of Disneyland, then the nearby Wat Tha Chedi is Dream World. It was the replica of Big Ben and then the Merlion that caught my attention #Thailand pic.twitter.com/7FhXPiJOgJ
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Drone photos of Wat Tha Chedi in Song Phi Nong District of Suphan Buri. Highlights include replicas of Big Ben, Eiffel Tower and a windmill. Map: https://t.co/UaqkehG1oo #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/7PqOhaVgva
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
U-Thong National Museum in Suphanburi is 30 Baht for Thais and 150 Baht for foreigners. No thank you. Too many of these museums have little information in English. Really they should give us a discount #Thailand pic.twitter.com/STDdva8Ug2
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
A giant rock Buddha in U Thong District of Suphanburi called Bhunyakiri Sri Suvarnabhumi. It seems to be carved out of the side of a cliff. It is 108 meters high and 88 meters wide. They expect it to be finished in April. Map: https://t.co/LpNL4U4Vjv #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/PU6cSg5rzY
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Lifestyle and Spirit of Thai Farmers Learning Center in Suphanburi has been set up to educate the public about agriculture. It’s open daily and it’s free. Dead quiet during the week. Maybe better at the weekend. Map: https://t.co/EYpQ1qRnzs #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/F6lmxDnPUP
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Drone photos of the giant dragon at the Dragon Descendants Museum in Suphanburi. Map: https://t.co/9v3cWv79ec #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/3tQFUXJzGs
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Tonight I’m staying at CPS Mansion opposite the giant dragon in Suphanburi. On Agoda it’s ฿582 a night and only two rooms available. Fortunately I decided to ask in reception and they said ฿450 a night and plenty of rooms available #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Tm1BQ4UOGP
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
Duck noodle soup on the street in front of my hotel. 40 Baht. Free cold water #ThaiFood #Thailand pic.twitter.com/peI7C0yIsu
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 19, 2018
DAY TWO:
Good morning from Suphanburi, which is about 110km northwest of Bangkok. This is the start of my second day exploring the province. Tonight I will attend the festival at Don Chedi #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/dfSi5HAOSU
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
Having “Johk” (โจ๊ก) for breakfast in Suphanburi. A rice porridge with egg, only 25 Baht. I haven’t seen it that cheap for a long time. She could have charged me 35B and I wouldn’t have known. Good to see there are still many honest food vendors #Thailand #ThaiFood pic.twitter.com/FWzuOitQtU
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
The Thai Buffalo Conservation Village in Si Prachan District of Suphanburi shows the traditional life of farmers before the age of mechanization. There is also a Thai style village. Map: https://t.co/jVILaoLFpL pic.twitter.com/vEnoU8rip8
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
The Thai Buffalo Conservation Village in Suphanburi is 30 Baht for Thais & 150 Baht for foreigners. There is a show but you have to pay extra: 20B/100B. All the exhibition signs are in Thai. Maybe they should give foreigners a discount? #Thailand pic.twitter.com/qFkSS6rmkP
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
This afternoon I’m exploring Sam Chuck Market in Suphanburi, but first I’m on a boat tour upriver to a Thai traditional house that is often used in period dramas. The boat trip is 50B/person #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/Fk74pb7kuS
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
Sam Chuk Market is an old market on the Tha Chin River in Suphanburi, about two hours north of Bangkok. Lots of good food. Worth exploring for an hour or so and maybe doing a boat trip too. Map: https://t.co/7GOpICttg3 #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/0Mlpv2zoWv
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
Bueng Chawak in Suphanburi is worth a visit if you have kids. Entry is 30 Baht for the first two aquariums & crocodile show. However, the shark tunnel is an extra 150 Baht for Thais & 200 Baht for foreigners. Map: https://t.co/6BzCKSFp9Z #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/HPe9x2f9v9
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
The monument in Don Chedi is dedicated to King Naresuan the Great’s victory over Burmese forces over 500 years ago. There is a Temple Fair here every year commemorating that battle. Map: https://t.co/soRINc6G8B #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/pbHJxHjHA4
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
The two week long Don Chedi Memorial and Red Cross Fair in Suphanburi is from now until 1 February 2018. Lots of food so come hungry #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/w25xhPoQB7
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
Highlight of the Don Chedi Fair is the light-and-sound show from 18 to 31 January (except 22-24 and 29 January), from 7pm. Ticket is 100 Baht. More info: https://t.co/hlEH7QTRdD #Thailand pic.twitter.com/fezX9FVyUR
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
Photos of the elephant battle show at the Don Chedi Fair in Suphanburi. Tickets are 100 Baht: https://t.co/hlEH7QTRdD #Thailand pic.twitter.com/abAXyvE08m
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 20, 2018
DAY THREE:
Good morning from Suphanburi. This is my third and last day exploring the province. My plan for this morning is to do a city tour and then I will drive back home after lunch. Here is my map list of places to visit: https://t.co/PuPIOQrRVD #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/zZhIuaC9T7
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
One of the major tourist attractions in Suphanburi is the 123 meter high Banhan-Chaemsai Tower. From this you will get 360° panoramic views of the city. Map: https://t.co/KsfSmByXvu #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/iw5Lo8QcYK
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
A quick stop at the TAT office in Suphanburi to pick up some leaflets to help plan my city tour. Helpful staff but they should really make an effort to sweep the front porch. Particularly as you have to take your shoes off. Map: https://t.co/pddwWQbaaY #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/aoGehwT825
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
King's Naresuan the Great Monument in Suphanburi. What can I say other than that the guy obviously loved cockerels. Map: https://t.co/mVfkr1WXKI #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/X4Q6t4wcup
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Your first stop on a visit to Suphanburi should be the national museum. The bilingual exhibits nicely explain the history & culture of the local area. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm. Admission is 20B for Thais & 100B for foreigners. Map: https://t.co/Va4NZVwPFc #Thailand #ttot pic.twitter.com/2EdwfT9EIn
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Fish sanctuary at Wat Phra Non in Suphanburi. Make sure you step back when people feed the fish or you will get wet. Map: https://t.co/zEgfgJ4JUW #Thailand #Travel pic.twitter.com/PfdtZLvKy3
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Wat Phra Non in Suphanburi is famous for the fish sanctuary but also the unusual Reclining Buddha. Most can be seen on their side, but in this one the Buddha is on his back. Map: https://t.co/zEgfgJ4JUW #Thailand #Travel pic.twitter.com/wwsF4ZIOaM
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Wat Khae in Suphanburi is an ancient temple mentioned in a book called “Khun Chang-Khun Phaen”. The temple is famous for a 1,000 year old tamarind tree which is 9.5 meters in circumference. There’s also a replica of Khun Phaen’s house. Map: https://t.co/IgHzwCUdpx #Thailand #ttot pic.twitter.com/jXPMqDXyhg
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Something that I didn’t expect to see at Wat Khae in Suphanburi was the this monk riding on the back of a giant wasp #Thailand #ttot pic.twitter.com/fF45Q9tgzT
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat is one of the oldest temples in Suphanburi dating back more than 600 years. Map: https://t.co/hWXaZdqGVa #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/UkfogylMrM
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
I came across this horseback ordination procession in Suphanburi and so stopped to take a few pictures. Where I live, the young man usually rides on the back of a pickup truck. #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/VOKiUM3DON
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
I couldn’t decide what to have for lunch so I went for my standby dish, stir fried basil with minced pork, topped with a fried egg. Quite a generous portion which is unusual these days. Instead of putting the price up, they usually give you less meat #ThaiFood #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Pv8TCHFxCo
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
The 123 meter high Banharn-Jamsai Tower is worth a visit for the panoramic views of the city. Entrance to the park is 10B & then it’s 30B to go up the tower during the day & 40B in the evening. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-7pm. Map: https://t.co/DH4r9ZDJAy #Thailand #ttot pic.twitter.com/GkbJ0wKIZm
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Wat Palelai in Suphanburi is a Royal Temple dating back hundreds of years. It has an unusual and large 23 meter high Buddha image seated with its feet on the floor in a Western style. Map: https://t.co/RFnQxDTrme #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/7n69uhbGm4
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
Also at Wat Palelai in Suphanburi is a reconstruction of Khun Chang’s house from Thai literature and paintings of scenes from the book. Many of these depict contemporary life in Siam many years ago #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/oYR4YiJNbl
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
The city pillar shrine in Suphanburi now has a small Chinese village around it. Even the 7-Eleven gets into the act by decorating Chinese style. In the small village you can buy food as well as gifts. Map: https://t.co/agj0XwaHms #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/6aAKWlcK7i
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
The Dragon Descendants Museum inside the giant dragon in Suphanburi is 299 Baht for Thais and 499 Baht for foreigners. No thank you. The Thai price is already quite expensive. I will enjoy the building for free from the outside #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/T5L8WsD3gN
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
That’s a wrap on my 3-day trip to Suphanburi province. I hope you’ve enjoyed the pictures. I’m driving home now. The journey back to Bangkok should take about an hour #Thailand #Travel #ttot pic.twitter.com/EIRLLvz2SH
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) January 21, 2018
