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Saraburi: A Hidden Gem in Central Thailand
Nestled in the heart of Thailand, Saraburi is a city that surprisingly few tourists have yet to discover. Located approximately 130 km north of Bangkok, Saraburi offers visitors an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city while still experiencing some of Thailand’s most beloved attractions. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the pleasure of exploring this hidden gem and here’s what I discovered.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Saraburi is a scenic city surrounded by mountain ranges, lush greenery, and rice paddies. The atmosphere there is laid-back and relaxed, with a central area that mixes charming old buildings with modern conveniences. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from Wat Phra Buddha Badh, a hilltop temple overlooking the city, or take a leisurely bike ride through Tha Ruea pineapple village. What’s more, Saraburi is a city that moves to a slower pace, perfect for travelers seeking a more peaceful and tranquil environment.
What We Liked and Disliked
One of the things we loved about Saraburi was its close proximity to Bangkok. Although visitors have ample opportunities to enjoy the rustic countryside, they are still only a short drive away from the capital’s attractions. The city also boasts a wide variety of local markets, giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Thailand’s culture and sample authentic street food. However, we found that public transportation was limited, with taxis being relatively expensive to use as a mode of transportation around the city.
Cost of Living
Travelers can easily stretch their budget in Saraburi, with a bare minimum of $25 a day. Food is quite affordable, with street food typically costing around $1-2 per dish. At restaurants, the average meal will cost around $5-7 per person. Public transportation, however, is limited and expensive for foreigners, so we suggest renting a motorbike to relish the city at your leisure.
Top 20 Points of Interest
1. Wat Phra Buddha Badh – Mu Si, Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi ($)
2. Kaeng Khoi Railway Station – Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi (Free)
3. Amporn Garden – Muak Lek District, Saraburi ($)
4. Sunnataram Forest Monastery – Muak Lek District, Saraburi ()
5. Saraburi National Museum – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Free)
6. Thap Lan National Park – Nakhon Ratchasima ($$)
7. Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam – Hin Tung District, Saraburi (Free)
8. Wat Phra Phutthabat – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Free)
9. Wat Phra Ngam – Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi (Free)
10. Namtok Sam Lan National Park – Wang Muang District, Saraburi ($$)
11. Khao Sam Lan National Park – Muak Lek District, Saraburi ($$)
12. Saraburi Community Markets – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ()
13. Saraburi Night Market – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ()
14. Phra Phutthabat Night Market – Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi (Free)
15. Sra Morakot – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Free)
16. Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – Nakhon Ratchasima ($)
17. Nong Bua Park – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Free)
18. Wat Sao Thong Thong – Lop Buri ($)
19. Ban Jann Market – Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi ()
20. Wat Samakki – Muang Phangan, Surat Thani ()
Street Food
Saraburi is a street food connoisseur’s paradise with tantalizing options around every corner. Some of the best street food stands in Saraburi include:
1. Baan Pong Sand Tea – Cha Ruea Road, Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ( Price: $)
2. Lek’s Roast Duck – Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi (Price:$)
3. Khao Tom Pla – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Price:$)
4. Moo Ping Ton Khao San – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Price: $)
5. Khao Man Kai – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi (Price:$)
Hotels and Airbnbs
The city offers a vast range of accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are the top ten most reasonable hotels and Airbnbs in Saraburi.
Hotels:
1. Saraburi Inn – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ($)
2. One Place Saraburi – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ($)
3. Saboon Hotel & Resort – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ($$)
4. Green House Resort – Wang Muang District, Saraburi ($$)
5. Di Place Hotel – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ($)
Airbnbs:
1. Private Guesthouse in Downtown Saraburi – Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi ($)
2. Kladpaka Resort – Muak Lek District, Saraburi ($)
3. Quiet Villa with a Private Pool – Nong Khaep, Saraburi ($$)
4. Comfy Home in Salaloi Village – Muak Lek District, Saraburi ($)
5. Tiny House Paradise – Lop Buri ($)
Overall, we give Saraburi a rating of 8 stars out of 10 for its accessibility, reasonable cost of living, ample natural beauty, street food, and cultural landmarks. The only downside was the limited public transportation options. Nonetheless, Saraburi offers visitors an unforgettable and immersive experience of Thai culture and lifestyle, perfectly suited for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy an authentic slice of Thailand.
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