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Unveiling Saraburi: Your Complete Guide to Thailand’s Hidden Gem  

| Last Updated: July 2024

Haven’t heard of Saraburi? We’re not surprised! It isn’t exactly the first (or even 10th) place that pops up when planning a trip in Thailand. But you know what? This is exactly why it’s so special!

Tucked away in central Thailand, Saraburi is a hidden gem for many (even for us locals). And there, you’ll get a chance to experience authentic Thai culture, far from throngs of tourists.

Saraburi is steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, and the friendly locals make everything even better! 

In this guide, we’re excited to show you why Saraburi offers a captivating escape. We’re also detailing why it’s the perfect choice if you’re up for a quick yet charming day trip from Bangkok, so read on!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Saraburi, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Don Mueang International Airport (90 km)

Best Time to Visit Saraburi

It’s best to visit Saraburi Province from November to February. During this time, the season is dry, so there’ll be a low chance of rain and most days will be bright and sunny.

The average daily temperature is also lower so midday explorations are comfortable as well. This way, you don’t have to limit outdoor activities to mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

How to Get to Saraburi

Train: The best way to get to Saraburi from Bangkok is to catch a train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The trains depart daily and only take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Saraburi Train Station.

Bus: Provincial buses, like the Transport Company and Nakhonchai Air bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Saraburi. 

Taxi: Riding a taxi from Bangkok is a more expensive way to get to Saraburi. The only upside is it’s slightly faster and more flexible if you want to make side trips.

Rental Car: To get to Saraburi via rental car, drive north via Udon Ratthaya Expressway and turn right to Highway 9 and Highway 1 until you reach Saraburi’s city center. 

This is by far the fastest route which only takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. You must have a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to rent any vehicle in Thailand.

Where to Stay in Saraburi

The Soul Resort

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Address: 99, Song Khon, Kaeng Khoi District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) 

Contact Number: +66 99 782 1777

Website: http://www.thesoulresort.com/

Pricing: ฿฿฿

The Soul Resort is a luxurious hideaway far from Saraburi’s busy city center, perfect if you want to enjoy your vacation in peace and extreme comfort. Their fully decked-out rooms offer jaw-dropping mountain views.

There’s also top-of-the-line amenities, from a scenic pool bar to a classy international restaurant and a lavish library and tearoom. 

This resort also focuses on its guests’ health and well-being, so expect numerous wellness and relaxation programs. This includes a decked-out fitness center, full-service spa, yoga classes, guided meditation and more.

Chuan Chom The High Resort

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Address: 46/5 Tessaban 8 Road, Pak Phriao Sub-district

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 36 222 533

Website: https://www.facebook.com/chuanchomthehighresort

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Chuan Chom The High Resort is a stylish hotel in the heart of Saraburi City. It’s close to numerous restaurants, markets, and Buddhist temples, so it’s the perfect base of operations.

It also offers modern airy rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths, and balconies with nice city views. There’s also a casual bar, a garden with a terrace, and a bright, elegant lobby with a mezzanine and chandeliers.

It’s also a block away from the Saraburi Exercise Park and a 2-minute walk from the train station which is a big plus. 

Glai Gan Place Hotel

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Address: 66 Soi 1, Thetsaban 4 Road, Pak Phriao Sub-district

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) 

Contact Number: +66 90 249 2497

Website: http://glaiganplacehotel.com/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

Glai Gan Place Hotel is a large unassuming property offering sizable modern rooms with minimalist interiors and essential amenities. Its stand-out feature is the gorgeous rustic poolside cafe with rattan furniture pieces and ornamental plants.

Next to it is a massive outdoor pool with wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities. It’s tucked in a quiet neighborhood within the city center, so you enjoy a strategic location and peaceful atmosphere.

There’s also a supermarket 48 meters from the hotel which is great if you need to shop for travel essentials.

Where to Eat in Saraburi

Suki Teenoi Saraburi

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Address: Bangchak B5 Avenue

Operating Hours: 

  • 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Weekdays)
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Weekends)

Contact Number: +66 61 765 2929

Website: https://www.facebook.com/sukiteenoithailand

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and sukiyaki, Suki Teenoi Saraburi is an excellent option. Also, the foodies on our team say it’s one of the most affordable sukiyaki spots in the city which is a plus.

You also get a wide range of hot pot inclusions to choose from. This includes beef, chicken, pork, Chilean mussels, shrimp, jellyfish, squid, dolly fish, fish balls, wonton, gyoza, tofu, crab sticks, noodles, cheese, and various veggies.

Just don’t come here during after-work hours to avoid long queues.

Samrab Lao Restaurant

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Address: 13/22 Phahon Yothin 16 Road, Takut Sub-district

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 119 3459

Website: https://www.facebook.com/sumrublaos/

Pricing: ฿฿

Samrab Lao Restaurant is a Thai restaurant known for its charming alfresco garden dining area. It’s also next to the Pasak River which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

There’s also an indoor dining area within a traditional Thai-style house setting if you prefer homely vibes. Plus, they serve a wide range of Thai dishes, including some northern specialties. 

This includes som tam, jaew hon, pork larb, kor moo yang, miang kham, and more. If you’re a vegetarian, be sure to try their gaeng phed hed (mushroom curry), one of our favorites from their menu.

Korea House Saraburi

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Address: 3/7 Moo 10, Khok Sawang Sub-district

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 89 898 0200

Website: http://www.koreahousefranchise.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Korea House Saraburi is arguably the best Korean restaurant in the city, so it’s definitely worth a try. Its casual interior resembles most local restaurants in Korea and it serves a great selection of authentic Korean dishes.

Their portions are also large, so you’re getting a lot of value for your money.

What to See and Do in Saraburi

Check out Krok I Dok Waterfall’s tall cascade

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Address: Mittraphap, Kaeng Khoi District

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 87 041 3013

Krok I Dok Waterfall is one of Saraburi’s tallest and most stunning cascades, so it’s definitely a must on your itinerary. It has a 7-tier cascade which you can explore within its 4.5-kilometer nature trail.

The hardcore hikers on our team particularly like this trail because it takes more than 5 hours to conquer. It’s also teeming with local fauna and flora, so there’s plenty to see during the hike.

Just know that a local ranger is required for the hike, so consider this as your admission fee. You can book them at the Bueng Mai Night Market in Cha Om.

Admire Wat Phra Phutthabat’s architecture

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Address: Khun Khlon, Phra Phutthabat District

Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 36 266 005

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064755429490

Wat Phra Phutthabat is arguably the most beautiful Buddhist temple in Saraburi, and it’s certainly a must-see. It boasts a shimmering Khmer-style mondap architecture with a gilded roof, an extended spire, and intricate wall and pillar carvings. 

The temple also has an elegant interior with detailed wall carvings, paintings, and Buddha images. But its biggest draw is the enshrined Buddha’s footprint which local worshippers lay gold leaf on to show their respect. 

There are also numerous local vendors at the temple’s entrance, so you can shop for food and drinks while you’re there.

See Wat Pa Sawang Bun’s golden stupas

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Address: Ban Khlong Phai Alley, Cha Om, Kaeng Khoi District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 80 076 4488

Website: https://www.facebook.com/watpasawangboon99/

If you love Buddhist architecture, Wat Pa Sawang Bun is the place to be. It has over 500 golden stupas, so you have plenty of structures to admire and photograph.

There’s also a giant central pagoda where people go to pray and pay their respects. This pagoda is known for its ornate walls and ceilings with colorful ceramic mosaic tiles.

You’ll also find numerous Naga and Buddha images scattered throughout its vast temple complex.

Stroll around Wat Tham Krabok

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Address: Tambon Koonklone, Ampoe Phra Phuttabat 

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 36 266 292

Website: https://wat-thamkrabok.org/

Wat Tham Krabok is on the unique side. Aside from being a Buddhist temple, it’s also a well-known rehabilitation site for drug and alcohol addicts.

That’s why people who want to cleanse themselves frequent Saraburi for the temple’s detoxification course. During this time, patients will participate in various activities, from meditation to dharma talks, evening chanting, and more.

But if you’re only here for sightseeing, you’ll enjoy the temple complex’s tranquil atmosphere. It has a prayer hall, a cave temple, and unique Buddha images made with lava rocks.

Explore Chet Sao Noi National Park

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Address: 2224, Muak Lek, Muak Lek District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 36 346 586

Website: https://www.facebook.com/chetsaonoi.np

Admission Costs: 100 baht (Adults), 50 baht (Kids)

Going to Chet Sao Noi National Park is a great idea if you love hiking and waterfalls. This rainforest park is famous for its 7-tier cascade which you can find along a 2-kilometer circular nature trail.

The waterfall’s numerous streams create small and large water pools, but only some are suitable for swimming. The nature trail is perfect for birdwatching and wildflower hunting.

Camping tents are also available at the park’s visitor center if you want to stay for the night. There are restaurants, food stalls, and cafes here, so you’re covered for food and drinks.

Set up camp at Namtok Samlan National Park

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Address: 53, 1 Nong Pla Lai Sub-district

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 36 713 829

Website: https://www.facebook.com/NamtokSamlanNationalPark?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Admission Costs: 100 baht (Adults), 50 baht (Kids)

Namtok Samlan National Park is perfect for those who like camping. It has a serene lakeside campsite, so it’s well-known among nature-loving campers and picnickers who frequent Saraburi.

In fact, this park is so famous that you must register online and pay for your tent spot beforehand. Expect basic amenities like flush toilets, shower facilities, a food stall, and a welfare shop.

There are numerous nature trails and a gentle waterfall, so it’s also great for hiking and nature walks. The park also has an excellent cycling track, so bring a bicycle if possible.

Visit Big Tae Chrysanthemum Garden

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Address: 213, Moo 5, Tambon Nong Yang Sua, Muak Lek District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 878 4569

Website: https://www.facebook.com/bigtaegarden/

Admission Costs: 30 baht

For flower enthusiasts, Big Tae Chrysanthemum Garden is a great option. This flower nursery grows different-colored chrysanthemums, from white to pink, yellow, orange, magenta, and more.

They also sell flower bouquets, so you can take the flowers you like home. Or you can relax at their cafe while enjoying coffee and observing the colorful flower beds.

Study the local flora at the Phu Khae Botanical Garden

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Address: Phu Khae, Chaloem Phra Kiat District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 36 347 457

Website: http://web.facebook.com/PukaeBotanicalGarden

Phu Khae Botanical Garden is Thailand’s first botanical garden, so it’s definitely worth visiting while you’re in Saraburi. It boasts over 300 hectares of garden plants, natural vegetation, and forest.

The garden also has a conservation facility for rare and near-endangered plant species. It’s also great for educational tours since they provide information about the floras in their care.

Its most famous attraction is the literary garden, which features 35 plant species present in popular Thai literature.

Pick fresh mulberries at Saithong Farm

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Address: Nong Yang Sua, Muak Lek District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 89 045 1558

If you’re a fruit person, we recommend going to Saithong Farm instead. It has a large mulberry field where visitors can explore and harvest fresh mulberries.

Plus, they have a souvenir store where you can buy various mulberry products, from jams to juices, teas, and wines. Their mulberries are pesticide-free so it’s perfect for people who prefer organic food.

FAQs about Saraburi

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