Steeped in history and culture, Suphanburi, just a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, is a hidden gem of a tourist destination in Thailand. Nicknamed the City of Gold, it dazzles visitors with its magnificent temples, glistening Buddha statues, and verdant rice fields.
History of Suphanburi
Suphanburi boasts a history as rich and gleaming as its nickname, "City of Gold." Evidence suggests settlements existed here as far back as the Dvaravati period (6th-11th centuries). During this era, the city thrived as a major trading hub, leaving behind a legacy of archaeological sites and artifacts.
![Suphanburi](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-6.jpg)
Suphanburi
Fast forward to the 14th century, and Suphanburi finds itself at the heart of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. For a brief period, it even served as the kingdom's capital, a testament to its strategic importance. The city remained a crucial administrative and trade center throughout the Ayutthaya period.
Suphanburi's past is also marked by battles. Its location made it a border town, and it faced numerous conflicts with neighboring Burma. One such legendary clash, in 1592, saw King Naresuan the Great of Siam engage in a spectacular elephant duel with the Burmese crown prince.
Today, Suphanburi proudly wears its history on its sleeve. Ancient temples like Wat Phra Mahathat and Wat Si Chum stand as testaments to its glorious past, while museums and historical sites offer a glimpse into bygone eras.
Attraction of Suphanburi
Places to Visit in Suphanburi
- Wat Phra Mahathat: The largest and most famous temple in Suphanburi, built in the 13th century. It houses a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue and a museum with a collection of precious artifacts.
![Suphanburi - Wat Phra Mahathat](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-3.jpg)
Wat Phra Mahathat
- Wat Si Chum: This temple is known for its largest bronze Buddha image in Thailand, standing 35 meters tall.
![Suphanburi - Wat Si Chum](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-4.jpg)
Wat Si Chum
- Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park: This park boasts breathtaking natural scenery with limestone mountains, caves, and waterfalls. Visitors can go mountain climbing, caving, and kayaking.
![Suphanburi - Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-9.jpg)
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
- Dragon Descendants Museum: It's shaped like a massive, brightly colored fiberglass Chinese dragon, making it a truly eye-catching landmark.
![Suphanburi - Dragon Descendants Museum](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-1.jpg)
Dragon Descendants Museum
Food
Suphanburi's flavors are as captivating as its history. Here are some local favorites:
- Khao Soi Suphanburi: Savory yellow curry noodles with a unique spice blend.
- Pla Ra (for the bold): Fermented fish with a strong aroma, a local specialty.
- Mi Krop Pak Bung: Simple stir-fried morning glory noodles, perfect for any meal.
- Yam Kai Dao: Zesty minced chicken salad with a refreshing balance of flavors.
- Khanom Chan: Sweet crepes filled with a palm sugar surprise.
- Lod Chong: Cool and colorful jelly noodles for a sweet ending.
![Suphanburi - Mi Krop Pak Bung](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-5.jpg)
Mi Krop Pak Bung
Travel Cost of Suphanburi
Suphanburi is a relatively affordable destination, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers. Here's a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to incur:
Accommodation:
- Budget hostels: $5-10 per night
- Mid-range guesthouses: $10-20 per night
- Comfortable hotels: $20-50 per night
- Luxury resorts: $50+ per night
Food:
- Street food: $1-3 per meal
- Local restaurants: $3-5 per meal
- Mid-range restaurants: $5-10 per meal
- Fine dining: $10+ per meal
Transportation:
- Bus from Bangkok: $5-10
- Train from Bangkok: $5-10
- Car rental: $20-30 per day
- Taxi: $1-2 per km
Activities:
- Temple entrance fees: $1-2
- Museum entrance fees: $2-5
- National park entrance fees: $5-10
- Tours: $10-50+
Other expenses:
- Souvenirs: $5-10
- Personal expenses: $10-20 per day
![Travel Cost of Suphanburi](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-8.jpg)
Travel Cost of Suphanburi
Best Time to Visit Suphanburi
Suphanburi welcomes visitors year-round, but to truly maximize your experience, consider the weather:
- The Cool Season (November - February): Arguably the best time to visit, this period offers comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and sunshine, ideal for exploring temples, historical sites, and the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
- The Shoulder Seasons (March & October): These months offer decent weather with slightly higher temperatures and a dip in tourist crowds, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
How to get to Suphanburi
Suphanburi boasts excellent accessibility from Bangkok, offering various convenient options:
- By Bus: Numerous comfortable and affordable buses depart from Bangkok's southern bus terminals (Sai Tai Mai or Ekkamai) throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours and costs around $5-10.
- By Train: Several daily trains connect Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station to Mahachai Station in Suphanburi. The train ride is a scenic option, taking roughly 2-3 hours and costing $5-10.
- By Car: If you prefer the freedom and flexibility of a road trip, driving from Bangkok takes 1-2 hours depending on traffic. Car rental companies in Bangkok offer various vehicle options, with prices starting at around $20-30 per day.
Explore Suphanburi with Asia King Travel!
![Explore Suphanburi with Asia King Travel!](/cuploads/files/Thailand/Suphanburi/Suphanburi-7.jpg)
Explore Suphanburi with Asia King Travel
Suphanburi whispers promises of a captivating escape. Magnificent temples adorned with intricate details stand as testaments to a glorious past, while verdant rice fields stretch towards the horizon, showcasing the province's agricultural heart.
Asia King Travel offers all-inclusive tour packages to Suphanburi at competitive prices. We are committed to providing you with a convenient and unforgettable travel experience.
Contact Asia King Travel today to start planning your Suphanburi adventure