About Suphan Buri
Suphan Buri lies about 100 km northwest of Bangkok on the Tha Chin River, here also called the Suphan. It is a calm provincial capital in the lowlands, ringed by rice fields, with a rich historical background. Its most eye-catching structure is the Banharn-Jamsai Tower, the country's first viewing tower of its kind, overlooking a large park. If you prefer old-world atmosphere, head to the Sam Chuk market, a century-old wooden market that is a pleasure to stroll, or to Ban Yamaratcho, a group of traditional Thai houses on stilts. In the surroundings stands the Don Chedi monument commemorating King Naresuan. The city works as a side trip from Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi rather than for a long stay. The province is largely agricultural, with rice and sugar cane around town, so the view from the tower shows a green, flat landscape stretching to the horizon.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or car (about 2 hours); buses also run from Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Suphan Buri
- Banharn-Jamsai Tower A viewing tower overlooking the city park and surrounding plains.
- Sam Chuk market An old wooden market with a century-old feel, small food stalls and shops.
- Ban Yamaratcho Traditional Thai stilt houses honoured for their architecture.
- Don Chedi monument A memorial to King Naresuan’s elephant duel, outside the city.
