A visit to intriguing religious landmarks
Saraburi’s Alluring Buddhist Sites
Saraburi Province, located approximately 110 km from Bangkok, lies to the northeast. Established during the Ayutthaya period and further inhabited in early Rattanakosin, the province has many interesting Buddhist sites. The main attraction is Wat Phra Phutthabat or the Temple of the Buddha’s Footprint built in 1624, and is the emblem of the province. Found on a hill by a hunter, the footprint was discovered to have all 108 auspicious signs on it. King Songtham of Ayutthaya built a pavilion to protect the footprint, a structure that was renovated numerous times over the years. There are other Buddhist structures near the footprint pavilion, one depicting scenes of the underworld in mural paintings. Three impressive staircases, side by side, lead up to the elevated structures on the hill.
Another important Buddhist site is Phra Phothisat Cave or the Bodhisattva Cave. Situated behind a temple where people come to meditate, with signs of the Buddha’s moral teaching and those of proverbs placed around the temple grounds. The Boddhisattva cave is small, depicting on one wall a raised bas-relief of the Dvaravati period (7th-11th centuries) a seated preaching Buddha and Hindu gods. The cave has been registered by the Fine Arts Department as a national ancient monument.
In the Sao Hai district of Saraburi stands Wat Chanthaburi. This hidden gem of a temple was built in 1891 during the reign of Rama III. Standing alone, it was once the ubosot (ordination hall) of the temple. Typical of that period, the building’s exterior is decorated with stucco and has an ornate gable board. Enchanting mural paintings of the Life of the Buddha are at the interior.
The Siam Society will arrange a one-day trip to visit these magnificent Buddhist sites in Saraburi province, under the leadership of Khun Ruth Gerson, Member of The Siam Society.
When
Leader
Khun Ruth Gerson, Member of The Siam Society
Booking
Or contact Khun Supanut
supanut@thesiamsociety.org
The tentative programme will be as follows:
Saturday, 5 November: Bangkok – Saraburi | |
– | Meet at The Siam Society, 131 Asoke Montri Road, Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok. |
07:30 | Depart The Siam Society for Saraburi province. Pay a visit at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, (142 km from Bangkok), a first-class royal temple constructed during the reign of King Songtham. The highlight of the temple is what is known as the Lord Buddha’s footprint, which had been discovered on a stone slab on Suwan Banphot Hill or Satchaphantha Khiri Hill. |
Noon: | Lunch at a local Thai restaurant. |
Afternoon: | Visit Wat Tham Phra Phothisat, situated at the back of temple. It is a small cave with bas-relief of the Dvaravati period on the cave wall, depicting the preaching Buddha and Hindu gods. |
– | Visit Wat Chanthaburi, an early Rattanakosin temple from King Rama III period. The temple’s highlight is at the ubosot with its charming murals and stucco works. |
20:00 | Arrival at The Siam Society. |
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. |
Booking
The contribution of THB 4,000 (THB 4,500 for non-members) will cover transportation, lunch, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), savings account no. 053-2-18000-7 or by scanning the QR code below. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.
The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing communication campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on the Society’s website and other online social media channels.
For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Prasert at Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 504 or Khun Supanut Tel. 02-661-6470-3 ext. 506, Fax 02-258-3491 or email: supanut@thesiamsociety.org. The Society office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
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