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Suggested Itinerary: The 1st Day
Ideal for an escape from the bustle of Bangkok, Saraburi offers a chance to appreciate a simple down-to-earth lifestyle of the Thai Yuan, an ancient ethnic group of the Kingdom. The trip begins at Amphoe Sao Hai, a small district to the west of Saraburi Town. The first stop is a splendid traditional Thai wooden house on the banks of the Pa Sak River at Thai Yuan Cultural Centre, where visitors will enjoy an interesting talk about the Thai Yuan by Ajarn Songchai Wannakul. The next stop is Wat Khao Kaeo Woramahawihan Temple, where visitors have the opportunity to pay respect to the relics of our Lord Buddha which are enshrined therein. Pleasurably, the next stop is at Dao Rueang weekend floating market, where villagers prepare Phad Thai, Khanom Khrok (coconut cream pudding), as well as other delicious tidbits.
Visitors may rent bicycles to tour around the village, and may visit the local cloth weaving group at Wat Ton Tan Temple. They specialize in fine shoulder bags. Subsequently, the tour will go on to nearby Wat Phayao Temple, in which a golden Buddha image is enshrined. Then cycle past breathtaking rice fields and Wat Pak Bang Temple to Tambon Ban Yang. From there, visitors will enjoy Krayasat, another local specialty made fresh from sesame seed, peanut, roasted rice, palm sugar and coconut milk. Relax at the village before cycling back in the late afternoon. On the route back to Ajarn Songchai’s house, visitors will find shops selling highly refined wickerwork which makes excellent house decorations and plant containers. Visitors should not miss the sunset and fresh breeze at the rice fields behind Wat Khao Kaeo. Then cycle along the irrigation canal to visit farmers and their premium quality ‘Sao Hai’ rice, and have a chance to watch them fish. After that, take a shower and enjoy a traditional Palaeng dinner in a warm and friendly atmosphere at Thai Yuan Cultural Centre. Visitors are also welcome to stay with a family through the local homestay community. If travelling in a group, the community will offer traditional dances performed by their children. Everyone says farewell to the delightful evening by joining together in a traditional Thai dance.
Suggested Itinerary: The 2nd Day
Get up early in the morning and nourish the mind by offering food to monks, then have breakfast. Later, row boats in charming Pa Sak River, enjoy temples, view fish farms and appreciate the serene river life on both banks. Take a break at Wat Samuhapradittharam to admire beautiful mural paintings inside the Ubosot (ordination hall). Then continue to Wat Sung and pay homage to Luang Po Dam, a sacred Buddha image. Have lunch at Khru Id’s Khanom Chin restaurant, indulge in ‘Khanom Chin’, which is a Thai-style rice noodle served with various kinds of savoury spicy curry and fresh vegetables, and bring the meal to a perfect conclusion with an appealing desert of aromatic and refreshing Thai melon served up in coconut cream. Khru Id’s Restaurant is closed every Tuesday. Eventually, bid farewell to Ajarn Songchai and the community with good memories and energetic feelings, and be ready to face city life again.
For best experience, visitors are advised to reserve accommodations and inform the Community in advance. |