One Of The Four Eastern Suwannaphum Cities

One Of The Four Eastern Suwannaphum Cities

by Jour ~ Friday, November 18, 2005

Land Of Dvaravati Civilization

“The city of big papal, sweet bamboo, delicious fruit, and borderland” is the translated slogan for Prachinburi, reflecting the history and the charm of the province.

In the past, Prachinburi was a peaceful town hiding in the middle of nowhere. It used to be just a resting place for passerby. Now, it has became crucial for the tourist industry, as several tourist sites and accommodation were developed to support the growth promoted by the government.

The four eastern Sawannaphum cities are Nakhon Nayok, Sakaeo, Chachoengsao, and Prachinburi. The concept of these cities is “the land of green discovery and hub city” to attract adventurous and nature-friendly tourists. This area is also to became the hub city between the central and the northeastern regions.

The History

Prachinburi is an eastern border city just 135 Kilometers away from Bangkok. The area is of 4,762 square Kilometers. Prachinburi used to be very prosperous in the Dvarvati and Lopburi eras, which was 800 years ago. The evidence is the ruined town of “Mueang Si Mahosot” at Tambon Khokpip, Amphoe Mahosot.

At Ban Khok Kwang, Amphoe Si Mahosot east to Mueang Si Mohosot, there was an ancient community at the same period as Muang Si Mahosot. The area was once used for ritual ceremonies in which many artifacts like Buddha images, Hindu Gods images, earthenware, pottery and bronze tools were found.

Later on, the center of civilization was moved to the present Bang Pakong riverside. There were many administration changes, from town to Monthon, and Changwat (province) at present.

Prachinburi has 7 districts (Amphoe), namely Amphoe MMuaeng, Ban Sang, Prachantakham, Si Mahosot, Si Maha Phot, Kabin Buri, and Na Di.

How to get there

There are three ways to get to Prachinburi: by car, by train, and by bus. By car, there are many routes from Bangkok to Prachinburi. Using Phahonyothin Highway, to Rangsit, and keep left to use overpass to Highway No.305, parallel to Khlong Rangsit, pass Ongkarak of Nakhon Nayok. Then use Highway No.33 (Nakhon Nayok – Prachin Buri), turn right at Samyaek Nong Cha-om at Km.155 to Highway No.319 to Prachin Buri. Total distance is 136 Kilometers.

Using Phahonyothin Highway (No.1) to Wang Noi of Ayutthaya, turn right at Km. 90 to Highway No.33 pass Wihan Daeng of Saraburi, and Nakhon Nayok, turn right at Samyeak Nong Cha-am at Km.155 to Highway No.319 to Prachin Buri. Total distance is 164 Kilometers.

Using Highway No.304 pass Chacherngsao, Phanom Sarakham, turn to Highway No.319 pass Si Mahosot, to Prachin Buri. Alternatively, people can go to Prachinburi by buses, leaving from Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal everyday or by train leaving from Hua Lam Pong Railway Station everyday.

The city for incentive

Prachinburi is presented as a tourist city by promoting the sites and activities such as “whitewater rafting at kaeng Hin Phoeng”.

Kaeng Hin Phieng is the name of the rapids in Na Di district. It is where people go whitewater rafting during the rainy season especially in June-October as the tide is high to a level that is perfect for rafting. Several tour agencies add this program to their lists and many companies usually offer this incentive activity to their employees, resulting in more income generated to the local economy.

There are many more tourist sites in Prachinburi such as the National park, Prachinburi National Museum, Heo Narok Waterfall, Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate Building, Si Mahosot Ancient city, etc.

In addition to the natural tourist sites there are also the agro-tourism sites, which are very popular at the moment. Having fertility, Prachinburi has various agricultural products. The Provincial Agricultural Department is the host for “the Agricultural and Prachin Buri Products Fair” in the summer every year about May to June. The fair is also added to the incentive activities by many tour agencies.

OTOP of Prachinburi

Prachinburi is famous for its local products or OTOP especially for agricultural product such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, marian plum, and sweet bamboo shoot. There are also Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate’s herbs, bamboo furniture, grass broom, reed mat, and handicrafts made from weaving bamboo.

Hub City

More hotel and accommodations have been built in all seven districts of Prachinburi to support the increasing tourist number. The examples of hotels are Khao Yai Grand View, Taranee Resort, Sup Pailin, Dvarati Resort, and Saksupa Garden Resort. These accommodations are built not only for the hub city but also for the incentive, meeting and seminar activities.