Sing Buri: The Land of Heroes and Heavenly Fish
Welcome to Sing Buri, the spiritual home of Thai bravery! Located just north of Bangkok in the flat, fertile rice plains of central Thailand, this province is famous for one epic story that every Thai child knows by heart: the legend of the Bang Rachan villagers.
But Sing Buri isn't just about ancient battles. It's a relaxed, authentic province filled with colossal Buddha statues, glittering temples, and a culinary reputation for having the best fish in the entire country. Ready to meet the heroes?
Why Sing Buri is Legendary
- The Spirit of Bang Rachan: Visit the site of Thailand's version of "The 300," where ordinary villagers held off a massive army.
- Buddhas of All Sizes: From one of the largest reclining Buddhas to a giant sitting one, the temples here are grand.
- A Foodie Secret: It is the home of "Pla Chon Mae La," a fish so famous it has its own festival.
The Sing Buri Bucket List: Warriors & Worship
Get ready for a trip through history and some serious scale.
Honor the Brave at the Bang Rachan Heroes Monument
This is the heart and soul of the province. The Bang Rachan Heroes Monument commemorates the simple villagers who, in 1765, fought off the invading Burmese army for five months against impossible odds. It’s a powerful story of courage and sacrifice. You can visit the camp reconstruction, see the museum, and feel the deep pride locals have for their ancestors. ⚔️
Marvel at Wat Phra Non Chakkrasi
Prepare to be impressed. Inside this temple lies a stunning, 47-meter-long reclining Buddha image. It is one of the largest and most revered in Thailand, and unlike many others, it has a distinctively beautiful and realistic face. The sheer size of the statue in the Vihara (hall) is breathtaking.
Gaze Up at the Giant of Wat Pikul Thong
If you like your Buddhas big, head to Wat Pikul Thong. You can't miss it—dominating the landscape is a colossal seated Buddha statue (Phra Phuttha Suwan Mongkhon Mahamuni) covered in golden mosaic tiles. At over 40 meters high, it’s one of the largest sitting Buddhas in the country. The temple grounds are vast and peaceful, perfect for a quiet walk.
Taste the Legendary Mae La Fish (Pla Chon)
You cannot leave Sing Buri without eating Pla Chon Mae La (Snakehead Fish). Locals swear that the fish from the Mae La River taste better than anywhere else in the world due to the minerals in the water. You’ll see vendors selling the dried, sun-bathed fish everywhere. Order it grilled with neem leaves and sweet fish sauce (Sadao Nam Pla Wan) at a local restaurant—it's a smoky, savory masterpiece. 🐟
How to Get There
Sing Buri is an easy hop from the capital.
- By Bus/Van: Regular buses and minivans depart from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 2 hours.
- By Car: It’s a straightforward drive north on the Asian Highway from Bangkok. It makes for a perfect pit-stop if you are driving up to Chiang Mai!