府
Saraburi
Saraburi is a central Thai province on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya valley, 108 kilometres north of Bangkok, serving as a gateway between the central plains and the northeastern plateau. It is home to Wat Phra Phutthabat, enshrining a revered footprint of the Buddha that draws pilgrims from across Thailand.
Saraburi covers 3,576 square kilometres and is bordered by Lopburi to the north, Nakhon Ratchasima to the northeast, Nakhon Nayok to the east, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya to the south. The western part of the province consists of flat Chao Phraya plains while the east rises to high plains and the limestone Phetchabun foothills. Kaeng Khoi district is a major centre for cement production owing to its limestone deposits, and Saraburi is also one of Thailand's main sunflower-growing regions, with brilliant fields blooming from November to January. Muak Lek district near the Nakhon Ratchasima border is a cooler upland area popular for weekend retreats. The Pasak River flows through the province, and the Pasak Cholasid Dam on the border with Lopburi provides irrigation and flood control for the central region. The province has a population of around 640,000.