Si Prachan Old Market is a historic trading area with a history spanning more than 110 years. It is located along the Tha Chin River, which once served as an important transportation route and economic lifeline of Suphan Buri Province. The market developed alongside river-based trade, bringing together merchants, farmers, and villagers from nearby areas, and gradually becoming a significant center for commerce and cultural exchange within the local community.

The most distinctive feature of Si Prachan Old Market is its traditional two-story wooden shophouses, which have been well preserved in their original form. The buildings face each other along the road and the river, clearly reflecting the lifestyle of riverside communities in the past. Despite the passage of time, the local community has worked together to conserve both the architecture and the simple atmosphere of the market. As a result, the market was awarded the Outstanding Cultural Tourism Destination Award in 2008, recognizing its living historical and cultural value.

The most important landmark within the market is the birthplace of P.A. Payutto, the childhood home of Somdet Phra Buddhaghosachan (Prayut Payutto). He is a highly respected Thai monk and the first Thai monk to receive the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. The original wooden house, once a fabric shop, has been transformed into a museum that presents his life, biography, and scholarly works. Visitors can learn about the legacy of this “distinguished figure of Si Prachan” while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of well-preserved old wooden houses.

The atmosphere of Si Prachan Old Market is calm and unhurried, unlike many crowded tourist markets. Visitors can leisurely stroll through the area, observe traditional shops, and experience the simple daily life of local residents who continue to trade in a traditional way. Around the market, there are also interesting spots such as street art painted on wooden walls that tell stories of riverside life. The market is also located near Wat Ban Krang, an ancient Ayutthaya-period temple famous for the legendary Phra Khun Paen amulets.

For those who are passionate about history, culture, or photography, Si Prachan Old Market feels like a living museum. Every alley and shop holds stories from the past, making it an ideal place for a relaxed walk, enjoying traditional coffee, or sitting by the Tha Chin River to find peace of mind. This market truly represents the value of “slow happiness” and serves as a meaningful cultural learning destination in Suphan Buri.

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How to Get There

Private Car:

• From Suphan Buri city center, head north on Highway 340 (Suphan Buri-Chai Nat) for about 20 km. Look for signs for Si Prachan District; the market is located by the river at Soi Thetsaban 5.

Public Transport:

• Take a van from Bangkok to Suphan Buri or a northern-bound bus passing through Si Prachan, then transfer to a local songthaew to the market.

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Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning to afternoon (09:00 - 16:00) is best for visiting the museum and exploring before some shops close.

Dress Code:

• Wear comfortable, modest clothing as the site includes museums and residential homes.

Must-Try Food:

• Don't miss Ba Mee Ta Po, legendary homemade egg noodles, and the famous local "Moo Nam" (minced pork snack).

Travel Planning:

• Pair your visit with Wat Ban Krang nearby to see ancient amulets and the pagoda in the river.

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Admission Fee

• Local visitors: Free

• Foreign visitors: Free

Opening Hours

• Market: Open Daily (Shops usually 08:30 - 17:00)

• P.A. Payutto Birthplace: 09:00 - 17:00 (Closed on Mondays)