🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
This trip works best if you're driving yourself, because the sights are spread out along both banks of the Chao Phraya in each province and public transport between them is thin. From Bangkok, take the Asia Highway (Route 32) north — it's about 2 hours to Sing Buri town. From there, Chai Nat town is roughly another 40 minutes further north. You can base your overnight stay in either Sing Buri or Chai Nat, depending on which side you'd rather wake up on.
The 2-day route at a glance
- Day 1 — Sing Buri: Bang Rachan Heroes Monument → Wat Pho Kao Ton → Wat Phra Non Chaksi → Mae La snakehead fish by the river → check in
- Day 2 — Chai Nat: Chao Phraya Dam → Chai Nat Bird Park → Wat Pak Khlong Makham Thao (Luang Pu Sukh) → boat noodles before heading home
- Total distance: everything sits within a fairly short radius, with each stop about a 10–30 minute drive apart — ideal for an easy trip with no need to rush
Sing Buri — the Bang Rachan trail and the Reclining Buddha
A note on timing
Many of the Mae La snakehead and boat noodle places close in the afternoon to early evening rather than staying open late. Plan lunch and dinner before nightfall to be safe — don't count on eating at 8 p.m.
Chai Nat — Chao Phraya Dam, the bird park, and Luang Pu Sukh
Book the activities in your Sing Buri trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
What stands out at each place, in brief
Chao Phraya Dam
A big water-regulating dam and a Chai Nat landmark. Wide river views, free to walk the dam crest for photos — good for a morning stop.
Chai Nat Bird Park
A large open aviary, plus a freshwater fish hall and a man-made waterfall. Entry in the low tens of THB, and an easy walk for the whole family.
Bang Rachan Camp
Monument to the 11 village heroes, with a museum telling the story of villagers fighting the Burmese army. Free entry.
Wat Phra Non Chaksi
A stucco Reclining Buddha over 47 meters long, old and revered, about 4 km outside town.
Food you shouldn't skip along this route
Grilled Mae La snakehead fish
Sing Buri's signature dish — snakehead from the Mae La stream, firm and sweet, grilled in salt and eaten with nam jim jaew. Order it alongside pla luy suan. Well-known spots include Mae La Pla Phao and Baan Suan Mae La Karong.
Boat noodles
Noodles in a rich, boldly seasoned broth — an Asia Highway staple that's easy to find around Sing Buri and Chai Nat. Most shops open from morning into the afternoon.
Chao Phraya river fish
Riverside restaurants in both provinces serve fresh freshwater fish — sheatfish, featherback and more — done many ways. Great for a big family meal.
The best time to visit
The riverside in both provinces is at its best from late rainy season into early winter (around October to January), when the air cools, the dam is full, and walking outdoors is comfortable. In the April hot season the sun is fierce, so visit outdoor spots in the morning or evening.
Planning your overnight stay
One night is just right for this trip. Staying in Sing Buri town puts you roughly in the middle of the route, so you can do the Sing Buri sights on day one and cross to Chai Nat early on day two without any hassle. If you'd rather hit the dam and bird park first thing without rushing, basing yourself on the Chai Nat side works just as well. See the accommodation options in the guide below.
Want a well-located hotel as a base for this trip?
See the Top 10 Hotels in Sing Buri →