Top 10 Things to See and Do in Singburi, Thailand

Found within the grounds of Wat Sawang Arom, the Nang Yai Museum contains a large collection of traditional shadow puppets. Intricately carved from buffalo hides, the puppets depict characters and scenes from Thai folklore, mythology, history, and local life. There’s also a small collection of masks used in shadow puppet performances. Shows are occasionally performed here; contact the museum’s administration if you wish to know if there are any shows scheduled around the time of your trip. The museum is free to enjoy, but donations are greatly welcomed.

All provincial capitals have a city or town shrine where locals leave offerings to make merit and appease the area’s spirits, hoping for luck and prosperity for the locale. Singburi’s town shrine is colourful and detailed, with sacred statues housed inside. Next to the shrine there’s a basic shelter that houses statues of revered local monks.

There are several massage shops in Singburi, but Tatta Thai Massage is especially recommended for its top-class service, beautiful décor, and relaxing ambience. A relatively new massage shop, you can feel invigorated with a traditional Thai massage, rejuvenated with a reflexology foot massage, or blissed out with a soothing oil massage. Unlike in major tourist destinations, the prices are very reasonable here too. You’re sure to want to return several times throughout your stay in Singburi!

A working Thai temple that attracts locals looking to pray and make merit, Wat Sathian Wattanadit is a good place to observe typical spiritual practices and admire Thai Buddhist architecture and statues. The main temple building is, as with most temples, covered with brightly coloured and sparkling tiles, and the grounds are filled with images of the Lord Buddha in various postures and flowers.

Take a few hours to chill out and unwind at one of the town’s nice swimming pools. There’s a large pool right in the heart of town, next door to the main shopping shopping centre of Chaisaeng Department Store. Whether you spend your time swimming laps, sunbathing at the pool’s edge, or simply enjoying a dip in the refreshingly cool water, the pool goes some way to making up for the lack of beaches in the vicinity.

Singburi town’s night market sets up in the centre of town each Wednesday and Saturday evening. There are many stalls offering anything from clothing and footwear to household items and music. It is, however, probably most appealing for the large array of food and snacks available. An assortment of tropical fruits sits alongside pre-bagged salads, meat and seafood on sticks, large vats of soup, grilled fish, tubs of French fries, sellers making fruit smoothies, takeaway boxes filled with a range of rice and noodle dishes, colourful cakes, deep-fried tempura, and more. The sights and smells are sure to tempt you!

The family-run Charoenthip has a good reputation for its traditional Thai and Chinese fare, with favourites like various stir-fried vegetables and meats, spicy salads, rice, and noodles on the menu. It’s a great place for a leisurely meal, with the old-fashioned interiors adding a nostalgic air to the experience. Easy to find, the restaurant is situated close to the town’s main bus station.

The Chao Phraya River is one of Thailand’s major waterways, and it passes through Singburi on its course between Nakhon Sawan and the Gulf of Thailand. A paved walkway runs alongside a large stretch of river, providing scenic views. In the early mornings and late afternoons, the riverside area is lively, with locals coming to exercise and chat. You may spot people fishing from the rocks or bridges and, when the water levels are low, there’s a sandy patch where you can sit and relax with a cool drink.

One of the oldest and most popular bars in Singburi town, Yipzee Bar attracts a diverse crowd. The owner and members of staff are friendly and welcoming and a live band often graces the stage, performing Thai classics as well as a few English songs. The atmosphere is relaxed and the bar sells a selection of Thai meals as well as beer, Thai whisky, and soft drinks.

Singburi town has a small Muay Thai gym, Winner Fitness, where locals and expats train in the ancient martial art and keep fit. You can pay per session or sign up for a monthly package, benefitting from the guidance and coaching of experienced trainers. Whether you want to improve existing skills in Thai boxing, learn more about the ancient practice, or simply get an invigorating workout, the local Muay Thai gym is far removed from the tourist-focused gyms and camps in places like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.