In 2022-23 we travelled back to Thailand after a long 3-year COVID pause. It was important for us to reconnect with our family, but I also wanted to explore more of rural Thailand, not covered in previous trips. Our close friend offered a stay in Suphan Buri which is about 120 kilometres from Bangkok, but actually about 2 hours’ drive. It’s a province located in the central region of Thailand. The area is known for its historical sites, traditional lifestyle, and agricultural produce.

Suphan Buri is famous for its rice production, and it is one of the main rice-growing areas in Thailand. The province is also known for its fruits. Some well-known ones are pomelo, longans, and lychees. The rural scene in Suphan Buri is characterized by rice paddies, orchards, and small villages. You can see farmers working in the fields, traditional wooden houses, and old temples and shrines. The people of Suphan Buri are friendly and welcoming and have a proud cultural heritage, often celebrated through traditional festivals, such as the Buffalo Racing Festival and Songkran Water Festival. The area is known for the Mon ethnic group, who have their own unique language and customs. Suphan Buri is a peaceful and scenic area that has enabled me a glimpse into traditional Thai life.