ANGTHONG

Ang Thong is a small province on the bank of the Chao Phray River. The former settlement is at Wiset Chai Chan on the bank of the Noi River. It was an essential frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. The majority of the people was later moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River during the Thon Buri period.

Attractions

Wat Pa Mok Worawihan – This temple is located in Amphoe Pa Mok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, 18 kms. south of the Ang Thong. There is an old reclining Buddha image assumed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image is 22.58 metres long, made of brick and mortar, and covered with gold. It is found in the royal records that King Naresuan also visited this temple to pay homage to this reclining Buddha image prior to leading the army to fight King Maha Uparacha of Burma.

Wat Tha Sutthawat – This is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Bang Sadet, Amphoe Pa Mok, 15 kms. south of Ang Thong. This site was on the route for the army crossing the river during the Ayutthaya period. As the temple has been renovated several times, it houses Buddha images and historical remains of different periods.

Wat Sa Kaeo – This temple was constructed in 1699. It is located 15 kms. south of Ang Thong. The temple partly serves as a care centre for needy orphans from almost every part of Thailand. In the temple compound, there is also a centre where hand woven fabrics are produced into various products such as simple skirts, loincloths, table cloths and pillowcases.

Wat Chaiyo Worawihan – This temple is located 18 kms. from the town on the Ang Thong-Sing Buri route. It houses Phra Maha Phuttha Phim, a large seated Buddha image in the attitude of meditation, which was constructed during the region of King Rama IV. This temple is also known for the sacred amulets called “Somdet Wat Chaiyo”, which are very popular among collectors.

Wat Khun Inthapramun – This ancient temple is located 9 kms. along the Ang Thong-Pho Thong route and 2 kms. along an access road. There is a large reclining Buddha image, 50 metres long, lying in the open area. The vihara housing the image was destroyed during the first fall of Ayutthaya. The statue of Khun Inthapramun was in front of the Buddha image. According to a legend, Khun Inthapramun is a revenue officer who secretly took away official money to enlarge the original 40 metre construction of the image and was subsequently whipped to death.

Phra Tamnak Khamyat – This ruined pavilion, standing out in a paddy field, is situated 9 kms. on the Ang Thong-Pho Thong route and 2 kms. along an access road. The structure, made of brick and mortar, measures 10 metres wide and 20 metres long. It was constructed in the reign of King Borommakot of Ayutthaya and was his residence when visiting this area. Although only the four walls remain, the throne hall maintains a trace of its architectural glory.

Wat Khoi – This riverside temple is located in Tambon Pho Rang Nok, Amphoe Pho Thong. Travel 12 kms. on the Ang Thong-Wiset Chai Chan route. More than 50,000 fish of various species crowd the Noi River in front of the temple. The Pho Thong Fishery Office declared the area a fish sanctuary in 1985. In the temple there is also situated a local museum where various boats and ancient tools are on display.

Bats at Wat Chantharam – This temple is 4 kms. west of Pho Thong District Office. The compound is home to numerous bats, which hang themselves on the trees during the day and fly out for food at night.

Wat Khian – This is an old temple of the Ayutthaya period. It is located in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, 12 kms. from Ang Thong. In the chapel, there are splendid mural paintings made by a local artisan depicting villagers’ rural lifestyles. Other temples in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan which were constructed during the Ayutthaya period include Wat Oi, Wat Wiset Chai Chan and Wat Luang.

Handicraft Villages

Ban Bang Sadet – This village of Amphoe Pa Mok is noted for producing the so-called Court Dolls. Encouraged by Her Majesty the Queen, the villagers turn out delicate and beautiful dolls from clay. The small and unglazed dolls feature ways of life, Thai customs and traditions as well as folk plays. They are on sale at Wat Tha Suthawat and at the Chitrlada shops.

Ban Bang Phae – This is a village which specializes in drum-making. It is located at Tambon Ekkarat behind Pa Mok Market near the Chao Phraya River. The traditional drums, made of cow hide and softwood with exquisite craftsmanship, were originally used in performances. The small sizes are also available for tourists, who like to buy them as souvenirs.

Ban Bang Chao Cha – This village is located in Amphoe Pho Thong, 14 kms. from the town. The villagers have retained the art of traditional basketry and make old patterns as well as create modern designs. The bamboo baskets are made in various shapes and sizes, and can be used in many ways. Along the Ayutthaya-Pa Mok route, there is a cottage industry of Thai-Style house prefabricated parts. The exquisite workmanship has been handed down from generation to generation.

Major Events

Boat Races – The major annual regatta takes place in front of Wat Chaiyo Worawihan on the Chao Phraya River in October together with the Luang Pho To Worship Festival. During October, boat races are also held at other riverside temples including Wat Pa Mok by the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho Kriap by the Noi River in Amphoe Pho Thong. Famous boats from all over the country join the races.