Angthong Hotels & Attractions, Travel & Holidays to Angthong, Thailand

Angthong originally known as Muang Wiset Chai Chan, is located no the Noi River. According to the Royal Chronicle of Ayutthaya, Angthong was an essential frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. In particular during the last war,the Burmese encamped at Muang Wiset Chai Chan to attack Ayutthaya causing "the Battle at Bang Rachan" in Singburi the most important event ever recorded in Thai history.

Later during the Thonburi period, Muang Wiset Chai Chan was moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River at Ban Bangkaeo and was named "Muang Angthong" since its new location was a fertile basin similar to a water and rice bowl of the country. According to traditional belief, any region which is rich in rice and fish would be similarly a treasure city filling up with silver and gold. Angthong is located 108 kilometers from Bangkok, and 35 kilometers from Ayutthaya.

Topographically almost all of the Angthong area is low plain without any forests or mountains. There are two important rivers : the Chao Phraya River and the Noi River. Angthong is administratively divided into 7 districts; Amphoe Muang Angthong, Wiset Chai Chan, Chaiyo, Pho Thong, Sawaengha, Pa Mok and Samko.

Borders:
North : Sing Buri, South: Ayutthaya, East: Ayutthaya and Lop Buri,
West : Suphanburi

Attraction:
Wat Ton Son
Located in the town on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this old temple enshrines "Somdet Phra Si Muang", a beautiful seated Buddha image.

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 Ang Thong. There is an old reclining Buddha image assumed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image is 22.58 meters 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 along Highway No. 309. 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 along Highway No. 309. 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 Thing-Sing Buri route (Highway No.32.). It houses Phra Maha Phuttha Phim, a large seated Buddha image in the attitude of meditation, which was constructed during the reign 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 wihara 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.

Pha Thamnak 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 Bormmakot 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 turn right and go for another 5 kms. 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. ln 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 the 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. lt is located in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, 12kms. from Ang Thong. ln 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 unglazed dolls featuring ways of life, Thai customs and traditions as well as folk play. They are on sale at Wat Tha Suthawat and at the Chitrlada shops.

Ban Bang Phae
This is a village which specialises 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. Smaller sizes are also available for tourists, who like to buy them as souvenirs.

Ban Bang Chao Cho
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.

How to get there:
By Bus
Non-air-conditioned buses leave the Angthong Bus Terminal from 04.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. every twenty minutes. The trip takes 2 hours. Air-conditioned buses leave the Northern Terminal Bus from 05.40 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. every 50 minutes. The fare is 61 Baht by first-air and 48 Baht by seconds- air. The distance is about 106 kilometers. for further information please contact Tel. (02)9361972

For transportation between Ayutthaya and Angthong there are air-conditioned buses leaving Angthong Bus Terminal from 04.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m. from Angthong passing Pa-Mok to Ayutthaya and leaving Ayutthaya (at Ayutthaya bus terminal near Wat Ratchaburana) from
06.30 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. The bus leaves every forty minutes.

By Car
Route 1
Take the Phahonyothin Highway (High way No.1) from Bangkok and turn onto the Asian Highway (Highway No. 32), passing Amphoe Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya, Amphoe Bang Pahan until you reach Angthong. The total distance is about 105 kilometers which is the shortest route.

Route 2
Take the Bangkok-Pathumthani Highway, passing Amphoe Pakkret in Nonthaburi. Then take Highway No. 3111, passing Amphoe Bangsai, Amphoe Sena and Ayutthaya. After that take Highway No. 309, passing Amphoe Pa Mok until you reach Angthong. The total distance is about 140 kilometers.

Route 3
Take the new road and cross Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge until you reach Talingchan. Then turn onto Highway No. 340, passing Nonthaburi, Pathumthani, Ayutthaya and Suphanburi. After that Highway No. 3195, passing Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan to Angthong. The total distance is about 150 kilometers.

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