Sa Kaeo, Thailand

Sa Kaeo is one of Thailand's newest provinces upgraded from a district of Prachin Buri Province in 1993. The town is 220 kms. east of Bangkok and can be reached either by road or rail. Dotted in its 165 km. borderline, Aranyaprathet is the easternmost dorder district facing Poi Pet in Cambodia. It is also the most important channel for trade between the thai and Cambodian people.

Sa Kaeo is administratively diided into 6 districts and 2 sub-districts: Amphoe Muang Sa Kaeo, Amphoe Watthana Nakhon, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Amphoe Ta Phraya, Amphoe Wang Nam Yen, Amphoe Khlong Hat, King Amphoe Khao Chakan and King Amphoe Khok Sung.

Sa Kaeo-Sa Khwan The name of the province derives from this place. It is composed of two ponds believed by people to contain sacred water once used for the coronation ceremony. The site is located 1.5 kms. west of the town.

Pang Sida National Park Declared a national park on 24 February, 1982, it occupies an area of 844 square kilometres with various and diversified forests. The park area is the origin of the Bang Pakong River. The park office, where information and accommodation are provided, is 700 metres from the park office.

Namtok Pha Takhian, 2.5 kms. beyond Pang Sida Waterfall, can be reached along a trekking trail. Namtok Khwae Makha as well as other remote waterfalls is at least 6 km. by foot . The park is also suitable for watching birds such as the Yellow-faced Green Pigeon and the Lineated Barbets. Mysterious freshwater crocodiles in the deep forest await the adventurer to discover.

Aranyaprathet This is a district on the Thai-Cambodian border, some 55 kms. east of Sa Kaeo. Ban Khiong Luk border market, some 6 kms. from the district, is always crowded with vendors and shoppers from both countries. Popular products on sale at this market are consumer goods, ceramics, wicker ware, woodwork, and used products.

Prasat Khao Noi This archaeological site of the Khmer period is situated on a hill in Amphoe Wat- thanakhon. It is accessible by a 2 km. dirt road branching off the Watthana Nakhon-Aranyaprathet route.

The structure is composed of 3 prangs or pagodas made of brick surrounded by laterite walls. Sandstone lintels and statues found at the site are displayed at the Prachin Buri National Museum.

Prasat Sadokkokthom This old khmer temple is located near the border at Ban Nong Samet, Amphoe Ta Phraya. A group of sandstone prangs(or pagodas) stand inside laterite walls. Important evidence found at this ancient site are two stone inscriptions, now kept in the National Library in Bangkok.

How to get there :
By Car
- From the Rangsit intersection, follow Route 305 to Nakhon Nayok then turn onto Route 33 via Kabinburi, is 214 kilometers.
-From Bangkok, follow Route 1 turn onto Route 33 via Nakhon Nayok and Kabinburi, is 245 kilometers.
-From Bangkok, follow Route 304 via Minburi,then turn onto Route 33, is 210 kilometers.

By Bus
Buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit) (Tel: 272-0229 & 272-0330) on Kamphaengphet Road every 1 hour. Commencing at 5.00 a.m. unit 6.00 p.m. throughout the day.
* Non-air-conditioned cost 65 Baht
* Air-conditioned cost 121 Baht

By Train
48 Baht; twice daily 6.00 a.m. & 1 p.m. For more information, contact the State Railways of Thailand (Tel: 223-7010 & 223-7020)

Festivals & Events :
April / May
Cantaloupe Festival
Held in April / May at the time that cantaloupe products are released in the market. In this festival, there is a procession, competitions of cantaloupes and other various agricultural products, as well as cultural performance.

December
Sakaeo Eastern Cultural Festival
Held at the beginning of December. In this festival, there is a celebratory procession, agricultural products and Thai sweet competitions, as well as contests that include sports and other various activities.


Local Products :
Like Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo is rich in bamboo plantations. Furniture, household products and souvenirs made from bamboo can be found at roadside markets. Cantaloupe is the most famous fruit of Sa Kaeo.