Ang Thong Province
Encyclopedia
Ang Thong is one of the central provinces
(changwat) of Thailand
. The name means "golden bowl" which refer to Angthong as a central for prosperity as it has a lot of rice fields.
The neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Sing Buri
, Lopburi
, Ayutthaya
and Suphanburi
.
It is luxurious of native handicraft like, moulded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork. In Ang Thong, there are more than 200 magnificent and interesting temples, appropriate for Thai chronological study.
s) provide enough water for rice farming.
. It formed an important border town of the Ayutthaya kingdom
during the wars with Burma, as the Noi river served as a natural obstacle for advancing troops.
During the reign of king Taksin
after the fall of Ayutthaya the main city of the province was moved to the Chao Phraya river, and named Ang Thong, as the Noi river had become too shallow for transportation.
The name Ang Thong means 'gold basin', surmised to come from the basin-like geography of the area, and the golden color of the rice grown in the region.
Ang Thong is the origin of Li Ke, the native folk song, hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during Bang Rachan Battle.
Provincial tree is the Gaub Tree (Diospyros malabarica).
The province is subdivided into 7 districts (amphoe
). The districts are further subdivided into 81 communes (tambon
) and 513 villages (muban
).
Wat Phinitthammasan: The main attractions of this temple are the old viharn constructed in the late Ayutthaya
period, and the large seated Buddha image made of plaster, in the posture of subduing Mara, built in the first Chiang Saen batch with a lap width of approximately 12 metres, enshrined in the open.
Wat Ratchapaksi (Nok): In this temple one finds a large reclining Buddha similar to the one enshrined in Wat Pa Mok, but of a slightly smaller size. The image was assumed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Suwansewariyaram: The viharn of this temple houses a reclining Buddha image of approximately 20 metres in length.
Wat Mathurotsatiyaram: This temple is assumed to have been constructed in the late Ayutthaya period. The only evidence remains are crystal wall, ubosoth
, chedi and viharn standing on the appropriate positions with magnificent figures.
Wat Chantharangsi: The temple site is located on both sides of a road. On one side there is a sacred Buddha image called "Luangpho Yok". On the other side is the viharn of Luangpho Sod which houses a Buddha image made from metal. This image is the largest of its kind in the world and was constructed in 1996.
City Pillar Shrine: This is one of two city pillar shrines with mural
s on its interior walls. (The other city pillar shrine with murals is the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok). Ang Thong City Pillar Shrine is an exquisitely sacred place appropriate as a focus of victory and people’s heart.
Aquarium: Here one can find many large Amazon serpent-headed fish and also native fish like rad (gourami
), sawai (genus Pangasius
), thepo (genus Pangasius) and many more.
Wat Ang Thong Worawihan: This is a third-class royal monastery opposite Ang Thong City Hall. The temple is famous for its beautiful ubosoth and bell-shaped chedi
decorated with gold mirrors.
Wat Tonson is an ancient temple housing Somdet Phra Si Mueangthong, a very beautiful seated Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara. This is regarded as one of the largest metal moulded Buddha images.
Thai-Style House Models, Thai-Style House Prefabricated Parts, Toddy Palm Furniture: This is a centre producing Thai-style house prefabricated parts of all types. The craftsmen inherited their sophisticated workmanship from their ancestors which conserving the unique Thai style. One can also find Thai-style house models and furniture made of several types of Toddy palm
trees available for sale.
Wat Plotsat: In this temple compound, there is a tower made of brick, whose unique summit is covered with Ceylon-style chedi pagoda.
Somchit Roengpho Mixed Orchard: This orchard was given the Mixed Orchard and 2001 International Feminine Farmer Awards. Khun Somchit grows mixed fruits on a plot of 13 rai
(5.2 acres) and rice on a plot of 10 rai.
Wat Tha Sutthawat: This ancient temple was constructed in the early Ayutthaya period. At present, this temple is under the royal patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The temple compound is shaded with large trees and it offers a magnificent view of the Chao Phraya River
.
Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center is a high raised Thai house behind Wat Tha Sutthawat in Tambon Ban Bang Sadet. The establishment of Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Project was initiated by Her Majesty the Queen in 1976. Its main purpose is to help the villagers earn a supplementary income.
Wat Sa Kaeo: This temple has become a care center for orphans with many children under its supervision. Inside Wat Sa Kaeo, there is the "Samakkhisamakhan" building, which is a centre for hand woven fabrics project. It was established in 1981 as an initiative of Her Majesty the Queen and is currently under the supervision of Cottage Industry Section of the Ministry of Industry.
Wat Pa Mok Worawihan: In the temple compound one finds a beautiful gilded reclining Buddha with a core of brick and plaster. Besides the reclining Buddha, this temple is famous for viharn Khian, where the wall facing the river features a tall stand formerly used by the King, a mondop
with 4 feet (1.2 m) prints and a monastic library tower.
Wat Thanon: This temple contains a slightly larger than life wooden Buddha image in the standing posture of approximately 2 meters tall. It is enshrined in the viharn called "Luangpho Phraphut Rampueng". People who pay homage to this temple, like to make wishes and prove them by placing the eggs in front of the Buddha image. Whoever can make the egg stand can expect good luck.
Drum-Making Village: People of Ban Phae have begun producing drums since 1927. They are made after the harvesting season when work in the fields has finished. The raw materials used are cowhide and rain tree wood because its texture is soft and able to be dug easily.
Ang Thong Brick is a high quality household industry for domestic sale. Most people use this kind of brick to decorate external parts of buildings and houses.
Phanthai Norasing Monument: This monument was built in 1988 to commemorate the steersman of the Ekachai royal barge during the reign of King Phrachao Suea. The steersman confirmed to receive an execution for not having been able to control the barge well enough and letting it crash into branches, breaking the front of the royal barge.
Wat Phohom (Wat Pahuaphan): Attractions in this temple are two large stucco images of four-faced Brahma
heads, found during the excavation of this temple. They are placed on trays next to the chedi. The objects reveal the original workmanship of the Khmer-style sculpture.
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan or Wat Ket Chaiyo: This is the second-class royal monastery. Inside the ubosoth, there are murals depicting scenes of the Lord Buddha’s chronicles painted by artisans during the reign of King Rama V, and the moulded statue of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) from Thonburi
.
Wat Saket is an ancient temple, built in the Ayutthaya period. In the Royal Chronicle, it is mentioned that in 1585 when the king of Chiang Mai
led his army to encamp at Ban Saket, King Naresuan the Great and Somdet Phra Ekathotsarot attacked and finally defeated the king of Chiangmai’s army.
Wat Ta It: Villagers call the principal Buddha image in the ubosoth "Luangpho Phetch". The principal Buddha image in the viharn is called "Luangpho Khao". When entering the temple, the outstanding "Phrathat Chedi Sri Phothong" in gold can easily be seen.
'Wickerwork Village: The noted wickerwork area of the province is in "Ban Bangchaocha". Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited this village and advised people to grow Sisuk bamboo as their raw material and to conserve this type of handicraft.
Bats at Wat Chantharam: The compound of this temple is crowded with trees. For many centuries already, it is the habitat of numerous bats. These bats look for food at night. During daytime, they hang upside down along the black-coloured branches and can be seen from a distance.
Wat Khun Inthapramun: It is an ancient temple constructed during the Sukhothai
period. The largest and longest reclining Buddha in Thailand, 50 meters from the topknot to the feet, is enshrined here. Moreover, within Wat Khun Inthapramun compound, there are historical remains of a basement, some parts of walls and a Buddha image in the Luangpho Khao viharn.
Wat Pho Thong: In the Royal Chronicles, the temple of Wat Pho Thong was the place where Krommakhun Phornphinit (Prince Uthumphorn or Khunluang Hawat) entered his monk hood. King Rama VI spent his summer vacation in this temple during his boat trip visiting the Noi River and Yai River in Krungkao precinct in 1916.
Phra Tamnak Khamyat: The 10x20 meters royal residence, made of brick and plaster, stands eminent in a paddy field. The artistic beauty still remains such as the motifs around the window. The front and back balcony are painted in red soil and covered with a wooden floor. At present, the Department of Fine Arts has renovated and registered Phra Tamnak Khamyat as a historical site.
Fish Park at Wat Khoi: With the coordination from the Office of Amphoe Pho Thong
Fisheries, this area was declared as a fish sanctuary. At present, there are various species of fish living together such as sawai (genus Pangasius), rad (gourami), thepo (genus Pangasius), buek (Pangasianodon gigas), tapian (carp
) and many more.
Bird Sanctuary: In this temple, thousands of birds of various species naturally dwell there including the egret
, heron
, open-billed stork
, night heron, cormorant
, kingfisher
and many more. Certain species are nearly extinct and cannot easily be seen in elsewhere.
Wat Ban Phran: There is a legend stating that the laterite
Buddha image called "Luangpho Kraithong" which is enshrined in the viharn, was built by King Sri Intharathit of Sukhothai
and removed into separated parts for reassembly as the principal Buddha image in Wat Ban Phran.
Ban Khu Mueang: At Ban Khu Mueang, archaeologists discovered ruins of an ancient city, which presumably existed during the Dvaravati
period. At present, it is a simple canal without any traces of historical sites.
Wat Yang: The historical remains to be found now are an ubosoth
with an upward curve base similar to junk ship, sandstone Buddha images, damaged stucco Buddha images and boundary stones.
Wat Muang: The ubosoth of Wat Muang is surrounded by the biggest lotus petals in the world. Within the temple compound, there are figures of heaven and hell, Thai god paradise, Chinese god paradise and a huge statue of the female bodhisattva
Kuan Im.
The Nai Dok Nai Thongkaeo Monument was constructed by Wiset Chai Chan together with the Ang Thong people to commemorate the two heroes of Ban Pho Thalay, Wiset Chai Chan people, and Grandpa Dok and Thongkaeo who sacrificed their lives in the battle with the Burmese at Ban Khai Bang Rachan prior to the defeat of Ayutthaya in 1766.
Wat Khian: Inside the ubosoth are exquisite murals featuring stories of ten former incarnations of the Lord Buddha, which were presumably the workmanship of a school of painting from Mueang Wiset Chai Chan during the late Ayutthaya period.
Wat Oi is an old temple representing a symbol of Mueang Wiset Chai Chan. In the precincts of Wat Oi, the Children Creation Foundation has provided accommodation for problem children: strays, drug addicts and those involved with other illegal behaviour.
Wat Siroi: There is a seated Buddha image in this temple, in the posture of Pa Lelai, called "Luangpho To". It is 21 meters high and 6 meters wide from knee to knee.
Amphoe Samko
: At present, Samko is well known for its local traditions and folk arts. There are some agricultural areas in Samko converted from rice fields for other agriculture usage such as lotus fields, coconut plantations and mixed orchards.
, pomelo
, guava
and papaya
.
Aquaculture Products such as Macrobrachium rosenbergii, sheat fish, probarbus jullieni.
Processed Foods such as pounded meat and salted egg from Amphoe Chaiyo
, smoked fish in stick, sun-dried fish and crispy fish.
Desserts: Khanom Keson Lamchiak from Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
and Khanom Kong from Amphoe Mueang are both famous gifts.
Furniture model from Amphoe Mueang
Flowers made from cloth: from Amphoe Pho Thong
and Amphoe Sawaeng Ha
Drums and Court Dolls: from Amphoe Pa Mok
Wickerwork: made of bamboo, rattan, and Java weed from Ban Chaocha, Amphoe Pho Thong and Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
Household Utensils: made from Ceramics and Bencharong from Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
The Long Boat Race Festival at Wat Pa Mok is held within Wat Pa Mok Worawihan compound, Amphoe Pa Mok. The festival is held in 2 periods. The Prints celebration is held in March, while the traditional long boat race festival and the country’s renowned long boat competition is held in October.
Paying Homage to Luangpho Wat Chaiyo: In this event, the worship and commemoration of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) and Phra Maha Phutthapim is held in May and November of every year.
Loy Krathong
at Wat Siro: Every year there will be firework to celebrate Luangpho Pa Lelai. It is the sacred ceremony of the Ang Thong people and it is held on the same day as Loy Krathong day.
The God Kuan-U Invitation and Dragon Parade Procession is held in December every year in Ang Thong market. It consists of a ceremony to invite God Kuan-U and a dragon parade procession.
Provinces of Thailand
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces , which are geographically grouped into 6 regions. The capital Bangkok is not a province but a special administrative area and is included as the 77th province since it is administered at the same level as the other 76 provinces. The name of the provinces are...
(changwat) of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. The name means "golden bowl" which refer to Angthong as a central for prosperity as it has a lot of rice fields.
The neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Sing Buri
Sing Buri Province
Sing Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri and Chai Nat....
, Lopburi
Lopburi Province
Lop Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri and Nakhon Sawan.-Geography:...
, Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Province
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Suphan Buri....
and Suphanburi
Suphanburi Province
Suphan Buri is one of the central provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi.- Etymology :...
.
It is luxurious of native handicraft like, moulded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork. In Ang Thong, there are more than 200 magnificent and interesting temples, appropriate for Thai chronological study.
Geography
Ang Thong is a low river flat, crossed by the Chao Phraya and the Noi river. It has neither mountains nor forests, but consists of mostly agricultural land. The two rivers together with many canals (khlongKhlong
A khlong is the general name for a canal in the central plain of Thailand. These canals are spawned by the Chao Phraya, the Tha Chin, the Mae Klong Rivers and their tributaries...
s) provide enough water for rice farming.
History
Ang Thong was historically known as Wiset Chai Chan, located on the Noi RiverNoi River
-Geography:The Noi River is a tributary of the Chao Phraya River. It originates at the Chao Phraya Dam at Chai Nat and rejoins the Chao Phraya at Bang Sai.-History:...
. It formed an important border town of the Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
during the wars with Burma, as the Noi river served as a natural obstacle for advancing troops.
During the reign of king Taksin
Taksin
Taksin ; was the only King of the Thonburi Kingdom...
after the fall of Ayutthaya the main city of the province was moved to the Chao Phraya river, and named Ang Thong, as the Noi river had become too shallow for transportation.
The name Ang Thong means 'gold basin', surmised to come from the basin-like geography of the area, and the golden color of the rice grown in the region.
Ang Thong is the origin of Li Ke, the native folk song, hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during Bang Rachan Battle.
Symbols
The provincial seal shows some golden ears of rice in a bowl of water. This symbolizes the fertility of province as one of the major producers of rice.Provincial tree is the Gaub Tree (Diospyros malabarica).
Administrative divisions
Amphoe
An amphoe is the second level administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as district, amphoe make up the provinces, and are analogous to a county seat...
). The districts are further subdivided into 81 communes (tambon
Tambon
Tambon is a local government unit in Thailand. Below district and province , they form the third administrative subdivision level. As of the 2009 there are 7255 tambon, not including the 169 khwaeng of Bangkok, which are set at the same administrative level, thus every district contains 8-10 tambon...
) and 513 villages (muban
Muban
Muban is the lowest administrative subdivision of Thailand. Usually translated as village, they are the subdivision of tambon. As of 2008, there are 74944 administrative villages in Thailand. As of the 1990 census, the average village consisted of 144 households or 746 persons.A muban does not...
).
|
|
Sites
The name "Angthong" also refer to the Angthong Islands which are in the south. But Angthong province are in the middle part of Thailand and no connection to the sea.Wat Phinitthammasan: The main attractions of this temple are the old viharn constructed in the late Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya kingdom
Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. Ayutthaya was friendly towards foreign traders, including the Chinese, Vietnamese , Indians, Japanese and Persians, and later the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and French, permitting them to set up villages outside the walls of the...
period, and the large seated Buddha image made of plaster, in the posture of subduing Mara, built in the first Chiang Saen batch with a lap width of approximately 12 metres, enshrined in the open.
Wat Ratchapaksi (Nok): In this temple one finds a large reclining Buddha similar to the one enshrined in Wat Pa Mok, but of a slightly smaller size. The image was assumed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Suwansewariyaram: The viharn of this temple houses a reclining Buddha image of approximately 20 metres in length.
Wat Mathurotsatiyaram: This temple is assumed to have been constructed in the late Ayutthaya period. The only evidence remains are crystal wall, ubosoth
Ubosoth
A phra ubosot is a building in a Buddhist Wat. It is the holiest prayer room, also called the "ordination hall" as it is where ordinations take place....
, chedi and viharn standing on the appropriate positions with magnificent figures.
Wat Chantharangsi: The temple site is located on both sides of a road. On one side there is a sacred Buddha image called "Luangpho Yok". On the other side is the viharn of Luangpho Sod which houses a Buddha image made from metal. This image is the largest of its kind in the world and was constructed in 1996.
City Pillar Shrine: This is one of two city pillar shrines with mural
Mural
A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. A particularly distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture.-History:Murals of...
s on its interior walls. (The other city pillar shrine with murals is the City Pillar Shrine in Bangkok). Ang Thong City Pillar Shrine is an exquisitely sacred place appropriate as a focus of victory and people’s heart.
Aquarium: Here one can find many large Amazon serpent-headed fish and also native fish like rad (gourami
Gourami
Gouramis are a family, Osphronemidae, of freshwater perciform fishes. The fish are native to Asia, from Pakistan and India to the Malay Archipelago and north-easterly towards Korea. The name "gourami" is also used for fish of the families Helostomatidae and Anabantidae. "Gouramis" is an example of...
), sawai (genus Pangasius
Pangasius
Pangasius is a genus of catfishes of the shark catfish family .-Taxonomy:In 1993, Pangasius was one of two extant genera in the family Pangasiidae. At this point, it was separated into four subgenera. Pangasius included P. gigas and P...
), thepo (genus Pangasius) and many more.
Wat Ang Thong Worawihan: This is a third-class royal monastery opposite Ang Thong City Hall. The temple is famous for its beautiful ubosoth and bell-shaped chedi
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
decorated with gold mirrors.
Wat Tonson is an ancient temple housing Somdet Phra Si Mueangthong, a very beautiful seated Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara. This is regarded as one of the largest metal moulded Buddha images.
Thai-Style House Models, Thai-Style House Prefabricated Parts, Toddy Palm Furniture: This is a centre producing Thai-style house prefabricated parts of all types. The craftsmen inherited their sophisticated workmanship from their ancestors which conserving the unique Thai style. One can also find Thai-style house models and furniture made of several types of Toddy palm
Toddy palm
Toddy palm is a common name for several species of palms used to produce palm wine. Species so used and named include:*Borassus*Caryota*Cocos nucifera...
trees available for sale.
Wat Plotsat: In this temple compound, there is a tower made of brick, whose unique summit is covered with Ceylon-style chedi pagoda.
Somchit Roengpho Mixed Orchard: This orchard was given the Mixed Orchard and 2001 International Feminine Farmer Awards. Khun Somchit grows mixed fruits on a plot of 13 rai
Rai (area)
A rai is a unit of area, equal to 1,600 square metres , used for measuring land area. Its current size is precisely derived from the metre, but is neither part of nor recognized by the modern metric system, the International System ....
(5.2 acres) and rice on a plot of 10 rai.
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya is a major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It runs through Bangkok, the capital city, and then empties into the Gulf of Thailand.-Etymology:...
.
Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center is a high raised Thai house behind Wat Tha Sutthawat in Tambon Ban Bang Sadet. The establishment of Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Project was initiated by Her Majesty the Queen in 1976. Its main purpose is to help the villagers earn a supplementary income.
Wat Sa Kaeo: This temple has become a care center for orphans with many children under its supervision. Inside Wat Sa Kaeo, there is the "Samakkhisamakhan" building, which is a centre for hand woven fabrics project. It was established in 1981 as an initiative of Her Majesty the Queen and is currently under the supervision of Cottage Industry Section of the Ministry of Industry.
Mandapa
A mandapa in Indian architecture is a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for public rituals.-Temple architecture:...
with 4 feet (1.2 m) prints and a monastic library tower.
Wat Thanon: This temple contains a slightly larger than life wooden Buddha image in the standing posture of approximately 2 meters tall. It is enshrined in the viharn called "Luangpho Phraphut Rampueng". People who pay homage to this temple, like to make wishes and prove them by placing the eggs in front of the Buddha image. Whoever can make the egg stand can expect good luck.
Drum-Making Village: People of Ban Phae have begun producing drums since 1927. They are made after the harvesting season when work in the fields has finished. The raw materials used are cowhide and rain tree wood because its texture is soft and able to be dug easily.
Ang Thong Brick is a high quality household industry for domestic sale. Most people use this kind of brick to decorate external parts of buildings and houses.
Phanthai Norasing Monument: This monument was built in 1988 to commemorate the steersman of the Ekachai royal barge during the reign of King Phrachao Suea. The steersman confirmed to receive an execution for not having been able to control the barge well enough and letting it crash into branches, breaking the front of the royal barge.
Wat Phohom (Wat Pahuaphan): Attractions in this temple are two large stucco images of four-faced Brahma
Brahma
Brahma is the Hindu god of creation and one of the Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. According to the Brahma Purana, he is the father of Mānu, and from Mānu all human beings are descended. In the Ramayana and the...
heads, found during the excavation of this temple. They are placed on trays next to the chedi. The objects reveal the original workmanship of the Khmer-style sculpture.
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan or Wat Ket Chaiyo: This is the second-class royal monastery. Inside the ubosoth, there are murals depicting scenes of the Lord Buddha’s chronicles painted by artisans during the reign of King Rama V, and the moulded statue of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) from Thonburi
Thonburi
Thon Buri is an area of modern Bangkok. It was capital of Thailand from 1767 to 1782, during the reign of King Taksin, after the previous capital Ayutthaya was sacked by the Burmese. It is located on the opposite bank of Chao Phraya River to Bangkok...
.
Wat Saket is an ancient temple, built in the Ayutthaya period. In the Royal Chronicle, it is mentioned that in 1585 when the king of Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai sometimes written as "Chiengmai" or "Chiangmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai Province , a former capital of the Kingdom of Lanna and was the tributary Kingdom of Chiang Mai from 1774 until 1939. It is...
led his army to encamp at Ban Saket, King Naresuan the Great and Somdet Phra Ekathotsarot attacked and finally defeated the king of Chiangmai’s army.
Wat Ta It: Villagers call the principal Buddha image in the ubosoth "Luangpho Phetch". The principal Buddha image in the viharn is called "Luangpho Khao". When entering the temple, the outstanding "Phrathat Chedi Sri Phothong" in gold can easily be seen.
'Wickerwork Village: The noted wickerwork area of the province is in "Ban Bangchaocha". Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited this village and advised people to grow Sisuk bamboo as their raw material and to conserve this type of handicraft.
Bats at Wat Chantharam: The compound of this temple is crowded with trees. For many centuries already, it is the habitat of numerous bats. These bats look for food at night. During daytime, they hang upside down along the black-coloured branches and can be seen from a distance.
Sukhothai kingdom
The Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
period. The largest and longest reclining Buddha in Thailand, 50 meters from the topknot to the feet, is enshrined here. Moreover, within Wat Khun Inthapramun compound, there are historical remains of a basement, some parts of walls and a Buddha image in the Luangpho Khao viharn.
Wat Pho Thong: In the Royal Chronicles, the temple of Wat Pho Thong was the place where Krommakhun Phornphinit (Prince Uthumphorn or Khunluang Hawat) entered his monk hood. King Rama VI spent his summer vacation in this temple during his boat trip visiting the Noi River and Yai River in Krungkao precinct in 1916.
Phra Tamnak Khamyat: The 10x20 meters royal residence, made of brick and plaster, stands eminent in a paddy field. The artistic beauty still remains such as the motifs around the window. The front and back balcony are painted in red soil and covered with a wooden floor. At present, the Department of Fine Arts has renovated and registered Phra Tamnak Khamyat as a historical site.
Fish Park at Wat Khoi: With the coordination from the Office of Amphoe Pho Thong
Amphoe Pho Thong
Pho Thong is a district in the northern part of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.-History:The district was established in 1890, at that time named Huai Ling Tok...
Fisheries, this area was declared as a fish sanctuary. At present, there are various species of fish living together such as sawai (genus Pangasius), rad (gourami), thepo (genus Pangasius), buek (Pangasianodon gigas), tapian (carp
Carp
Carp are various species of oily freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, a very large group of fish native to Europe and Asia. The cypriniformes are traditionally grouped with the Characiformes, Siluriformes and Gymnotiformes to create the superorder Ostariophysi, since these groups have certain...
) and many more.
Bird Sanctuary: In this temple, thousands of birds of various species naturally dwell there including the egret
Egret
An egret is any of several herons, most of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season. Many egrets are members of the genera Egretta or Ardea which contain other species named as herons rather than egrets...
, heron
Heron
The herons are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae. There are 64 recognised species in this family. Some are called "egrets" or "bitterns" instead of "heron"....
, open-billed stork
Stork
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long, stout bills. They belong to the family Ciconiidae. They are the only family in the biological order Ciconiiformes, which was once much larger and held a number of families....
, night heron, cormorant
Cormorant
The bird family Phalacrocoracidae is represented by some 40 species of cormorants and shags. Several different classifications of the family have been proposed recently, and the number of genera is disputed.- Names :...
, kingfisher
Kingfisher
Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized brightly coloured birds in the order Coraciiformes. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, with most species being found in the Old World and Australia...
and many more. Certain species are nearly extinct and cannot easily be seen in elsewhere.
Wat Ban Phran: There is a legend stating that the laterite
Laterite
Laterites are soil types rich in iron and aluminium, formed in hot and wet tropical areas. Nearly all laterites are rusty-red because of iron oxides. They develop by intensive and long-lasting weathering of the underlying parent rock...
Buddha image called "Luangpho Kraithong" which is enshrined in the viharn, was built by King Sri Intharathit of Sukhothai
Sukhothai kingdom
The Sukhothai Kingdom ) was an early kingdom in the area around the city Sukhothai, in north central Thailand. The Kingdom existed from 1238 till 1438...
and removed into separated parts for reassembly as the principal Buddha image in Wat Ban Phran.
Ban Khu Mueang: At Ban Khu Mueang, archaeologists discovered ruins of an ancient city, which presumably existed during the Dvaravati
Dvaravati
The Dvaravati period lasted from the 6th to the 13th centuries. Dvaravati refers to both a culture and a disparate conglomerate of principalities.- History :...
period. At present, it is a simple canal without any traces of historical sites.
Wat Yang: The historical remains to be found now are an ubosoth
Ubosoth
A phra ubosot is a building in a Buddhist Wat. It is the holiest prayer room, also called the "ordination hall" as it is where ordinations take place....
with an upward curve base similar to junk ship, sandstone Buddha images, damaged stucco Buddha images and boundary stones.
Wat Muang: The ubosoth of Wat Muang is surrounded by the biggest lotus petals in the world. Within the temple compound, there are figures of heaven and hell, Thai god paradise, Chinese god paradise and a huge statue of the female bodhisattva
Bodhisattva
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is either an enlightened existence or an enlightenment-being or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment ." The Pali term has sometimes been translated as "wisdom-being," although in modern publications, and...
Kuan Im.
The Nai Dok Nai Thongkaeo Monument was constructed by Wiset Chai Chan together with the Ang Thong people to commemorate the two heroes of Ban Pho Thalay, Wiset Chai Chan people, and Grandpa Dok and Thongkaeo who sacrificed their lives in the battle with the Burmese at Ban Khai Bang Rachan prior to the defeat of Ayutthaya in 1766.
Wat Khian: Inside the ubosoth are exquisite murals featuring stories of ten former incarnations of the Lord Buddha, which were presumably the workmanship of a school of painting from Mueang Wiset Chai Chan during the late Ayutthaya period.
Wat Oi is an old temple representing a symbol of Mueang Wiset Chai Chan. In the precincts of Wat Oi, the Children Creation Foundation has provided accommodation for problem children: strays, drug addicts and those involved with other illegal behaviour.
Wat Siroi: There is a seated Buddha image in this temple, in the posture of Pa Lelai, called "Luangpho To". It is 21 meters high and 6 meters wide from knee to knee.
Amphoe Samko
Amphoe Samko
Sam Ko is the district in the western part of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.-History:The district was separated from Wiset Chai Chan district to become a minor district in 1962...
: At present, Samko is well known for its local traditions and folk arts. There are some agricultural areas in Samko converted from rice fields for other agriculture usage such as lotus fields, coconut plantations and mixed orchards.
Local Products
Seasonal Fruits such as mangoMango
The mango is a fleshy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The mango is native to India from where it spread all over the world. It is also the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world. While...
, pomelo
Pomelo
The pomelo is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is usually pale green to yellow when ripe, with sweet white flesh and very thick albedo . It is the largest citrus fruit, 15–25 cm in diameter, and usually weighing 1–2 kg...
, guava
Guava
Guavas are plants in the myrtle family genus Psidium , which contains about 100 species of tropical shrubs and small trees. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America...
and papaya
Papaya
The papaya , papaw, or pawpaw is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya, the sole species in the genus Carica of the plant family Caricaceae...
.
Aquaculture Products such as Macrobrachium rosenbergii, sheat fish, probarbus jullieni.
Processed Foods such as pounded meat and salted egg from Amphoe Chaiyo
Amphoe Chaiyo
Chaiyo is a district in eastern part of Ang Thong Province.-History:The name of Ban Chaiyo traces back to when King Naresuan the Great and his brother, who later became King Ekathotsarot, won against the King of Lan Na and Burmese soldiers in this area...
, smoked fish in stick, sun-dried fish and crispy fish.
Desserts: Khanom Keson Lamchiak from Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
Wiset Chai Chan is a district in the southwestern part of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.-History:When King Naresuan the Great defeated the Burmese troops at Don Chedi, he led his troops pass by Tambon Phai Cham Sin. He saw the strategic use of the area with the Noi River as a natural...
and Khanom Kong from Amphoe Mueang are both famous gifts.
Furniture model from Amphoe Mueang
Flowers made from cloth: from Amphoe Pho Thong
Amphoe Pho Thong
Pho Thong is a district in the northern part of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.-History:The district was established in 1890, at that time named Huai Ling Tok...
and Amphoe Sawaeng Ha
Amphoe Sawaeng Ha
Sawaeng Ha is the northernmost district of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.Sawaeng Ha in Thai language means seek or find.-History:The name of Tambon Sawaeng Ha was first found in the Ayutthaya kingdom records....
Drums and Court Dolls: from Amphoe Pa Mok
Amphoe Pa Mok
Pa Mok is the southernmost district of Ang Thong Province, central Thailand.-History:This area was called Ban Pa Mok Noi. In 1585 King Naresuan the Great, he set his military camp in the area. Before moving his troops to fight with Burmese troops of Phra Maha Uparacha at Don Chedi, he saluted the...
Wickerwork: made of bamboo, rattan, and Java weed from Ban Chaocha, Amphoe Pho Thong and Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
Household Utensils: made from Ceramics and Bencharong from Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan
Festivals
Ngan Mueang U - Khao, U- Nam (City of Rice and Water Bowl Fair) and Annual Red Cross Fair is the annual fair of the Ang Thong people held after harvesting period in late December and the beginning of January every year. There are interesting activities like cultural shows, exhibitions, local handicraft sales, displays and demonstrations, stalls, the Mueang U-Khao U-Nam beauty contest, agricultural product contest, farmers’ sports competition and various other kinds of entertainment. The fair is held in front of Ang Thong City Hall.The Long Boat Race Festival at Wat Pa Mok is held within Wat Pa Mok Worawihan compound, Amphoe Pa Mok. The festival is held in 2 periods. The Prints celebration is held in March, while the traditional long boat race festival and the country’s renowned long boat competition is held in October.
Paying Homage to Luangpho Wat Chaiyo: In this event, the worship and commemoration of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) and Phra Maha Phutthapim is held in May and November of every year.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong
Loi Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and certain parts of Laos and Burma .-Overview:...
at Wat Siro: Every year there will be firework to celebrate Luangpho Pa Lelai. It is the sacred ceremony of the Ang Thong people and it is held on the same day as Loy Krathong day.
The God Kuan-U Invitation and Dragon Parade Procession is held in December every year in Ang Thong market. It consists of a ceremony to invite God Kuan-U and a dragon parade procession.