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Ang Thong (Central Thailand)

Take a trip 120 kilometres due north of Bangkok and you will stumble upon a small province nestled in the central lowlands.

This travel guide contains interesting facts and essential information for tourists or expats who want to know more about Ang Thong in Thailand.

Ang Thong in Thailand | Table of Contents

It's important to understand that this region is not a typical destination for revellers. Instead, sightseers will find historical and religious landmarks of Thailand culture and customs worthy of attention.

For example, Ang Thong province is famous for local handicrafts, such as drum-making and wickerwork. But, the most visited of all Thai houses could be the Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center in the district of Pa Mok at the south of Ang Thong.

But wait - there's more:

The region also has some of the earliest known examples of 'Likay' (folk theatre) and native folk music. Last time we checked, the count of Buddhist temples was over 200 and there's no shortage of notable memorials to see en route.

The fields bloom with dazzling colours of golden marigolds and sunflowers. Thus, it's an ideal place for a day trip from any of the neighbouring provinces, such as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

Ang Thong Guide for Tourists

Bangkok to Ang Thong Province

In fact, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is the closest airport to Ang Thong province (around 77 kilometres).

Thus, the easiest and cheapest way to get to Ang Thong from the Bangkok Metropolitan area is either:

  • Driving by car, which will take about two (2) hours.
  • Taking a mini van from Mo Chit terminal.
  • Taking a taxi, which should cost no more than 1,500 Thai baht.

Note: Another section contains more information about the airports in Thailand with some historical information about Bangkok's regional hub for aviation.


History of Ang Thong (Wiset Chai Chan)

A simple translation of Ang Thong in central Thailand is the 'golden bowl'. The flat plantations are ideal for growing rice, flowers (hence the golden yellow colour), and for agricultural farming.

As a result, rice farming is a major contribution to the local economy and has made Ang Thong one of the wealthiest provinces in Thailand.

The provincial government has divided the region into seven (7) districts (อำเภอ), 73 sub-districts (ตำบล), and 513 villages (หมู่บ้าน). The seven districts are:

  • Mueang Ang Thong
  • Chaiyo
  • Pa Mok
  • Pho Thong
  • Sawaeng Ha
  • Wiset Chai Chan
  • Samko

There are no mountains or forests in this low level basin. But, the Chao Phraya River and the River Noi flow through the province. These natural systems, along with several canals (klongs), provide most of the water needed to cultivate rice.

In fact, the river Noi was instrumental in halting the advancing Burmese armies long ago. Nowadays, it's a source of fresh fish for the local restaurants.


Best Months to Visit Ang Thong Province

The weather in the central region of Thailand has three defined seasons. In general, the climate is hot and dry from November until the beginning of May. This may be the best time to organise a day trip to Ang Thong.

Dry Season

The beginning of November through to the end of February should see almost no rain at all. There can be a few sharp showers in the middle of the day. But, in general these months stay dry and cool with clear blue skies.

Hot Season

March tends to usher in the start of the hot, humid months. Hence, you should expect to experience daily temperatures around 40° Celsius in April and May in almost all of the central locations.

Wet Season

Rainy days start to arrive towards the end of May and continue through to November. The downpours become heavier and more predictable as it gets closer to the months of August and September.

Note: Our guide to the meteorological forecasts in Thai provinces contains further information about Thailand weather seasons from north to south.


Things to Do in Ang Thong Province

If you're wondering what to do on a visit to Ang Thong you won't be disappointed. Besides the native handicrafts, this region is most famous for its temples (สุเหร่า).

Other Points of Interest for Tourists and Expatriates:

  • Natural Bird Garden at Wat Riwwa (look for herons, openbill storks, cormorants, and kingfishers).
  • Basketwork Village at Ban Bangchaocha.
  • The Museum of Angthong Legend
  • Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center (a Thai house located behind Wat Tha Sutthawat).
  • The Drum Making Village Tambon Ekkarat Subdistrict

Important: Some tourists confuse Anthong province with Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park to the west of Koh Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand. They are two separate and very distinct tourist attractions.


Temples and Monuments

As a matter of fact, there are more than two hundred places of worship in Angthong province. Some of the most interesting Buddhist temples and historical sights for visitors include:

  • Reclining Buddha at Wat Khun Inthapramun Ang Thong Central ThailandWat Khun Intapramun (house for the big reclining Buddha statue 'Phra Sri Muang Thong'.
  • Wat Ang Thong Worawihan (famous for its Chedi and ordination hall)
  • Wat Pamok Worawiharn (an ancient temple from Sukhothai period).
  • Wat Koi-Fish Park (located in front of Wat Khoi at the Noi River)
  • Wat Chai Mongkhon (built during the reign of the late King Rama IV)

Note: Another section lists the most visited religious temples in Ang Thong with further information about historic monuments and landmarks.


Best Places to Stay in Ang Thong

Having some insider information about the different kinds of accommodation will be helpful if you are visiting the province for the first time.

Here's a range of short and long term options for staying in Ang Thong with links to further detailed reviews.

Baan Chaiyo Resort

Thetsaban 10 rd, Amphoe Chaiyo, Ang Thong 14140
Tel: 098-108-7807
Email: baanchaiyo@gmail.com

Resort Bualuang Boutique Angthong

66 Liab Klong Chonpratharn Road, Phosa, Mueang Ang Thong 14000
Tel: 035-949-850

Smile Resort

43 Moo 8, Phai Cham Sin, Wiset Chai Chan Phai Cham Sin, Ban, Ang Thong 14110
Tel: 094-893-6993

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Places for Shopping in Ang Thong

Because it's so close to Thailand's capital city, the major shopping areas in Bangkok cater for most of the locals.

Even so, visitors might enjoy perusing for souvenirs and trinkets around some of the local flea market and shops, such as:

  • Ban Hun Lek situated in Tambon Talat Kruat
  • San Chao Rong Thong Market in Wiset Chai Chan District

Dining Out and Entertainment

The popular dishes of central Thailand food feature fresh seafood and spices. If you are visiting Ang Thong for the first time, here are some examples of local cuisine to sample:

  • Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Thai green curry at its finest served with chicken)
  • Khao Soi (a curry noodle soup to eat for breakfast)
  • Pla Tod Nam Pla (this deep-fried fish and complimentary fish sauce is a popular street food)
  • Som Tam (a spicy papaya salad that Thais often eat as a side dish)
  • Tom Yum Goong (a spicy shrimp soup that is almost considered obligatory in some areas)

In fact, traditional Thai dishes most certainly consist of soup, salad, fish, rice, vegetables and maybe some meat. The meat is usually pork or chicken - sometimes beef.


Help Guides and Information

Note: The short video [14:51 seconds] presented by "Danny and Diggy" contains footage about their action-packed Bangkok day trip to Ang Thong province.

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