Ang Thong

Ang Thong

General Information

Ang Thong, a province, which is luxurious of native handicraft like, molded court dolls, firebrick, and wickerwork. It is also the origination of Li Ke, the native folk song, hometown of Nai Dok and Nai Thongkaeo, the two heroes during Bang Rachan Battle. Ang Thong is also abundant with more than 200 clean, magnificent, and interesting temples, most appropriate for Thai chronological study. Ang Thong, originally known as Mueang Wiset Chai Chan, is located on the Noi River and the low-lying land of Chao Phraya River. It is an essential frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. As appeared in several parts of Ayutthaya chronicles, especially, prior to the defeat of Ayutthaya in 1767, the Burmese encamped at Mueang Wiset Chai Chan to attack Ayutthaya causing Bang Rachan Battle, a noted event recorded in Thai history. Later during the Thonburi era, Mueang Wiset Chai Chan was moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River at Ban Bangkaeo and was named Ang Thong since its location was a fertile basin similar to a water and rice bowl of the country. Ang Thong is a small province located at the lower part of central Thailand as large as 968 square kilometers. Topographically, almost all of the Ang Thong area is low plain with two important rivers crossing the province, i.e. Noi River and Chao Phraya River. Ang Thong is administratively divided into 7 Amphoes: Amphoe Mueang Ang Thong, Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, Amphoe Sawaeng Ha, Amphoe Pa Mok, Amphoe Pho Thong, Amphoe Chaiyo, and Amphoe Samko. Borders are Sing Buri to the north, Ayutthaya to the south, Ayutthaya and Lop Buri to the east and Suphan Buri to the west.



Symbol

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

Getting there

By Car

From Bangkok.

" Take the Phahonyothin Highway (Highway No. 32) from Bangkok and turn onto the Asian Highway, passing Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Amphoe Bang Pahan in Ayuttaya and then Ang Thong. Total distance is about 105 kilometers. " Take the new road and cross Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge until you reach Talingchan. Then turn onto Highway No. 340, passing Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, until you reach Ang Thong. Total distance is about 150 kilometers. " Take the Bangkok-Pathum Thani Highway, passing Amphoe Pak Kret. Then take Highway No. 3111, passing Amphoe Bang Sai, Amphoe Sena, and Ayutthaya. Then take Highway No. 3263 and follow by Highway No. 309, entering Amphoe Pa Mok until you reach Ang Thong. Total distance is about 140 kilometers.

By Bus

Transportation Co., Ltd. provides daily transportation services between Bangkok Ang Thong. There are both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leaving Northern Terminal Bus Station on Kamphaeng Phet II Road. For more information, please contact 0 2537 8055, 0 2936 2852-66, 0 2936 3603

Festivals

God Kuan-U Invitation and Dragon Parade Procession

Is held in December every year in Ang Thong market. There will be a ceremony to invite God Kuan-U and, dragon parade procession, and stalls of good-price products.

H.M. The Kings Birthday Celebrations

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 i.e. the reclining Buddha and the mondop of 4-foot. prints celebration will be held in March, while traditional long boat race festival and the countrys renowned long boat competition will be held in October.

Loy Krathong at Wat Siroi

Every year there will be firework to celebrate Luangpho Pa Lelai, which is the sacred ceremony of Ang Thong people held on the same day as Loy Krathong day.

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 beginning of January every year. There are interesting activities like cultural shows, exhibitions, local handicraft sales, display and demonstration, stalls, Mueang U-Khao U-Nam beauty contest, agricultural product contest, farmers sports competition, and various kinds of entertainment. The fair is held in front of Ang Thong City Hall.

Paying Homage to Luangpho Wat Chaiyo

In the event, the worship and commemoration of Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phromrangsi) and Phra Maha Phutthapim will be held in May and November of every year.

Interesting Products

Bamboo Baskets

The Bang Chao Cha village is located in Amphoe Pho Thong, 14 kilometres 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.

Court Dolls

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.

Thai-Style house prefabricated parts

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.

The traditional drums

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.