Ang Thong

Ang Thong is a small province in Central Thailand, located a little over 100 kilometers North of Bangkok. The province is mostly rural with many of its inhabitants employed in rice farming. Thailand’s largest river, the Chao Phraya, passes through Ang Thong on its way to the Gulf of Thailand.

To do & see in Ang Thong

Ang Thong houses a number of cultural and historical attractions, as well as a large number of Buddhist temples.

Wat Muang, largest sitting Buddha image in Thailand

The Wat Muang houses the largest sitting Buddha image in Thailand measuring 84 meters tall, 92 meters including the pedestal. Surrounded by paddy fields the massive image, known as “Big Buddha of Ang Thong” dominates the area. The image, made of cement and painted in gold color was completed in 2008.

The temple’s ordination hall which is surrounded by huge lotus petals enshrines a highly revered silver image of the Buddha in the subduing Mara pose.

Graphic diorama of Buddhist Hell
Also on the temple grounds is a very graphic diorama of Buddhist Hell, where life-size figures of sinners are seen receiving punishments, like liars who get their tongues torn out, thieves being cut in half and people being tortured by demons.

Location
The Wat Muang is located in the countryside off Highway 3195, just East of Wiset Chai Chan village, less than 10 kilometers West of Ang Thong town. The grounds can get very busy on weekends and Thai national holidays. Please dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering a temple building.

Wat Khun Inthapramun

The Wat Khun Inthapramun is located in a rural area about 10 kilometers North of Ang Thong town. On the grounds are the ruins of several ancient temple buildings and chedis. The temple houses one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Thailand measuring 50 meters long. The all white image is believed to date from the Sukhothai era, about 7 centuries ago. The image is enshrined in the remains of a viharn (assembly hall), of which little more than the base and lower part of its columns remain.

Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll center

Ang Thong province is known for its handicrafts, among others its court dolls. The Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll center is housed in a traditional Thai style wooden house on stilts. Local people produce dolls that show various aspects of traditional Thai way of life and culture. Initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the center was established in the 1970’s with the intention to provide local villagers with additional income. Visitors can watch how the dolls are made and buy them in a shop.

The center is located in Bang Sadet village, Pa Mok district near the banks of the Chao Phraya river and the Wat Tha Sutthawat temple. It opens daily from 9 am until 4 pm.

Phra Tamnak Khamyat Royal residence

Phra Tamnak Khamyat is a ruined 18^th century Royal residence. The brick, roofless building covered with a layer of plaster, its four walls still standing, has been partly restored by the Thai Fine Arts Department. The Royal residence is believed to have been built by King Boromakot, King of Ayutthaya until 1758 to be used by the King as a residence during his visits to the province.

Phra Tamnak Khamyat is located in Kham Yat district, about 25 kilometers North West of Ang Thong town.

Getting to Ang Thong

Although close to Bangkok, there are few options to get to Ang Thong. The 110 kilometer trip is best made by car or bus.

Air
There is no airport in Ang Thong province.

Train
Ang Thong does not have a train station. The nearest train stations are Lopburi and Ayutthaya, which are both on the State Railway of Thailand’s Northern line.

Bus
Ang Thong can easily be reached from Bangkok by bus. Ordinary and air conditioned buses depart at least once per hour from Bangkok’s Mo Chit II bus terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 road. The trip takes about 2 hours at a fare of 50 to 60 Thai Baht one way.

Buy tickets online
Tickets for bus or taxi from Bangkok or another city can be bought online at the 12Go website.

Neighboring provinces

• Ayutthaya
• Lopburi
• Saraburi