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ANGTHONG

Wat Siroi, Ang Thong Is located on the bank of the Noi River, at Mu 4, Tambon Siroi. Follow Highway No. 3454 km.31-32 (on Pho Phraya Tha ruea or Ang Thong Wiset Chai Chan route about 12.5 km. kilometers to the west of Amphoe Mueang Ang Thong, take a left turn along the irrigation canal road for 5 kilometers). At Wai Siroi, there is a seated Buddha image in the posture of Pa Lelai, called Luangpho To - 21 meters high and 6 meters wide from knee to knee. Inside of the ubosot, there used to have exquisite mural paintings by the craftsmanship of painters school in Ayutthaya. At present, the paintings have been faded away.

Wat Oi, Ang Thong Is an old temple representing a symbol of Mueang Wiset Chai Chan locating at Mu 10, Tambon Sanchao Rongthong, on the west bank of the Noi River. Follow Highway No. 3454 for approximately 2 kilometers and 1 kilometer from the north of Wat Khian. The temple is assumed to have been constructed in the Ayutthaya period, but there is no evidence by the reign of which king. The ubosot is a huge building consisting of 6 chambers made of brick and plaster in ancient design. The roofs were made of wood and covered with fire-clay tiles, as beautiful as the ubosot of Wat Ratchaburana in Ayutthaya. With Maha-ut design, there is no window in the ubosot. Special features of the ubosot are the pillars of the gallery in 8 directions. The principal Buddha image, called Luangpho Dam, is made of alloy of brass and tin. Wat Oi was used as a venue to hold the ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance to the king in the Ayutthaya period. In the precincts of Wat Oi, the Children Creation Foundation has provided accommodation for problem children: straying, drug addicted, or illegally behaved. The accommodation is called Ban Dek Klai Wat with the purpose of helping problem children to live better life. They can live with the beauty of natural surroundings and monks help to treat them mentally.

Wat Khian, Ang Thong Is another ancient temple locating at Mu 8, Tambon Sanchao Rongthong, near Wat Wiset Chai Chan, which is 12 kilometers from Amphoe Mueang. Follow Highway No. 3454 for approximately 1 kilometer. Inside the ubosot are exquisite mural paintings featuring stories of 10 former incarnations of the Lord Buddha, which were presumably the workmanship of a painter school in Mueang Wiset Chai Chan in the late Ayutthaya period. The painting features are similar to those painted in the same period being in the ubosot to Wat Ko and Wat Yai Suwannaram in Phetchburi Province.

Wat Ban Phran, Ang Thong I Is located in Tambon Sriphran. Take Pho Thong Sawaeng Ha route (Highway No. 3054) Km 21-22. It is unknown when this ancient temple was built. Regarding to Luangpu Chaimongkons (from Ayutthaya) narration, a couple called Mr. Phan and Mrs. Ngoen and their son, Mr. Krapukthong constructed Wat Ban Phran at the end of Sukhothai era during 1319-1327. After that, this temple was deserted and was overspread with thick weeds and trees for over 100 years. When hunters set up small village in this area, they helped renovate this temple. There is a legend saying that the laterite Buddha image called Luangpho Kraithong enshrined in this wihan was built by King Sri Intharathit in Sukhothai and removed into separated parts for assembly again as the principal Buddha image in Wat Ban Phran. Since the founder would like to build his own principal image, he constructed wihan to house the Buddha image called Luangpho Kraithong. Krai represents the robe, and shoulder clothes of Luangpho Kraithong. Some fine days at midnight, Krai will turn into sparkling light indicating good luck for those who happen to see. It is believed to be a sacred one being able to protect the worshippers from danger.

Ban Khu Mueang, Ang Thong Is located in Tambon Ban Phai, 4 kilometers from the north of Sawaeng Ha District and 3 kilometers from Bang Rachan stockade. At Ban Khu Mueang, archaeologists discovered ruins of an ancient city, which presumably existed during Thwarawadi period. Its evidence shows a wide ancient moat and earthen mound, some fragments of pottery, animal bones, beads, and medicine grinding stone. At present, it is a simple canal without any traces of historical sites.

Wat Pho Thong, Ang Thong Is located in Ban Pho Thong, Tambon Khamyat, opposite the entrance of Ban Bangchaocha, 9 kilometers from Amphoe Mueang on Ang Thong Pho Thong route. In the royal chronicle, Wat Pho Thong was the place where Krommakhun Phornphinit (Prince Uthumphorn or Khunluang Hawat) entered his monkshood. 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, Ang Thong Is located in Tambon Khamyat, 2.5 kilometers west of Wat Pho Thong on Ayutthaya Pho Thong Road. At present only four walls of the royal residence remain. The 10x20 meters royal residence, made of brick and plaster, stands eminent in a paddy field. The artistic beauty still remains e.g. motifs around the window, front and back balcony, was painted in red soil and covered with wooden floor. Regarding his diary about the trip on the Makhamthao River, King Rama V visited Phra Tamnak Khamyat in 1908, he understood that Krommakhun Phornphinit (Prince Uthumphorn or Khunluang Hawat) entered his monkshood at Wat Pho Thong and built this residence for his lodging during the Buddhist Lent since it was a strategic site. Having seen that the residence was exquisitely constructed, King Rama V then changed his mind. He realized that Krommakhun Phornphinit should not have had this residence built so exquisitely for a temporary lodging or a stronghold. King Rama V surmised that this residence might have been constructed in the reign of King Borommakot as his residence during his frequent visits to this area, in parallel to King Prasatthong who constructed his residence in Bang Pa-In. Due to his preference in this area and paying homage to the reclining in Wat Khun Inthapramun twice, Krommakhun Phornphinit (Prince Utumphorn or Khunluang Hawat) made his loyal subjects and monks to leave Ayutthaya and stayed at Wat Pho Thong Khamyat and Phra Tamnak Khamyat in order to join with Bang Rachan villagers. At present, Department of Fine Arts has renovated and registered Phra Tamnak Khamyat as a historical site.

Wat Chantharangsi, Ang Thong Is located in Ban Na, Mu 9, Tambon Huaphai from the Asian Highway intersection entering Amphoe Mueang approximately 1 kilometer. When you see the sign of the road, take another 1 kilometer to reach this temple. Areas of this temple cover both sides of the road. On one side, there is a sacred Buddha image called Luangpho Yok. On the other side, it locates wihan of Luangpho Sod which housing the metal image, the largest of its kind in the world, was constructed in 1996. This golden Buddha image has a lap width of approximately 6 meters and 9 inches, and a height of 9.9 meters.

Wat Mathurotsatiyaram, Ang Thong Is located on the Asian Highway (Highway No. 32). From Asian Highway, when passing the intersection to Ang Thong province for approximately 500 meters to Nakhon Sawan province, turn right into PTT gas station for about 30 meters. This temple is formerly called Wat Kuti locating on the bank of the Prakamthong River, an ancient river currently called the Chao Phraya River. This temple was assumed to have been constructed in the late Ayutthaya period. The only evidence remains are crystal wall, ubosot, chedi, and wihan standing on the appropriate positions with magnificent figures. The 4x8 meters ubosot is built in the Chinese junk figure using brick and plaster, and the 6-meter roof is covered with fire-clay tiles. Luxurious arts of the ubosot are the carved angel pressing his hands together on top of lotus motifs in the center of front and back gables.

Wat Sa Kaeo, Ang Thong Is located in Tambon Bang Sadet approximately 200 meters away from Wat Tha Sutthawat along the irrigation canal road. If travel from Ayutthaya using Ayutthaya Ang Thong route (Highway No. 309) Km 39-40, entrance to the temple will be on the left side. This temple was constructed in 1699 when it was originally named Wat Sakae. This temple has become the orphans care center with many children under supervision. Therefore, Wat Sa Kaeo Orphanage Li Gay troupe has been established for earning income to cover the expenses in bringing up themselves, which in turn makes this temple become well known. Inside Wat Sa Kaeo, there is Samakkhisamakhan building, which is a center for hand woven fabrics project under Her Majesty the Queens initiation established in 1981, currently under the supervision of Cottage Industry Section, Ministry of Industry. Also, there are good-quality woven clothes e.g. sarong, bathing cloth, etc. In front of the temple is the location of Amphoe Pa Mok Cultural Center, providing demonstration of weaving, silverware and court doll production, and agriculture produce from housewives e.g. banana. This represents the dissemination of Amphoe Pa Mok workmanship skills to be known and sold to the public. Both attractions are open daily from 8 am. 4 pm. For more information, please contact Wat Sa Kaeo at Tel.0 3566 1169,0 3566 1273 or Wat Sa Kaeo School at Tel. 0 3566 1950-1 or email : Wat_Sakaew@hotmail.com

Ang Thong Brick, Ang Thong Is a high quality household industry for domestic sales. Most people use this kind of brick to decorate external parts of the buildings and houses. Those who are interested can buy the bricks directly from the factory. There are more than 42 factories in Amphoe Pa Mok along Highway No. 3501 Km 1-9 and Highway No. 309 Km 43-47.

Wat Ratchapaksi (Nok), Ang Thong Is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. Take Highway No. 309 (Ang Thong to Ayutthaya) Km 52-53 from Amphoe Mueang 3-4 kilometers to the south. In this temple, there is a large reclining Buddha similar to the one enshrined in Wat Pa Mok, but of a little smaller size. The image was assumed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period. The original image was badly ruined and was renovated as shown. There is another Buddha image built during the reign of King Songtham, approximately in 1620, which was formerly placed on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Prior, the image was fallen into the river, Phra Maha Wichian Khannak and Buddhist devouts moved the image to the current temple in 1947. Later the construction of wihan had been completed in 1959 after struggling through various obstacles. The image was then renamed as Phra Rod Wachira Molee and has been remained for everybody to worship and pay homage.

Wat Khun Inthapramun, Ang Thong Is located in Tambon Inthapramun. It is an ancient temple constructed in the Sukhothai period. Considering the original line of brick remains, it is estimated to be a large temple. The largest and longest reclining Buddha in Thailand, 50 meters from the topknot to the feet, is enshrined here. Originally, the reclining Buddha image was housed in the wihan, but this temple was on fire and was left deserted with the Buddha image in the open for centuries. The image features and size are similar to those of Phranon Chaksi, a reclining Buddha image in Sing Buri Province. Therefore, it is assumed to have been constructed in the same period. The image possesses attractive Buddha features with a serene smiling face attracting respectfulness and faithfulness from people. Thai kings went to pay homage to the image e.g. King Borommakot in 1753, King Rama V in 1878 and 1908. The present king came to present the royal Kathin robes in 1973 and again in 1975. Buddhists from all over the country always make their visits to worship the image. Moreover, within Wat Khun Inthapramun compound, there are historical remains of basement, some parts of walls, and Buddha image in Luangpho Khao wihan. Inside the all-purpose pavilion, there is a statue of Khun Inthapramun and the skeleton found in the wihan of the reclining Buddha image in 1998 lying on his face with his hands and feet tied up. People believe that this skeleton is of Khun Inthapramun, but some say it is not. According to the legend, Khun Inthapramun was a revenue officer who secretly embezzled the government tax to build this reclining Buddha image as a holy object. When the King asked how he obtained the fund from, Khun Inthapramun did not reveal the truth because he was afraid that his merit from building the image would be passed on to the King. He was finally sentenced to death. And the temple was then called Wat Khun Inthapramun. How to get there : This site can be accessed by 3 routes. Ang Thong Amphoe Pho Thong (No. 3064), then take a right turn at Km 9 for approximately 2 kilometers. Or take the route from Sing Buri province to Amphoe Chaiyo at approximately Km 64-65, take a left turn for 4 kilometers to reach the temple. Or take the new route Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan Pho Thong (along the irrigation canal road) when arriving at Amphoe Pho Thong, take a right turn for 2 kilometers to reach the temple.

Wat Tha Sutthawat, Ang Thong Is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River in Tambon Bang Sadet. This ancient temple was constructed in the early Ayutthaya period. During the war, this site was the trooping route for the army crossing the Chao Phraya River. Take Ayutthaya Ang Thong route (Highway No. 309) Km 38-39, the temple entrance will be on the left side approximately 17 kilometers before reaching downtown Ang Thong province. At present, this temple is under the royal patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The temple compound is shaded with large trees exhibiting magnificent scene over the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The royal pavilion stands in the middle of the pond. Chedi (pagoda) exhibits ancient Buddha images and historical relics. Monuments of King Naresuan the Great and King Ekathotsarot are besides the pavilion. Inside the ubosot, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had her personal painters and drawers from the Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Project draw the mural paintings illustrating Phra Maha Chanok, history of Ang Thong province. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously drew a mango on this temple wall as well.

Wat Pa Mok Worawihan, Ang Thong Is located in municipal Tambon Pa Mok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River approximately 18 kilometers away from Amphoe Mueang. Take Highway No. 309 (Ang Thong Ayutthaya route) at Km 40, then take Highway No. 329 and 3501 to find a signage to Wat Pa Mok. In the temple compound, there is a beautiful gilded reclining Buddha made of brick, and plaster. The image is 22.58 meters from the topknot to the feet. It is assumed to have been constructed in the Sukhothai period. Legend of this Buddha image was that he floated along the river and sank in front of this temple. People offered sacrifices to the Buddha image before pulling him from the river to house on the riverbank. In the royal chronicle, it is mentioned that before leading his army to attack Phra Maha Upparacha, King Naresuan the Great stopped at this temple to gather his troops and paid homage to the image. Due to the erosion on the riverbank near wihan, King Sisanphet III commanded Phraya Ratchasongkhram to lead the removal of Buddha image from the riverbank. King Thai Sa controlled this removal and invited the Buddha image to enshrine in the new wihan in Wat Talad, 168 meters away from the river. Later the King commanded to merge Wat Talad and Wat Chipakhao into one temple and renamed as Wat Pa Mok due to the abundance of Wrightia religiosa (Mok) trees all around. Besides the reclining Buddha, this temple is famous for wihan Khian, where the wall confronting to the river has a tall stand formerly used by the King, mondop of 4-foot prints, and tower of monastic library, etc.

Drum-Making Village, Ang Thong Is located in Tambon Ekkarat, behind Pa Mok market on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Take the inner road passing Amphoe Pa Mok Municipality Office running parallel to the irrigation canal for approximately 17 kilometers. From time to time, drum shops can be found on both sides of the road. People of Ban Phae have begun producing drums since 1927 after the harvesting season. The raw materials used are cowhide and rain tree wood because its texture is soft and able to be dug easily. We can observe drum-making procedures starting from lathing wood, laying cowhide sheet, and embedding pins. We can find sophisticated and magnificent drums here in various sizes, good for souvenirs. If you go passing the Tambon chief's (Hongfah Yodyoi) house, you will find the largest drum in the world of 3692 cm wide and 7.6 meters long, made of 6 pieces of connecting Albizzia lebbek. It was built in 1994 and taken about one year to complete.

Wat Tonson, Ang Thong Is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite Ang Thong Technical College. Wat Tonson is an ancient temple housing Somdet Phra Si Mueangthong, a very beautiful seated Buddha image in the posture of subduing Mara with the lap size of about 14 meters wide and 19 meters high molded in metal and gilded. Wat Tonsons abbot, Phra Ratchasuwanmalee, started the construction in 1973. Her Royal Highness, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn performed a ceremony to complete the construction on March 7, 1985. This is regarded as the one of the largest metal molded Buddha images with beautiful posture.

Wat Ang Thong Worawihan, Ang Thong Is located on the east bank of the river. This is the third-class royal monastery opposite Ang Thong City Hall. Originally, there were 2 small temples located next to each other called Wat Pho Ngoen and Wat Pho Thong constructed in the reign of King Rama IV. Later in 1900, King Rama V had these 2 temples combined into one and graciously named it Wat Ang Thong. This temple is famous for its beautiful ubosot and bell-shaped chedi decorated with gold mirror. Groups of neatly lying Thai monks' compartments are made of teak exhibiting the arts in early Rattanakosin period.

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