Ang Thong Attractions
Ang Thong
The provincial capital of Ang Thong - not to be confused with the archipelago of that name in southern Thailand, now a national marine park - lies on the Menam Chao Phraya in the middle of Thailand's broad central plain, some 33 km (20 mi.) from Ayutthaya. Agriculture (especially rice cultivation) dominates the countryside around. Although there are no sights to speak of in Ang Thong itself there are several interesting temples to visit in the vicinity.
By car: from Ayutthaya (Highway 309 towards Singburi).
By bus: from Bangkok (Northern Bus Terminal; several departures daily) or Ayutthaya.
By rail: the nearest stations are at Ayutthaya, Suphanburi and Saraburi (several trains a day from Bangkok-Hualampong).
The provincial capital of Ang Thong - not to be confused with the archipelago of that name in southern Thailand, now a national marine park - lies on the Menam Chao Phraya in the middle of Thailand's broad central plain, some 33 km (20 mi.) from Ayutthaya. Agriculture (especially rice cultivation) dominates the countryside around. Although there are no sights to speak of in Ang Thong itself there are several interesting temples to visit in the vicinity.
By car: from Ayutthaya (Highway 309 towards Singburi).
By bus: from Bangkok (Northern Bus Terminal; several departures daily) or Ayutthaya.
By rail: the nearest stations are at Ayutthaya, Suphanburi and Saraburi (several trains a day from Bangkok-Hualampong).
Wat Chai Yo Vora Vihara
The triple-tiered roof and beautifully carved gable of the wiharn of Wat Chai Yo Vora Vihara (Ayutthaya period) adorn the banks of the Menam Chao Phraya some 16 km (10 mi.) north of Ang Thong. Inside the wiharn is an enormous seated figure of the Buddha, again of recent origin.
Wat Khun Inta Phra Mun
The recently built Wat Khun Inta Phra Mun, a short distance off the 3195 about 11 km (7 mi.) from Ang Thong, boasts a massive 50-m (164-ft) long reclining Buddha in the Ayutthaya style. This huge sculpture is almost certainly one of the biggest of its kind in Thailand and much venerated by the people. The remains of an old wat are to be found on a hillside near by.
Wat Kien
Although itself modern, Wat Kien incorporates frescos formerly belonging to its predecessor. The paintings depict battles against the Burmese, an unusual subject for art in Thailand despite the importance of such clashes for the country's history.
Wat Luang Suntararam
Wat Luang Suntararam, near the village of Ban Talat San Djao about 9 km (51/2 mi.) north of Ang Thong, has a bot embellished with a fine stucco relief from the Ayutthaya period.
Wat Pa Mok
Located about 13 km (8 mi.) from Ang Thong on the far side of the Menam Chao Phraya, Wat Pa Mok has two wiharns, one containing a 22-m (72-ft) long late 14th c. reclining figure of a Buddha in the U Thong style, the other some noteworthy and well-preserved remnants of wall paintings dating from the early Ayutthaya period.
