About Ang Thong
Ang Thong is a small provincial capital on the Chao Phraya, in the flat rice country north of Ayutthaya. The name roughly means 'golden basin' and refers to the fertile delta. The town itself is modest, but the province has a few striking sights. The Great Buddha of Thailand, near Wiset Chai Chan, is an enormous seated Buddha visible far across the plains. Wat Khun Inthapramun has a reclining Buddha of about 50 m from the Ayutthaya period, and Wat Sang Kratai is an overgrown temple ruin with banyan trees. The local crafts, such as wickerwork and drum-making, are worth a look. A boat on the Noi River lets you see the countryside up close. A day trip fits best on a route via Ayutthaya and Lopburi.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: dry and relatively cool. March to May is hot; June to October is the rainy season with the most rain around September. Ruins and markets are most pleasant early in the morning. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or car via Ayutthaya (about 2 hours); the sights are spread out, so your own transport helps. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Ang Thong
- Great Buddha of Thailand An enormous seated statue near Wiset Chai Chan, open roughly 9:00–17:00.
- Wat Khun Inthapramun A reclining Buddha of about 50 m from the Ayutthaya era.
- Wat Sang Kratai A centuries-old temple ruin with banyan trees growing over the walls.
- Boat ride on the Noi A trip along the river with views of villages and orchards.
