General Information
Ang Thong is a small province on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The former settlement is at Wiset Chai Chan on the bank of the Noi River. It was an essential frontier outpost of Ayutthaya when fighting with the Burmese. The majority of the people was later moved to a new site on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River during the Thon Buri period.
Ang Thong is located 108 kilometres north of Bangkok. It occupies an area of 968 square kilometres and is administratively divided into seven districts (Amphoes): Mueang Ang Thong, Chaiyo, Pa Mok, Pho Thong, Sawaeng Ha, Wiset Chai Chan and Samko.
How to get there
Car
All provinces and major districts in the Central Region are linked by highways while the distant districts and villages can be accessible by rural roads.
Bus
Bus transportation services are available at two main stations in Bangkok. From the bus terminal on Kamphaeng Phet II Road (Tel. 0 2936 0649,0 2936 1972), there are both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leaving for Chai Nat, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-in, Bang Sai, Aranyaprathet, Chachoengsao, and Samut Songkhram. The Southern Bus Terminal (Tel. 0 2435-1199, 0 2434 5557-8) on Boromarajajonani Road operates daily buses to Kanchanaburi, Cha-am, Damnoen Saduak, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bang Saphan, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Samphran, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon.
On arrival in each city, the easiest way to travel around is by local transport like tricycle (called “Sam Lo” by Thais) or motor tricycle. “Song Thaeo” or a van with two rows of benches at the back serves as transport for travelling to the outside of the town. However, a vehicle should be rented from Bangkok or a major tourist town in case travellers need more convenience and would like to explore more attractions in the rural areas.
Train
The Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) is the major terminal where daily trains leave for Chachoengsao, Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Hua Hin, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. To get to Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, one can take a train at the Thon Buri or Bangkok Noi Railway Station. Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram can be also reached by train from the Wongwian Yai Station. Schedules can be obtained at the Information Unit, Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020.
Boat
Travelling by boat is quite popular in the riverside cities or towns including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom, and Kanchanaburi. In those provinces, river excursions are operated by local tour operators. Boats for rent are also available at major piers. The price should be established before beginning the trip.
Between Bangkok and Nonthaburi, regular boats run along the Chao Phraya River with frequent stops to pick up and drop their passengers. The boats are usually crowded during the rush hours of a working day.
Festivals
Boat Races
Boat Races The major annual regatta takes place in front of Wat Chaiyo Worawihan on the Chao Phraya River in October together with the Luang Pho To Worship Festival.
During October, boat races are also held at other riverside temples including Wat Pa Mok by the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho Kriap by the Noi River in Amphoe Pho Thong. Famous boats from all over the country join the races.
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