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Wat Ton Son
Located in the town on the west bank of the Chao Phraya
River, this old temple enshrines "Somdet Phra Si Muang",
a beautiful seated Buddha image.
Wat Pa Mok Worawihan This temple is located in Amphoe Pa Mok on the west
bank of the Chao Phraya River, 18 kms. south of Ang Thong.
There is an old reclining Buddha image assumed to have been
constructed during the Sukhothai period. The image is 22.58
meters long, made of brick and mortar, and covered with
gold. It is found in the royal records that King Naresuan
also visited this temple to pay homage to this reclining
Buddha image prior to leading the army to fight King Maha
Uparacha of Burma.
Wat Tha Sutthawat
This is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River
in Tambon Bang Sadet, Amphoe Pa Mok, 15 kms. south of Ang
Thong along Highway No. 309. This site was on the route
for the army crossing the river during the Ayutthaya period.
As the temple has been renovated several times, it houses
Buddha images and historical remains of different periods.
Wat Sa Kaeo
This temple was constructed in 1699. It is located 15 kms.
south of Ang Thong along Highway No. 309. The temple partly
serves as a care centre for needy orphans from almost every
part of Thailand. In the temple compound, there is also
a centre where hand woven fabrics are produced into various
products such as simple skirts, loincloths, table cloths
and pillowcases.
Wat Chaiyo Worawihan This temple is located 18 kms. from the town on the
Ang Thing-Sing Buri route (Highway No.32.). It houses Phra
Maha Phuttha Phim, a large seated Buddha image in the attitude
of meditation, which was constructed during the reign of
King Rama IV. This temple is also known for the sacred amulets
called "Somdet Wat Chaiyo", which are very popular
among collectors.
Wat Khun Inthapramun This ancient temple is located 9 kms. along the Ang
Thong-Pho Thong route and 2 kms. along an access road. There
is a large reclining Buddha image 50 metres long, lying
in the open area. The wihara housing the image was destroyed
during the first fall of Ayutthaya. The statue of Khun Inthapramun
was in front of the Buddha image. According to a legend,
Khun Inthapramun is a revenue officer who secretly took
away official money to enlarge the original 40 metre construction
of the image and was subsequently whipped to death.
Pha Thamnak Khamyat This ruined pavilion, standing out in a paddy field,
is situated 9 kms. on the Ang Thong-Pho Thong route and
2 kms. along an access road. The structure, made of brick
and mortar, measures 10 metres wide and 20 metres long.
It was constructed in the reign of King Bormmakot of Ayutthaya
and was his residence when visiting this area. Although
only the four walls remain, the throne hall maintains a
trace of its architectural glory. |
Wat Khoi
This riverside temple is located in Tambon Pho Rang Nok,
Amphoe Pho Thong. Travel 12 kms. on the Ang Thong-Wiset
Chai Chan route turn right and go for another 5 kms. More
than 50,000 fish of various species crowd the Noi River
in front of the temple. The Pho Thong Fishery Office declared
the area a fish sanctuary in 1985. ln the temple there is
also situated a local museum where various boats and ancient
tools are on display.
Bats at Wat Chantharam This temple is 4 kms. west of the Pho Thong District
Office. The compound is home to numerous bats, which hang
themselves on the trees during the day and fly out for food
at night.
Wat Khian
This is an old temple of the Ayutthaya period. lt is located
in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan, 12kms. from Ang Thong. ln the
chapel, there are splendid mural paintings made by a local
artisan depicting villagers rural lifestyles. Other temples
in Amphoe Wiset Chai Chan which were constructed during
the Ayutthaya period include Wat Oi, Wat Wiset
Chai Chan and Wat Luang.
HANDICRAFT VILLAGES:
Ban Bang Sadet
This village of Amphoe Pa Mok is noted for producing the
so-called Court Dolls. Encouraged by Her Majesty the Queen,
the villagers turn out delicate and unglazed dolls featuring
ways of life, Thai customs and traditions as well as folk
play. They are on sale at Wat Tha Suthawat and at the Chitrlada
shops.
Ban Bang Phae
This is a village which specialises in drum making. It is
located at Tambon Ekkarat behind Pa Mok Market near the
Chao Phraya River. The traditional drums, made of cow hide
and softwood with exquisite craftsmanship, were originally
used in performances. Smaller sizes are also available for
tourists, who like to buy them as souvenirs.
Ban Bang Chao Cho
This village is located in Amphoe Pho Thong, 14 kms. from
the town. The villagers have retained the art of traditional
basketry and make old patterns as well as create modern
designs. The bamboo baskets are made in various shapes and
sizes, and can be used in many ways. Along the Ayutthaya-Pa
Mok route, there is a cottage industry of Thai-Style house
prefabricated parts. The exquisite workmanship has been
handed down from generation to generation. |