Introductions

Sa Kaeo is a province of Thailand.It is located in the east of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from south clockwise) Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram. To the east it borders Banteay Meanchey and Battambang of Cambodia.

Apart from the historical ancient remains worthy for study, Sa Kaew also possesses abundant natural resources such as the Pang Sida National Park and the Ta Phraya National Park, as well as, the natural canyonlike soil sculpture caused by ground subsidence called “Lalu” with unique characteristics.

Sa Kaew is an eastern border province of Thailand, located approximately 245km from Bangkok. In the past, it was once an important and prosperous community with a long history since the Suvarnabhumi and the Dvaravati Kingdoms, which can be noticed from the group of various remains of ancient monuments and architecture, scattered in the provinces, as well as, artefacts telling the history and glory of the past to the descendants.

Natural canyon like soil sculpture called Lalu

Sa Kaew is the 74th province of Thailand and was originally a satellite town of Prachin Buri (called Prachim in the past). In 1933, the system of Thesaphiban or administrative circle was abolished and Prachin Buri was uplifted to a province. Therefore, Sa Kaew became a district in Prachin Buri. It was later separated from the province and officially acclaimed a province on 1st December, 1993.

History

The history of Sa Kaew can be traced back for over 4,000 years, starting from the Neolithic – Metal Age with a discovery of artefacts at Ban Khok Makok, Khao Sip Sub-district, Khao Chakan District. In a later period, other antiques were found such as in Aranyaprathet and Ta Phraya Districts, presenting evidence that Sa Kaew was once an important and prosperous community during the Chenla – Dvaravati Periods with their own civilisation and culture under the kings or rulers who believed in Hinduism, both the Shivaite and Vishnuite sects. It can be observed from the ancient remains and inscriptions in the Pallava script at Prasat Khao Noi, Khao Rang, and Chong Sa Chaeng, etc, especially the Pallava inscription at Prasat Khao Noi, Aranyaprathet District, which has been considered as the oldest piece of evidence discovered in Thailand that states the year of its construction, in approximately the year 637.

Moreover, there were discoveries of evidence reflecting the civilisation during the 10th – 11th century within this area such as various Prasats or sanctuaries made of bricks or stone, ceramic kilns, ancient moats which have left traces until the present time, including 2 inscriptions in Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, estimated to date from the 10th century. This Prasat was constructed to be a religious shrine of the God Shiva as stated in the 1st inscription that in 937, King Jayavarman IV had this inscription placed in this Prasat as an announcement prohibiting servants dedicated to this shrine to serve in other businesses, but only take care and conduct a worshipping ceremony to the Shiva Lingam – a Hindu phallic symbol of creative power – or other sacred images enshrined in this Prasat. On the other hand, the other inscription praised the good deeds of King Udayadityavarman II, who had this ancient sanctuary renovated, as well as, finished an inscription on the civilisation and religion.

Khmer ruins in Sa Kaeo Province

From the aforementioned inscriptions and remains, the system of administration utilised by the Ancient Khmer Empire over the area can be noticed. Therefore, this province can be considered as intellectual heritage which has been passed on and is valuable for further study.

Map

Click to download the sakaeo-tourist map

Click to download the sakaeo-city map

Administrative Divisions

Sa Kaeo is subdivided into 9 districts. The districts are further subdivided into 59 subdistricts (tambon) and 619 villages.

1. Mueang Sa Kaeo
2. Khlong Hat
3. Ta Phraya
4. Wang Nam Yen
5. Watthana Nakhon
6. Aranyaprathet
7. Khao Chakan
8. Khok Sung
9. Wang Sombun

Sa Kaeo-districts map

Geographical Locations

Sa Kaeo has its border facing Cambodia of approximately 165 kilometres. Generally, the area varies from plains to highlands. Highlands and mountains are in the north where Pang Sida National Park is located, while the south is covered with wavy plains and hills. Also, there are evergreen forests along the Chanthaburi mountain range. In the central, there are plains and hills, with Amphoe Watthana Nakhon as the highest area when compared to the other Amphoe Mueang in the west, and Amphoe Aranyaprathet in the east.

The north of the province is covered with the forested mountains of the Dong Phaya Yen range. To the south are foothill plains, which are mostly deforested.

Two national parks are located in the Cardamom Mountains at the border to Cambodia, protecting the rain forests. Pang Sida National Park was established in 1982, Ta Phraya National Park in 1996.

Sa Kaeo Province is bounded in the north by Khon Buri of Nakhon Ratchasima, and Lahan Sai of Buri Ram. In the South Soi Dao of Chanthaburi is located. Eastern part is bordered with Cambodia. The western part is bordered by Kabin Buri, Na Di of Prachin Buri, and Sanam Chai Khet of Chachoengsao.

Communications

By Car
There are 4 routes to Sa Kaew as follows:

1. From Bangkok, take Phahon Yothin Road to Rangsit, keep left and cross the ring bridge to Highway 305, passing Ongkharak District and Nakhon Nayok Province. Enter Highway 33, passing Kabin Buri District to Sa Kaew Province. The total distance is 214km.

2. From Bangkok, take Highway 1 and turn right at Hin Kong Intersection. Go along Highway 33, passing Nakhon Nayok Province, and Kabin Buri District. The total distance is 245km.

3. From Bangkok, take Highway 304, passing Min Buri District and Chachoengsao Province to Phanom Sarakham District. At Km. 35, turn right to Kabin Buri District along Highway 304. At Km. 95, turn right again into Highway 33 to Sa Kaew Province. The total distance is 210km.

4. From Bangkok, take Highway 304, passing Min Buri District to Chachoengsao Province. Then, take the route to Phanom Sarakham District, passing the Khao Hin Son Royal Development Study Centre. At Km. 54, there is a crossroads. Turn right to Sa Kaew Province by taking Highway 359 for 65km. It is a shortcut to Sa Kaew at the present time.

By Bus

The Transport Company Limited provides services of both ordinary and air-conditioned buses, leaving the Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) many times a day. It takes 4 hours to Sa Kaew (3½ hours by taking the Ongkharak route). For further information, contact Tel. 0 2936 2852 – 66 ext: 311, or the Transport Company Limited (Sa Kaew Office) on Thetsaban Soi 9/1 Road, Tel. 0 3724 1282, Air Aran Company Limited at Tel. 0 3742 1210.

From Sa Kaew, there is a bus service to other provinces such as Chanthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Saraburi, Buri Ram, and Nakhon Ratchasima.

By Train

The State Railway of Thailand provides a Bangkok – Sa Kaew – Aranyaphrathet train service 2 times a day. The first one leaves Bangkok at 5.55 a.m. and arrives at Sa Kaew at 10.32 a.m. and to Aranyaprathet at 11.30 a.m. The second one departs Bangkok at 1.05 p.m. to Sa Kaew at 5.25 p.m., and to Aranyaprathet at 6.20 p.m. Additionally, there are 2 trains to Bangkok. The first one departs Aranyaprathet at 6.35 a.m. to Sa Kaew at 7.26 a.m., and to Bangkok at 11.30 a.m., while the second one departs Aranyaprathet at 1.35 p.m. to Sa Kaew at 2.37 p.m., and to Bangkok at 7.30 p.m. The fare is 48 Baht. For further information, please contact Tel. 0 2223 7010, 0 2220 4334, 1690 Sa Kaew Railway Station at Tel. 0 3726 1217.

Places of Interest

Mueang Sa Kaeo(district)

Sa Kaew Sa Khwan

Sa Kaew Sa Khwan are twin ponds located to the west of the centre of the town within the Sa Kaew Sa Khwan Public Park, near the Sa Kaew Municipality Office, Suwannason Road (approximately between Km. 246 – 247) within Soi Thetsaban 2. It is believed that the water in the ponds is holy. According to legend, during the Kingdom of Thon Buri, Phraya Chakkri (Thong Duang) was appointed by King Taksin the Great to lead an army to fight the unrest in Cambodia. When the troops arrived at the place where it is currently Sa Kaew, they stopped at both ponds before the fight at Siem Reap. The troops eventually won the fight and succeeded in managing the unrest in Cambodia. Sa Kaew and Sa Khwan have become a symbol of holiness and auspiciousness, as well as the origin of the province’s name. Moreover, the water in these ponds was once utilised in the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony.

City Pillar Shrine

City Pillar Shrine is on Highway No. 33, 4km on the left from the centre of the town toward Watthana Nakhon District, within the compound of Kanchanaphisek Park, Tha Kasem Sub-district.

City Pillar in Kanchanaphisek Park”(district)

The shrine was constructed following the pattern and standard of the Architecture Division, the Fine Arts Department. It comprises a main prang of 6.6 metres wide and 19.1 metres high surrounded by 4 small prangs at the 4 corners. Within the shrine stands the city pillar made of Chaiyaphruek or cassia wood whose characteristics are in accordance with the ancient tradition. Its circumference at the base is 120 inches, while its height is 229 inches. Moreover, there is a golden plate of the city’s horoscope which was anointed by H.M. the King on 12 September, 1996. The ceremony of uplifting the pillar to be enshrined in the shrine took place on 25 September, 1996. This shrine is evidence of the solidarity of the people and a symbol of the loyalty to King Rama IX, as well as, a centre of spirit and unity of the people of Sa Kaew.

Pang Sida National Park

Pang Sida National Park covers Mueang Sa Kaew District, Watthana Nakhon District, Ta Phraya District of Sa Kaew, and Na Di District of Prachin Buri, being a total area of 844 square kilometres or 527,500 rai.

Pang Sida National Park map(district)

It was acclaimed a national park on 22 February, 1982. Its northern territory and some parts of its western side are the continuation of the forest line from the Thap Lan National Park.

Pang Sida National Park

It comprises steep undulating mountain ranges, moist evergreen forest, hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, savanna, etc. It is an abundant forest where rare fauna and more than 300 species of birds are found such as gaurs, elephants, common barking deer, deer, wild boars, hornbills, peacocks, hill mynas, as well as, plenty of butterflies, especially in April and August.

Pang Sida Waterfall(district)

It is also a remaining source of freshwater crocodiles and origin of many rivers and streams such as Huai Samong, Huai Nam Yen, Huai Phra Prong, Huai Phlapphlueng, Huai Yang, Huai Loeng Phai, etc. before flowing into the Bang Prakong River or the Prachin Buri River, an important river of the East. Within the national park, there are many interesting attractions as follows:

Namtok Pang Sida is approximately 800 metres from the Office of the National Park. It is a 3–tier waterfall with a height of 10 metres. The water drops to the lower large water basin and stone terrace surrounded by shady atmosphere. It is suitable for swimming and there is a lot of water during the rainy season.

Namtok Pha Takhian is approximately 3km from the Office of the National Park and 2km from Namtok Pang Sida. The waterfall is accessible by walking through two paths. Direction signs are located at every 300 metres along the routes which are shady with abundant trees. It is the last cataract that shares a similar stream with Namtok Pang Sida. The water is dropping from a 10-metre cliff. It is suitable for trekking and nature studying.

Thungya Pong Krathing was originally an old village which has become an abandoned grass field after the people migrated out from this area. It is similar to the grass field at Mo Singto in the Khao Yai National Park. There are many kinds of wildlife searching for food in this area. The park has settled an artificial salt lick and an animal observatory tower. From the road in the national park, there is a crossroads at Km. 3.5 and Km. 6. Continue by walking further for 2km. Along the Pong Krathing nature study route, there is a natural salt lick where wild animals can be easily found.

Namtok Tham Khangkhao waterfall is located at 22 km from the Office of the National Park, walk further for 10km. Near the waterfall, there are many bats – Khangkhao – in the cave. It is a beautiful waterfall located in the middle of a deep forest, which takes 3 days and 2 nights for a round trip. A request for a ranger can be done at the Office of the National Park.

Namtok Thap Sung is a new waterfall of the National Park. Along the way, there is a nature study route, where there are various kinds of plants. It is 1.5km by walking from Km. 22.

The Viewpoint Spot is a wide valley, located between Km. 25 and Km. 35. The surrounding scenery, picturesque sunrises and sunsets can be admired from this spot. It is accessible by driving from the Office of the National Park.

A Group of waterfalls known as Khwae Makha Waterfalls can be found at about 40 km, and then walk further for 6km. The Khwae Makha Waterfall drops from a 70-metre high cliff. Trekking and camping can be done. Nearby, there are Namtok Rak Sai Yoi 500 metres from Namtok Khwae Makha, Namtok Lan Hin Yai , 1.5km away, Namtok Suan Man – Suan Thong , 3km, and Namtok Man Thara , 4km from Namtok Khwae Makha. It takes 2 – 3 days to travel to these waterfalls because they are located deep in the forest.

Phukhao Chedi is an accumulation of rocks with cracks similar to those at Phu Hin Rong Kla. It is 4 metres high, while its circumference is 25 metres. It is located at the National Park’s Po Do 1 (Kaeng Yai Mak) Ranger Station, 50km from the Office of the National Park.

Freshwater Crocodiles can be found at Kaeng Yai Mak which is approximately 5km from the Office of the National Park. Turn into Ban Khlong Phak Khom – Thung Pho for 50km. It is a place where freshwater crocodiles have been discovered since 1981 to have remained in the Huai Nam Yen Forest, where there is an observatory tower provided near the National Park’s Po Do 1 (Kaeng Yai Mak) Ranger Station.

Accommodation: The Park provides 3 bungalows, costing 900 – 1,000 Baht / 6 persons / night, and a camping area. The tent rental fee is 150 – 300 Baht, while the camping area costs 30 Baht / night for an adult, and 10 Baht / night for a child. For further information, contact the Pang Sida National Park, P.O. Box 55, Tha Yaek Sub-district, Mueang District, Sa Kaew Province 27000 at Tel. 0 3724 6100, 0 3724 3775, or the National Park Office, the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bang Khen District, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 724 – 725, 0 2579 5734, 0 2579 7223.

To get there:

By car: From Mueang Sa Kaew, take Highway No. 3462 to the north for 27km. The park will be on the right side.

By bus: A Song Thaeo, routing Sa Kaew – Ban Khlong Nam Khiao is provided from the bus terminal from 9.00 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. The total distance is 27km to the Office of the National Park. The fare is 25 Baht a person, or the Song Thaeo rental fee is 300 Baht.

By train: The Bangkok – Aranyaprathet Train runs to Sa Kaew Railway Station. Then, continue by taking a Sa Kaew – Ban Khlong Nam Khiao bus for approximately 27km to the Office of the National Park.

Tha Krabak Reservoir

Tha Krabak Reservoir is situated at Mu 10, Tha Yaek Sub-district, 37km from Mueang Sa Kaew. It is a large reservoir under the Royal Initiative of H.M. the King to improve the irrigation system on the plain in the valley. It is an earthfill dam with a height of 17.5 metres and a length of 720 metres. The surrounding area is a tall forest, where various kinds of plants both perennial and decorative ones are grown. It is an attraction with beautiful scenery, suitable for relaxation and admiring nature. For further information, contact Tel. 0 6133 2668 or Sa Kaew Irrigation Project, Tel. 0 3726 1667.

Namtok Tha Krabak

Namtok Tha Krabak is 1km beyond the Tha Krabak Reservoir. The entrance to the waterfall is not yet conveniently accessible. The waterfall comprises 3 tiers. Each tier is 400 – 500 metres apart from one another. Below each tier lies a water basin which is suitable for swimming.

Amphoe Khao Chakan(district)

Khao Chakan is located at Khao Chakan Sub-district, next to Wat Tham Khao Chakan, 17km from Mueang Sa Kaew District along Highway No. 317 (Sa Kaew – Chanthaburi) between Km. 131-132, on the left turn. It is a limestone mountain whose ridge is 90 degrees against the north and the south. Its summit is 240 metres above sea level. It comprises 3 mountains lining up. Khao Chakan is the largest and stands in the middle between Phukhao Ming on the left and Khao Falami on the right. The three mountains are established as the Khao Chakan Arboretum under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora. The Arboretum is a residence of wild monkeys, as well as, millions of bats flying in a long line in the evening. At the foot of the hill stands a temple called Wat Tham Khao Chakan.

Wat Tham Khao Chakan

Wat Tham Khao Chakan covers an area of 28 rai, 2 ngan, 8 square wa. It is a temple of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. It comprises an ordination hall, a reinforced concrete building constructed in 1990, a monk residence which is half concrete, half wood, and steps to the mountain summit, where there is a viewpoint to admire panoramic scenery. There are 72 small caves within the compound of Khao Chakan. The popular ones are Tham Muet, Tham Hanuman, Tham Khao Thalu, Tham Mahahing, Tham Namthip and Tham Kaew Phlai Chumphon. The spot of interest is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint at Tham Khao Thalu.

Wat Tham Khao Chakan

Wat Tham Khao Chakan covers an area of 28 rai, 2 ngan, 8 square wa. It is a temple of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. It comprises an ordination hall, a reinforced concrete building constructed in 1990, a monk residence which is half concrete, half wood, and steps to the mountain summit, where there is a viewpoint to admire panoramic scenery. There are 72 small caves within the compound of Khao Chakan. The popular ones are Tham Muet, Tham Hanuman, Tham Khao Thalu, Tham Mahahing, Tham Namthip and Tham Kaew Phlai Chumphon. The spot of interest is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint at Tham Khao Thalu.

Khao Sam Sip Reservoir

Khao Sam Sip Reservoir is at Khao Sam Sip Sub-district. From Mueang Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317 until reaching Km. 137 – 138, turn left for approximately 10km or around 2km beyond Wat Khao Sam Sip. It is under the supervision of the Khao Chakan Development Project (Ban Khao Sam Sip) under the Royal Initiative. Its office is located next to the Khao Sam Sip Reservoir near the foot of the mountain. Many activities are organised such as star watching, bird watching, trekking to study nature along the 3 routes led by officials and local people. These activities can be called “Star-watching at Night and Bird-watching in the Morning”. Accommodation and a camping area are provided. Contact the Head of the Project at Tel. 08 1983 5987 or the Khao Chakan Development Project (Ban Khao Sam Sip) under the Royal Initiative, P.O. Box 20, Mueang Sa Kaew District, Sa Kaew Province 27000.

Khao Chakan Arboretum

Khao Chakan Arboretum is situated at Khao Chakan Sub-district, within the compound of Wat Khao Chakan, 17km from Mueang Sa Kaew District along Highway 317 (Sa Kaew-Chanthaburi), between Km. 131 – 132, slightly on the left turn. It is a limestone mountain whose ridge is 90 degrees against the north and the south. Its summit is 240 metres above sea level. It comprises 3 mountains lining up. Khao Chakan is the largest and stands in the middle between Phukhao Ming on the left and Khao Falami on the right. The three mountains are established as Khao Chakan Arboretum under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora. The arboretum is a residence of wild monkeys, as well as, millions of bats flying in long lines in the evening. At the foot of the hill stands a temple called Wat Tham Khao Chakan. There are steps rising up to the top of the mountain. There are 72 small caves within the compound of Khao Chakan. The popular ones are Tham Muet, Tham Hanuman, Tham Khao Thalu, Tham Mahahing, Tham Namthip and Tham Kaew Phlai Chumphon. The spots of interest are the replica of the Buddha’s footprint at Tham Khao Thalu and the viewpoint spot from which the panoramic scenery can be admired.

Wang Namyen(district)

Bamboo Ceramic Basketry Village

Bamboo Ceramic Basketry Village is located at Mu 3, Thung Maha Charoen Sub-district. The housewives of this village come together and form a group in the form of a cooperative known as Chai Phatthana Women Cooperative which produces and demonstrates the production of ceramic wrapped with bamboo basketry, called the bamboo ceramics, famous for their delicacy and beauty. It is open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The head of the group is Mrs. Mut Suesat. For further information, contact Tel. 08 9936 9715.

To get there: From Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317 to the milestones of Km. 120 – 121, turn right into Ta Lang Nai – Khlong Ta Sun Road for 19km or take Highway 317, until reaching Km. 128 – 129, turn right into Highway 3434. A police booth will be on the right. Go further for 11 – 12km to the Khlong Yai intersection, turn right for 8km into Ban Chai Phatthana Soi 4.

Namtok Khao Takrup

Namtok Khao Takrup is situated in Maha Charoen Sub-district. From Mueang Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317, shops offering Wang Nam Yen’s wooden furniture will be on the right hand side. Pass the shops for 20 metres, the So Ko 3019 Road will be on the right. Go further for 28km to the parking lot. Continue for a 2-kilometre walk. The total distance is 30km. It is another beautiful waterfall. Along both sides, a variety of plants and birds will be found. It is suitable for adventure and conservation tourism. The waterfall is 50 metres high. Most tourists are locals. For further information, contact the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tel. 0 3850 2001, and Thung Maha Charoen Sub-district Administration Organisation.

Wang Namyen Hospital

Wang Namyen Hospital is a model hospital, which conducts herbal treatment and healthcare. Take Highway 317 until reaching Km. 108. There are hot compressed massage and herbal steam services provided, as well as, an offer of herbal medicine and products from nature such as shampoo, balm, oil, and herbal tea. It is open Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. (during office hours) and 4.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. (out of office hours). For further information, please contact the Traditional Thai Medicine Section, Tel. 0 3725 1108 – 9.

Wang Sombun(district)

Wangnamyen Dairy Cooperative Limited

Wangnamyen Dairy Cooperative Limited is located at 669 Mu 1, Chanthaburi – Sa Kaew Road (Highway No. 317), Wang Mai Sub-district, at the Khlong Hat Intersection. It is the second biggest dairy production venue of the country, established in 1987. At present, there are more than 1,000 members and more than 30,000 milk cows with a production capacity of 70 tones of raw milk a day. Its management system is so effective that the cooperative was chosen the national best cooperative of the year 1997. Its production process is conducted with quality, similar to the raw materials used. The milk, therefore, possesses a good taste and smell. Pasteurized products are delivered to schools, while the UHT ones are offered in front of the cooperative. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. For more information or contact Tel. 0 3725 1862-3, 0 3751 7111-3 or Fax. 0 3751 7136.

To get there: There is a van from Victory Monument to the cooperative, costing 160 Baht/ person. It departs every 45 minutes. The departing spot is under the expressway on Phahon Yothin Road.

Namtok Khao Sip Ha Chan

Namtok Khao Sip Ha Chan is located at Ban Wang Phai, Wang Thong Sub-district. It is a very beautiful waterfall due to the large amount of water flowing throughout the year. The surrounding area is abundant with forest and a variety of birds, suitable for ecotourism. For further information, contact Tel. 0 9938 4218, 0 9832 5820, 0 7129 0225.

Khlong Hat

Queen Sirikit Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Water Park

Queen Sirikit Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Water Park is located at Mu 6, Khlong Hat Sub-district, behind Khlong Hat District Office. It is a big irrigation reservoir, covering an area of 250 rai, with beautiful scenery of mountains and streams, as well as, comfortable atmosphere, suitable for relaxation. There are restaurants provided. For further information, contact the Khlong Hat District Administration Organisation at Tel. 0 3744 5108, 08 9936 3880.

Tham Nam

Tham Nam is situated within the compound of Ban Khao Chan Daeng, between the Ta Ngok and Kok Mamuang mountain ranges, 16km from Khlong Hat District Office. It is a cave with a running stream throughout the year. The cave is 500 metres deep, while the level of water inside is 10 – 220 centimetres deep. Inside the cave are beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Some of them are spreading, similar to a curtain. Moreover, there is a small waterfall inside the cave. It is suitable for adventure lovers who can swim. Equipments that should be prepared are non-absorbent outfit, a waterproof torch, a lamp, a lighter, a rubber raft, and a life buoy or life jacket. Please contact for a local guide at the Khlong Kai Thuean Sub-district Administration Organisation in advance at Tel. 0 3724 6089, 08 9887 3762, 08 1069 5404.

To get there: Go from Wang Nam Yen District for 47km and turn left at the crossroads to Khlong Hat District for 13km. At the Khlong Hat District Office, proceed to the direction of Ban Khao Chan Daeng for 16.7km and turn left into Khao Ta Ngok for 18km to the entrance of the cave.

Watthana Nakhon(district)

Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Breeding Station

Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Breeding Station is in Nong Mak Fai Sub-district, covering a total area of 430 rai. This station is an office under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, established in 1983 under the Royal Initiative of H.M the Queen, to be a breeding station for rare and endangered animals. It is also a research station on the wildlife, providing knowledge and understanding on wild animals. The station is divided into breeding sections proportionate with the categories of the animals. The animals are bred in the environment that is as similar to their natural habitat as possible. Some are let free to search for their own food, while some live in the zoo. There are various kinds of animals such as foxes, brow-antlered deer, sambars, bantengs, and binturongs. Besides, birds found within the station are peacocks, Oriental pied hornbills, great pied hornbills, wreathed hornbills, wrinkled hornbills, homrais, hill mynas, blue magpies, and the most important are white-winged wood ducks, a symbol of the province. The compound of the station is clean and shady. It is suitable for a family trip to study rare wildlife. For further information, contact Tel. 08 1351 8823.

To get there: Take the similar route to the Pang Sida National Park, passing Tha Krabak Reservoir for 500 metres, turn left and go further for 4km.

Phra Prong Dam

Phra Prong Dam is the largest irrigation dam in Sa Kaew, located at Mu 3, Ban Rabo Hukwang and Mu 6, Ban Huai Chan, Chong Kum Sub-district. Most of the area is forest within the compound of the Pang Sida National Park, which has become flooded, making its scenery beautiful. It is also a habitat of various kinds of birds, abundant with freshwater fish, and suitable for a trip to admire nature. Interesting activities organised are cruising and admiring the surroundings around the dam, trekking and studying nature, as well as, bird watching. For further information, contact Tel. 0 3726 1667 or 0 3724 2667.

To get there: Take Highway 33 and then Highway 3198 for 35km.

King Naresuan the Great’s Statue

King Naresuan the Great’s Statue is situated within the Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, along Highway 33, opposite the Watthana Nakhon District Office. This statue was erected because in the past, Watthana Nakhon District was once an area where King Naresuan the Great resided during the battles in the East in 1593. The statue is in a standing posture with a height of 280 metres, raising the sword above his head, demonstrating his power of governance and protection for his people.

Luangpho Thong

Luangpho Thong or Phrakhru Rattana Sarathikhun is a monk of Wat Sa Kaew, Mueang District, Sa Kaew. He possesses knowledge in academic and traditional medicine. The monk uses his medical skills to treat and cure sick people, as well as, is a developer. Therefore, he has been widely respected among the people of Sa Kaew and nearby provinces who come to pay respect and ask for their prosperous lives.

Wat Nakhon Tham

Wat Nakhon Tham is located near Watthana Nakhon Sub-district Municipality and Watthana Nakhon District Police Station, approximately 1km from the railway station and Suwannason Road. Its construction period is not yet known. It was originally called “Wat Sa Lop” and later changed into Wat Nakhon Tham after the auspicious name of Phrakhru Wiwat Nakhon Tham.

Wat Nakhon Tham

Within the compound of the temple are interesting attractions, Luangpho Khao, an ancient Buddha image aged around 100 years in a cross-legged posture, and cast of lime (white soil from Nong Din Chi). The image is 130.9 centimetres wide at its lap and 199 centimetres high. It is well-known due to its holiness. Luangpho Khao was taken from an abandoned temple at Ban Chik in 1925. During the ceremony, there was a miracle. Monks in the event clearly saw the tears of Luangpho Khao dropping from the image’s eyes. Moreover, there was a heavy rain during that time. Furthermore, the Luangpho Khao’s hall also houses the Buddha’s Relics, brought from Wat Pamadunla Racha Maha Wihan, in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, a replica of the Buddha’s Footprint and the image of Phra Siam Devadhiraj.

The hall is open from 6.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. For further information, contact Wat Nakhon Tham at Tel. 08 9824 3065.

To get there:

By bus: Take the Bangkok – Aranyaprathet bus to Watthana Nakhon District and continue with a Tuk Tuk for 900 metres into the temple.

By train: Take the Bangkok – Aranyaprathet train to Watthana Nakhon Station and continue with a Tuk Tuk for 800 metres.

Prasat Ban Noi

Prasat Ban Noi is located at Mu 4, Phakkha Sub-district. It is a Prasat with 2 walls. The Outer Wall is an earth mound of 67 metres wide and 80 metres long. Outside the mound, it seems to have once had a surrounding moat that is at present shallow. On the other hand, the Inner Wall was constructed of laterite with a height of 2.2 metres. The sanctuary faces East with one entrance at this side, of which the gateway pavilion is 10.8 metres wide and 19.7 metres long. It is divided into 3 rooms inside: one each in the north and south, while the other is at the centre.

Pond at Prasat Ban Noi

Outside the boundary wall lays a pond in the northeast, with a width of 15.5 metres and a length of 20.5 metres. The edge of the pond was lined with laterite and constructed into staircase steps on its 4 sides. There is water remaining inside the pond.

Ruins of Prasat Ban Noi

Inside the boundary wall in the southeastern corner stands a construction made of laterite with a width of 4.5 metres and a length of 9 metres. It is a Bannalai – a library. However, the entrance gate and the western wall of the building were all ruined. At the centre inside the boundary wall is a Prang whose base was made of laterite with a height of 1 metre. On top is a brick construction, with only northern and southern walls remaining. The middle of the Prang was excavated illegally into a large hole. At the back outside the boundary wall is a pile of bricks, while at the front of the Prang is a piece of the moonstone doorstep made of laterite. It is possibly the doorstep of the entrance to the Prang.

Moreover, at the 500 metres northwest of the Prasat Ban Noi Ancient Monument, there is a mound of an ancient monument, where there are various holes illegally excavated and scattered rectangular laterite blocks.

To get there: take Highway No. 33 (Watthana Nakhon – Aranyaprathet) from Watthana Nakhon District for 10km. At the 800 metres prior to the Phakkha Sub-district Administration Organisation, there is a direction sign on the left. Proceed for 2km along the narrow laterite road.

For further information, please contact the Phakkha Sub-district Administration Organisation at Tel. 0 3723 2289 or the Office of Archaeology and Museum 4, Prachin Buri, at Tel. 0 3721 2610.