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Discovering Ang Thong: Your Essential Guide to the Perfect Vacation in the Land of Buddhas 

| Last Updated: August 2024

Honestly, I do party a lot (who doesn’t, right?), but when I need to clear my mind, a spiritual break does wonders for me. What’s funny is when I need this pause from all the partying, I somehow always find myself in Ang Thong—and this place has yet to fail me.

There, I can take my time and meditate in the tranquil atmosphere hundreds of its temples provide. Plus, all the devotion of the Thai people to their faith and culture rubs on you, egging me to push forward with greater purpose.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to visit hundreds of places to enjoy your Ang Thong trip. In this guide, I’ll point you to the best places to see and things to do for a fulfilling and unforgettable experience in the Land of Giant Buddhas. Read on!

Best Time to Visit Ang Thong

Ang Thong is best to visit from November to February to enjoy cool temperatures and bright sunny weather. This is the optimal weather conditions for strolling around and temple-hopping.

Also, you can enjoy outdoor activities all day since you don’t have to worry about midday heat thanks to the cooler daily temperatures.

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Ang Thong, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Don Mueang International Airport (103 km)

How to Get to Ang Thong

Bus: The best way to get to Ang Thong from Bangkok is to ride a minivan at the Mochit Bus Terminal. This will take you directly to Ang Thong’s town center in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Taxi: Another way to get to Ang Thong from Bangkok is to hire a taxi. This option is expensive and only slightly faster than the previous one, so it’s not ideal unless you miss the bus.

Rental Car: You can also self-drive your rental car from Bangkok to Ang Thong. Start by driving north on Sirat Expressway, turning right to Highway 9, and turning left to Highway 347.

Continue northward but turn left to Highway 309 in Ban Mai and keep going until you reach Ang Thong District. Please note that you can only rent and drive cars in Thailand if you present a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit.

Where to Stay in Ang Thong

Smile Resort

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Address: 43 Moo 8, Phai Cham Sin, Wiset Chai Chan Phai Cham Sin

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 94 893 6993

Website: https://m.facebook.com/SmileResortWisetchaichan/

Pricing: ฿

If you want an affordable and spacious room with all the basic modern amenities, the Smile Resort in Ang Thong is an excellent choice. Their unpretentious rooms include en-suite bathrooms, mini-refrigerators, air conditioning units, flat-screen TVs, and more.

This property is also in a quiet neighborhood, so expect a peaceful and relaxing stay. We also like that they provide various bed options, from single to double, and double-decker beds, perfect for vacationing families and friends.

They also provide extra futon beds in case you like to share the room with more than two people.

Rueanrubkwan

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Address: 99 Moo 9, Na Khok, Wiset Chai Chan District

Operating Hours: 1:30 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 61 997 8987

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Rueanrubkwan99/

Pricing: ฿฿

Rueanrubkwan is a classy hotel and restaurant known for its charming traditional Thai-style interiors. They’re also adorned with elegant decorative pieces, from chandeliers to porcelain figurines, vintage dark wood cabinets, and more.

This hotel is also tucked away in a tree-lined neighborhood far from the town center, perfect if you’re looking for a private and peaceful hideaway in Ang Thong. It’s also great for families because they allow 12-year-olds and below to stay for free.

There are extra facilities to enjoy here as well, from karaoke facilities to a watersports center, a fishing lake, etc. There’s also a lush garden for guests who like to stroll around and observe different floras.

Suphorn Grand Hotel Ang Thong

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Address: 42 Moo 11, Ban It Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 551 2828

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Suphorn-Grand-Hotel-61551659012786/

Pricing: ฿฿

Suphorn Grand Hotel Ang Thong is a stylish hotel offering minimalist rooms with gorgeous dark wood and marble motifs. They also have blackout curtains for extra privacy and scenic balconies overlooking their beautiful courtyard.

Their rooms offer enough space for chairs and tables and a sizable en-suite bathroom with stylish vanities. This includes a dressing table, wardrobe, and large sink with a mirror.

This hotel also has a landscaped garden with an artificial lake, a wooden arch bridge, and numerous flowerbeds, so there are plenty of opportunities to take cutesy photos.

Where to Eat in Ang Thong

Rueanrubkwan

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Address: 99 Moo 9, Na Khok, Wiset Chai Chan District

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)

Contact Number: +66 61 997 8987

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Rueanrubkwan99/

Pricing: ฿฿

Rueanrubkwan is one of the best food spots in Ang Thong because it ticks 3 essential boxes: chic interiors, reasonable pricing, and authentic Thai food. The foodies on our team particularly adore their great selection of seafood dishes.

Our favorite is their grilled giant river prawns. The prawn meat is well-cooked and crispy but the highlight is the head part holding their special seafood sauce which goes perfectly well with steamed rice. 

We also like that they serve everything in traditional porcelain tableware because it adds another layer of sophistication.

Bohk Toh Restaurant

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Address: 57 Moo 3, Ban Hae Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 65 246 2288

Website: https://www.facebook.com/bohktoh.restaurant/

Pricing: ฿฿

Bohk Toh Restaurant is a local favorite. This rustic and traditional-style restaurant specializes in authentic Thai dishes, so it’s great for travelers who want to experience the real flavors of Thailand.

Their menu consists of staple Thai dishes like som tum, tom yum goong, pad Thai, grilled river prawns, and more. But the tom yum soup with kang fish is our top pick because it has a fragrant coconut broth, plenty of fish meat, and a good spicy level.

If you’re not good with highly spicy food, the cooks can also adjust it according to your preference. Their special coconut ice cream is also a must-try, so don’t forget to get it for dessert!

The Lao Café Ang Thong

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Address: 2/15 Moo 1, Hua Taphan Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 64 935 5293

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheLaoCafeAngThong/

Pricing: ฿฿

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy good food, The Lao Café Ang Thong is where you want to go. This cafe’s biggest selling point is its stunning view of the lush rice paddies surrounding it, including the giant Buddha of Wat Muang as the backdrop.

Food-wise, this cafe also offers a great selection of confectioneries, from cakes, breads, and waffles. Their wide array of coffees, teas, Italian sodas, and smoothies is also a plus.

Moreover, this cafe has amazing outdoor photo spots with traditional boats and a wheeled cart on display.

What to See and Do in Ang Thong

Discover Thailand’s largest Buddha in Wat Muang

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Address: 19 Hua Taphan, Wiset Chai Chan District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 35 631 556

Website: http://www.watmuang.com/

Wat Muang is one of the most important temples in Ang Thong, and it’s certainly worth visiting because it also has Thailand’s largest sitting Buddha image. This 92-meter golden statue is called Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin or the Big Buddha of Ang Thong.

It’s in a subduing mara posture so it sits cross-legged with an upside-down left hand over its lap and the other hand resting face down above its right knee. This Buddha is also believed to provide good luck, so devotees touch its finger when praying.

The temple is also known for its gruesome statues of tortured people. These scenes represent hell and serve as a warning to those who don’t lead meritorious lives.

Visit Wat Khun Inthapramun’s reclining Buddha image

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Address: Moo 3, 85 Intha Bramun, Pho Thong District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 86 981 5615

Wat Khun Inthapramun was constructed during the Sukhothai Period, so it’s definitely one of the top ancient temples to visit in Ang Thong. Here, you’ll see ruins of chedis and other temple structures.

But the temple’s main attraction is its 50-meter reclining Buddha image. You’ll also notice that the giant statue is exposed to the elements because it lies on one of the temple’s ruined structures.

The temple also has a unique ubosot with multi-tied roofs and lines of pillars, and inside it is a golden sitting Buddha image and a replica of the Emerald Buddha.

Pay your respects at Wat Pa Mok Worawihan

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Address: 811/B 3051 Pa Mok, Pa Mok District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 98 281 4011

Wat Pa Mok Worawihan is an old temple along the great Chao Phraya River. It’s best known for its 23-meter reclining Buddha image which is believed to be constructed in the 13th or 14th century during the Sukhothai Period.

The legend of this Buddha image is connected to the Chao Phraya River and the locals of Pa Mok, so it’s the most important relic in this district. This temple also houses several seated Buddha images, golden bells, and golden monk statues.

Browse the stalls at the San Chao Rong Thong Market

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Address: 269 ​​Wiset Chai Chan Market 273, San Chao Rong Thong, Wiset Chai Chan District

Operating Hours: 4 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

If you love shopping and foodie adventures, the local stalls at the San Chao Rong Thong Market won’t disappoint. Here, you can choose from a wide selection of traditional Thai snacks, fresh produce, handicrafts, souvenir items, and more.

The sweet-toothed foodies on our team particularly like this market for the numerous local vendors selling Thai desserts and snacks. Think lotus flower cookies, khanom buang, khanom chan, roti, etc.

Most of the stalls also make these snacks fresh, so you can watch how they’re made as well.

Check out the ruins at Phra Tamnak Kham Yat

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Address: Kham Yat, Pho Thong District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Phra Tamnak Kham Yat is one of the most popular historical landmarks in Ang Thong. This place is the ruins of an ancient royal palace which is believed to have been used by King Borommakot of Ayutthaya when he traveled to Ang Thong.

Only the palace’s brick-and-mortar walls are noticeable at first glance but you can still see traces of its architectural designs upon closer inspection. Notice the stucco patterns on its windows and the spot where its front and back porches used to be.

There’s also an ancient bodhi tree beside the ruined palace and two more miniature models of wooden Thai temples after it. 

See the overgrown bodhi tree in Wat Sang Kratai

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Address: Sala Daeng

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067147576297

Wat Sang Kratai is a unique temple with overgrown bodhi tree roots growing on its walls. This tree is sacred because the Buddha reached enlightenment under one in a past life. 

The temple’s shrine is symbolic because its Buddha images sit directly under the overgrown bodhi tree. Wat Sang Kratai is popular among devotees and tourists, so you’ll also find many local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and snacks outside.

Admire the stunning golden pagoda in Wat Tha It

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Address: Bang Phap, Pho Thong District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday – Friday)

Contact Number: +66 3552 5880

If you’re a fan of Buddhist architecture, your trip to Ang Thong won’t be complete without checking out Wat Tha It. This temple is well-known for its stunning golden pagoda which features a pointed and linear design.

Each of the pagoda’s levels also has pointy bespoke windows and arches, which adds a layer of symmetry. This temple also has a gorgeous wihan and ubosot each enshrining a principal Buddha image. 

These are popular among local devotees, so expect to see people praying and paying their respects when you visit.

Stop by Wat Chaiyo Worawihan

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Address: Chaiyo Subdistrict

Operating Hours: 

  • 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sunday – Friday)
  • 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Saturday)

Contact Number: +66 81 295 4433

Website: https://www.facebook.com/watchaiyoworavihan

Wat Chaiyo Worawihan houses one of Ang Thong’s most revered sitting Buddha images, so this temple is definitely a must-visit during your trip. This giant gilded statue is called Phra Maha Phutthaphim and stands 22 meters tall.

It was constructed under the patronage of the famous and revered monk Somdej Phra Phutthachan, so the locals hold this statue with high regard. In fact, sinners are said to have trouble approaching and paying their respects to this Buddha image. 

Tour Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center

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Address: Bang Sadet, Pa Mok District

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 35 661 157

If you’re an art fan, Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center is certainly a must-visit. This handicraft center is one of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s royal projects and it aims to help local artists in Ang Thong showcase their artistry and use it to earn extra income.

Here, you can browse and buy miniature court dolls fashioned after the life and culture of the Thai people. They also make keychains, fridge magnets, fruit figures, miniature house models, and more.

And the best part? The prices are affordable so you can buy plenty, perfect for those who want to take home numerous souvenirs for family and friends.

FAQs about Ang Thong

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