Ang Thong, Thailand – Thailand’s Golden Bowl
Thai town of 200 Temples and the Region of Giant Buddhas
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in Ang Thong is IKKYU2 Angthong.
How to Get There: Fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport), then take a bus to Ang Thong from Mo Chit Terminal, then hop a tuk-tuk or taxi to Wat Muang.
Best tours: Where Sidewalks End
Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!
Experience
What is Wat Muang?
Dating back to the late Ayutthaya era, Wat Muang is an age-old temple that has withstood the test of time. Situated in the city of Ang Thong, renowned for its rich religious heritage, artistry, and sculptural craftsmanship, the temple has witnessed the ebb and flow of history. Following the devastating destruction of Ang Thong during the second fall of Ayutthaya, the city was painstakingly reconstructed, including the revival of Wat Muang to its former glory.
What is the famous Buddha in Thailand?
The magnificent Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin at Wat Muang stands as one of the most majestic statues globally, earning its rightful title as the ‘Great Buddha of Thailand.’ Located approximately 140 km north of Bangkok, in Ang Thong Province, this colossal golden statue took a remarkable 18 years to construct, finally reaching completion in 2008.
My Visit to Ang Thong
After finding out I would be spending 2 months teaching English in Ang Thong, I was super excited. Googling the name showed me pictures of a tropical paradise with turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and I later found out The Beach was shot there.
When the car that would take me to my school started heading north out of Bangkok, I started to worry. Then the penny dropped. Thailand has two Ang Thongs. I was heartbroken that my beach dream was over so suddenly.
However, I spent the next two months getting to know and appreciating one of Thailand’s lesser-visited regions and found myself wondering why more people don’t come here.
Ang Thong means golden bowl in Thai, and it really suits the landscape. Golden, flat, paddy fields are dotted with giant golden Buddhas and Monks, springing up from the morning mists. In the evening, mesmerising and vivid palettes are used in Chao Phraya river sunsets.
The city itself is home to over 200 temples, ranging from tiny buildings no bigger than shrines to giant Buddhas that guard the endless plains.
For me though, the best thing about Ang Thong is not the landscapes, and not the religious monuments, but the people. They’re open, friendly, kind, and happy to meet and help foreigners.
My experience was living with a family, and they became a 2nd family and we are still in touch today in very broken Thai and English. I found that I experienced with all of the locals I came into contact with in Ang Thong, and it’s a place I’ll never forget.
SEE – Photos & Videos
GO – Getting There
The easiest way to get to Ang Thong from Bangkok is taking a 2-hour minibus ride from Bangkok. These leave regularly from Victory Monument and cost around 200 baht per person. They can sometimes get crowded. If you’re in the front seat and a monk gets on, you’ll be expected to give up your seat out of respect.
Ang Thong doesn’t have a train station, but you can travel to nearby Ayutthaya or Lopburi and travel from there.
Do – Activities & Attractions
Gaze in awe at Thailand’s biggest Buddha, at Wat Muang.
Before getting to the largest image of a sitting Buddha in the country, you have to make your way through Wat Muang’s terrifying hell garden. The statues representing Buddhist hell include people being cooked alive in pots, humans with the heads of a number of different creatures, and important scenes from Thai history. This is impressive but pales in comparison next to the 95m golden Buddha which sits majestically atop a pedestal, keeping watch over the countryside.
Luang por Thuad statue
Much like the Buddha at Wat Muang, this golden statue of a monk can be seen for miles around. It’s a great destination for a day out as the statue is set in front of a lake full of catfish. As well as the lake, there are a lot of shops here where you can buy everything from traditional Thai snacks and sweets to the classic, unisex, backpacker elephant-print pants. There’s even a restaurant on site which serves local favourites such as Pad Thai, Papaya Salad, and tasty dessert Sticky Rice and Mango.
Phra Tamnak Kham Yat Royal residence
This former royal palace dedicated to King Borromkarot stands in ruins in the Kham Yat district of Pho Thong. Built in the 18th century, it was his official residence for visiting the reclining Buddha at Wat Khun In Phramun. Now, only the original bricks and mortar of the building remain but it offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture of the area.
Cycle along the Chao Phraya river
Head out towards Tambon Talat Kruat (tambon is a small village in Thailand) and there’s a lovely single-track road which passes through small villages and local temples. It’s best to travel during the day to see water monitors (large lizards that resemble Komodo dragons). It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset, but beware that it can be dangerous to cycle here at night.
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Stay – Accommodation
There aren’t a huge number of hotels in Ang Thong, and many of them are in the province rather than the city itself. If you want to be in the city, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re here to book and have a look around. You could also stay in nearby Ayutthaya (33km away), where there’s a lot more choice when it comes to hotels. Here are some of the best we’ve found in Ang Thong province.
IKKYU2 Angthong
IKKYU2 Angthong offers a clean and comfortable stay in the heart of Angthong. The hotel provides free private parking and room service for added convenience. Staff speak English, Japanese, and Thai, ensuring smooth communication and a welcoming experience for all guests. Known for its high standards of cleanliness, the hotel is a favorite among travelers seeking a peaceful and reliable place to stay. Located near Ayutthaya Historical Park and several well-known temples, IKKYU2 Angthong is a great base for exploring the cultural highlights of the region.
Check Rates and Availability here!
BanYat Farm Stay
BanYat Farm Stay offers a peaceful retreat in Tambon Ban Khae, surrounded by a quiet garden and a welcoming sun terrace. Guests appreciate the relaxed setting and the simplicity that makes it easy to unwind. The property is well suited for travelers looking to explore the area’s rich history, with Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat, and other notable sites all within a short drive. With a calm atmosphere and convenient location, BanYat Farm Stay provides a comfortable base for experiencing the charm of the countryside.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Smile Resort
Smile Resort in Ban Phai Cham Sin offers a quiet and comfortable stay with a welcoming garden setting. Guests appreciate the clean rooms and thoughtful touches that make for a relaxing visit. Located within reach of Ayutthaya Historical Park and other cultural landmarks, it is a convenient base for exploring the region. Known for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere, Smile Resort is a reliable choice for a short or extended stay.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Blue House
Blue House in Angthong offers a peaceful stay with a garden setting and a calm atmosphere. The property provides a relaxing environment supported by attentive service and daily upkeep. Located within easy reach of Ayutthaya Historical Park and other nearby landmarks, Blue House is well suited for those looking to explore the area while enjoying a restful retreat. Its quiet surroundings and thoughtful layout make it a popular choice among travelers seeking comfort and simplicity.
Check Rates and Availability here!
Eat – Restaurants
Thai food is delicious, and I was lucky enough to live with a chef. As Ang Thong is close to Bangkok, the food is quite similar to what you get in the capital. Some of the best foods include pad-see-ew (thick noodles with chicken, vegetables, and sauce), red curries (green and yellow curries are rare here), and tiny coconut and spring onion balls are a popular dessert. For restaurants, try Pinto for scrumptious traditional Thai food, but you can’t go far wrong with street food and market fare. It’s super cheap, filling, and tasty.
Time – Seasonality & Schedules
According to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), it’s best to visit Ang Thong between November and April. The temperature and humidity vary little throughout the year. January, July, and August are the most popular months and this is when hotels may cost a little more.
Safety – Possible risks
You are unlikely to face the same safety risks that travellers to Bangkok and the more tourist-orientated parts of Thailand do. Transport is probably the biggest safety risk – when I was in Thailand it had the 2nd most dangerous roads in the world. Only rent a car if you’re confident and have experience of driving abroad. Due to the low-lying land, there is also a risk of floods during the rainy season.
Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.
Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.
Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).
Pay – How much does it cost?
Again, because there’s little tourism here, Ang Thong is a very cheap destination. You may notice that all of the hotel options in this article are very affordable – there are very few luxury and boutique options here. Transport from Bangkok is what will set you back the most – and that’s the equivalent of about £5. Market street food can be picked up for pennies, and eating in a restaurant won’t be much more.
Responsible Travel – Best Practices
Here, it’s not customary to greet people by shaking hands or kissing. Instead, make a small bow and prayer gesture with your hands. You should also do this when saying thank you.
Reality Check – Be Aware
Ang Thong is undeniably beautiful, but because it’s not on a lot of tourist itineraries it can be very difficult to get by here if you don’t speak Thai. It’s a good idea to learn a few Thai words before you come here. That said, the locals are always willing to help out and you can get by with gestures. I carry a book called Just Point with me, which is great if you’re in a country where the language is so different to your own.
JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages
This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!
Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.
Ang Thong Travel Resources
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- Best Flight Deals: Trip.com – Trip is my favorite flight search engine. It is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Its innovative search finds the best option for specific travel dates by comparing airfares offered by all major airlines and agencies. The aggregator displays final prices, without any hidden fees. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Best Hotel Deals: Booking.com – Booking is the best all-around hotel booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates because it compares all the other major hotel booking sites. They have the widest selection of comfortable accommodations. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Best Tour Deals: Where Sidewalks End (of course) – WSE Travel is a boutique tour operator with specially curated tours, events, and workshops. We have many tour options available in cities in Thailand and worldwide, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, art workshops, and more!
- Best Car Rental Deals: Discover Cars – If you want to have the freedom of mobility, renting a car is an incredible option – but finding the best deal can be a nightmare! Discover Cars scans all the major car rental sites and includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
- Best Travel Insurance Deals: SafetyWing – SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to all your travel needs. They have cheap plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. They even have subscriptions if you are planning long-term, without having to re-apply for each segment of your trip.
- Best E-Sim Provider: Airalo – Airalo is one of the most versatile e-sim providers I’ve ever found, offering e-sim in almost every country on earth! No need to take your home phone provider’s sim card out and risk losing it on your trip! As long as your phone has e-sim capabilities, Airalo has you covered at really good rates too, meaning you can be connected at all times on your trip!
- Best 100% Pick-pocket Proof Clothing Deals: Clever Companion – They make clothing specifically for travel, with hidden pockets to hide your valuables. From hoodies to briefs, they cover all your clothing needs – each with hidden pockets to hide your money, wallet, and anything else you want to keep safe!
- Best Eco-Safe Travel Products: TreeTribe – This company is just awesome! From water bottles to yoga pants, wallets to bikinis, and everything in between – all their products are great quality, and eco-friendly AND they plant a tree for every purchase!
- Best Outdoor Travel Product: LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Have you ever been to a city that had a really unique historical or cultural feature? Where was it and what made it so unique?
For more unique temple experiences, make a pilgrimage to the Elephant Temple of Wait Ban Rai or the boat shaped Wat Yannawa.
Please feel free to share your stories and thoughts in the comment section below!
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