Ang Thong

Province

Ang Thong ( Thai อ่างทอง of อ่าง "shell" and ทอง "golden" ) is the capital of the district ( Amphoe ) and Mueang Ang Thong Ang Thong province in the central region of Thailand.

Geography

Ang Thong is located on the Chao Phraya River amidst the fertile central plain. Accordingly, the intensive rice cultivation dominates in the vicinity of the city. The city was during the Ayutthaya period on the other bank on the Chao Phraya River and was transferred by order of King Taksin to its present location, because there is more fertile territory. At this time she also received its present name.

Ang Thong is a little more than 100 km north of the capital Bangkok.

Economic importance and

Main product of Ang Thong is the rice. Again, the products of regional arts and crafts are sold, especially small dolls and hand drums of different sizes, which are produced in the surrounding circles. In Amphoe Mueang, which is the provincial capital itself, are produced in co-operatives wickerwork in part, artificial flowers, small pottery and dried bananas.

History

Ang Thong was an important outpost of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, especially during the early Ayutthaya period. Here the capital was defended mainly against the numerous Burmese invasion attempts.

See also: History of Thailand.

Attractions

• Wat Ang Thong Worawihan - Buddhist temple ( wat ) on the banks of the Chao Phraya; originally two separate temples, Wat Pho and Wat Pho Thong Ngoen that the reign of King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V ) were created in the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV ) and rebuilt, so that a larger arose.