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Amphoe Aranyaprathet

The Replica of Phra Siam Devadhiraj Image (พระสยามเทวาธิราช) is in front of the Aranyaprathet District Police Station. The image is 1.29 metres high. Phra Uthai Thammathari, the abbot of Wat Pa Mafai, had the replica constructed in 1975. Later, the people built a spired shelter to house the image. The laying ceremony of the foundation stone was held on 20 December, 1985. Due to the unrest inside the Cambodian border connecting to Aranyaprathet District for more than 7 years, Phrakhru Uthai Thammathari, therefore, gave the replica to Prachin Buri (at that time). The replica was taken to the frontier for protecting the soldiers, policemen, and people from the fighting. At present, Phra Siam Devadhiraj is a sacred image of the people of Aranyaprathet and those in the nearby provinces.

Wat Anubanphot or Khao Noi (วัดอนุบรรพต หรือ เขาน้อย) is located at 66 Mu 6, Ban Mai Nong Sai Sub-district, approximately 1km on Thanawithi Road from the intersection, connecting Suwannason Road. It was constructed in 1925 or during the reign of King Rama VI. Inside the temple is a beautiful ordination hall, different from others because of its square base with a width of 11.5 metres, and its pointed traditional Thai spired roof decorated in the Thai style of art. Inside the hall houses a brass replica of the Buddha’s footprint which has been widely respected among the people of Aranyaprathet.

The Plant Genetic Preservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (โครงการอนุรักษ์พันธุกรรมพืช อันเนื่อง��าจากพระราชดำริ สมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี) is situated within the compound of the Border Patrol Police Division 12, Aranyaprathet, on Thanawithi Road, Ban Mai Nong Sai Sub-district. It is open as an ecotourism attraction for tourists with a speaker guiding around the place and providing an explanation on various species of plants, herbs, as well as, the 1,500 – 2,000 flying foxes, residing in this area for 10 years. The distance from the town of Aranyaprathet to the division is approximately 4km. For further information, please contact Tel. 0 3723 1096, 0 3723 1869, 0 3723 1012.

Prasat Khao Noi Si Chomphu (ปราสาทเขาน้อยสีชมพู) is located within the compound of Wat Khao Noi (Si Chomphu), Khlong Nam Sai Sub-district, 12km from the Aranyaprathet District to the south. This ancient remain is on the top of Khao Noi, which is a limestone mountain, 130 metres from the ground. There are 254 stair steps up to the Prasat. Otherwise, it can be accessible by car, passing Wat Khao Noi (Si Chomphu) along the 1-kilometre route around the mountain. Walk further for approximately 250 metres. It is assumed that the Prasat was constructed during the 7th century and was later renovated in the 10th century. It significance lasted until the 11th century. It is believed to have been a Hindu shrine. The Prasat is made of bricks without any use of mortar. It comprises 3 brick constructions; namely, the northern Prang, the central Prang, and the southern Wihan. However, only the central one remains in quite a good condition, while only the bases of the northern and the southern ones are left. In 1935, Prasat Khao Noi was registered as a national ancient monument by the Fine Arts Department. There have been many surveys and excavations unearthing various artefacts such as those made of metal, pottery, 5 sandstone lintels, an inscription indicating the construction period of the Prasat called “Khao Noi Inscription”, and a sandstone lintel in the Sombor Prei Kuk style, aged around the 7th century. The stone inscription indicates the year 637, which is considered as the oldest inscription of the country. The artefacts from the excavations were collected and displayed at the Prachin Buri National Museum.

To get there: From Thahan Ruam Chit Road, passing Wat Chana Chai Si, along Highway 3067 for 500 metres, turn left for 12km, passing the Na Dong Checkpoint, and Wat Pa Aranyawasi. Wat Khao Noi (Si Chomphu) will be on the right. Pass the temple until reaching the intersection. Turn right along the way up to the mountain for approximately 1km. There will be a moderate size parking lot. Walk further for approximately 250 metres.

Prasat Mueang Phai (ปราสาทเมืองไผ่) is in Mueang Phai Sub-district. The interesting object is an ancient chedi made of bricks into a rectangular shape with 4 porticos engraved into beautiful floral, vine and personage designs. It is assumed to be a chedi of the Dvaravati style. Moreover, there has been a discovery of various kinds of art objects such as Dharmacakra – the wheel of the doctrine – made of greenish stone, god’s images in the Lop Buri style of art, and Buddha images in the Dvaravati style. These artefacts are at present well preserved at the Bangkok National Museum.

To get there: Take the Aranyaprathet Route, pass the clock tower and go to Rat Uthit Road. Turn right at the crossroads to Ban Nong Thao (Aranyaprathet – Mueang Phai) for approximately 7km until reaching Mueang Phai Sub-district. A direction sign of Prasat Mueang Phai will be on the left hand side. Go along the road for 400 metres, there will be ruins. Otherwise, turn right for 300 metres, a sign indicating the other site of Prasat Mueang Phai will be seen. Visitors will have to walk for approximately 15km to get there.

Talat Rong Kluea or Talat Chaidaen Ban Khlong Luek (ตลาดโรงเกลือหรือ ตลาดชายแดนบ้านคลองลึก) is located at Ban Khlong Luek, Tha Kham Sub-district, 6km from Aranyaprathet District to the east, bordering with the Thailand – Cambodia frontier. It can be reached by taking Highway No. 33 (Sa Kaew – Aranyaprathet). Talat Rong Kluea is an important border market on the Thai side. The word “Rong Kluea” has originally been called because this location was once a place to reserve salt - Kluea - for further sale to the Cambodians as an ingredient to preserve fish. Then, the necessity to use salt decreased, together with the fighting inside Cambodia from 1979 – 1993, causing the Cambodians to face famine. Therefore, Thailand came to help to solve the problem. Shops in the market are constructed in the style of school buildings, divided into rooms. Most products are from the Cambodian border such as brass products, glazed products, ceramics, crockery, clothes, curtains, electronic appliances from Russia, woven products, dried fish, etc. Go further from the market for 500 metres to reach the Khlong Luek Checkpoint to Talat Poi Pet of Cambodia. From the Ban Khlong Luek border market; there will be a van and a pick-up rental service of the tour agent to Talat Poi Pet, in Siem Riep which is the location of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. For further information, please contact Talat Ban Khlong Luek.

Note At present, Khlong Luek Checkpoint is open from 7.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Visitors who wish to cross the Thailand – Cambodia border have to comply with the following regulations:

Contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Thailand in advance for information at the Sa Kaew Office Tel. 0 3742 5066-7, Aranyaprathet Immigration Checkpoint Tel. 0 3723 1131, Aranyaprathet Customs Office Tel. 0 3723 1214, and TAT Central Region Office: Region 8 Tel. 0 3731 2282, 0 3731 2284. The Kingdom of Cambodia will not allow tourists to bring cameras nor video recorders into the country. Moreover, items such as scale, wild animals, products from wild animals, onions, and garlic are prohibited to be brought from Thailand into Cambodia and vice versa.

To get there: There is a Song Thaeo service from Aranyaprathet District to Talat Rong Kluea, costing 7 baht or a motorcycle service costing 50 Baht.

Aranyaprathet Victory Gate (ประตูชัยอรัญประเทศ) is situated on the Thailand – Cambodia border at Ban Khlong Luek, Tha Kham Sub-district. The gate was constructed in 1939. The gate consists of two posts standing on the opposite sides of the road. The shape of the left one is preserved to commemorate the brave soldiers who passed away and were injured from the battle at the frontier on the Khlong Luek side. This post is in a hexagonal shape with a height of 15 metres. Its base was a guard room but was ruined from the fighting. Therefore, renovation was conducted in 1959. On the other hand, the right one was reconstructed into a large marble boundary stone with a Garuda – mythical bird-man – image on top and an engraved word of “Thailand” below, facing toward Cambodia.

King Amphoe Khok Sung

Prasat Sadok Kok Thom (ปราสาทสด๊กก๊อกธม) is a large important ancient monument of Sa Kaew Province, located at Ban Nong Samet, Khok Sung Sub-district. It is assumed to have been constructed during the 10th century as an enshrining place of the revered images and a venue for conducting ceremonies after the Hindu belief. The remains comprise 3 towers, facing towards the East, a moat surrounding its 4 sides, as well as, 2 boundary walls: the outer one made of laterite, while the inner one, sandstone. The sanctuary was made of sandstone whose Gopura entrance gates on the east and the west still remain. Inside the surrounding gallery and in front of the main central Prang tower lie 2 constructions of sandstone Bannalai or libraries. The central tower and the one on the left hand side are ruined. In accordance with an inscription, the sanctuary was mentioned as the enshrining venue of a linga. Outside the Prasat in the east is a large rectangular pond. They are connected to each other by a stone-paved path. There was a discovery of 2 stone inscriptions in ancient Khmer script. They are important evidence indicating this Prasat’s construction period, as well as, objective. The second stone inscription implies that it was erected to praise the honour of King Udayadityavarman II on the completion of the Prasat’s renovation in 1052. The word Sadok Kok Thom means “a city with abundant reeds in a large swamp”. At present, the ancient large swamp can still be seen near the Prasat, while both stone inscriptions have been preserved at the National Library, the Fine Arts Department.

To get there: Take the Aranyaprathet – Ta Phraya Route (Highway No. 348) for approximately 25.5km to Highway No. 3381. Turn right for 8km. The Khok Sung Public Health Centre will be on the right. Turn left and go further along the road for 4km, passing Ban Nong Samet School to Km. 12. Turn right further for 2.5km to the Prasat.

Amphoe Ta Phraya

Lalu (ละลุ) is a new natural tourist attraction of Sa Kaew, located at Ban Noen Kham and Ban Khlong Yang, Thappharat Sub-district, 36km from the District Office. Lalu in Khmer language means “penetrated”. It is a natural phenomenon caused by the erosion of rainwater and the subsidence or collapse of soil. The condition of some part of the soil at this place is hard and durable. However, the wind has eroded it into many shapes similar to a city wall or cliffs, while some are pillars similar to those in “Phae Mueang Phi” of Phrae province, but smaller in size. Therefore, some people call it “A New Phae Mueang Phi”. As it covers an area of more than 2,000 rai, Lalu possesses beauty and uniqueness, suitable for a visit. Moreover, accommodation is provided at the Service Centre or visitors can stay at the locals’ houses. Please contact local officers for the local transportation service, as well as, a guide or a local junior one at Achan Ramphai, Tel. 0 3724 3229, 08 9094 0772 or 08 1723 4322 (after 6.00 p.m.), or Khun Yingyong (an officer of the Sub-district Administration Organisation) Tel. 08 9099 9734. (The transport rental fee is around 120 – 160 Baht for 8 – 10 persons).

To get there: From Aranyaprathet District, go along Highway No. 348 (Aranyaprathet – Ta Phraya). Turn left at Ban Kut Toei at Km. 35 - 36 and proceed further along Highway No. 3486 (Ban Kho Khlan – Nong Phak Waen) for 18km. From Ban Nong Phak Waen, go along the laterite road for 1km to the village.

Prasat Khao Lon (ปราสาทเขาโล้น) is situated at Ban Charoen Suk, Thappharat Sub-district. The Prasat stands in the compound of Wat Prasat Khao Lon on the summit of Khao Lon, a small hill located at the foot of Khao Sakae Krong. It comprises 4 Prang towers, but only the central one remains until the present time. The other 3, 2 at the front and 1 at the back, have already been ruined. Its characteristics are similar to Prasat Khao Noi which was constructed of bricks on a sandstone base. The top of the Prasat has been broken, while on the sandstone doorframe appears an ancient inscription. In the northeastern side of the Prasat lie 2 large ponds connected to the Prasat by an ancient path. There are traces of a village or ancient community in the past surrounding this mountain.

To get there: Take Highway No. 3068 (Ta Phraya – Buri Ram) and turn left to Ban Charoen Suk until reaching the foot of the mountain, where the Prasat is located. The distance from Ta Phraya District to Prasat Khao Lon is approximately 28km on Highway 3486 at Km. 15-16.

Ta Phraya National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติตาพระยา) was acclaimed a national park in 1996, covering an area of 371,250 rai or 594 square kilometres. The park comprises long mountain ranges, connecting to Pang Sida National Park in the west and stretching to the Kingdom of Cambodia in the east, Thap Lan National Park and Buri Ram Province in the north, and Ta Phraya District, Sa Kaew, in the south. The Office of the National Park is also situated at this side of the park.

Geographically, it comprises a plain surrounded by mountain ranges. The important range of the national park is Banthat mountain range stretching to the east. It is a natural boundary bordering Thailand and Cambodia. At the mountain slope is a plain where abundant plants grow. The forest is in perfect condition comprising mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. It is an origin of many streams such as Lam Saton, Huai Sap Kradon and Lam Nang Rong, as well as, a habitat of a variety of fauna such as gaurs, wild boars, barking deer, deer, mouse deer, bears, tigers, Asian golden cats, bantengs, hyenas, jungle cats, elephants, porcupines, mongooses, etc. Moreover, there are more than 300 species of birds in the forest such as minivets, blue magpies, woodpeckers, black-crowned night-herons, emerald doves, white-rumped shamas, red jungle fowls, pheasants, and hawks. The distinctive point of this national park is the variety of nature study routes for tourists. They are suitable for those who like bird-watching, butterfly-watching, and studying species of plants and animals. Along the route, there will be a salt lick, Nam Sap – water seepage, and viewpoint spots. Various kinds of birds and beauty of both sides of the forest will be seen. The scenery below is also admirable. Furthermore, there is a Pong Yup whose characteristics are similar to Lalu and Phae Mueang Phi, but smaller in size. It covers an area of 40 square metres.

Interesting Attractions within the Park

The Viewpoint Spot on Phanom Dong Rak Mountain Range (จุดชมวิวบนเทือกเขาพนมดงรัก) where Phran Nut and Sakae Krong Mountain Ranges will be seen. It is located 3km from the Office of the National Park.

Lan Krachiao (ลานกระเจียว) is a stone terrace where there is the splendour of Krachiao - curcuma - blossom and a perfect condition of the forest.

Chong O-Bok (ช่องโอบก) is a viewpoint at the end of Thailand’s frontier. From this spot, abundant forests and villages in the Kingdom of Cambodia can be seen. To get there: Take Highway No. 2121 to Sai Tho 1 Road.

Mi Akson Shrine (ศาลมีอักษร) houses the royal handwriting of King Rama V. It is situated on Highway 3068. Tourists usually come to pay respect to the shrine and admire the scenery at this place.

Khao Yak (เขายักษ์) is an ancient picture of a hermit engraved on a large stone, located at the entrance to the national park at Km.5.

Lan Hin Tat (ลานหินตัด) is a stone quarry with traces of the stone cutting process to construct a Prasat, as well as, is a venue where beautiful nature can be admired. Take Highway No. 2121 and walk along Sai Tri 4 Road.

To get there:

• By car Take Highway 33, passing Mueang Sa Kaew District and Watthana Nakhon District. At Aranyaprathet District, turn left into Highway 348 around Km. 76, approximately 27km passing Ta Phraya District, the entrance to the Office of the National Park will be seen. It is a laterite road stretching for 13km to the Office.

• By bus From Aranyaprathet, take the Aranyaprathet – Buri Ram bus for approximately 1 hour to Wat Khao Chong Tako which is opposite the Office of the National Park.

The entrance fee to the national park is 400 Baht for an adult, 200 Baht for a child, 10 Baht for a bicycle, 20 Baht for a motorcycle, 30 Baht for a 4-wheeled vehicle, and 100 Baht for a 6-wheeled vehicle. The park also provides accommodation and a camping site for those who wish to stay overnight. However, they have to bring their own bedding, tents and food. The park will provide only a small cooking and dining area. Contact the Ta Phraya National Park directly at P.O. Box 9, Non Din Daeng District, Buri Ram Province, Tel. 08 1723 5663, 08 9095 4438, 0 3749 8002.

Huai Yang Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำห้วยยาง) is located at Mu 8, Ban Khok Krat, Thappharat Sub-district. From Sa Kaew Province, take Highway No. 33 to Aranyaprathet District. Turn left to Ta Phraya District for 37km and turn left again at the To Cho Do (Border Patrol Police) Checkpoint at Ban Kut Toei and go straight on for 10km. Turn left into Huai Yang Reservoir for 3km. It is suitable for relaxation and dining at the restaurant by the reservoir. For further information, contact the Sa Kaew Irrigation Project, 222 Mu 11, Watthana Nakhon Sub-district, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaew Province 27160.

Do

Golf

Burapha Driving Range 3 (สนามฝึกกอล์ฟบูรพา 3) is at 1 Suwannason Road, Aranyaprathet Sub-district, Tel. 0 3723 1172.

Buy

Antiques and Used Objects (ของโบราณ ของเก่า) are products made of brass, wood, and ceramic. Most of them are replicas of the arts and patterns of ancient objects found at the frontier such as terra cotta Buddha images, god images in various stone Prasats. The antique shops include the Pho Kaew Antique, located at 75 Chit Suwan Road in Aranyaprathet District, offering antiques and used objects. Contact Tel. 0 3723 2933, 0 3722 8098.

Aranyaprathet Arts and Sandstone Souvenirs (ศิลปะ – หินทรายของที่ระลึกแห่งเมือง��รัญฯ) is at 91/4 Suwannason Road, Aranyaprathet Sub-district, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaew, Tel. 0 3723 2371.

Sleep

Amphoe Aranyaprathet

• Aran Chai Hotel (อรัญชัย) 40 Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3723 1134), 19 rooms: 150-250 baht

• Aran Garden 1 (อรัญการ์เด้น 1) 59/1-7 Rat Uthit Road (Tel: 0 3723 1836, 0 3723 2588-9), 30 rooms: 150-200 baht

• Aran Garden 2 (อรัญการ์เด้น 2) 110 Rat Uthit Road (Tel: 0 3723 1070, 0 3723 1837, 0 3723 1905-7), 30 rooms: 160-400 baht

• Aran Park (อรัญปาร์ค) 152 Suwannason Road, Tambon Ban Mai Nong Sai (Tel: 0 3723 2588-89 Fax: 0 3723 2115), 60 rooms: 500-950 baht

• Chai Suk Bungalow (ฉายสุขบังกะโล) Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3723 1148, 0 3723 1175), 26 rooms: 250-500 baht
• Inter (อินเตอร์) 108/7 Soi Ban Aran, Chatasing Road (Tel: 0 3723 1291, 0 3723 1848 Fax: 0 3723 1848), 38 rooms: 400-1,000 baht

• Khao Noi Guest House (เขาน้���ยเกสท์เฮ้าส์) 273 Mu 2 Thanawithi Road, Tambon Ban Mai Nong Sai (Tel: 0 3722 3432-5, 0 3723 1637), 40 rooms: 250-550 baht

• Phon Sakun Resort (พรสกุลรีสอร์ท) 15/1 Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3723 2056), 12 rooms: 250-500 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 01:09, 3 February 2010 (EST)