Sa Kaeo |
Located in the eastern border of Thailand, facing Cambodia at Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a popular province known as a trading center.
In the past, Sa Kaeo was a major civilized community. Its long history had dated back since the Suwannaphum and Dawarati Periods. The archeological sites of Khmer arts and stone inscriptions are the outstanding examples of this civilization.
Administratively, Sa Kaeo has been a district of Prachin Buri Province for a long period, and has officially been upgraded as a province since December 1, 1993.
Sa Kaeo is 245 kilometers, east of Bangkok, with the area about 7,195 square kilometers. Sa Kaeo is divided into 7 Amphoe (districts) and 2 King Amphoe (sub-districts): Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Watthana Nakhon, Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Amphoe Ta Phraya, Amphoe Khao Chakan, Amphoe Wang Nam Yen, Amphoe Khlong Hat, King Amphoe Khok Sung, and King Amphoe Wang Somboon.
Geographical Location
Sa Kaeo has its border facing Cambodia of approximately 165 kilometers. 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 Muang in the west, and Amphoe Aranyaprathet in the east.
Boundary
North: Amphoe Khon Buri of Nakhon Ratchasima, and Amphoe Lahan Sai of Buri Ram;
South: Amphoe Soi Dao of Chanthaburi;
East: Cambodia; and
West: Amhoe Kabin Buri, Nadi of Prachin Buri, and Amphoe Sanam
Chai Khet of Chachoengsao.
Traveling
By car Traveling to Sa Kaeo can be accessed by three routes.
1. From Bangkok, use Phahonyothin Highway to Rangsit, use overpass to Highway No.305, pass Amphoe Ongkharak, Nakhon Nayok, after that use Highway No.33, pass Amphoe Kabin Buri to Sa Kaeo. Total distance is 214 kilometers.
2. From Bangkok, use Highway No.1 to Hin Kong, turn right to Highway No.33, pass Nakhon Nayok, Kabin Buri to Sa Kaeo. Total distance is 245 kilometers.
3. From Bangkok, use Highway No.304, pass Min Buri, Chachoengsao to Amphoe Phanom Sarakham, turn right at 35th kilometer, use Highway No. 304 to Kabin Buri. At 95th kilometer, turn right again to Highway No.33 to Sa Kaeo.
By bus The Transport Co.,Ltd. provides bus services both ordinary and air-Conditioned. Leave from Mor Chit Bus Terminal 2 everyday. For more details, please contact at Tel: 936-2852. There are two air-conditioned bus routes:
1. Route Bangkok - Hin Kong - Nakhon Nayok - Sa Kaeo - Aranyaprathet
First class bus leaves at 04:30 hrs., next bus at every 1 hour, last bus leaves 18:00 hrs. The fare is 135 Baht.
Second class bus leaves at 05:00 hrs., next bus at every 1 hour, last bus leaves 18:30 hrs. The fare is 118 Baht.
2. Route Bangkok - Ongkharak - Nakhon Nayok - Sa Kaeo - Aranyaprathet
First class bus leaves at 04:45 hrs., next bus at every 1 hour, last bus leaves 18:30 hrs. The fare is 118 Baht.
Second class bus leaves at 05:00 hrs., next bus at every 1 hour, last bus leaves 18:45 hrs. The fare is 95 Baht.
By rail State Railways of Thailand provides service from Hua Lampong
Station in Bangkok to Sa Kaeo and Aranyaprathet twice everyday, leaving at 05:55 and 13:05 hrs. The fare is 48 Baht / person. For more details, please contact Travel Service Unit at Tel: 1690, 223-7010, 223-7020.Distance from Amphoe Muang to nearby Amphoes
Amphoe Khao Chakan 19 kms. Amphoe Watthana Nakhon 38 kms. Amphoe Wang Nam Yen 50 kms. Amphoe Aranyaprathet 54 kms.
Amphoe Khlong Hat 65 kms. Amphoe Ta Phraya 100 kms.
Distance from Sa Kaeo to nearby provinces
Nakhon Ratchasima 184 kilometers
Prachin Buri 188 kilometers
Chanthaburi 258 kilometers
Chachoengsao 286 kilometers
Attractions
Amphoe Muang
Sa Kaeo - Sa Khwan
These two ponds are located in Tambon Sa Kaeo on the western side of town. Before approaching the city, turn right at 246th kilometer. It is believed that these two ponds contain sacred water once used for the coronation ceremony. The name of the province ( Sa Kaeo) had been derived from this venue, whereby Somdej Chaophraya Maha Kasatsuk (King Rama I later) went to fight with the Cambodians, and stopped at this site to use sacred water to swear for the fighting courage.Covering the area in Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Wattana Nakhon, Amphoe Ta Phraya of Sa Kaeo and Amphoe Na Di of Prachin Buri, the Park occupies an area of 844 square kilometers or 527,500 Rai. It has been declared a national park on February 24. 1982. The topography of the area consists of complex highlands with various and diversified forests, and an abundant of wild and rare animals. The area is the origin of many creeks which form the Bang Pakong River. The major attractions in the park are:Namtok Pang Sida (Pang Sida Waterfall) The waterfall is approximately 800 meters from the park office. With a large pond below the 10 meter waterfall, the surroundings are very shady, with much water during the rainy season.
Namtok Pha Takhian About 3 kilometers from the park office, and about 2.5 kilometers from Namtok Pang Sida, the 10 meter waterfall can be reached by 2 trekking trails which are suitable for nature study.
Tha Krabak Reservoir Built under H.M.the King's project to improve the irrigation, the reservoir is located in Moo 7 Tambon Tha Yaek, about 32 kilometers from town. It is a dam that is 17.50 meters high, and 720 meters long, surrounded by various kinds of forests. Its spectacular views are most suitable for relaxation.
Tha Krabak Waterfall This waterfall is near the reservoir, with 3 levels which are 400-500 meters apart.
Group of Kwae Maka Waterfall Kwae Maka Waterfall is about 6 kilometers from the 40th kilometer. It is approximately 70 meters high. The trail is suitable for trekking. Nearby, there are various waterfalls located at different distances from Kwae Maka Waterfall. These waterfalls are Rak Sai Yoi Waterfall (500 meters), Lan Hin Yai Waterfall (1.5 kilometers), Suan Man and Suan Thong Waterfalls ( 3 kilometers), Man Thara Waterfall ( 4 kilometers ). To discover these waterfalls, you might need to spend 2-3 days because they are located deep into the forest.
Tham Kang Kao Waterfall The waterfall can be reached by a walking distance of about 10 kilometers from the 22th kilometer. There are many bats living in this area.
View Point Situated in the huge valley at the 25th and 35th kilometers, sunrise and sunset can be watched here at this view point.
Fresh Water Crocodile Source From the park office about 5 kilometers, to Moo Ban Khlong Phak Khom- Thung Pho for about 50 kilometers, this source in Huay Nam Yen Forest, has been surveyed since 1991.Accommodation The National Park has house renting service at 500-600 Baht per night. Tent area is also available at the rate of 5 Baht/person/night. For more details, contact Pang Sida National Park, P.O.Box 55, Tambon Tha Yaek, Amphoe Mueang, Sa Kaeo 27000, Tel: (01) 947-5948 or National Park Div., Dept. of Forestry, Bangkhen, Bangkok at Tel: 561-4292 ext. 724, 725, or 579-5734, 579-7223.
Traveling By Car: From town, heading north by using Highway No.3462 about 27 kilometers, the National Park is on the right. If tourists need to travel by public transportation, they can use mini-cab route Sa Kaeo - Ban Khlong Nam Kheo for about 27 kilometers to the park office. Another route is by train (Bangkok - Aranyaprathet), getting off at Sa Kaeo Station, then use mini-cab as mentioned above.Amphoe Wattana Nakhon
Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Sanctuary Located at Tambon Nong Mak Fai, this site has the area of approximately 430 Rai. The accessibility to this area is by using the same route to Pang Sida National Park, pass Tha Krabak Reservoir for about 500 meters, turn left for about 3 kilometers. Under Wildlife Sanctuary Bureau of Forestry Department, this sanctuary has been established in 1983, initiated by H.M.the Queen Sirikit to conserve rare and wild animals, such as wild birds and mammals. This sanctuary also conducts studies and researches on wild animals, and disseminates information, and knowledge in wildlife.
Phrasat Ban Noi Situated at Moo 4 Tambon Phakkha, this archeological site of the Khmer period has 2 walls. The exterior wall is made of clay, while the interior is made of laterite. The site faces to the east with only one entrance. At the northern corner, there is a pond. Also, there are ruins of the ancient buildings in the central part of the site on the west side.Amphoe Aranyaprathet
Phra Siam Dewathiraj Located in front of Aranyaprathet Police Station, with the height of 1.29 meters, this is the imitation of the real Phra Siam Dewathiraj, built by Phra Uthai Thammathari in 1975. The people of Aranyaprathet constructed a throne with four posts to house the image on December 20, 1985. This sacred image has been worshipped by the people of Aranyaprathet and nearby provinces.
Aranyaprathet Victory Gate Situated on the Thailand - Cambodia border at Ban Khlong Luek, Tambon Tha Kham, the gate was constructed in 1939. The shape of the gate consists of two octagonal15 meter towers, with the base used as the guarding area. These towers were destroyed by war. In 1959, the left tower was reconstructed in the same shape to commemorate the dead and injured soldiers. The right tower was altered to a huge marble heart-shaped boundary stone facing Cambodia, with the Garuda ( mythical bird-man ) image on top, and the name "Thailand" below.
Ban Khlong Luek Border Market It is also known as Talad (Market) Rong Kluea, which is in Ban Khlong Luek, Tambon Tha Kham on Thailand - Cambodia border, east to Aranyaprathet town about 6 kilometers, on Highway No.33 (Sa Kaeo - Aranyaprathet). This market is a major business center in trading goods from Cambodia such as brassware, ceramics, clothes, Russian electrical appliances, dried fish, etc.
Traveling to Cambodia must apply for visa, which are divided into 2 categories:
Tourist Visa: US$ 20 per person for 30 days of staying, and can be extended once for another 30 days.
Business Visa: : US$ 25 per person for 30 days of staying, and can be extended once for another 1 year.
The Aranyaprathet international immigration control is 500 meters from Talad Rong Kluea. Passport bearers can pass and travel to the third country with approved visa from the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate. This is the shortest way to travel in Cambodia. There are vans, pick-up trucks for rental service to Poipet, Siam Riap
Wat Anu Banphot or Khao Noi This temple is located in Moo 2, Tambon Ban Mai Nong Sai. It is on Thana Withi Road (to Amphoe Ta Phraya) about 1 kilometer detour from Suwannasorn Road. It was built in 1925 during the reign of King Rama VI. The highlight of this temple is the beautiful chapel (ubosoth)which houses the imitation of Lord Buddha's footprint made from brass.
Prasat Khao Noi This site is situated in Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu, Tambon Khlong Nam Sai, which is 12 kilometers to the south of the city. This ancient venue is on the 80 meter hill. With the stairs of 254 steps, this site is composed of three towers ( prang). However, only the central one has been remained. It has been registered in year 1935 by the Department of Fine Arts as the national ancient site. Some sandstone lintels and statues were found, and they are now displayed at the Prachin Buri National Museum.Amphoe Khao Chakan
Khao Chakan This mountain is about 17 kilometers from the city, on highway no.317 (Sa Kaeo - Chantaburi) between 131st-132nd kilometers. The highest point is about 240 meters. There are 72 interesting caves. On the foot of the mount, is the location of Wat Khao Chakan and a botanical garden. There are stairs to the top which is a good viewpoint.
Amphoe Ta Phraya
Prasat Sadokkokthom This ancient archeological venue, with three temples, is located at Ban Nong Samet. Facing to the east, with 4-side moat , a group of sandstone towers ( prang ) stand inside the laterite walls. Two Khmer stone inscriptions were found and are now kept in the National Library. Tourists can use the road Aranyaprathet - Ta Phraya, turn right at Ban Nong Mek. It is about 36 kilometers from Aranyaprathet.
Prasat Khao Lone This temple is on Khao lone in Ban Charoen Suk, Tambon Thap Raj. The architectural style of this site is similar to that of Prasat Khao Noi. There were four towers (prang). However, only the central one is still existed. To the northeastern part of the temple are two large ponds which are connected to the temple by an ancient roadway. Traveling to this temple is by using highway No.3068 (Ta Phraya - Buriram), and then turning left to Ban Charoen Suk. It is about 28 kilometers from Ta Phraya.
Phae Mueang Phee 2 Located at Ban Khlong Yang, Tambon Thap Raj, this venue is a large area of about 800 acres with many earth pillars in various shapes like the ones in Phrae Province. They are indeed an amazingly beautiful site of nature wonder. At Ban Khlong Yang, home-stay trip is available.
Festivals and Fairs
Eastern Cultural Fair and Sa Kaeo Red Cross Fair. These fairs are held in the middle of February every year. There are many traditional displays, processions, exhibitions and cultural entertainments.
Sa Kaeo Establishment Commemoration Being held every year in December, this special fair has many delightful events to offer. There are cultural and arts processions, including exhibitions of the local goods of the province.
Cantaloupe Day Held in Aranyaprathet in early April every year, there are many activities in relation to cantaloupes for visitors to the province to experience.Local Products and Souvenirs
Wood Products Many furniture and utensils made from various kinds of woods are on sale in Wang Nam Yen.
Mother of Pearl Products There are various styles which are made at Ban Hua Jode, Wattana Nakhon. Samples of the products are tables, frames, clocks, containers, etc.Khao Lam (sticky rice in bamboo) A popular delicacy of the Wattana Nakhon.
Cantaloupe A most typical fruit of the area and is grown and available in Wattana Nakhon.
Suan Siriporn on Sa Kaeo - Chantaburi highway, in Wang Nam Yen, is reputed for the variety of fruits.Suan Niran Grand of Wattana Nakhon is the site for many types of tangarines and fruits.
Second-Hand Goods are available in Aranyaprathe and Talad Rong Kluea near Thai-Cambodian border.
Silk and Cotton Products are available at Ban San Sai of Aranyaprathet.
Artificial Flowers, Fruits, Aromatic incense sticks are made at Ban Kaeng, Amphoe Muang.
Pang Sida National Park 
