Talk:Sa Kaew/Listings

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Amphoe Mueang

Sa Kaew Sa Khwan (สระแก้ว สระขวัญ) are twin ponds located to the west of the centre of the town within the Sa Kaew Sa Khwan Public Park, near the Sa Kaew Municipality Office, Suwannason Road (approximately between Km. 246 – 247) within Soi Thetsaban 2. It is believed that the water in the ponds is holy. According to legend, during the Kingdom of Thon Buri, Phraya Chakkri (Thong Duang) was appointed by King Taksin the Great to lead an army to fight the unrest in Cambodia. When the troops arrived at the place where it is currently Sa Kaew, they stopped at both ponds before the fight at Siem Reap. The troops eventually won the fight and succeeded in managing the unrest in Cambodia. Sa Kaew and Sa Khwan have become a symbol of holiness and auspiciousness, as well as the origin of the province’s name. Moreover, the water in these ponds was once utilised in the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony.

City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง) is on Highway No. 33, 4km on the left from the centre of the town toward Watthana Nakhon District, within the compound of Kanchanaphisek Park, Tha Kasem Sub-district. The shrine was constructed following the pattern and standard of the Architecture Division, the Fine Arts Department. It comprises a main prang of 6.6 metres wide and 19.1 metres high surrounded by 4 small prangs at the 4 corners. Within the shrine stands the city pillar made of Chaiyaphruek or cassia wood whose characteristics are in accordance with the ancient tradition. Its circumference at the base is 120 inches, while its height is 229 inches. Moreover, there is a golden plate of the city’s horoscope which was anointed by H.M. the King on 12 September, 1996. The ceremony of uplifting the pillar to be enshrined in the shrine took place on 25 September, 1996. This shrine is evidence of the solidarity of the people and a symbol of the loyalty to King Rama IX, as well as, a centre of spirit and unity of the people of Sa Kaew.

Pang Sida National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติปางสีดา) covers Mueang Sa Kaew District, Watthana Nakhon District, Ta Phraya District of Sa Kaew, and Na Di District of Prachin Buri, being a total area of 844 square kilometres or 527,500 rai. It was acclaimed a national park on 22 February, 1982. Its northern territory and some parts of its western side are the continuation of the forest line from the Thap Lan National Park. It comprises steep undulating mountain ranges, moist evergreen forest, hill evergreen forest, dry evergreen forest, deciduous dipterocarp forest, savanna, etc. It is an abundant forest where rare fauna and more than 300 species of birds are found such as gaurs, elephants, common barking deer, deer, wild boars, hornbills, peacocks, hill mynas, as well as, plenty of butterflies, especially in April and August. It is also a remaining source of freshwater crocodiles and origin of many rivers and streams such as Huai Samong, Huai Nam Yen, Huai Phra Prong, Huai Phlapphlueng, Huai Yang, Huai Loeng Phai, etc. before flowing into the Bang Prakong River or the Prachin Buri River, an important river of the East. Within the national park, there are many interesting attractions as follows:

Namtok Pang Sida (น้ำตกปางสีดา) is approximately 800 metres from the Office of the National Park. It is a 3–tier waterfall with a height of 10 metres. The water drops to the lower large water basin and stone terrace surrounded by shady atmosphere. It is suitable for swimming and there is a lot of water during the rainy season.

Namtok Pha Takhian (น้ำตกผาตะเคียน) is approximately 3km from the Office of the National Park and 2km from Namtok Pang Sida. The waterfall is accessible by walking through two paths. Direction signs are located at every 300 metres along the routes which are shady with abundant trees. It is the last cataract that shares a similar stream with Namtok Pang Sida. The water is dropping from a 10-metre cliff. It is suitable for trekking and nature studying.

Thungya Pong Krathing (ทุ่งหญ้าโป่งกระทิง) was originally an old village which has become an abandoned grass field after the people migrated out from this area. It is similar to the grass field at Mo Singto in the Khao Yai National Park. There are many kinds of wildlife searching for food in this area. The park has settled an artificial salt lick and an animal observatory tower. From the road in the national park, there is a crossroads at Km. 3.5 and Km. 6. Continue by walking further for 2km. Along the Pong Krathing nature study route, there is a natural salt lick where wild animals can be easily found.

Namtok Tham Khangkhao (น้ำตกถ้ำค้างคาว) From the Office of the National Park to Km. 22, walk further for 10km. Near the waterfall, there are many bats - Khangkhao - in the cave. It is a beautiful waterfall located in the middle of a deep forest, which takes 3 days and 2 nights for a round trip. A request for a ranger can be done at the Office of the National Park.

Namtok Thap Sung (น้ำตกทับซุง) is a new waterfall of the National Park. Along the way, there is a nature study route, where there are various kinds of plants. It is 1.5km by walking from Km. 22.

The Viewpoint Spot (จุดชมวิว) is a wide valley, located between Km. 25 and Km. 35. The surrounding scenery, picturesque sunrises and sunsets can be admired from this spot. It is accessible by driving from the Office of the National Park.

A Group of Khwae Makha Waterfalls (กลุ่มน้ำตกแควมะค่า) At Km. 40, walk further for 6km. The Khwae Makha Waterfall drops from a 70-metre high cliff. Trekking and camping can be done. Nearby, there are Namtok Rak Sai Yoi (น้ำ��กรากไทรย้อย) 500 metres from Namtok Khwae Makha, Namtok Lan Hin Yai (น้ำตกลานหินใหญ่) , 1.5km away, Namtok Suan Man - Suan Thong (น้ำตกสวนมั่น สวนทอง) , 3km, and Namtok Man Thara (น้ำตกม่านธารา), 4km from Namtok Khwae Makha. It takes 2 - 3 days to travel to these waterfalls because they are located deep in the forest.

Phukhao Chedi (ภูเขาเจดีย์) is an accumulation of rocks with cracks similar to those at Phu Hin Rong Kla. It is 4 metres high, while its circumference is 25 metres. It is located at the National Park’s Po Do 1 (Kaeng Yai Mak) Ranger Station, 50km from the Office of the National Park.

Freshwater Crocodiles at Kaeng Yai Mak (แหล่งจระเข้น้ำจืดแก่งยายมาก) is approximately 5km from the Office of the National Park. Turn into Ban Khlong Phak Khom – Thung Pho for 50km. It is a place where freshwater crocodiles have been discovered since 1981 to have remained in the Huai Nam Yen Forest, where there is an observatory tower provided near the National Park’s Po Do 1 (Kaeng Yai Mak) Ranger Station.

Accommodation: The Park provides 3 bungalows, costing 900 - 1,000 Baht / 6 persons / night, and a camping area. The tent rental fee is 150 - 300 Baht, while the camping area costs 30 Baht / night for an adult, and 10 Baht / night for a child. For further information, contact the Pang Sida National Park, P.O. Box 55, Tha Yaek Sub-district, Mueang District, Sa Kaew Province 27000 at Tel. 0 3724 6100, 0 3724 3775, or the National Park Office, the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, Bang Khen District, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2561 4292 ext: 724 – 725, 0 2579 5734, 0 2579 7223.

To get there:

By car: From Mueang Sa Kaew, take Highway No. 3462 to the north for 27km. The park will be on the right side.

By bus: A Song Thaeo, routing Sa Kaew – Ban Khlong Nam Khiao is provided from the bus terminal from 9.00 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. The total distance is 27km to the Office of the National Park. The fare is 25 Baht a person, or the Song Thaeo rental fee is 300 Baht.

By train: The Bangkok – Aranyaprathet Train runs to Sa Kaew Railway Station. Then, continue by taking a Sa Kaew – Ban Khlong Nam Khiao bus for approximately 27km to the Office of the National Park.

Tha Krabak Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำท่ากระบาก) is situated at Mu 10, Tha Yaek Sub-district, 37km from Mueang Sa Kaew. It is a large reservoir under the Royal Initiative of H.M. the King to improve the irrigation system on the plain in the valley. It is an earthfill dam with a height of 17.5 metres and a length of 720 metres. The surrounding area is a tall forest, where various kinds of plants both perennial and decorative ones are grown. It is an attraction with beautiful scenery, suitable for relaxation and admiring nature. For further information, contact Tel. 0 6133 2668 or Sa Kaew Irrigation Project, Tel. 0 3726 1667.

Namtok Tha Krabak (น้ำตกท่ากระบาก) is 1km beyond the Tha Krabak Reservoir. The entrance to the waterfall is not yet conveniently accessible. The waterfall comprises 3 tiers. Each tier is 400 - 500 metres apart from one another. Below each tier lies a water basin which is suitable for swimming.

Amphoe Khao Chakan

Khao Chakan (เขาฉกรรจ์) is located at Khao Chakan Sub-district, next to Wat Tham Khao Chakan, 17km from Mueang Sa Kaew District along Highway No. 317 (Sa Kaew – Chanthaburi) between Km. 131-132, on the left turn. It is a limestone mountain whose ridge is 90 degrees against the north and the south. Its summit is 240 metres above sea level. It comprises 3 mountains lining up. Khao Chakan is the largest and stands in the middle between Phukhao Ming on the left and Khao Falami on the right. The three mountains are established as the Khao Chakan Arboretum under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora. The Arboretum is a residence of wild monkeys, as well as, millions of bats flying in a long line in the evening. At the foot of the hill stands a temple called Wat Tham Khao Chakan.

Wat Tham Khao Chakan (วัดถ้ำเขาฉกรรจ์) covers an area of 28 rai, 2 ngan, 8 square wa. It is a temple of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. It comprises an ordination hall, a reinforced concrete building constructed in 1990, a monk residence which is half concrete, half wood, and steps to the mountain summit, where there is a viewpoint to admire panoramic scenery. There are 72 small caves within the compound of Khao Chakan. The popular ones are Tham Muet, Tham Hanuman, Tham Khao Thalu, Tham Mahahing, Tham Namthip and Tham Kaew Phlai Chumphon. The spot of interest is the replica of the Buddha’s footprint at Tham Khao Thalu.

Khao Sam Sip Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำเขาสามสิบ) is at Khao Sam Sip Sub-district. From Mueang Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317 until reaching Km. 137 - 138, turn left for approximately 10km or around 2km beyond Wat Khao Sam Sip. It is under the supervision of the Khao Chakan Development Project (Ban Khao Sam Sip) under the Royal Initiative. Its office is located next to the Khao Sam Sip Reservoir near the foot of the mountain. Many activities are organised such as star watching, bird watching, trekking to study nature along the 3 routes led by officials and local people. These activities can be called “Star-watching at Night and Bird-watching in the Morning”. Accommodation and a camping area are provided. Contact the Head of the Project at Tel. 08 1983 5987 or the Khao Chakan Development Project (Ban Khao Sam Sip) under the Royal Initiative, P.O. Box 20, Mueang Sa Kaew District, Sa Kaew Province 27000.

Khao Chakan Arboretum (สวนรุกขชาติเขาฉกรรจ์) is situated at Khao Chakan Sub-district, within the compound of Wat Khao Chakan, 17km from Mueang Sa Kaew District along Highway 317 (Sa Kaew-Chanthaburi), between Km. 131 - 132, slightly on the left turn. It is a limestone mountain whose ridge is 90 degrees against the north and the south. Its summit is 240 metres above sea level. It comprises 3 mountains lining up. Khao Chakan is the largest and stands in the middle between Phukhao Ming on the left and Khao Falami on the right. The three mountains are established as Khao Chakan Arboretum under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora. The arboretum is a residence of wild monkeys, as well as, millions of bats flying in long lines in the evening. At the foot of the hill stands a temple called Wat Tham Khao Chakan. There are steps rising up to the top of the mountain. There are 72 small caves within the compound of Khao Chakan. The popular ones are Tham Muet, Tham Hanuman, Tham Khao Thalu, Tham Mahahing, Tham Namthip and Tham Kaew Phlai Chumphon. The spots of interest are the replica of the Buddha’s footprint at Tham Khao Thalu and the viewpoint spot from which the panoramic scenery can be admired.

Amphoe Wang Namyen

Bamboo Ceramic Basketry Village (หมู่บ้านหัตถกรรมจักสานล้อมเซรามิก) is located at Mu 3, Thung Maha Charoen Sub-district. The housewives of this village come together and form a group in the form of a cooperative known as Chai Phatthana Women Cooperative which produces and demonstrates the production of ceramic wrapped with bamboo basketry, called the bamboo ceramics, famous for their delicacy and beauty. It is open from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The head of the group is Mrs. Mut Suesat. For further information, contact Tel. 08 9936 9715.

To get there: From Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317 to the milestones of Km. 120 - 121, turn right into Ta Lang Nai – Khlong Ta Sun Road for 19km or take Highway 317, until reaching Km. 128 - 129, turn right into Highway 3434. A police booth will be on the right. Go further for 11 - 12km to the Khlong Yai intersection, turn right for 8km into Ban Chai Phatthana Soi 4.

Namtok Khao Takrup (น้ำตกเขาตะกรุบ) is situated in Maha Charoen Sub-district. From Mueang Sa Kaew District, take Highway 317, shops offering Wang Nam Yen’s wooden furniture will be on the right hand side. Pass the shops for 20 metres, the So Ko 3019 Road will be on the right. Go further for 28km to the parking lot. Continue for a 2-kilometre walk. The total distance is 30km. It is another beautiful waterfall. Along both sides, a variety of plants and birds will be found. It is suitable for adventure and conservation tourism. The waterfall is 50 metres high. Most tourists are locals. For further information, contact the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Tel. 0 3850 2001, and Thung Maha Charoen Sub-district Administration Organisation.

Wang Namyen Hospital (โรงพยาบ��ลวังน้ำเย็น) is a model hospital, which conducts herbal treatment and healthcare. Take Highway 317 until reaching Km. 108. There are hot compressed massage and herbal steam services provided, as well as, an offer of herbal medicine and products from nature such as shampoo, balm, oil, and herbal tea. It is open Monday to Friday, 8.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. (during office hours) and 4.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. (out of office hours). For further information, please contact the Traditional Thai Medicine Section, Tel. 0 3725 1108 - 9.

King Amphoe Wang Sombun

Wangnamyen Dairy Cooperative Limited (สหกรณ์โคนมวังน้ำเย็น จำกัด) is located at 669 Mu 1, Chanthaburi – Sa Kaew Road (Highway No. 317), Wang Mai Sub-district, at the Khlong Hat Intersection. It is the second biggest dairy production venue of the country, established in 1987. At present, there are more than 1,000 members and more than 30,000 milk cows with a production capacity of 70 tones of raw milk a day. Its management system is so effective that the cooperative was chosen the national best cooperative of the year 1997. Its production process is conducted with quality, similar to the raw materials used. The milk, therefore, possesses a good taste and smell. Pasteurized products are delivered to schools, while the UHT ones are offered in front of the cooperative. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Visit the website: www.wnydairy.co.th for more information or contact Tel. 0 3725 1862-3, 0 3751 7111-3 or Fax. 0 3751 7136.

To get there: There is a van from Victory Monument to the cooperative, costing 160 Baht/ person. It departs every 45 minutes. The departing spot is under the expressway on Phahon Yothin Road.

Namtok Khao Sip Ha Chan (น้ำตกเขาสิบห้าชั้น) is located at Ban Wang Phai, Wang Thong Sub-district. It is a very beautiful waterfall due to the large amount of water flowing throughout the year. The surrounding area is abundant with forest and a variety of birds, suitable for ecotourism. For further information, contact Tel. 0 9938 4218, 0 9832 5820, 0 7129 0225.

Amphoe Khlong Hat

Queen Sirikit Chaloem Phra Kiat Public Water Park (สวนน้ำสาธารณะเฉลิมพระเกียรติ สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมร��ชินีนาถ) is located at Mu 6, Khlong Hat Sub-district, behind Khlong Hat District Office. It is a big irrigation reservoir, covering an area of 250 rai, with beautiful scenery of mountains and streams, as well as, comfortable atmosphere, suitable for relaxation. There are restaurants provided. For further information, contact the Khlong Hat District Administration Organisation at Tel. 0 3744 5108, 08 9936 3880.

Tham Nam (ถ้ำน้ำ) is situated within the compound of Ban Khao Chan Daeng, between the Ta Ngok and Kok Mamuang mountain ranges, 16km from Khlong Hat District Office. It is a cave with a running stream throughout the year. The cave is 500 metres deep, while the level of water inside is 10 - 220 centimetres deep. Inside the cave are beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Some of them are spreading, similar to a curtain. Moreover, there is a small waterfall inside the cave. It is suitable for adventure lovers who can swim. Equipments that should be prepared are non-absorbent outfit, a waterproof torch, a lamp, a lighter, a rubber raft, and a life buoy or life jacket. Please contact for a local guide at the Khlong Kai Thuean Sub-district Administration Organisation in advance at Tel. 0 3724 6089, 08 9887 3762, 08 1069 5404.

To get there: Go from Wang Nam Yen District for 47km and turn left at the crossroads to Khlong Hat District for 13km. At the Khlong Hat District Office, proceed to the direction of Ban Khao Chan Daeng for 16.7km and turn left into Khao Ta Ngok for 18km to the entrance of the cave.

Amphoe Watthana Nakhon

Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Breeding Station (สถานีเพาะเลี้ยงสัตว์ป่าช่องกล่ำบน) is in Nong Mak Fai Sub-district, covering a total area of 430 rai. This station is an office under the supervision of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Flora, established in 1983 under the Royal Initiative of H.M the Queen, to be a breeding station for rare and endangered animals. It is also a research station on the wildlife, providing knowledge and understanding on wild animals. The station is divided into breeding sections proportionate with the categories of the animals. The animals are bred in the environment that is as similar to their natural habitat as possible. Some are let free to search for their own food, while some live in the zoo. There are various kinds of animals such as foxes, brow-antlered deer, sambars, bantengs, and binturongs. Besides, birds found within the station are peacocks, Oriental pied hornbills, great pied hornbills, wreathed hornbills, wrinkled hornbills, homrais, hill mynas, blue magpies, and the most important are white-winged wood ducks, a symbol of the province. The compound of the station is clean and shady. It is suitable for a family trip to study rare wildlife. For further information, contact Tel. 08 1351 8823.

To get there: Take the similar route to the Pang Sida National Park, passing Tha Krabak Reservoir for 500 metres, turn left and go further for 4km.

Phra Prong Dam (เขื่อนพระปรง) is the largest irrigation dam in Sa Kaew, located at Mu 3, Ban Rabo Hukwang and Mu 6, Ban Huai Chan, Chong Kum Sub-district. Most of the area is forest within the compound of the Pang Sida National Park, which has become flooded, making its scenery beautiful. It is also a habitat of various kinds of birds, abundant with freshwater fish, and suitable for a trip to admire nature. Interesting activities organised are cruising and admiring the surroundings around the dam, trekking and studying nature, as well as, bird watching. For further information, contact Tel. 0 3726 1667 or 0 3724 2667.

To get there: Take Highway 33 and then Highway 3198 for 35km.

King Naresuan the Great’s Statue (พระบรมราชานุสาวรีย์สมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราช) is situated within the Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, along Highway 33, opposite the Watthana Nakhon District Office. This statue was erected because in the past, Watthana Nakhon District was once an area where King Naresuan the Great resided during the battles in the East in 1593. The statue is in a standing posture with a height of 280 metres, raising the sword above his head, demonstrating his power of governance and protection for his people.

Luangpho Thong or Phrakhru Rattana Sarathikhun (หลวงพ่อทอง หรือพระครูรัตนสราธิคุณ) is a monk of Wat Sa Kaew, Mueang District, Sa Kaew. He possesses knowledge in academic and traditional medicine. The monk uses his medical skills to treat and cure sick people, as well as, is a developer. Therefore, he has been widely respected among the people of Sa Kaew and nearby provinces who come to pay respect and ask for their prosperous lives.

Wat Nakhon Tham (วัดนครธรรม) is located near Watthana Nakhon Sub-district Municipality and Watthana Nakhon District Police Station, approximately 1km from the railway station and Suwannason Road. Its construction period is not yet known. It was originally called “Wat Sa Lop” and later changed into Wat Nakhon Tham after the auspicious name of Phrakhru Wiwat Nakhon Tham. Within the compound of the temple are interesting attractions, Luangpho Khao, an ancient Buddha image aged around 100 years in a cross-legged posture, and cast of lime (white soil from Nong Din Chi). The image is 130.9 centimetres wide at its lap and 199 centimetres high. It is well-known due to its holiness. Luangpho Khao was taken from an abandoned temple at Ban Chik in 1925. During the ceremony, there was a miracle. Monks in the event clearly saw the tears of Luangpho Khao dropping from the image’s eyes. Moreover, there was a heavy rain during that time. Furthermore, the Luangpho Khao’s hall also houses the Buddha’s Relics, brought from Wat Pamadunla Racha Maha Wihan, in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, a replica of the Buddha’s Footprint and the image of Phra Siam Devadhiraj. The hall is open from 6.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. For further information, contact Wat Nakhon Tham at Tel. 08 9824 3065.

To get there:

By bus: Take the Bangkok – Aranyaprathet bus to Watthana Nakhon District and continue with a Tuk Tuk for 900 metres into the temple.

By train: Take the Bangkok – Aranyaprathet train to Watthana Nakhon Station and continue with a Tuk Tuk for 800 metres.

Prasat Ban Noi (ปราสาทบ้านน้อย) is located at Mu 4, Phakkha Sub-district. It is a Prasat with 2 walls. The Outer Wall is an earth mound of 67 metres wide and 80 metres long. Outside the mound, it seems to have once had a surrounding moat that is at present shallow. On the other hand, the Inner Wall was constructed of laterite with a height of 2.2 metres. The sanctuary faces East with one entrance at this side, of which the gateway pavilion is 10.8 metres wide and 19.7 metres long. It is divided into 3 rooms inside: one each in the north and south, while the other is at the centre. Outside the boundary wall lays a pond in the northeast, with a width of 15.5 metres and a length of 20.5 metres. The edge of the pond was lined with laterite and constructed into staircase steps on its 4 sides. There is water remaining inside the pond.

Inside the boundary wall in the southeastern corner stands a construction made of laterite with a width of 4.5 metres and a length of 9 metres. It is a Bannalai - a library. However, the entrance gate and the western wall of the building were all ruined. At the centre inside the boundary wall is a Prang whose base was made of laterite with a height of 1 metre. On top is a brick construction, with only northern and southern walls remaining. The middle of the Prang was excavated illegally into a large hole. At the back outside the boundary wall is a pile of bricks, while at the front of the Prang is a piece of the moonstone doorstep made of laterite. It is possibly the doorstep of the entrance to the Prang.

Moreover, at the 500 metres northwest of the Prasat Ban Noi Ancient Monument, there is a mound of an ancient monument, where there are various holes illegally excavated and scattered rectangular laterite blocks.

To get there: take Highway No. 33 (Watthana Nakhon – Aranyaprathet) from Watthana Nakhon District for 10km. At the 800 metres prior to the Phakkha Sub-district Administration Organisation, there is a direction sign on the left. Proceed for 2km along the narrow laterite road.

For further information, please contact the Phakkha Sub-district Administration Organisation at Tel. 0 3723 2289 or the Office of Archaeology and Museum 4, Prachin Buri, at Tel. 0 3721 2610.

Do

Major Events and Festivals

Eastern Cultural Fair and Sa Kaew Red Cross Fair (งานสืบสานวัฒนธรรมเบื้องบูรพา และงานกาชาดจังหวัดสระแก้ว) is organised at Wat Sa Kaew Kindergarten during mid-February every year. There are processions of Sa Kaew’s culture and products, singing contest, exhibitions of the government agencies, various forms of entertainment, and booths presenting various kinds of products.

Cantaloupe Day (วันแคนตาลูป) is held in front of the Aranyaprathet District Office during April of every year. It is the period when the cantaloupes are harvested and offered in the market. In the fair are cantaloupe floats, cantaloupe and agricultural produce contests, exhibitions of the government authorities, a cantaloupe beauty contest, a myriad of booths, as well as, various forms of entertainment.

Sa Kaew Establishment Commemoration (งานวันสถาปนาจังหวัดสระแก้ว) is organised approximately in December of every year. In the event, there will be cultural and art processions, exhibitions, as well as, booths offering many kinds of products.

Dok Kaew Blooming Day (งา��วันดอกแก้วบานเบื้องบูรพา) is held yearly at the Si Aranyothai Kindergarten and in front of the Aranyaprathet Railway Station around December. In this event, there is a procession of the Dok Kaew Blooming Day, a light, sound and mixed media presentation, a singing contest and various forms of entertainment.

Buy

Local Products and Souvenirs

Khao Lam (ข้าวหลาม) sticky rice in bamboo stick, both with and without the Thai custard stuffing, is cooked at Ban Phrao, Khong Khlong Hat Road, Watthana Nakhon District. It can be purchased at its production venue and at the markets in Watthana Nakhon District. For further information, contact Khao Lam Pa Bang at Tel. 0 3722 5446 or Khao Lam Pa Rai at Tel. 0 3722 5054.

Cantaloupes (แคนตาลูป) The distinguishing point of Sa Kaew’s cantaloupes is its sweetness and crispness which exceed those of other places. The well-known species are the Honey World and Top Marine which are widely planted in Khlong Nam Sai Sub-district and Thap Phrik Sub-district, as well as, many areas within the Watthana Nakhon District. They are offered at fruit stalls along the route to Aranyaprathet almost all year.

Silk of Ban Han Sai (ผ้าไหมบ้านหันทราย) is mainly produced at Han Sai Village, Han Sai Sub-district, Aranyaprathet District. It is a hand-woven fabric in traditional patterns with delicacy and uniqueness. For further information, contact Aunt Kanha Hanthip at Ban Han Sai Women Weaving Group, 24 Mu 1, Han Sai Sub-district, Aranyaprathet District, Tel. 0 3742 6014, 08 9831 4738.

Basketry (เครื่องจักสาน) includes various forms of bamboo fishtraps and containers such as Sai, Krachang, Takhong, and Lop, as well as, sieves, winnowing baskets, and different forms of container baskets. The production venue is at Khlong Nam Sai Sub-district, Aranyaprathet District. The materials used can be found locally such as bamboo, many kinds of vines, and rattan. The products are well-known due to their delicacy, neatness, beauty and durability.

Bamboo Ceramics (จักสานล้อมเซรามิก) are the ceramic and wooden products wrapped with bamboo basketry. The products include vases and ash trays. The production and selling venue is at Chai Phatthana Village, Mu 13, Thung Maha Charoen Sub-district, Wang Nam Yen District, Tel. 08 9936 9715.

Wooden Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์ไม้) Wang Nam Yen District has been a famous production venue of Makha Mong - Afzelia xylocarpa - wooden products for a long time. It is also one of the main occupations of the locals as a family business. Most products are made of Makha Mong, Phayung – Siamese Rosewood, Chingchan – Rosewood, Pradu – Burma Padauk, and constructed into furniture such as dining tables, chairs, make-up desks, clocks, tissue boxes, and decorating accessories. They can be purchased at furniture shops in the market in Wang Nam Yen District and the Wang Nam Yen Wooden Handicraft Cooperative, located on Highway No. 317, Km. 116 – 117 and at the Sa Kaew T-junction.

Swing Production and Learning Centre (แหล่งเรียนรู้การทำชิง��้าโยก) is located at 6 Mu 5, Huai Chot Sub-district, Watthana Nakhon District, Tel. 08 6087 6707. Swings and wooden chairs at friendly prices are offered.

Suan Siriphon (สวนสิริพร) is situated at 129 Mu 4, Sa Kaew – Chanthaburi Road, Wang Nam Yen District. The sweet tamarinds and seasonal fruits such as mangoes and santols are planted and sold.

I Koi Wine (ไวน์อีโก่ย) is Thai herbal wine, a product of Ta Phraya District. I Koi is a kind of wild grapes. It is a vine similar to a grape but its leaves are brown. Its fruits are in bunches similar to grapes, the younger ones are green or brown, but are not edible. Only the full ripen ones can be eaten. They will be dark brown with a sour taste and high Vitamin C. Therefore, the community market of Kho Khlan Sub-district Administration Organisation uses them to produce wine. The I Koi will bear fruit from July to October. Moreover, there are various kinds of herbal wine made of Krachai Dam - Kaempferia, Ma Mao - Antidesma thwaitesianum, and Luk Yo - Morinda citrifolia Linn. For further information, contact the Natural Agriculture Club of Thailand, 109 Mu 4, Wang Mai Sub-district, Wang Nom Yen District, Tel. 08 1834 5366, 08 1826 3995.

The Sa Kaew Ban Rao Network Cooperation and Development Centre (ศูนย์ประสานงานและพัฒนาเครือข่ายสระแก��วบ้านเรา) coordinates the network of organisations in the community and offers both retail and wholesale Thai intellectual products. It is situated at 525 Mu 3, Suwannason Road, Mueang District, Sa Kaew, Tel. 08 6146 7679, 08 9824 3354.

Moreover, there are souvenirs of Sa Kaew and those from Rong Kluea Market such as bamboo shoots, brass products, ceramics, crockery, curtains, basketry, sun-dried fish, crispy smoked fish, etc.

The Sa Kaew Aromatic Product Women Cooperative Group (กลุ่มสตรีสหกรณ์ ผู้ผลิตเครื่องหอมเมืองสระแก้ว) is at 543 Ban Nong Nok Khao, Suwannason Road, Mueang District, Sa Kaew, Tel. 0 3742 5404, 0 3742 5397, 08 4779 8553, 08 1915 2095.

Wan Di (ร้านวันดี) offers various kinds of desserts and souvenirs such as Khanom Wan Di, Khanom Sininat, Wan Di crispy fish, Thong Muan –traditional Thai rolled wafer, Thong Phap – traditional Thai folded wafer, baked banana, taro and potato with butter, etc. The shop is situated at 131 Suwannason Road, Mueang District, Sa Kaew, Tel. 0 3742 1343, 08 1914 8797.

Mu Yo Watthana Nakhon (หมูยอวัฒนานคร) offers Naem Mu – minced and salted pork wrapped with banana leaves, Mu Yo – preserved minced pork, Mu Som – minced and fermented pork, Mu Sen – pork minced into lines, sausages, and community products. The shop is located at 1079/1 Mu 10, Suwannason Road, Watthana Nakhon Sub-district, Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaew, Tel. 0 3726 1754, 08 1434 8664.

Golf Courses

Burapha Golf Club (สนามกอล์ฟบูรพา) is located at the 12th Infantry Regiment, Fort Phairi Rayodet, Tha Kasem Sub-district, Mueang district, Tel. 0 3724 1383.

Sleep

Amphoe Muang

Chantra (จันทรา) 299 Mu 16 Suwanason Road (Tel: 0 3724 1711-3 Fax: 0 3724 1332), 85 rooms: 420-730 baht

Kawi Hotel (กวีโฮเต็ล) 43 Mu 2 Suwanason Road (Tel: 0 3724 1216), 52 rooms: 220-380 baht

Kawi Villa (กวีวิลล่า) 557 Mu 2 Behind Sa Kaeo Health Centre, Sathani Rotfai Road (Tel: 0 3724 1217), 12 rooms: 400 baht

Pang Sida National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติปางสีดา) 27 km north of Sa Kaeo Town (Tel: 01-947 5948 Bangkok Tel: 579 5734, 579 7223), bungalows: 500-600 baht

Sa Kaeo Hotel (สระแก้ว) 206 Mu 2 Suwanason Road (Tel: 0 3724 1024-5), 42 rooms: 230-350 baht

Amphoe Watthana Nakhon

Chaloemphon Bungalow (เฉลิมพลบังกะโล) 1182 Mu 10 Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3726 1215), 12 rooms: 150-300 baht

Nakorn Inn (นครอินทร์) 1148/66 Mu10, Suwitphan Trade Centre (Tel: 0 3726 1041, 0 3726 1305), 38 rooms: 250-800 baht

Phuttharaksa Bungalow (พุทธรักษาบังกะโล) 1186 Mu 10 Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3726 1425-6), 10 rooms: 350-500 baht

Sri Wattana Hotel (ศรีวัฒนา) 1130 Mu 10 Suwannason Road (Tel: 0 3726 1002), 40 rooms: 150-350 baht

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 01:10, 3 February 2010 (EST)