Sa Kaeo
Sa Kaeo General Information
Located in the eastern border of Thailand, facing Cambodia at Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo is a popular province known as a trading centre.
In the past, Sa Kaeo was a major civilized community. Its long history had dated back since the Suwannaphum and Dvaravati 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 kilometres, east of Bangkok, with the area about 7,195 square kilometres. Sa Kaeo is divided into 7 Amphoes (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.
Sa Kaeo Festival Information
- Cantaloupe Day
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.
- Eastern Cultural Fair and Sa Kaeo Red Cross Fair
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
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.
Sa Kaeo Attactions Information
- 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 octagonal 15 metre 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.
- Mahachai Market
This is one of Thailand's largest traditional fresh seafood markets, but visitors can find much more than seafood, especially if there is time to spare. Handicrafts such as wicker furniture, pottery and local sarongs are among the colourful offerings in the market. Crossing the river from Mahachai to the west bank, visitors will arrive at Tha Chalom, a large fishing village and industrial land for marine products.
- Ban Khlong Luek Border Market
Ban Khlong Luek Border Market or Talat Rong Kluea is in Ban Khlong Luek, Tambon Tha Kham on Thailand Cambodia border, east to Aranyaprathet town about 6 kilometres, on Highway No.33 (Sa Kaeo Aranyaprathet). To get there from Aranyaprathet, a motored tricycle or tuk tuk can be hired at 20 baht. This market is a major business centre in trading goods from Cambodia and Vietnam such as clothes, brassware, ceramics, Russian electrical appliances, dried fish, etc. The market is open every day and it is crowded during weekend.
- Prasat Khao Noi
This site is situated in Wat Khao Noi Si Chomphu, Tambon Khlong Nam Sai, which is 12 kilometres to the south of the city. This ancient venue is on the 80 metre 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.
- Khao Chakan
This mountain is about 17 kilometres from the city, on highway no.317 (Sa Kaeo Chanthaburi) between 131st-132nd kilometres. The highest point is about 240 metres. 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.
- Pang Sida National Park
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 kilometres 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 metres from the park office. With a large pond below the 10 metre waterfall, the surroundings are very shady, with much water during the rainy season.
Namtok Pha Takhian About 3 kilometres from the park office, and about 2.5 kilometres from Namtok Pang Sida, the 10 metre waterfall can be reached by 2 trekking trails which are suitable for nature study.
Tha Krabak Reservoir Built under H.M.the Kings project to improve the irrigation, the reservoir is located in Moo 7 Tambon Tha Yaek, about 32 kilometres from town. It is a dam that is 17.50 metres high, and 720 metres 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 metres apart.Khwae Makha Waterfall Khwae Makha Waterfall is about 6 kilometres from the 40th kilometre. It is approximately 70 metres 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 metres), Lan Hin Yai Waterfall (1.5 kilometres), Suan Man and Suan Thong Waterfalls (3 kilometres), Man Thara Waterfall ( 4 kilometres ). To discover these waterfalls, you might need to spend 2-3 days because they are located deep into the forest.
Tham Khang Khao Waterfall The waterfall can be reached by a walking distance of about 10 kilometres from the 22th kilometre. There are many bats living in this area.
View Point Situated in the huge valley at the 25th and 35th kilometres, sunrise and sunset can be watched here at this view point.
Fresh Water Crocodile From the park office about 5 kilometres, to Moo Ban Khlong Phak Khom- Thung Pho for about 50 kilometres, this source in Huai Nam Yen Forest, has been surveyed since 1991.
- 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 kilometre. 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.
- Ta Phraya National Park
The Ta Phraya National Park was declared a National Park in 1996. The park covers an area of 371,250 rai (equivalent to 594 sq.km.). The area surrounding the park and the boundary of the park form a straight line connecting Pangsida National Park from the west to Cambodia in the east. In the north, the park is connected to Tab Lan National Park and Burirum province. This is also where the administrative offices of the park are located.
The general landscape of the park is a plain area surrounded by hilly tracks. The major hill track of the park is the Bantad hill track, which stretches eastward as a natural boundary line separating Thailand and Cambodia. Hillside areas a botanical plain, with a tropical forest in pristine condition made up of many tree varieties.
The park is a major water source, and numerous streams and rivers have their origins here. It is also home to various kinds of animals such as Gaur, deer, wild pig, Antelope, and more than 300 different species of birds.
Ta Phraya National Park can be reached by driving along National Highway No.33, passing through Sa Kaeo province and Wattana Nakhon district. After reaching Aranyaprathet district, turn left onto National Highway No.27. The road to the park is a 13-km-long non-surfaced road. 4WD vehicles are recommended.
- Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Breeding Station
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 metres, turn left for about 3 kilometres. 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.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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