12 March,2010 (Fri)  


 

 
Chai Nat

Established during the Ayutthaya period, Chai Nat was an important town used several times as a base to confront the Burmese Army. The Burmese were always defeated, thus originating the name of Chai Nat (place of victory). This province covers an area of 2,469 square kilometres. The provincial capital is 194 kilometres north of Bangkok.

Major Attractions

  • Wat Thanmamun Worawihan

    • This temple, located at the foothill area of Thanmamun Hill on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Tambon Thanmamun, Amphoe Muang Chai Nat, is eight kilometres from the town-ship. It has been established since the Ayutthaya period. The main attraction is "Luang Pho Thammachak," a standing Buddha in the attitude of peace, which is highly respected by the people.

  • Chai Nat Bird Park

    • This is located 2 kilometres on the Asian Highway outside Chai Nat near Phlong Hill, Tambon Khao Tha Phra. Within an area of 450 rai, the park comprises huge bird cages, a swimming pool, scenery hall, gardens, suspension bridge, and souvenir shops.

  • Chao Phraya Dam

    • It is eight kilometres from Chai Nat township where a road branches off at Khung Bang Kabian, Tambon Bang Luang, Amphoe Sapphaya. Completed in 1956, this is a large dam having a total length and height of 238 and 14 metres respectively.

  • Wat Karuna

    • Located near the Chao Phraya Dam, this temple houses a revered Buddha image highly respected by Chai Nat inhabitants. The name of the image is Phra Phuttha Maha Sila or Luang Pho Hin Yai.

  • Wat Phra Boromthat Worawihan

    • This temple is accessible through a road branching off from the Chao Phraya Dam on the right to Amphoe Sankha Buri. Following the old route, one can see it on the right-hand side.

  • Chai Nat Muni National Museum

    • This is located within the precincts of Wat Phra Borommathat Worawihan. The museum puts on a display of Thai and Chinese ceramics, various types of votive tablets as well as several kinds of artifacts discovered in Chai Nat Province including Buddha images of different gestures. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.00 a.m. - 12.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Admission is 10 baht. Tel: (66 56) 11-467.

    Major Event

  • Strew Bird Fair

    • This annual fair is aimed at making good use of straw, a by-product in rice farming. Various species of huge straw birds will come to perch on elaborately decorated floats during the straw bird procession arranged for early February of each year. After the competition, all straw birds will be displayed in front of the Chai Nat City Hall. Local products and agricultural crops are also available in the fair.

    How to Get There

  • By car

    • Chai Nat is accessible by taking Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Rd.) and making a left turn at Bang Pa--In Interchange for Highway No. 32 (Asia Highway) via Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, and another left turn at Km. 190 to Chai Nat for l94 kilometres.

  • By Bus

    • Both air-conditioned and non-airconditioned buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal 2 every day. Contact (66 2) 279-4484-7 for air-conditioned buses and (66 2) 27l-l0l0-5 for non-airconditioned buses between 5.00 a.m. - 5.50 p.m.

    Accommodation
    An up-to-date list of air-conditioned and non-airconditioned accommodation and restaurants in Chai Nat is available at the Tourism Authority of Thailand office, which is open seven days a week throughout the year from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.