A market near the Thai-Cambodian border, revered shrines and a local procession give Amphoe Aranyaprathet several distinct points of interest. Historic sites and performances in the Khlong Nam Sai community reflect the different themes that shape the district. Visitors interested in religious sites will find specific places to explore, as will travelers looking to discover handicrafts, local sweets or border history.
A border market with a diverse range of goods
Rong Kluea Market in Ban Khlong Luek is about six kilometers east of the center of Amphoe Aranyaprathet, on the border with Cambodia. Goods on offer include brass and ceramic items, tableware, clothing, woven products and dried fish. The selection ranges from everyday goods to food, so visitors can explore the market through its specific products rather than a single specialty. The offerings at individual stalls and the goods available may change. If you are looking for a particular item, bear in mind that the selection can vary.
Shrines and historic sites of remembrance
At Wat Anuborraphot in Ban Mai Nong Sai, visitors can pay their respects to a revered brass Buddha footprint. The replica of Phra Siam Thewathirat is a revered shrine and landmark of Aranyaprathet. The old city pillar shrine of Aranyaprathet is also located in the town and is revered by local residents. These sites express the district’s religious and cultural character in different ways.
Wat Luang Arany is a historic site where King Bhumibol Adulyadej attended a royal Kathin ceremony on November 6, 1969. Another historic landmark is the Aranyaprathet Victory Gate in Ban Khlong Luek. It is located on the Thai-Cambodian border and was built in 1939 as a boundary monument to commemorate the soldiers killed and wounded in border clashes.
Archaeological traces in the district
Khao Rang is a historic site in Amphoe Aranyaprathet where inscriptions in the Pallava script have been preserved. Khao Noi Shrine in Khlong Nam Sai is an archaeological brick site; its origins are dated to approximately the 12th Buddhist century. It lies about twelve kilometers south of the main town of Amphoe Aranyaprathet. While Khao Rang is characterized by its written records, Khao Noi combines a brick site with an approximate date.
Traditions and performances in Khlong Nam Sai
The day before the end of Buddhist Lent, the Honey Castle Procession takes place in Khlong Nam Sai. Residents build a honey castle from candles and flowers and take it to a temple. This local tradition brings together a handcrafted object and a religious occasion.
The Khlong Nam Sai community also welcomes tourists with demonstrations of Thai-Nyaw textile weaving and local sweets-making. Visitors interested in culture as part of everyday life can learn about weaving and making sweets at these demonstrations. Check before visiting to confirm whether the demonstrations are available.
Landscape and getting there
Amphoe Aranyaprathet lies in the lowlands of the Prachinburi River. These lowlands are part of a large eastern plain that extends into the lowlands of Cambodia. Its geographic setting is therefore linked to the border history evident at sites such as Rong Kluea Market and the Aranyaprathet Victory Gate.
From Bangkok, Amphoe Aranyaprathet can be reached via Highway 33 or the eastern railway line, which terminates at Aranyaprathet railway station. Check the current timetable for a specific train journey. Depending on your interests, different themes can guide your trip planning: goods and market activity, revered sites, historical records or cultural performances offered by the community.
Discover more destinations: Ban Mai Nong Sai, Amphoe Mueang Sa Kaeo.
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