Amphoe Aranyaprathet: Border Market, Shrines and History

Amphoe Aranyaprathet brings together a border market, historic sites and revered shrines. The area lies in the lowlands of the Prachinburi River, on a large eastern plain that extends into the lowlands of Cambodia. The market, history and local traditions offer several possible focuses for a trip.

Border Location and Market

Rong Kluea Market is located in Ban Khlong Luek on the Thai-Cambodian border, about six kilometres east of the centre of Amphoe Aranyaprathet. Its goods include brassware, ceramics, tableware, clothing, woven goods and dried fish, among other things. The different product categories shape the market’s offerings; individual stalls and goods may change.

Historic Sites and Remembrance

Also in Ban Khlong Luek, on the border, stands the Aranyaprathet Victory Gate. The border monument was erected in 1939 in memory of soldiers who were killed or injured in border clashes. Its date of construction and commemorative purpose give the site a clear historical connection.

Wat Luang Arany is a historic site where King Bhumibol Adulyadej attended a royal Kathin ceremony on 6 November 1969. Khao Noi in Khlong Nam Sai offers a different way to explore history: the shrine is an archaeological brick site whose origins are dated to around the 12th Buddhist century. It lies about twelve kilometres south of the main town of Amphoe Aranyaprathet.

Khao Rang is another historic site in Amphoe Aranyaprathet, where inscriptions in Pallava script have been preserved. While Khao Noi is distinguished by its brick site and approximate dating, Khao Rang draws attention to written records. Together, they offer a chance to discover different aspects of the area’s historical heritage.

Shrines and Local Traditions

At Wat Anuborraphot, 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 town area is also home to an old city pillar shrine, which is revered by local residents. Each of these three places has its own religious and local significance.

In Khlong Nam Sai, the Honey Castle Procession is a local tradition. It takes place one day before the end of Buddhist Lent: residents build a honey castle from candles and flowers and take it to a temple. Both its timing in the festival calendar and the community’s collective effort are integral to this custom.

The Khlong Nam Sai community welcomes tourists with demonstrations of Thai-Nyaw textile weaving and local sweet-making. Check before your visit whether these community activities are available. This will help you plan around the activities taking place at the time of your trip.

Getting There from Bangkok

Amphoe Aranyaprathet can be reached from Bangkok via Highway 33 or the Eastern Railway Line, which terminates at Aranyaprathet Railway Station. You can choose between a road connection and a rail route. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before departure.

Discover more destinations: Ban Mai Nong Sai, Amphoe Mueang Sa Kaeo.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Sa Kaeo.