Thailand Guides - Sa Kaeo

Sa Kaeo has the distinction of being Thailand’s newest province. This rural province 220 kilometres to the east of Bangkok borders Cambodia and benefits from lively cross-border trade with its neighbour.

Overview

Once a district of Prachin Buri Province, Sa Kaeo was only awarded its provincial status in 1993. The province consists of plains, evergreen forests and mountainous areas and also shares a 165 kilometre border with Cambodia. The town of Aranyaprathet facing the Khmer town of Poi Pet acts as an important trading post between the two countries.

Attractions

Sa Kaeo or ‘jewel pool’ is a sparsely populated rural province peppered with Khmer ruins and unexcavated sites. During the 1970’s the town of Aranyaprathet turned from a sleepy border town into a major reception centre for Cambodian refugees trying to escape the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge. Today Aranyaprathet is an important trading post between the two countries. The border is also open to visitors and if you have the appropriate visa it is possible to cross here. The town itself has little to offer but Talat Rong Kleua makes for an interesting morning watching the to and fro of border trade.

Pang Sida National Park covers almost 850 square kilometres and the source of the Bang Pakong River rises here. There are several beautiful waterfalls within the park and it is possible to hire trekking guides. Accommodation can also be arranged through the park office and camping is permitted in the area. Home to many rare animals and birds, Pang Sida National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and amateur ornithologists.