Sakaekrang Floating Community (Chumchon Chao Phae Sakae Krang)

History & Significance

The Sakaekrang Floating Community has a deep historical connection with the development of Uthai Thani. Originally, the area was a dense forest of Sakae trees along the riverbank, which gave the river and the community its name. During the Ayutthaya period, Chinese merchants established a bustling trading hub here, calling it 'Si-Kiat-Kang'. It became a major market for trading rice, timber, and forest products. Historically, this area is also highly significant as the birthplace of Thongdi (the father of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty). In 1833, the administrative center of Uthai Thani was officially moved to Sakae Krang due to its prosperity as a trading port and to avoid forest fevers in the old inland town.

Highlights & What to See

Today, the community consists of more than 100 floating raft houses (Ruan Phae) that hold official house registrations, making it the last registered floating community in Thailand. The main highlights include:

• Traditional Raft Houses: Observe the unique architecture of floating homes that rise and fall with the river's natural tide.
• Riverine Livelihood: See how locals practice freshwater aquaculture, raising fish in floating cages such as giant gourami, striped catfish, and black-ear catfish. You can also see them growing floating plants like pandan on the water, and making dried or salted fish to sell in the local market.
• Boat Tours: Take a ride on a traditional wooden boat (Ruea Mat) to enjoy the scenic views of the floating community along the Sakae Krang River.
• Old Town & Sakaekrang Hill: Explore the nearby historic old town area of Uthai Thani or hike up Sakaekrang Hill for a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the town and the river valley.

Visitor Information

The Sakaekrang Floating Community is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. There is no admission fee to walk around the riverside area, though local boat operators charge separate fees for river excursions. Visitors are advised to respect the privacy of the residents living on the raft houses and avoid making loud noises.

How to Get There

The community is located along the Sakae Krang River in the municipality of Mueang Uthai Thani, Uthai Thani Province. It is easily accessible from the town center, and visitors can easily walk to the riverside piers or bridges to view the floating houses.