Wiset Chai Chan Old Market (San Chao Rong Thong Market)

History & Significance

Wiset Chai Chan Old Market, situated in San Chao Rong Thong Subdistrict along the scenic banks of the Noi River, is an ancient riverside trading post in Ang Thong Province. Recognized by the province as a premier cultural tourism landmark under the name '100-Year San Chao Rong Thong Market,' the area has retained its traditional way of life and distinctive contiguous wooden rowhouse architecture. According to local lore, ancestors advised descendants relocating elsewhere to carry a small packet of soil from the market to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune.

Highlights & What to See

Visitors to the market can explore a variety of cultural landmarks and historic crafts:

• Sacred Local Shrines: Pay respects at the revered Guan Yu Shrine, which acts as the community's spiritual anchor, alongside the Ti Chu Ya Shrine, Chao Pho Leng (Tile Factory) Shrine, and Chao Mae Kaen Chan Shrine.
• Vintage Shophouses & Crafts: Wander among wooden rowhouses featuring traditional gold merchants, antique shops, age-old herbal pharmacies, and artisanal wickerwork stores.
• Water-Powered Ferry: Witness the historic river ferry powered purely by natural water currents, which has served the local community for more than 20 years.
• Heritage Culinary Delights: Savor authentic local foods including Gaysorn Lamjiak (a signature Ang Thong dessert), Khanom Sam Kloe, Khanom Sam Pan Nee, honeycomb banana sweets, firewood-cooked noodles, stewed duck noodles, beef entrail noodles, lotus leaf-wrapped rice, and black sticky rice zongzi.

Visitor Information

The market is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 (with most vendors operating from 08:00 to 17:00). Admission is completely free of charge. For local travel information and community inquiries, visitors may contact the Wiset Chai Chan Subdistrict Municipality at 035-631405.

How to Get There

Wiset Chai Chan Old Market is located in San Chao Rong Thong Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, nestled directly beside the Noi River.