In January, attention turns to the river upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam, where tens of thousands of ducks gather to feed. Chainat in Thailand combines this seasonal natural spectacle with a striking waterworks structure. The Chao Phraya Dam is Thailand’s first major barrage for water regulation. The two subjects tell different stories about the river: on one hand, the deliberate regulation of water; on the other, birds feeding. The observation takes place in January; the number of ducks can vary from year to year.
Birdlife Between Conservation and Collection
Chai Nat Bird Park is an attraction dedicated to bird conservation and covers 248 rai. Its aviary is described as the largest in Asia. The area figure refers to the park, while the size comparison applies only to the aviary. The bird park also includes a museum of bird eggs, which collects eggs from various bird species in Thailand and abroad. The subject of birdlife thus brings together two different focuses: bird conservation and a collection that highlights different species and their eggs.
Museums with Different Perspectives
The Chai Nat Muni National Museum collects, preserves and displays archaeological and artistic objects that form part of Thailand’s national heritage. In Sapphaya, the old police station was converted into a museum of local history. Different historical perspectives take center stage here: national heritage at the National Museum and local history in the converted building. If you plan to visit the museum in the former police station, check current access arrangements in advance.
Local Products and Crafts
Green Dee Night Market in the market community around Sapphaya’s old police station market offers food, traditional sweets and agricultural products. Check current opening hours before visiting. A community-based tourism trial route in the province, conducted on April 22, 2026, included a tasting of Chai Nat Khao Tangkwa GI pomelo at the Chokchai Pomelo Orchard. The tasting took place as part of this dated trial. If you plan to take part, check in advance whether the orchard is open to visitors and offering a tasting. The market offers several categories of goods, while the trial route highlighted a specific pomelo variety.
Well-known craft traditions in Chai Nat include basket weaving, pottery, weaving and Benjarong ceramics. These traditions add another cultural perspective to the museums and appeal to travelers interested in local crafts.
Further Historical Perspectives in Thailand
In Thailand’s broader cultural context, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai also represent historical themes. The Historic City of Ayutthaya was founded around 1350 and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. Its remains are characterized by prangs, or reliquary towers, and vast monastic complexes. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is located on an island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lopburi rivers. Ayutthaya’s architecture combines Khmer styles with early Sukhothai styles; the Historic City of Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sukhothai and the associated historic towns form a serial World Heritage Site comprising three ancient cities located close to one another.
Discover more destinations: Chainat, Ban Chian, Huai Ngu, Nan, Sakon Nakhon, Yala, Buriram, Nakhon Sawan.
For the overview of destinations: Thailand.
