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Thailand province guide

Chai Nat

Chai Nat is a central Thai river province known for the Chao Phraya Dam, historic temples, rural crafts and relaxed waterside communities.

Reviewed 20 September 2026 Official sources checked
Administrative levelProvince
Districts8
Area2,469.8 km²
Time zoneICT (UTC+7)

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How Chai Nat is organised

Central Thailand Chai Nat Districts

8 districts, 53 subdistricts and 505 villages (as at 31 December 2024).

8districts 2,469.8 km²total area 313,759population, 2024

Understand Chai Nat

Chai Nat is a compact central Thai province where the Chao Phraya and connected waterways shape farming, settlements and daily life. Mueang Chai Nat is the main service base, while the province's eight districts make it practical to combine river engineering, history, community markets and countryside in a short trip.

The Chao Phraya Dam in Sapphaya is a defining landmark in Thailand's modern water-management story. Chai Nat Bird Park is the best-known family attraction near the provincial capital, while the Chai Nat Muni National Museum helps place local archaeology and religious art in context. Sankhaburi's Wat Mahathat and other old temples reflect the province's long history.

For community atmosphere, check current dates for the Sapphaya Old Police Station Community Market and other riverside activities. Local craft traditions include basketry, pottery, weaving and Benjarong work. These are living community activities rather than guaranteed daily attractions, so confirm schedules before travelling.

Road travel is the most direct way to reach and explore Chai Nat. TAT also lists train, taxi, minivan and bus access from Bangkok, but routes may involve transfers and timetables change; confirm the exact service and last-mile connection with the operator. A private vehicle is useful for linking Sapphaya, Sankhaburi, Wat Sing and rural sites.

Place typeProvince Located inCentral Thailand Population313,759 Time zoneICT (UTC+7)

Chai Nat at a glance

Official name
Chai Nat Province
Thai name
ชัยนาท
Region
Central Thailand
Population
313,759 (2024)
Area
2,469.8 km²
Type
Province
Official website
Visit website

Weather in Chai Nat

Current conditions and the latest available forecast.

30°C Thunderstorm with hail
MonThunderstorm31°C / 25°C
TueThunderstorm with hail31°C / 25°C
WedThunderstorm30°C / 24°C
ThuThunderstorm29°C / 24°C
FriThunderstorm with hail30°C / 24°C
SatThunderstorm with hail29°C / 24°C
SunThunderstorm27°C / 24°C
Weather data provided by Open-Meteo.

Plan your Chai Nat stay

Before you go

Best time: November to February for generally cooler, drier sightseeing; check river conditions and community-market dates before travel.

Language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

Information you can verifyWe use accountable sources and review this page to keep its information useful.
Reviewed
20 September 2026
Content owner
Thailand Navigator Editorial Team
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