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Chachoengsao is a province in eastern Thailand, that possesses rich natural beauty with lush mangrove forests, gentle rivers, and pristine beaches. In addition, this province is also famous for its ancient temples with strong cultural imprints, unique traditional festivals, and attractive local dishes. Visitors to Chachoengsao will have the opportunity to explore a land rich in both nature and culture.
Coming to Chachoengsao, visitors will be immersed in the peaceful space of ancient temples such as Wat Saman Rattanaram or Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan. Moreover, exploring Nakhon Nuang Khet Ancient Market and enjoying local specialties are also wonderful experiences.
Chachoengsao has a rich and colorful history through different periods and times. In the 13th and 14th centuries, when the area was still part of the Sukhothai Kingdom, it began to make its distinctive cultural and religious mark.
Chachoengsao in Thailand - Ancient province with a long story and beliefs (Source: Thailand local travel)
Then, in the 14th and 18th centuries, the Ayutthaya Kingdom turned Chachoengsao into an important trading junction. It connected the kingdom's transportation routes. Soon after the fall of Ayutthaya, the Rattanakosin Dynasty made Chachoengsao a strategic administrative center, with Bangkok as its capital since 1782.
The 20th century was a golden age when Chachoengsao transformed from a rural area into a vibrant economic area. Today, despite significant development, Chachoengsao still attracts tourists with its ancient temples and beautiful riverside scenery. This is a testament to the perfect combination of tradition and modern development.
Chachoengsao is located in a tropical climate zone with hot and humid weather all year round. Not unlike many other provinces in Thailand, Chachoengsao is divided into 2 distinct seasons:
This temple is located in Chachoengsao province and is located on an island surrounded by the Bang Pakong River. It houses the country’s two largest statues of Ganesha, the Hindu god reclining and sitting on a pedestal. The structure sparkles in the sun at 16 meters high and 22 meters long.
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Huge Statue Of Pink Ganesha at Wat Saman Rattanaram (Source: Idaytrip)
There are also statues of other gods such as the four-faced Phra Phrom, the Thai version of Brahma, and a statue of Indra. It is a fun place to visit and you can spend a few hours in the temple grounds without getting bored.
If you want to change things up, you can join a boat tour. There are also several nearby cafes and a floating market that will help you enjoy your trip to Chachoengsao more fully. Make sure you don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop.
The oldest temple in the province, it sits gracefully on the banks of the Bangg Pakong River in the city area. Wat Sothon Wararam Woea Viharn dates back to the Ayutthaya period. According to the legend, the main Buddha image was rescued from the river when it accidentally floated through the province.
This is a wonderful piece of architecture with a 1.4-meter-tall and 1.6-meter-long Buddha image. You can observe the floor tiles, which represent the river. Meanwhile, the ceiling of this beautiful temple represents the universe.
Wat Sothon Waraha Worawihan (Souce: Vecteezy)
You can join boat tours here and enjoy a local snack called Khanom Jaak. Some gifts at the souvenir shop are also worth buying as gifts for your family and loved ones Additionally, you can also enjoy a traditional Thai dance right next to the temple's main building.
One thing to keep in mind is to dress appropriately when visiting. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed as they are considered disrespectful. If needed, you can borrow the free gowns outside.
Built during the reign of the great King Taksin, this Ayutthaya-style temple has a beautiful reclining Buddha statue within its grounds. Part of the temple was renovated in 1998 and features marble floors and a magnificent chandelier.
Wat Pho Bang Khla is also known as the temple of the Baht (Source: Thailand Explorer - WordPress)
However, what makes this temple particularly interesting and a draw for both tourists and locals is the bats. Yes, this is home to the largest bat population in the world. In the evenings, you can see them roosting in nearby trees and feasting on fruit. It is a fascinating sight and will be the highlight of your visit to this temple.
Nakhon Nuang Khet Old Market is a market located along the Nakhon Nuang Khet Canal. It has been in operation since the reign of King Rama V. Currently, the municipal government has renovated the market to become a tourist attraction aimed at preserving the ancient cultures and traditions of the people living along the canals.
Nakhon Nuang Khet Ancient Market (Source: Tourism Thailand)
The highlight of this market is the canal running through the middle, with market areas on both sides. The food here is of good quality and cheap. There are many food stalls selling traditional Thai dishes on land and on boats where you can try Thai curry, noodles, old-fashioned coffee, and other fresh foods.
The wooden houses around the market are still in their original state and are worth a visit. There is also the Khlong Nakhon Nueng Khet Museum with a wooden shop displaying the story and history of the Nakorn community inside.
If you are traveling to Chachoengsao with kids, Mini Murrah Farm is a place you definitely should not miss. “Murrah” is the name of a type of water cow, so this is a dairy farm. Besides the buffaloes, there are also some other animals on the farm such as rabbits, sheep, and pigs.
Mini Murrah Farm (Source: BKK Kids)
Mini Murrah Farm also offers many activities that kids will enjoy such as making DIY pizzas, making ice cream, and even planting rice in a real field. Additionally, there are also interactive activities with the buffaloes, like feeding them grass.
There is also a bathroom to ease your worries about your kids rolling around in the mud and getting dirty. You can also find a cute cafe nearby that uses fresh and direct ingredients from the farm. Finally, don’t forget to visit the souvenir shop where you can buy cheese, butter, and other products made from buffalo milk.
Baan Mai Riverside Market has been a local market in Chachoengsao since the reign of King Rama V of Rattanakosin and is now over 100 years old. Since the market is located along the river, Thai people used to use boats as their main means of transportation. However, with the development of technology, boat trips are quickly being replaced by cars.
Baan Mai Riverside Market (Source: Thailand Tourism Directory)
Although most of the shops have closed, some still exist to maintain and preserve the beautiful cultural combination of Thai and Chinese cultures. You can enjoy a unique shopping experience with clothes, accessories, and other items such as traditional Thai hats. There are also many delicious local dishes to please food lovers.
Bus: Buses to Chachoengsao depart from Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is a fast and cheap way to get to the center of Chachoengsao, taking about 1 hour.
Train: You can catch a train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Paet Riu Train Station in Chachoengsao. However, this trip takes about 2 hours, so it is not the fastest way.
Taxi: Hiring a taxi is also a quick way to get to Chachoengsao. This trip will easily take you to the city center in just 1 hour. Although more expensive than the bus, taxis are convenient and can be booked anywhere in Bangkok.
Rental car: If you have a driver's license and an international driving permit, you can rent a car to Chachoengsao. This is the most flexible option because you can customize your route and stop for a break whenever you want.