About Chachoengsao
Chachoengsao lies about 80 km east of Bangkok on the Bang Pakong River and is a quiet provincial capital in flat rice country. The city is known for two temples. Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, with the greatly revered Buddha image Luang Pho Sothon, draws pilgrims from across the country. Wat Saman Rattanaram has a giant pink statue of Ganesha, the elephant god, and attracts visitors who come to ask for good luck. Along the river you find small markets and quiet boat trips. The city suits a day trip from Bangkok or a stop on the way to the east coast. It is less busy than better-known cities, and you see ordinary Thai provincial life, with markets, temples and simple eateries on every corner.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: drier and less hot, with calmer seas for beaches and boats. May to October is the rainy season, though showers are often short; March to May is very hot. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or train (about 1.5 to 2 hours); the temples lie a few kilometres apart. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chachoengsao
- Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan An important temple housing the revered Luang Pho Sothon image.
- Wat Saman Rattanaram A giant pink Ganesha statue that attracts many visitors.
- Bang Pakong River Quiet boat trips and small markets along the water.
- Provincial town life Markets and eateries without big tourist crowds.
Chachoengsao on the map
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