Thailand Guidebook > Provinces > Central Thailand

Chachoengsao is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River. The town was established in the year 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya and originally used as a centre for armed force recruitment. During the reign of King Maha Thammaracha, the kingdom was in a weak condition due to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, the Khmer king located Thai people from several towns including Chachoengsao to be his work force.

Chachoengsao is commonly called "Paet Riu", such a name is derived from large sized fish locally caught in the past. The town is some 100 kms. east of Bangkok occupying an area of 5,351 square kilometres. Its area is a low basin rich in rice fields, fish farms and fruit orchards.

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It is administratively divided into 10 districts (Amphoes) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe): Muang Chachoengsao, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakharm, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap and Khlong Khuan. If you have already visited this Central province, please share your highlights with other visitors to Thailand Guidebook.

Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan This temple is situated on the west bank of the Bang Pakong River, 2 Kms. south of the city hall. Enshrined in a new gigantic hall is Phra Phutthasothon, or "Luang Pho Sothon" regarded as one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand. The image, in the attitude of meditation, measuring 1.65 metres wide at the lap and 1.98 metres high, is always seen entirely pasted with gold leaves by worshipers. Two annual fairs celebrating the image fall in the 5th and the 12th lunar months (around April and November). According to legend, Luang Pho Sothon floated down the Bang Pakong River to the site of the temple. Efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful until a villager had a small shrine erected on the site and performed a ceremony welcoming the image to the community.

Bang Pakong River This scenic river originates in the Khorat high plateau and winds through the heart of the town before running into the Gulf of Thailand at Amphoe Bang Pakong. A boat trip along the river can start either from the town market or Wat Sothon, and travellers can go towards Amphoe Bang Khla, a total distance of 25 kms. The trip takes bout 3 hours by long-tail boat.

Ancient Fortress This historical site is located on Maruphong Road in the town. This fortress was frequently used during the reigns of King Rama lll and King Rama V. Many old cannons can now be seen along the wall. Nearby, a public park is suitable for viewing the scenery of the Bang Pakong River.

Somdet Phra Sri Nagarindra Park This public park in front of the city hall houses a large swamp surrounded by various types of trees. It is a suitable place for relaxation.

Wat Pho Bang Khla This temple is located 17 kms. from the town along Highway No. 304 (Chachoengsao-Kabin Buri route) and another 6 kms. along Highway 3121. It is home to numerous fruit bats, or flying foxes, which hang themselves on the trees within the precincts of the temple.

Monument of King Taksin the Great This was constructed as a memorial site for the historic event when King Taksin led the army past Bang Khla after the fall of Ayutthaya to restore Thailand's independence.

Mango Orchards Amphoe Bang Khla is a major producer for mangoes of various kinds, which are known for their superb quality and taste. The produce is plentiful in March, and the Mango Fair is held during this time to promote this famous fruit.

Khro Hin Son This is on Phanom Sarakham-Kabin Buri Road between Km. 51 and 52. It is a spectacular hill full of huge white rocks. The unfertile area of about 770 acres, has been managed and developed in accordance with the royal projects of experiment and demonstrations on crop cultivation, fishery and livestock, so that farmers can apply this knowledge in their work.

Ben Santitham or the village Social Development Centre This is located in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, some 60 kms. east of the town along Route Nos. 304, 3245 and 3259. The centre was established by the villagers to pass on local wisdom and express the traditional way of life to youth. In the village, there are herb gardens, a typical house with an exhibition of farming tools and many devices created by the local folk. Various farm products and herbs are on sale at a nearby roadside open market

COPYRIGHT: Information on this page is used with permission from the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Additional information from brochures produced locally and notes made by Panrit Daoruang and Richard Barrow. All photographs on this web site are the property of Panrit Daoruang.