🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Paet Riu is a great weekend trip when you want out of Bangkok without a long drive. The draws are the town's signature temple, Luang Pho Sothon, where people come from all over to pray, and the old markets along the Bang Pakong River that are still very much alive. This plan keeps day one on temples and the old market, then saves the popular Ganesha temple and souvenir shopping for day two before you head home — a comfortable rhythm that doesn't wear you out.
Trip overview and getting there
From Bangkok it's about 1–1.5 hours by car via the motorway or the Bang Na–Trat road. No car? Take the Eastern Line train to Chachoengsao station — tickets run only a few tens of baht — then hop on a songthaew or motorcycle taxi around town. The main sights aren't far apart: Wat Sothon and Ban Mai Market are roughly 5 km from each other, while Wat Saman Rattanaram sits outside town toward Bang Khla district. Having your own car makes everything smoothest.
Pick your day carefully
The 100-year-old Ban Mai Market is busiest on weekends and public holidays, with far more stalls open than on weekdays. For the full atmosphere, time your trip for a weekend — the walk is a lot more fun.
Book the activities in your Chachoengsao trip ahead
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Day 1 — Luang Pho Sothon + riverside Ban Mai Market
Bless at the town temple, walk the old market, graze along the river
Day 2 — Ganesha temple + souvenirs for the road
Ask Ganesha for a blessing, grab souvenirs, then head home
Add these if you have time
Bang Pakong River cruise
Take a boat to see both banks of the river; in season, some trips look for dolphins near the river mouth. Great for anyone who likes being on the water.
Khlong Suan 100-year Market
Another old canal-side market that still carries the feel of an old community — easy grazing on Thai-Chinese food. It's over in Ban Pho district.
Riverside cafes in town
Downtown Paet Riu has cafes right on the Bang Pakong where you can sip coffee with a river view — a nice mid-day break to slot in.
Rough budget per person
- 1 night's stay — a guesthouse or riverside hotel runs about ฿600–1,500 per room; split two ways, that's only a few hundred each.
- 4–5 meals — around ฿400–700 if you stick mostly to street food and the markets.
- Getting around town — fuel or songthaews run about ฿200–400, depending on whether you have your own car.
- Merit-making + souvenirs — up to you; setting aside ฿300–500 is plenty.
What to wear at the temples
Wat Sothon and Wat Saman are sacred places that draw a lot of visitors. Sleeved tops with knee-covering pants or skirts are respectful and let you in everywhere. Pack an umbrella or hat for the sun too — the temple grounds are fairly open.
Check out riverside and in-town stays in Paet Riu before you book the trip
See the Top 10 Chachoengsao hotels →