Bangkok to Chachoengsao by Train
A One-Day Temple Trip

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

The handy thing about Chachoengsao is that it sits on the Eastern train line, only about ninety minutes out of Bangkok. That makes it a favourite weekend day trip for Bangkokers, especially anyone heading out to pay respects at Luang Pho Sothon, the city's most revered Buddha image, then carrying on to Wat Saman with its giant pink reclining Ganesha. You can do the whole thing on the train plus a songthaew, no private car required.

We've put together two versions of this plan — a half-day option for people who just want to make merit and head straight back, and a full-day version that runs all the way out to Ban Mai Market on the Bang Pakong River. Before we get into the itineraries, let's sort out the train schedule and getting around town first, because that's the part that makes or breaks this trip.

Bangkok to Chachoengsao train schedule

The Eastern line leaves from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) station, with several departures throughout the day. Most are ordinary 3rd-class fan carriages, with tickets around 13–15 THB, and the journey takes roughly an hour and a half to two hours. No advance booking needed — just buy your ticket at the counter before you board. If you'd rather travel in more comfort, some services include air-conditioned carriages, with tickets in the 60–80 THB range.

• Outbound (Bangkok → Chachoengsao) — departures run from the early-morning 04:15, then 06:55, 08:00, 10:25, and a late-afternoon 16:35. For a temple day trip, a roughly 06:55–08:00 train is ideal, getting you into town before the temples fill up.
• Return (Chachoengsao → Bangkok) — the early-afternoon 13:10 suits a half-day visit, while the evening 17:55 and 18:45 work for a full day. The 17:55 tends to be the busiest, since everyone heads home at once.
• Fares — ordinary fan carriages are about 13–15 THB each way, cheap enough that it's barely worth thinking about. Air-conditioned carriages run around 60–80 THB.
• Journey time — roughly an hour and a half to two hours, depending on how many stations that particular train stops at.

Getting around once you arrive

Chachoengsao Junction station is right in town. Step off and you'll find yellow songthaews out front that run into the centre and pass Wat Sothon, for a fare of around 10 THB per person. Wat Sothon isn't far from the station, but it's not quite close enough for an easy walk either. If the sun's strong, hopping on a songthaew or a motorbike taxi is worth it.

Wat Saman Rattanaram, on the other hand, sits outside town on the Bang Pakong River and is a fair bit further than Wat Sothon. There are songthaews that run the station–Wat Saman route, or you can charter a songthaew or hire a ride on from in front of Wat Sothon. If you're in a group, chartering a vehicle for the day usually works out cheaper and saves you waiting around for the next ride.

• Yellow songthaews outside the station — run into town past Wat Sothon for about 10 THB. Good if you're only visiting spots in the centre.
• Wat Saman songthaew route — runs from the station/bus terminal area out to Wat Saman Rattanaram. Ask the driver or locals; Chachoengsao folk are friendly and happy to point you the right way.
• Charter a vehicle / motorbike taxi — if you're hitting several temples in one day and travelling as a group, chartering for half a day saves time and means you're not gambling on the next ride showing up.

Plan A — half-day temple run, morning out, afternoon back

Best for people who mainly want to pay respects at Luang Pho Sothon and aren't after a long day out. Take the morning train, head back in the afternoon, and you'll spend roughly 4–5 hours in town.

Plan B — full day, 2 temples + a riverside market

Best for a Saturday or Sunday visit when you want to get your money's worth out of the train fare. Run the day from Luang Pho Sothon out to Wat Saman for the reclining Ganesha, then finish at the century-old Ban Mai Market on the Bang Pakong River.

Food you shouldn't miss in Chachoengsao

Since you've come all this way, save some room. Chachoengsao has plenty of local specialities that residents actually eat and visitors love to take home. Stop by a shop in town or the market in front of the temple while you wait for the train back.

Before you board the train for a temple run

• Dress modestly — both Wat Sothon and Wat Saman are temples, so wear sleeved tops and trousers or a skirt that covers the knee.
• Bring cash — train tickets, songthaews and offerings are cash only, and plenty of small shops still don't take transfers.
• Go early, leave before dark — double-check the time of the last return train and don't get so caught up exploring that you miss it.
• Pack an umbrella or hat — the walk from the station and waiting for songthaews can be sunny, especially in the hot season.
• Allow extra time on holidays — on Buddhist holy days and long weekends Wat Sothon gets very crowded, so an early start is easier.