🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
For a quick trip near Bangkok, Chachoengsao is a really easy choice — it packs the things people love into a small area: sacred temples, an old riverside market, cafés along the Bang Pakong, and famous take-home treats like nam dok mai mangoes and Chinese-style mooncakes. The main sights sit in the town centre and in Bang Khla district, no more than half an hour apart by car, so it all fits neatly into one trip.
How to get to Chachoengsao
Chachoengsao is about 80–90 km from Bangkok, and there are several ways to get there depending on whether you have your own car.
- By car — from Bangkok take the motorway (Highway 7) or Bang Na–Trat Road, around 1–1.5 hours. This is easiest if you want to cross over to Bang Khla district.
- By train — the Eastern Line from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) station drops you at Chachoengsao station; 3rd-class fares are in the tens of baht and the trip takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. It's the go-to option if you don't have a car — from the station, hop on a songthaew or motorbike taxi into town.
- By van / coach — services run from Victory Monument and Mo Chit to Chachoengsao town, handy if you plan to stay in town and use public transport from there.
First-timer tip
Without a car, the train-plus-temples-plus-market plan works fine for the town centre. But if you want to see the bats at Wat Pho Bang Khla or the mango market in Bang Khla, having your own car or a rental is far more practical — those spots are out of town and public transport is limited.
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.
The sights first-timers shouldn't miss
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan
The town's landmark temple, home to Luang Pho Sothon — a revered Buddha image people travel from all over the country to bow before. The big white ordination hall is the province's signature sight, right in the town centre.
Wat Saman Rattanaram
On the bank of the Bang Pakong, best known for its giant reclining Ganesh that draws crowds asking for blessings. There's a wide plaza and plenty of cheap food.
Ban Mai 100-Year Market
An old market on the Bang Pakong, over a century old, where you can graze on local food — old-school noodles, traditional coffee, and hard-to-find sweets. It's busiest on weekends.
Wat Pho Bang Khla
A 200-year-old temple in Bang Khla district, where flying-fox bats roost in the trees on the grounds and can be seen during the day — a rare sight.
Bang Pakong river cruises and riverside cafés
Paet Riu's charm is the Bang Pakong River running through the middle of town. At Ban Mai Market you can take a boat that links Wat Sothon, Ban Mai Market and Wat Leng Hok Yi — a low-key way to glimpse riverside life. Café lovers have plenty of riverside spots to chill at too, like Sleepless Slowbar on the Bang Pakong and in-town cafés such as D Presso, a good afternoon stop before more market wandering.
1-day plan (out in the morning, back by evening)
This plan suits anyone who wants to do the temples and the market and be back in Bangkok the same day, sticking to in-town spots that connect easily.
Temples and markets in town
2-day, 1-night plan (town plus Bang Khla)
With more time, an overnight stay lets you cross into Bang Khla district to see the bats, browse the mango market, and not feel rushed.
Town · temples and markets
Bang Khla · nature and souvenirs
Souvenirs worth bringing home
Bang Khla golden nam dok mai mangoes
The province's famous mango variety, GI-registered, with sweet fragrant flesh. It's most plentiful in the hot season and you can buy it at the Bang Khla mango market.
Tang Seng Jua mooncakes
A long-running mooncake shop that's become a Paet Riu landmark, with a range of fillings — a popular take-home treat people can't resist picking up.
Local goods from Ban Mai Market
Hard-to-find Thai sweets and dry goods in the old market — perfect for bringing home a souvenir nobody else will have.
Good to know before you go
- Weekends get crowded — Wat Sothon and Ban Mai Market are packed on weekends and Buddhist holy days. For an easier visit, come on a weekday or go early.
- Dress for temples — Wat Sothon is a sacred site, so modest dress with shoulders and knees covered is more appropriate.
- Carry cash — many shops in the old market take cash, so bring small notes to pay more easily.
- Mangoes are seasonal — if you're set on nam dok mai mangoes, the hot season around March to May has the widest selection.
Want a well-located place to stay in Paet Riu? See the options real guests have reviewed.
See Top 10 Chachoengsao Hotels →