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💦 Two-Province Plan

Chachoengsao–Nakhon Nayok
2 Days of Waterfalls and Nature

Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok sit right next to each other, about an hour's drive apart, so it's easy to roll them into a single trip. Day one is all about Paet Riu: pay your respects to Luang Pho Sothon, wander Ban Mai Market, and stop at Wat Saman. On day two you cross into Nakhon Nayok to cool off under the waterfalls and see the longest concrete dam in Thailand. This is a plan I've actually driven, and it works.

💦 Cool waterfalls🛕 Temple-hopping🚗 Easy self-drive
Chachoengsao–Nakhon Nayok 2 Days of Waterfalls and Nature

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Most people treat Chachoengsao as a one-day trip — pay respects at the temples and head home. But if you've got two days, stretch it a little further and cross north into neighbouring Nakhon Nayok. From downtown Chachoengsao to downtown Nakhon Nayok is about 60–70 km, roughly an hour's drive. You get the temple-and-culture side on day one, then waterfalls and green hills on day two. It's far better value than sticking to one spot.

Why pair these two provinces

Chachoengsao is known for its temples and old riverside markets along the Bang Pakong River, while Nakhon Nayok is known for waterfalls and the green hills on the southern edge of Khao Yai. They're two very different moods, but the drive between them is easy, so they balance each other out nicely. Day one you stroll slowly through town; day two you work up a sweat splashing around in the forest. You head home with both merit and a fresh dose of nature.

  • Short distance — Chachoengsao to Nakhon Nayok is about 60–70 km, roughly a 1-hour drive via the Ongkharak route
  • Different themes — day one is temples and markets, day two is waterfalls and a dam, so nothing feels repetitive
  • Close to Bangkok — both provinces are within 100–130 km of Bangkok, comfortable to self-drive
  • Good year-round — waterfalls run best in the rainy season (Jun–Oct), while the temples and markets are fine in any season

Best done with your own car

This trip really calls for a private or rental car, because the waterfalls on the Nakhon Nayok side are well outside town and public transport doesn't reach them easily. Without a car, you can charter a songthaew or a taxi from downtown Nakhon Nayok, but it'll cost more.

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Day 1 — Paet Riu temples and old markets

Day 1

Chachoengsao — temples and riverside markets on the Bang Pakong

08:30
Leave Bangkok, head for ChachoengsaoAbout 80 km via the motorway or the Bang Na–Trat road, roughly a 1.5-hour drive
10:00
Pay respects to Luang Pho Sothon at Wat Sothon Wararam WorawihanPaet Riu's most revered Buddha image. Open 07:00–16:30, free entry. People pray here for health and good fortune.
11:30
Walk the 100-year-old Ban Mai Market on the Bang Pakong RiverAn old wooden retro market, open Sat–Sun and public holidays 08:00–17:00. Hard-to-find Thai sweets and old-style coffee — a good spot for lunch.
14:00
Head to Wat Saman Rattanaram to see the giant reclining GaneshaOn the Bang Pakong River, open 08:00–18:00. The huge pink reclining Ganesha is a favourite photo spot for the faithful. Free entry.
16:00
Pick up Paet Riu souvenirs — mango, moo yor, mooncake-style pastriesEasy to find around the markets and souvenir shops in town. Paet Riu's nam dok mai mangoes are famous in season.
18:00
Check in at your hotel in downtown Chachoengsao and restOr you can drive on and overnight on the Nakhon Nayok side if you'd rather start day two closer to the waterfalls.

Ban Mai Market only opens on weekends

The 100-year-old Ban Mai Market only opens on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. If your trip lands on a weekday, the market will be quiet with many stalls closed. Plan day one to fall on a weekend to get the full atmosphere.

Day 2 — Cross to Nakhon Nayok for waterfalls and a dam

Day 2

Nakhon Nayok — Sarika Waterfall, Wang Takhrai, Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam

08:00
Leave your hotel and drive to Nakhon Nayok via the Ongkharak routeChachoengsao to Nakhon Nayok is about 60–70 km, taking Highway 305 through Rangsit–Ongkharak–Nakhon Nayok, roughly a 1-hour drive
09:30
Splash around at Sarika Waterfall in Khao Yai National ParkA multi-tier waterfall, with the top tier about 200 metres high. Open 08:00–17:00, entry 40 THB for adults and 20 THB for children. It's quieter early in the morning.
11:30
Continue to Wang Takhrai Park to walk the gardens and wade in the streamOn the Sarika–Nang Rong road, Sarika subdistrict. Open 08:00–17:00, gate fee 150 THB per car (up to 8 people). Shady, mature gardens.
13:00
Lunch at a streamside restaurantThe Sarika–Nang Rong area has plenty of riverside spots, some with sala huts where you can dip your feet while you eat. Think river fish and som tam.
14:30
Stop by Nang Rong Waterfall in Khao Yai National ParkNot very tall, but with several spots to swim. Clear, cool water and shady surroundings — easygoing for a dip.
16:00
Wrap up at Khun Dan Prakan Chon DamThe longest concrete dam in Thailand, about 2,720 metres in total, at Ban Tha Dan in Hin Tang subdistrict. Take in the reservoir-and-mountain view in the late-afternoon light — great photos.
17:30
Drive back to BangkokNakhon Nayok to Bangkok is about 100–130 km, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive via Ongkharak–Rangsit

When the waterfalls run best

The Nakhon Nayok waterfalls depend mainly on rainfall, so they're fullest and flow strongest in the rainy season, roughly June to October. Come in the dry season (February–April) and some tiers may be low or dry. If you want a proper swim, aim for the rainy months — but be ready for rain and slippery trails too.

  • Jun–Oct — waterfalls are full and flowing strong; this is also the white-water rafting season on the Nakhon Nayok River
  • Nov–Jan — cool, pleasant weather with enough water around; good for hiking and nature walks
  • Feb–May — hot season, some waterfalls run low; better for sitting in the shade than swimming

Where to stay — which side to overnight on

You can overnight on either side depending on your pacing. If you want to finish Paet Riu first, stay in downtown Chachoengsao on night one and drive across to Nakhon Nayok in the morning. But if you'd rather wake up and hit the waterfalls early, drive over and stay at a resort around Sarika–Nang Rong in Nakhon Nayok for that hills-and-forest feel.

In town

Stay in downtown Chachoengsao

A hotel in town by the Bang Pakong, handy for the morning market and temples. Wallet-friendly, good if you're focused on day one.

Foothills

Stay at a Sarika–Nang Rong resort

A foothill resort on the Nakhon Nayok side, so you reach the waterfalls fast. Cool air, good if nature on day two is your priority.

Leave a little extra time for the waterfalls

Don't cram so many waterfalls into one day that you're rushing. Pick just 1–2 to really enjoy, since climbing up the tiers takes time and energy. If you're bringing kids or older travellers, budget even more time.

Want a full Chachoengsao itinerary? Check out the Paet Riu city guide

See the Chachoengsao guide →

FAQ

Is Chachoengsao far from Nakhon Nayok? How long is the drive?

From downtown Chachoengsao to downtown Nakhon Nayok is about 60–70 km, roughly a 1-hour drive via the Ongkharak route. That's close enough to comfortably combine them into a single trip.

When do the Nakhon Nayok waterfalls have the most water?

The waterfalls are fullest and flow strongest during the rainy season, roughly June to October — the same window as the white-water rafting season on the Nakhon Nayok River. In the dry season (February to April), some tiers may run low.

How much is entry to Sarika Waterfall and Wang Takhrai?

Sarika Waterfall is in Khao Yai National Park, with entry of 40 THB for adults and 20 THB for children. Wang Takhrai Park charges a gate fee per vehicle, 150 THB per car (up to 8 passengers). Both are open 08:00–17:00.

Do I need my own car for this trip?

It's best to have a private or rental car, because the waterfalls and dam on the Nakhon Nayok side are well outside town and hard to reach by public transport. Without a car, you'd need to charter a songthaew or taxi from downtown Nakhon Nayok, which costs more.

What days is Ban Mai Market in Chachoengsao open?

The 100-year-old Ban Mai Market only opens on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 08:00–17:00. To get the full market atmosphere, plan day one of your trip to fall on a weekend.

Related

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