🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The Bang Pakong River is the lifeline of Paet Riu, so a lot of cafes cling to the water's edge. Some have decks that reach out over the river; others tuck you under trees for a cool breeze. Late afternoon into early evening is the sweet spot — the sun softens and the wind picks up. We've made it clear which places are truly riverside and which sit in town near the temple, so you can plan the order of your stops.
Before you set out
Several riverside spots inside Ban Mai Market open only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, while the in-town cafes open daily. If you're visiting on a weekday, check first — or plan around the in-town cafes.
Bang Pakong Riverside Cafes, Ranked by the View
These are the places where you actually look out over the river — a natural follow-on from walking Ban Mai Market or visiting the temple, since many sit in the same riverside area and you can walk between them.
Lhong & Gump Cafe
A tucked-away old-style coffee spot on the Bang Pakong River, in the Hua Saphan community near Saint Paul Church and not far from Wat Sothon. You sit under shady trees with a wide view of the river, and you can feed the fish too. Standouts are the iced toast and kai krata (eggs in a pan), in a quiet vintage setting.
Red Cat Cafe
A two-storey shop inside Ban Mai Market on the Bang Pakong River, with a riverside balcony to catch the breeze. You order and pay at the ground-floor counter and wait to be called. The cake is good, prices are reasonable, and it's a classic stop after walking the market.
Nava House Café
A small cafe on the Bang Pakong River whose highlight is a wooden bridge that juts out over the water — a popular photo spot. There's both an indoor zone and a riverside one. Menu runs to pancakes, matcha and ice cream.
April Cafe
A minimalist cafe on the Bang Pakong River where you can choose between the air-conditioned room and the open-air riverside zone. It does coffee, drinks and cake, and it's a good place to settle in for a long afternoon.
When the view is at its best
Along the Bang Pakong River, from about three in the afternoon into the evening the sun eases off and the breeze turns cool. The view is fuller when the tide is up, and if you like soft light for photos, aim for the hour before sunset.
Want to taste deeper? Try a Chachoengsao food tour or cooking class
Half a day with a local who knows the lanes — or cooking a dish yourself — teaches you more than just eating. Book ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide.
In-Town Cafes Near Wat Sothon, Easy to Stop By
If you're visiting on a weekday or want a place that's reliably open every day, this in-town group is more convenient. Most are only about a kilometre from Wat Sothon, so you can stop in before or after the temple with no trouble.
Woody Haus Café
A wooden-house feel in warm brown-and-cream tones, on Supakit Road in town, near Wat Sothon and Ban Mai Market. The air-con keeps it comfortable, there's bakery and a few savoury bites, prices are friendly, and it opens early — handy for a stop before the temple.
House of Marlowe
A cafe near Wat Sothon known for its red velvet cake, cheesecake and specialty teas. The atmosphere is relaxed — a good place to rest after the temple when you want to sit with a cool dessert.
Rosetta Café
A loft-style coffee shop in a two-unit building near Wat Sothon, with award-winning baristas. A solid choice for coffee lovers who want a serious espresso during a temple trip.
Good Barista & Coffee Beans
Open from six in the morning, which suits early travellers who want to beat the crowds. Standouts are the orange Cold Drip and the cheesecake, and they roast their own beans.
Timing Your Cafe Stops Around the Temple and Market
- Start early — stop at an early opener like Good Barista or Woody Haus first, then pay respects at Luang Pho Sothon while the crowds are still thin.
- Mid-morning to noon — walk Ban Mai Market along the Bang Pakong River, sampling local bites and picking up souvenirs.
- Afternoon — drop into a riverside cafe in the Ban Mai Market area like Red Cat or Lhong & Gump, catch the river breeze and feed the fish.
- Evening — wrap up at April Cafe or Nava House for soft-light photos by the river before heading back.
What people get wrong
Many riverside spots in Ban Mai Market open only on Saturdays and Sundays, so if you come on a weekday set on sitting by the river, you may find them closed — always keep an in-town backup in mind. On long weekends the market and riverside cafes get busy, so arrive early to grab a waterside seat more easily.
Visiting on a weekday
Stick to in-town cafes that open daily, like Woody Haus, Nava House and Good Barista — comfortable, with no risk of a closed door.
Visiting on a weekend
You get the full set, including the Ban Mai Market riverside spots like Red Cat and Lhong & Gump — walk the market, then settle into a cafe in the same area.
Plan a full day of the temple, the market and cafes in Chachoengsao
See the Chachoengsao travel guide →