🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Pae Riu's three famous temples sit in different directions. Luang Pho Sothon is downtown on the Bang Pakong River, Wat Saman Rattanaram is out toward Bang Khla district to the east, and Wat Hong Thong is at the far end of Bang Pakong right by the sea. Order things well and you can finish in a single day without rushing. We start at the in-town temple in the morning, head out to Wat Saman by late morning, then close the day at Wat Hong Thong by the sea in the afternoon — back in Bangkok by early evening.
Before you set off
All three temples are free to enter, and each one has its own separate spots for offering flowers, incense, candles, and votive gifts. Bring plenty of small bills and coins in cash — the religious-supply shops outside the temples and many of the donation boxes still don't all take bank transfers. Weekends get crowded, so reaching the first temple before 9am makes the whole day easier.
The no-backtracking route
The heart of this plan is ordering the temples by geography, not by fame. Start downtown at Luang Pho Sothon, which opens earliest, then work your way outward. Wat Saman and Wat Hong Thong sit in different directions from the city, but if you hit Wat Saman in the late morning and then swing south to Wat Hong Thong in the afternoon, you catch the soft late-day light by the sea and never have to drive the same road twice.
Luang Pho Sothon + Ban Mai Market
About Luang Pho Sothon
The image you see in the hall is coated in stucco and covered in gold leaf, following the original tradition — it isn't a bare metal figure. Pae Riu locals like to make vows with boiled eggs and dance offerings, so if you come to fulfill a vow you'll see dance troupes performing in front of the temple almost every day. It's a scene you really can only catch here.
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.
Late morning — Wat Saman Rattanaram
From downtown, drive toward Bang Khla district for about 30–40 minutes to reach Wat Saman Rattanaram, the temple people know for its pink reclining Ganesha. It's the largest reclining Ganesha in Thailand, around 16 metres long, lying by the water where visitors come to ask for blessings on work, study, and success.
Reclining Ganesha + the deities around the temple
Which deity to pray to
People mainly come to Ganesha for matters of work and study, while Rahu here draws those asking to lift their troubles and turn their luck around, traditionally with black offerings. If you've come for one specific thing, check the temple's deity map at the entrance first — you'll walk without getting lost and won't miss the one you came for.
Afternoon — Wat Hong Thong, the shrine over the sea
Close the day at Wat Hong Thong in Bang Pakong district, a seaside temple whose ordination hall and stupa sit out in the water, linked by a bridge — you can actually walk out and pray amid the sea breeze. The spot everyone photographs is the clear glass Sea Walk that juts out over the water.
Pray by the sea, wrap up the trip
Adjust the plan to your style
- Only half a day — trim it to Luang Pho Sothon + Wat Saman. These two are on the same side, so you can finish and head back before noon.
- Full pilgrimage mode — add Wat Leng Hok Yi (the Chinese dragon temple) in town, between Luang Pho Sothon and Ban Mai Market — it's close by.
- Not driving yourself — take the train or a van into downtown to see Luang Pho Sothon and Ban Mai Market. For Wat Saman and Wat Hong Thong you'll need to charter a vehicle or taxi on top of that.
- Traveling with elders — allow more time at each temple. All three have stairs and long walkways, and Wat Hong Thong's bridge is a tiring walk, so picking no more than two temples is easier.
What to prepare
Dress code
Modest dress works everywhere. Avoid shorts and spaghetti-strap tops, especially inside the Luang Pho Sothon ordination hall.
Cash
Bring small bills and coins — many donation boxes and offering stalls still don't take bank transfers.
Sun and wind
Wat Hong Thong is out in the open sun by the sea, hot and windy — pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Keep planning a fuller trip around Pae Riu
See the Chachoengsao guide →