🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Paet Riu is an easy place to temple-hop without much planning, since the famous temples sit within a short drive of each other. Plenty of people drive out from Bangkok in the morning, pay respects to Luang Pho Sothon first, then add Wat Saman and Wat Hong Thong in the same day. We'll walk you through them one by one — what makes each special, opening hours, and the food and souvenirs worth stopping for along the way.
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan — the province's sacred Buddha
Come to Chachoengsao without stopping at Wat Sothon and you've barely arrived. The temple sits on the bank of the Bang Pakong River in town and houses Luang Pho Phuttha Sothon, a seated Buddha image revered across the entire eastern region. Originally named "Wat Hong" and dating to the late Ayutthaya period, the current ordination hall is a large modern-Thai building with tiered roofs that looks striking even from the riverside.
- Opening hours — daily, roughly 07:00–16:30 (it gets very crowded during festivals and long weekends, so go early for an easier visit)
- What people pray for — most come for health, recovery from illness, and blessings for the family; vows are repaid with boiled eggs and traditional dance performances
- Location — Na Mueang subdistrict, Mueang Chachoengsao district, on the Bang Pakong River, within walking distance of the town market
Insider tip
The Luang Pho Sothon worship fairs are held several times a year (around the fifth and twelfth lunar months and Chinese New Year). If your visit lands on a fair day, expect heavy crowds and scarce parking. For a relaxed visit, avoid the big fair days and long weekends.
Want more out of Chachoengsao? Book tours & activities
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.
Wat Saman Rattanaram — the giant reclining Ganesha
Wat Saman Rattanaram (most people just call it "Wat Saman") is a magnet for anyone into Thai folk faith and luck-seeking. The photo everyone takes is of the giant pink reclining Ganesha, said to be the largest in Thailand, resting beside the river. Around it are the mouse-deity mounts you whisper your wishes to. People mainly come to ask for help with work, money, and trade.
- Opening hours — daily, generally around 06:00–18:00 (some areas stay open into the evening; it's best to confirm with the temple, tel. 08-1983-0400)
- Highlights — the pink reclining Ganesha, the various deities along the Bang Pakong River, and a food market within the grounds for snacking
- Location — Bang Kaeo subdistrict, Mueang Chachoengsao district, about 15–20 minutes from the town center
Budget your time
Wat Saman is large with many shrines, so a full loop takes about 1–1.5 hours. Weekends are busy and the car park fills up fast, so a weekday visit is far more comfortable to walk.
Wat Hong Thong — the hall and pagoda out over the Bang Pakong sea
Wat Hong Thong is in Bang Pakong district, right on the coast at the river mouth. What made it famous is the ordination hall and Phra That Khongkha Maha Chedi standing out over the sea, reached by a walkway running out from the shore — you can stroll out to pay respects with the sea breeze on your face. More recently it added a clear glass-floor walkway (a seawalk) stretching into the water for photos, and a tall viewing tower for looking out over the Bang Pakong river mouth.
- Opening hours — generally morning to evening, roughly 06:00–18:00 (the glass walkway and viewing tower may open a little later, so check before you go)
- Viewing tower — there's a lift maintenance fee of around 20 THB to head up for sea and temple views from above
- Best timing — at low tide you'll see the wide mud flats, while late afternoon brings softer light and a cool breeze for nicer photos
About the tides
Because the temple genuinely sits by the sea, the atmosphere shifts with the tide. If you want the water full around the sea hall, check the Bang Pakong tide table before you set out.
Wat Leng Hok Yi — Chinese heritage in central Paet Riu
Wat Chin Pracha Samoson, better known as Wat Leng Hok Yi, is an old Chinese temple on Talat Ban Mai road near the century-old market. The architecture is fully Chinese — archways, red lanterns, and detailed carvings throughout. King Rama V once visited and bestowed the name "Wat Chin Pracha Samoson." In feng shui belief the temple is said to sit on the "dragon's belly," so many people come to pay respects to the Chinese deities and ask for blessings on fortune and work.
- Opening hours — daily, roughly 08:00–17:00
- What you can do — pay respects to the Chinese deities, top up the lamp oil, make wishes, and take in the detailed Chinese architecture
- Location — Talat Ban Mai road, Na Mueang subdistrict, within walking distance of Ban Mai Centennial Market
Wat Khao Din — a hilltop temple with river views
If you have time to spare and want a change from the in-town temples, Wat Khao Din sits on a small hill near the Bang Pakong River. Walk up to the top and you'll get sweeping views of the river and the green countryside around it. It's a quiet, peaceful temple — a good place to pay respects and shoot a view before heading home. Open daily, roughly 08:00–17:00.
Local treats worth a stop on your temple run
A full day of temple visits calls for food and souvenir breaks in between. Paet Riu has several local specialties you can pick up along the temple route — here's what we think you shouldn't miss.
Ban Mai Market (Centennial Market)
An old riverside market close to a century old, lined with wooden shophouses and a retro feel. There's food both savory and sweet, old-style coffee, noodles, and Thai desserts. It's busiest on weekends and sits right next to Wat Leng Hok Yi.
Paet Riu mangoes
Chachoengsao is genuine mango country. In mango season (roughly March–May) you'll find Nam Dok Mai and other good varieties at orchards and roadside stalls — easy to grab as a souvenir.
Paet Riu mooncakes (khanom pia)
A signature local souvenir made by several long-established bakeries, with fillings ranging from sweet bean paste to salted egg yolk. Good to take home any time of year.
Paet Riu mu yo / Chinese sausage
Cured-meat souvenirs that Paet Riu locals have made for generations. Find them at souvenir shops in town — they keep well enough to carry home.
Bang Pakong seafood
On the way to Wat Hong Thong, the Bang Pakong area has several riverside seafood restaurants serving fresh shrimp, shellfish, crab, and fish — a good lunch stop before or after the sea temple.
Temple-hopping Paet Riu in one day — how to plan the route
If you're coming from Bangkok on a day trip, the route that works best is to start in town and then head out toward Bang Pakong. Here's a relaxed plan with no need to rush.
In-town temples + Centennial Market
Wat Saman + the sea temple
Getting around
Driving yourself is by far the most convenient, since the temples are spread across several districts. Without a car, you can take the Eastern Line train from Hua Lamphong/Bang Sue to Chachoengsao station and continue by songthaew or taxi in town. But reaching Wat Hong Thong in Bang Pakong by public transport is fairly awkward, so it suits drivers better.
Dress and etiquette at the temples
- Dress modestly — no spaghetti straps or shorts above the knee, especially when entering an ordination hall
- Take off your shoes before stepping into any ordination hall, and keep your voice down while others are praying
- Chinese temples have customs for lighting incense and topping up lamp oil; following the temple's posted signs is the surest way to do it right
- Bring small cash for merit-making and market purchases, as many shops still don't take bank transfers
Plan a full Chachoengsao trip
See the Chachoengsao travel guide →