Home of Luang Pho Sothon on the Bang Pakong River, an easy trip from Bangkok with old markets, big temples, and mango orchards
Chachoengsao, which locals usually just call Paet Riu, sits east of Bangkok. Drive out past Min Buri or hop on the eastern train line and you're there in no time. The first thing people picture is Luang Pho Sothon at Wat Sothon Wararam, the revered Buddha image that draws people
Start with stays →Riverside noodles at Ban Mai Market — The century-old Ban Mai Market has several lon
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan (Luang Pho Sothon) — The town's signature temple on the Bang Pakong
Dolphin-watching boat trip at the Bang Pakong river mouth — From late in the year into early the next
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The best of Chachoengsao — don't miss these on a first trip
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7.3Highlights and sights around Chachoengsao — nature, city and culture
The town's signature temple on the Bang Pakong River, home to Luang Pho Sothon, a sacred Buddha image that draws people praying for blessings all year round.
A riverside market of old wooden shophouses nearly a century old, where you can eat noodles, traditional sweets, and good riverside food all day. It's the spot people think of when they mention Paet Riu.
A temple on the Bang Pakong River with a huge pink reclining Ganesha, one of the province's most popular spots for paying respects and taking photos.
The main river running through the heart of the province, with riverside life, old wooden houses, and dolphin-watching boat trips at the river mouth from late in the year into early the next.
A coastal temple with a walkway and a chedi set out over the water, reaching into the bay. You can stroll out for the sea breeze and feed the fish. It's around Bang Pakong district.
Chachoengsao is mango country, and in fruit season the orchards fill with nam dok mai and kaeo mangoes. Stop by to buy them fresh off the trees to take home.
Chachoengsao's signature food — real local spots, rounded up and ranked
The century-old Ban Mai Market has several long-running noodle shops where you eat by the water in old wooden shophouses. It's a meal anyone visiting Paet Riu should try.
The province's signature fruit, including nam dok mai, kaeo, and khiao sawoei mangoes. They ripen around March–May. Buy them fresh or as preserves like dried mango paste and candied mango.
The old markets and souvenir shops in town carry khanom pia, old-style Thai sweets, and traditional snacks to take home.
Around Bang Pakong and the coast there are seafood spots serving prawns, shellfish, crab, and fresh fish from the river mouth. You can eat by the water in the breeze.
In town there are shops selling mu yo, Chinese sausage, and dried goods to take home alongside the mangoes.
A popular dinner with locals and groups of friends, with plenty of easygoing, well-priced spots to choose from.
Along the Bang Pakong River and around town there are cafes with water views and newly opened coffee shops, good for a break between temple visits and market walks.
Ready-made plans — from a day trip to 2–3 days, plus routes to neighbouring provinces
Best time to go, getting around, and what to know before visiting Chachoengsao
November–February is cool and comfortable, good for walking the markets and visiting temples all day. March–May is mango season, when you can stop by the orchards and buy fresh fruit straight off the trees.
The town's signature temple on the Bang Pakong River, home to Lu
A riverside market of old wooden shophouses nearly a century old
A temple on the Bang Pakong River with a huge pink reclining Gan
The main river running through the heart of the province, with r
A coastal temple with a walkway and a chedi set out over the wat
Chachoengsao is mango country, and in fruit season the orchards
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⚓The river-mouth town on the Gulf of Thailand, with old forts, the Ancient City, and seaside fish markets
Explore Samut Prakan →Chachoengsao, which locals usually just call Paet Riu, sits east of Bangkok. Drive out past Min Buri or hop on the eastern train line and you're there in no time. The first thing people picture is Luang Pho Sothon at Wat Sothon Wararam, the revered Buddha image that draws people coming to pray for good fortune all year round. It's a riverside town on the Bang Pakong, where you can still see old wooden houses and life along the water.
Beyond the temples there's the century-old Ban Mai Market, a riverside row of old wooden shophouses where you can eat your way through the day. Wat Saman Rattanaram has a huge reclining Ganesha, and Wat Hong Thong sits right on the coast, stretching out into the bay. Chachoengsao is mango country too, and in fruit season the orchards fill with nam dok mai and kaeo mangoes. Bangkok folks often drive out to pray, walk the markets, and eat noodles and riverside food on a quick day trip.
Best time: November–February is cool and comfortable, good for walking the markets and visiting temples all day. March–May is mango season, when you can stop by the orchards and buy fresh fruit straight off the trees.
