Chachoengsao is 82 kilometers east of Bangkok and covers a area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub district) Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Sanam Chai Khet, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.

Derived from Khmer, the name Chachoengsao means deep canal, while the name of Paet Rio (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes) has been believed to have come from the way dried fish, which are abundant in the area, being pierced into eight stripes.

Chachoengsao dates back to the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat, it was upgraded to a province in 1916. Most people live along the banks of Bang Pakong River and canals, Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon is the center of beliefs and faith.

Its fertility to the Bang Pakong River make the province an important area for agricultural products in the Central Region. Mango is the most popular fruit of the province. The Paet Riu Mango Festival and Agricultural Products Fair, is held in March/April at the time mango products are released in the market.

Talat Khlong Suan Roi Pi, Garden Canal Market, is located in Tambon Theppharat, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chachoengsao. The Municipality of Tambon Khlong Suan, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, is located on Supphakit Road, by the Bang Pakong River.

The market an important community centre, a transit point for commuters and cargo port, is also the centre uniting the spirit of the Thai, Chinese and Muslim people who live peacefully in the same area, which can be seen from the architecture of its temples and mosques.

Its people, though they are of different religions, have always cooperated in developing the community’s infrastructure, and have always enjoyed getting together to share ideas, experiences and news, in the markets coffee shops.

The riverside community has reflected the villagers way of life since before the reign of King Rama V. To preserve the ancient way of life and to create careers for the community. The Talat Ban Mai Conservation Club was established.

Local governmental organizations of the two provinces support the preservation of the community’s buildings and their simple way of life. Khlong Suan Market has been promoted to the status of cultural attraction. Visitors are welcomed to experience its idyllic atmosphere dating back to the reign of King Rama V.

Saen Saeb Canal (Khlong Saen Saeb) is the longest Canal in Thailand, it connects the Chao Phraya River to the Bang Prakong River. It was built by King Rama V to transport soldiers and supplies to the war in Cambodia. Construction started in 1837 and took three years to complete.

Bang Pakong Dam is located in Ban Phai Sawek, Tambon Bang Kaeo, about 6 kilometers from the town, on the Chachoengsao to Bang Khla route. The Dam is under the Bang Pakong River Development Project. It also serves as a wall to protect the area from saline water, and is the source of water for consumption and allocation. Supporting the expansion of the industrial sector in the East.

National Parks Thailand

Suan Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park is located in front of the City Hall, the public park covers an area of 90 Rai, and has a large lagoon in the centre of the park, surrounded by a walking path and shady trees.

Chachoengsao City Fortress is located on Maruphong Road. Built in 1794, during the reign of King Rama III, under the supervision of Krommaluang Ronnaret, the fortress was build to suppress the Ang Yi rebellion of illegal Chinese opium traders who instigated chaos and robbed the people, in front of the fortress, is a public park.

Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn or (Wat Hong) is the oldest temple in Chachoengsao Province, located within the town Chachoengsao on the banks of the Bang Pakong River. The temple is home to a Buddha statue named Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon, 1.65 meters wide, and 1.48 meters high, is highly revered among locals, and is the target of many pilgrimages.

Wat Chin Prachasamoson or (Wat Leng Hok Yee) this temple was established with chines, and the architecture style of Chinese villages, located in Chachoengsao. The temple 1 Kilometer from the City Hall of Chachoengsao, main attractions is the Chinese statue and Chinese Warriors Gods.

Wat Uphai Phatikaram or (Wat Sam Po Kong) is located on Supphakit Road near Talat Ban Mai or Ban Mai Market, initially, it was a Chinese temple. Today it has been transformed into a Vietnamese temple of Mahayana (the Great Vehicle) Buddhism.

On the temple grounds a Chinese style pavilion houses Luangpho To (Phra Trairattana Nayok) or called by the Chinese (Chaopho Sam Po Kong) Only three Buddha images in this form are found in Thailand, the two other images are housed at Wat Kanlayanamit (Thon Buri) Bangkok, and Wat Phananchoeng, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

Regular and air conditioned Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok every day, from 6:00 am. to 5:25 pm. For more information. Tel: +66 (0) 2 223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit website.

First and second class air conditioned buses depart from Mor Chit 2 Bus Terminal Bangkok every 40 minutes from 6:00 am. to 5:00 pm. (Phone: (0) 2 936 2852-66). Regular buses depart every 30 minutes from the Eastern Bus Terminal Bangkok, from 5:40 am. to 7:00 pm. (Phone: 0 2392 2391).

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

There are several good quality resort hotels with full leisure facilities, situated along the banks of the Bang pakong River Chachoengsao. There is also plenty of guesthouses and budget accommodation around the town.