Chachoengsao

Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. It is located on the east of Bangkok. Its fertility is due to Bang Pakong River. It is an important venue for agricultural products in the Central Region, with mango as the most popular fruit of the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image. In general, the areas are plains with forests along the sea coast. In the east, in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, the areas contain highlands and mountains, with the attitude of 300 meters above sea level.

The history of Chachoengsao dated back since the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat. 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. In the past, Chachoengsao was a small town, and was upgraded to a province in 1916.

Attractions:
Khao Hin Sorn's unique appearance resembles a random piling of large, smooth, white sandy rocks on top of each other, thus its name. Around the area is a temple of the same name and the well-manicured Somdej Phra Pinklao Park.

The Khao Hin Sorn Research and Development Centre was established by King Rama IX, the present monarch, with the objective to experiment and study in the area of growth of different flora and fauna species, fishery, and animal preservation.

Khao Ang Ranai Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a large area that extends into 5 provinces. It contains the last well-preserved tropical forest of the eastern region and is the origin of the Bangpakong River and the Prasae River in Rayong. The park's main attraction is the Ang Ranai Waterfall.

Wat Pho bang khla This temple is located 17 kms. from the town along Highway No. 304 (Chachoengsao-Kabin Buri route) and another 6 kms. along Highway 3121. It is home to numerous fruit bats, or flying foxes, which hang themselves on the trees within the precincts of the temple.

Monument of King Taksin the Great This was constructed as a memorial site for the historic event when King Taksin led the army past Bang Khla after the fall of Ayutthaya to restore Thailand's independence. Mango Orchards Amphoe Bang Khla is a major producer for mangoes of various kinds, which are known for their superb quality and taste. The produce is plentiful in March, and the Mango Fair is held during this time to promote this famous fruit.

Wat Muang (Wat Pitulathirat Rangsarit) Built in the reign of King Rama III in 1895, the architectural style of this temple is similar to Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok. This temple was formerly known as Wat Mueang. In 1908, during his visit to Chachoengsao, King Rama V gave the new name as "Wat Pitulathirat Rangsarit” which means that it is built by the King's uncle.

Ancient Fortress Located on Suk Kasem Road, this site was built in the reign of King Rama III. During the reign of King Rama V, this fort was used to fight against the Chinese riots. At the front of the fortress, there is a public park suitable for viewing the scenery of the Bang Pakong River. Also, many old cannons can be seen along on the wall.

Somdet Phra Sri Nagarindra Park This public park is in front of the City Hall, in the area of 90 Rae (36 Acres) which features a large swamp in the middle. Surrounded by various types of trees, the park is most suitable for relaxation.

Activities: Festival
Luang Pho Sothon Celebrating Festival
The festival is held three times a year.
1. Around April to celebrate the occasion of lifting Luang Pho Sothorn from the river. Open theatres are provided all through these three days and three nights.
2. Around November to commemorate the occasion of subsiding of smallpox in 1890. It was believed that due to the help of Luang Pho Sothon. Performed on the eve is the chanting of sermons whereby magical power is instilled in Luang Pho votive tablets. A procession of a Luang Pho Sothon reproduction is held both on land and the water. Red Cross Festival is held at the same time at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park.
3. Around February (Chinese New Year Festival). This lasts 5 days 5 nights. A large crowd of people from every direction come to the temple to pay respect to Luang Pho.

Mango Day Festival is held around March – April every year. This duration is the best crop of mango.

Hotels and accommodation

  • Bang Khla Resort :118 Mu 1, Bang Khla-Plaeng Yao Road Tambon Tha Thonglang Amphoe Bang Khla [0 3854 2138-9] : 500 baht
  • Bangpakong Riverside Hotel : 61/6 Mu 13 Bang Na-Trat Road Tambon Bangpakong Amphoe Bangpakong [0 3853 1512] : 200-300 baht
  • Chai Inn : 71/23 Bang Pakong Road, Tambon Sothon Amphoe Muang [0 3851 2236, 0 3851 4810] : 250-450 baht
  • Chachoengsao : 72-82 Chumphon Road, Tambon Na Mueang Amphoe Muang [0 3851 1202] : 200-300 baht
  • Grand Royal Plaza : 67/13 Sukprayun Road, Tambon Bang Tin Pet Amphoe Muang [0 3882 3701 Fax: 0 3882 3701] : 555-1,200 baht
  • Khao Hin Son Development Study Centre: 7 Mu 2, Km.51–52, Chachoengsao-Kabin Buri Road, Tambon Khoa Hin Son Amphoe Phanom Sarakham [0 3859 9105–6] : 600 baht
  • Mit Samphan :76-92 Rim Khlong Tha Khai Road, Tambon Na Mueang Amphoe Muang [0 3851 1079] : 150-350 baht
  • Phanom :1269 Phanom Sarakham Road, Tambon Phanom Amphoe Phanom Sarakham : 150-230 baht
  • Phanom Garden : 333 Mu 4 Phanom Sarakham Road, Tambon Tha Than Amphoe Phanom Sarakham [0 3855 1817, 0 3855 1515, 0 3855 2775, 0 3883 6686] : 500 baht
  • Rung Rueang Bungalow : 999 Mu 1 Tambon Phanom [0 3855 1200] : 150-250 baht
  • River Inn : 122/1 Maruphong Road, Tambon Na Mueang Amphoe Muang [0 3851 4530-1, 0 3851 1609, 0 3851 1921] : 290-590 baht
  • Wangtara Resort : 5/2 Tambon Khlong Na Amphoe Muang [0 3882 2239-40, 0 3851 2565-9] : 1,000-3,500 baht
  • Sammanakhan Bang Pakong Park : Ratchanakharin Rajabhat Institute, 422 Maruphong, Tambon Na Mueang Amphoe Muang [0 3881 0541, 0 3851 2501] : 500 baht


Restaurants

  • Charoen Tip : Ang Thong-Pho Thong Rd., Saladaeng
  • Kuay Tiew Ped : Across from Ang Thong Prison
  • Ko Heng Aharn Isan : Across from Ang Thong Hotel, Talad Luang
  • Kumthorn Pochana : 9/3 Moo 2, Saladaeng, Tel: 0-3561-2288
  • Krua Mae Waen : Liang Muang Rd., Tel: 0-1916-8982
  • Krua Rim Nam : Behind the vegetarian house in the Nopparat Market
  • Krua Luang : Ang Thong Hotel, 60 Moo 2, Ang Thong-Suphan Buri Rd., Tel: 0-3561-1667, 0-3561-1767-8 Puen : Near Pattamarote Wittayakom School, Ang Thong-Pho Thong Rd., Ban It
  • Pae Ang Thong : Across from the provincial hall, Tel: 0-3561-1301
  • Pan Thong : Liang Muang Rd., Posa, Tel: 0-3561-1356


How to get there

* By Car
From Bangkok, there are 3 routes to Chachoengsao:
1. Use highway No.304, via Min Buri, with the distance of 82 kilometers.
2. Use Bang Na – Trat highway, turn left before reaching the bridge over Bang Pakong River to highway No.314. The total distance is 100 kilometers.
3. Use highway No.3, via Samut Prakarn and Bang Pakong, then turn left to highway No.314. The total distance is 106 kilometers.

* By Bus
There are buses leaving from 2 bus terminals: From Mor Chit 2 Bus Terminal. First and second-class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:00 – 17:00 hrs. Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. From Eastern Bus Terminal (at Ekkamai) First class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:30 – 17:00 hrs. Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. The fare is up to 80 Baht.

* By Train
The trains from Hua Lamphong Station to Chachoengsao leave every day, 9 trains/day, both regular and air-conditioned during 06:00 – 17:25 hrs.

* By Boat
Travelling by boat is quite popular in the riverside cities or towns including Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom, and Kanchanaburi. In those provinces, river excursions are operated by local tour operators. Boats for rent are also available at major piers. The price should be established before beginning the trip.
Between Bangkok and Nonthaburi, regular boats run along the Chao Phraya River with frequent stops to pick up and drop their passengers. The boats are usually crowded during the rush hours of a working day.