Chachoengsao

Thailand

Chachoengsao is a town in eastern Thailand, due east of Bangkok, about 80 km distant.

Chachoengsao, Paet Rio, has a history dating back to the reign of King Borommatrailokkanat in the Ayutthaya period. Most people have settled by the Bang Pakong River and along canals. "Luangpho Phuttha Sothon" is a centre of faith of the people of Paet Rio. In the past, Chachoengsao was a fourth class city under the ministry of defence. During the reign of King Rama I, it was attached to the ministry of the interior. During the reign of King Rama V, who changed the administration system, Chachoengsao became a city in the Prachin Buri Circle. In 1916, its status was changed from a city to a province. "Chacheongsao" is a Khmer word which means "deep canal". The name "Paet Rio" comes from the story that the city once teemed with giant snakehead fish; up to eight cuts were required on the sides in the making of sun-dried fish.

  • Chachoengsao City Fortress. Constructed to ward off an enemy invasion. In the reign of King Rama V, it was a stronghold for an army to suppress the Ang Yi rebellion of illegal Chinese opium traders who instigated chaos and robbed the people.
  • City Pillar Shrine. The building of Thai architecture has a four-porched roof with a prang finial. Inside, two city pillars are housed. The old one was built in 1834 during the reign of King Rama III. The other belongs to the present day. It was constructed in 1895 during the reign of King Rama V.
  • Phraya Sisunthonwohan Monument. Phraya Sisunthonwohan (Noi Acharayangkun) was a native of Paet Rio. He was the author of many textbooks on Thai language for teaching purposes, such as Munlabot Banphakit, Wahanit Nikon, Akson Prayok, Sangyok Phithan, Waiphot Phichan, Phisan Karan. These were the most complete textbooks for Thai youth at that time.
  • Suan Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park. The park is dedicated to the memory of the mother of the King of Thailand. It is in front of the provincial hall, near the town centre. There is a large lagoon at its centre surrounded by a walking path and shady trees. It is a popular recreation facility for local residents.
  • Wat Sothon. Reputed to be the largest wat (temple) in the world. Thousands of Thai people flock to Chachoengsao every week to pay their respects. The bulk of the visitors arrive by special buses each weekend, and the market opposite the wat flourishes. Early in the mornings, the area is transformed into a huge market to support the throngs of visitors to the temple, trading in food, refreshments and souvenirs. By nightfall, it magically disappears, leaving no trace of having existed. In the following early morning hours it appears again as though magic, and throngs of vendors prepare once again for the onslaught of tourists.

Chachoengsao City Fortress. Constructed to ward off an enemy invasion. In the reign of King Rama V, it was a stronghold for an army to suppress the Ang Yi rebellion of illegal Chinese opium traders who instigated chaos and robbed the people.

City Pillar Shrine. The building of Thai architecture has a four-porched roof with a prang finial. Inside, two city pillars are housed. The old one was built in 1834 during the reign of King Rama III. The other belongs to the present day. It was constructed in 1895 during the reign of King Rama V.

Phraya Sisunthonwohan Monument. Phraya Sisunthonwohan (Noi Acharayangkun) was a native of Paet Rio. He was the author of many textbooks on Thai language for teaching purposes, such as Munlabot Banphakit, Wahanit Nikon, Akson Prayok, Sangyok Phithan, Waiphot Phichan, Phisan Karan. These were the most complete textbooks for Thai youth at that time.

Suan Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park. The park is dedicated to the memory of the mother of the King of Thailand. It is in front of the provincial hall, near the town centre. There is a large lagoon at its centre surrounded by a walking path and shady trees. It is a popular recreation facility for local residents.

Wat Sothon. Reputed to be the largest wat (temple) in the world. Thousands of Thai people flock to Chachoengsao every week to pay their respects. The bulk of the visitors arrive by special buses each weekend, and the market opposite the wat flourishes. Early in the mornings, the area is transformed into a huge market to support the throngs of visitors to the temple, trading in food, refreshments and souvenirs. By nightfall, it magically disappears, leaving no trace of having existed. In the following early morning hours it appears again as though magic, and throngs of vendors prepare once again for the onslaught of tourists.

The main city market runs every day with raw and cooked food, clothes and basic needs.

There is a Thursday afternoon/night market which is very popular with the locals. Taking the blue songthaew (out of town) from in front of Wat Sothorn, it's about 300-500m. You won't see much of the market from the road as it's down a side street (to the right). You may see an ornate wood lace carving shop on the right.

Big C

Big C 2

Makro

Robinson's Lifestyle Centre

Home Pro

Eastern Complex Shopping Mall

  • Dairy Queen. Both Big Cs have a Dairy Queen. Really cheap prices.
  • KFC. You can eat at KFC at either Big C. Typically you can buy a meal for around 300 baht. 300 baht.
  • Muu Gata. You ask motor taxi or tuk-tuk and you say, "Eck muu gata" and they will take you to a really good Thai BBQ buffet. Really excellent. The price should be around 200 baht for dinner, drinks extra.

Dairy Queen. Both Big Cs have a Dairy Queen. Really cheap prices.

KFC. You can eat at KFC at either Big C. Typically you can buy a meal for around 300 baht. 300 baht.

Muu Gata. You ask motor taxi or tuk-tuk and you say, "Eck muu gata" and they will take you to a really good Thai BBQ buffet. Really excellent. The price should be around 200 baht for dinner, drinks extra.