Baan Mai Market: A 100-year-old market along the Bang Pakong River, featuring traditional wooden shop houses and offering Chinese-influenced food, snacks, souvenirs, and classic Thai items.
Khlong Suan Market: A riverside market spanning two provinces, known for its preserved ancient architecture and a wide selection of food, souvenirs, and antiques, reflecting the lifestyle of the past.
Bang Khla Floating Market: A community-centric floating market popular for its variety of delicious food and local goods, as highlighted in a YouTube video.
Panom Sarakam Morning Market: A bustling, locally favored market offering fresh ingredients such as meat, produce, and vegetables, commonly sourced by nearby residents and restaurants.
CHACHOENGSAO
hachoengsao is an eastern Thai province bordering Bangkok, known for its spiritual attractions such as the Luang Pho Sothon Buddha image, its natural beauty along the Bang Pakong River, and its rich agricultural landscapes. The province has historical roots dating back to the Ayutthaya period. Locally referred to as “Paet Riu” (Eight Stripes), its official name, “Chachoengsao,” originates from the Khmer language and means “deep canal.” As a less-touristy destination, it offers an unspoiled and authentic experience of Thai culture and lifestyle, providing visitors with a peaceful atmosphere away from typical tourist routes.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
Nakhon Nuang Khet Ancient Market: A long-running waterfront market featuring traditional wooden buildings, charming bridges, and various street-food vendors.
Wat Saman Rattanaram: Known for its giant pink statue of a Hindu deity, this temple offers a vibrant, theme-park–like atmosphere.
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan: Houses the revered Luang Pho Sothon Buddha image, making it an important spiritual center.
Bang Khla Floating Market: A well-organized river market where locals shop and dine along the Bang Pakong River.
Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary: A major natural sanctuary and habitat of the Siamese crocodile.
Mini Murrah Farm: A popular agricultural attraction featuring Murrah buffaloes, rabbits, and other animals, with interactive workshops for visitors.
POPULAR MARKETS:
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
Temples: Visit Wat Saman Rattanaram, famous for its giant Lord Ganesha statue, or Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, one of Thailand’s most significant religious sites.
Festivals: Experience local culture through annual fruit festivals celebrating mangoes, as well as the Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan Festival, known for traditional food and cultural activities.
Bang Khla Floating Market: Immerse yourself in Thai culture at this riverside market near Bangkok, offering a unique mix of traditional Thai food and community-driven activities.
Mangoes: Chachoengsao is renowned for its premium-quality mangoes, enjoyed fresh or in various mango-based dishes during the season.
Local Dishes: Taste traditional Thai cuisine, especially the street foods featured during the Wat Sothon festival.
WHY VISIT:
Chachoengsao offers a unique blend of experiences, from religious sites like the Lord Ganesha Temple at Wat Saman Rattanaram and the revered Wat Sothon Wararam to the tranquil Bang Khla Floating Market. Visitors can also explore natural attractions such as the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mini Murrah Farm. The province provides an authentic glimpse into local Thai culture, highlighting agricultural practices, river life, and traditional ways of living.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bangkok to Chachoengsao, you can take a Car, Bus or train. (about 1 hour 54 minutes)
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
November to February: Enjoy the most comfortable weather in Chachoengsao, with cool temperatures and lower humidity.
March and April: The hottest months of the year, which might be less ideal for visiting.
April to June: Mango season, featuring local mango festivals and an abundant harvest of fresh mangoes.