Chachoengsao is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River. The town was established in the year 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of Ayutthaya and originally used as a centre for armed force recruitment. During the reign of King Maha Thammaracha, the kingdom was in a weak condition due to being defeated by the Burmese. Phraya Lawaek, the Khmer king located Thai people from seven towns including Chachoengsao to be his work force. Attractions Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan – Bang Pakong River – This scenic river originates in the Khorat high plateau and winds through the heart of the town before running into the Gulf of Thailand at Amphoe Bang Pakong. A boat trip along the river can start either from the town market or Wat Sothon, and travelers can go towards Amphoe Bang Khla, a total distance of 25 kms. The trip takes about 3 hours by long-tail boat. Ancient Fortress – This historical site is located on Maruphong Road in the town. This fortress was frequently used during the reigns of King Rama III and King Rama V. Many old cannons can now be seen along the wall. Nearby a public park is suitable for viewing the scenery of the Bang Pakong River. Wat Pho Bang Khla – 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 Khao Hin Son – This is on Phanom Sarakham-Kabin Buri Road. It is a spectacular hill full of huge white rocks. The unfertile area of about 770 acres, has been managed and developed in accordance with the royal projects of experiment and demonstrations on crop cultivation, fishery and livestock, so that farmers can apply this knowledge in their work. Ban Santitham or the Village Social Development Centre – This is located in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, some 60 kms. east of the town. The centre was established by the villagers to pass on local wisdom and express the traditional way of life to youth. In the village, there are herb gardens, a typical house with an exhibition of farming tools and many devices created by the local folk. Various farm products and herbs are on sale at a nearby roadside open market.
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This temple is situated on the
west bank of the Bang Pakong River, 2 kms. south of the city
hall. Enshrined in a new gigantic hall is Phra Phuttasothon,
or “Luang Pho Sathon”, regarded as one of the most revered Buddha
images in Thailand. The image in the attitude of meditation,
measuring 1.65 metres wide at the lap and 1.98 metres high, is
always seen entirely pasted with gold leaves by worshippers.
Two annual fairs celebrating the image fall in the 5 th and the
12 th lunar months (around April and November). According to
legend, Luang Pho Sothon floated down the Bang Pakong River to
the site of the temple. Efforts to retrieve it were unsuccessful
until a villager had a small shrine erected on the site and performed
a ceremony welcoming the image to the community.
This temple is located 17 kms. from the
town. It is home to numerous fruit bats, or flying foxes, which hang themselves on the trees within the precincts of the temple.
superb quality and
taste. The produce is plentiful in March, and the Mango Fair
is held during this time to promote this famous fruit.