Chachoengsao is a small city located halfway from Bangkok to Pattaya. While these two cities are always packed with foreigners, Chachoengsao is a perfect place to experience Thai culture and lifestyle. The beautiful temples, miles long mesmerizing river bank, fairly priced healthy food and friendly people of Chachoengsao truly represent the land of smiles.

The city stretches along both sides of river Bangpakong. One side of the river’s bank is paved and decorated with statues, murals, flowering plants, shady trees and beautiful lights that are turned on from evening till late night that makes the milieu more beautiful for those who come to walk, jog or just sit beside the river to enjoy the breeze.

Apart from the old bazaar, the city offers multiple markets that are set up according to a weekly schedule in such a way that every day one can easily find a market during the day or evening. These markets offer Thai cuisines, drinks, clothes, charms as well as the fresh produce from the nearby villages at very reasonable prices. Here are some nice places and activities that you should check out while exploring Chachoengsao.

Ban Mai Market

Locally known as “Talad Ban Mai”, the market comprises of covered labyrinths beside the river. It is a historical market where you can buy a variety of authentic Thai food, fabrics, herbs and other delicacies made from natural products. Although you can walk around the streets of this market any time you want but it is basically a weekend market so if you want to experience the market in full swing you should plan to visit it on the weekend. The market opens in the morning and closes around sunset. Some restaurants in the market have designed their sitting area in a way that one can enjoy the view of the river while eating the food.

Wat Saman

While Wat Saman is a Buddhist temple, the presence of larger than life deities of “Ganesha”, “Lakshmi” and some other Hindu gods distinguish this place. The way of worship and rituals performed at this temple are very different from other Thai temples. There are some porcelain figures of rats installed around the deity of Ganesha with umbrellas on the top. People make a queue in front of them to say their wishes secretly in the ear of one of these rats and hope that they will come true. The temple is situated beside the river and has a big market and a covered food court with a lot of small shops selling a huge variety of Thai food. The entry to this place is free however you need to buy tickets to enter the “Fun land” and pay in advance for some other areas designated for kid activities on the premises.

Mini Murrah Farm

Mini Murrah is a great place to acquaint you with the activities at a Thai farm as well as allow yourself to spend a day closer to nature. It is a superb place for kids to spend time with animals and feed the goats, sheep, cows, pigs and rabbits with their own hands. Here you can enjoy the fresh from the farm food and also take the cooking lessons which include baking your own pizza in a mud oven. All the ingredients are provided and you’ll be guided by the well-trained staff to help you throughout the process. Moreover, if you are not too concerned about keeping your clothes clean you can also experience planting the rice in a paddy field at Mini Murrah Farm.

Princess Mother Park

Locally known as “Sa la Kang” this beautiful park has an important role in Chachoengsao’s social and cultural life. It is spread over a vast area with a lot of trees, a big pond, multiple fountains, basketball court, futsal pitches, football ground, jogging tracks, exercise machines and a place for yoga and dancing. You can come and feed the fish, turtles and monitor lizards as well as play with ducks and swans any time you like however if you want to join the Thai locals for a game of basketball, futsal or soccer or if you are interested in joining the aerobics sessions or a game of “takraw” you should come in the afternoon. All the people are very welcoming here and the activities in the park are totally free.

Wat Sothon

Wat Sothon is a Buddhist temple which is considered sacred among the followers of Buddhism in Thailand. It was built here many decades ago when people in this area found an image of Buddha floating in the river and took it for a sign to build a temple at this place for worship. It is an authentic place to see the monks chanting the prayers and observe the activities, rituals and prevalent practices in the Buddhist temples. You may also take a boat ride from the back of this temple to go to Ban Mai market on the weekends.