FESTIVALS
Luang Pho Sothon Celebrating Festival
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.
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Welcome to Chachoengsao
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Chachoengsao or Paet Rio 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.
Derived from Khmer, the name “Chachoengsao” means “deep canal”, while the name of “Paet Rio” (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes) has been believed to have come from the way dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were being pierced into eight stripes.
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.
Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.
Attractions
Ancient Fortress
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.
City Shrine
City Shrine Located on Na Mueang Road, the shrine is featured by the Thai architectural style with 4-sided roofs and a tower (Prang) in the center. Inside, there are 2 city piles which were built in 1834 and 1895. In the same compound, there is Chao Pho Lak Mueang Shrine, which is highly respected. Operating hours are from 07:00 – 16:00 hrs.
Somdet Phra Sri Nagarindra Park
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.
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan
Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan This temple is in the municipal area by the Bang Pakong River. Built in late Ayutthaya Period, with its original name of “Wat Hong”, it is the location of Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon, the important Buddha image in the attitude of meditation with a width of 1.65 meters and a height of 1.48 meters high. According to the legend, this Buddha image had been floated along the river, before being placed here at this temple. The original image was a beautiful Buddha image, but later on cement was placed on the image to prevent from burglary. Worshippers from all walks of life come to pay respect to this most reputed image by pasting gold leaves on the image.
Transportation
Bus
By bus: There are buses leaving from 2 bus terminals:From Mor Chit 2 Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2936 2852 – 66) First and second-class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:00 – 17:00 hrs. The fare is 40 and 36 Baht, respectively.
Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. The fare is 26 Baht. From Eastern Bus Terminal (at Ekkamai) (Tel: 0 2392 2391) First class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:30 – 17:00 hrs. The fare is 59 Baht. Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. The fare is 33 Baht.
Car
By car: From Bangkok, there are 3 routes to Chachoengsao:
Use highway No.304, via Min Buri, with the distance of 82 kilometers. 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. Use highway No.3, via Samut Prakarn and Bang Pakong, then turn left to highway No.314. The total distance is 106 kilometers.
Train
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. The fare is 40 Baht for air-conditioned and 13 Baht for regular one. For more details, contact 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020
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