Discovering Chachoengsao

I had looked forward to moving to Thailand in December 2021, allowing me to revisit places I had enjoyed briefly and get to know them better. Near the top of the list was Chachoengsao, a town easily reached from my base in Minburi. Here is a background to Chachoengsao and memories of some of my earliest visits.

About Chachoengsao

Chachoengsao is a provincial capital in eastern Thailand, around an hour or so from Bangkok by road, although it often seems a world away from the capital’s busy streets. The traditional town sits on the Bang Pakong River, with riverside communities, local markets and temples playing an important part in everyday life. 

The province stretches well beyond the town itself. Chachoengsao is perhaps best known for Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, which attracts Thai visitors, along with other nearby temples. There is plenty more to discover for anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious tourist destinations.

Princess Mothers Park

My First Time

In November 2019, I had a spare day at the end of a holiday after a cricket tournament in Chiang Mai. I was staying with Steve and Fah in Minburi, so I decided to take the train from Lat Krabang. The journey was 7 THB, if I remember rightly, and took just over 40 minutes.

Once in Chachoengsao, I looked around the smart station, with the usual old steam engine outside. The palm tree-lined main thoroughfare immediately impressed me. I wanted to visit the football stadium to take photos and then head to Wat Sothon. Behind the stadium, I discovered the majestic Princess Mothers Park with its immaculate lawns and lake.

The temple didn’t disappoint, and across the road, a traditional dancing display took place by the indoor market. A tuk-tuk took me alongside the Bang Pakong River to a place I would revisit several times over the next few years. I’d read online about Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew, a waterfront restaurant. Again, I liked what I found.

The old town had narrow streets and a good vibe, with smiling locals, many independent shops, an indoor market and a small indoor mall, where I bought some new headphones before taking a tuk-tuk to the bus station for a minibus back to Minburi.

Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew

A Welcome Return

Once settled in Minburi full-time in December 2021, it was time to take the train again to Chachoengsao. This time I was more ambitious and got dropped off near the old town by tuk-tuk, returning to the restaurant for lunch before walking to Wat Sothon, where I found lots of nice gardens and riverside features. 

It was nice to have extra time, as walking revealed things that could easily pass by in a tuk-tuk. Like the street art, temples, parks, and the fort. Phraya Srisunthornwohan Roundabout, with its display in the middle of the road and adjacent wall, also stood out. Because the last train departed at 18:09, I booked a hotel room for the night.

A big reason for the visit was to go to the football match between Chachoengsao and Marines FC. The locals were intrigued to see a farang there who wasn’t a teacher! It was a good way to spend a couple of hours, especially as someone was selling beer, which could be taken inside. I wasn’t sure about alcohol sales, as laws were still in place at the end of the pandemic.

After the match, I didn’t know what to expect. I headed back the same way as before and was delighted to find Chill Bar near Big C on the main road serving alcohol in disguised plastic glasses, and that a live band was due on. I grabbed a good seat near the front. 

I stayed put for a few drinks. The band seemed shocked to see a Westerner at their gig, especially one who stood out by applauding between songs, which I later learned was not the norm. I know they mentioned me between songs, but I kept smiling. I didn’t know what they were saying, and I couldn’t have cared less.

Wat Sathon

Discovering the Town and Province Properly

Meeting Taew at her bar and restaurant changed my life in many ways. Before we became an item, we were good friends, and she would invite me to go out in her car for a few hours so she could show me new things. As someone who doesn’t drive, this was invaluable.

Things like riverside restaurants outside town that I would never have considered visiting. Wat Saman Rattanaram, a stunning temple with lots more to see, north of the town on the banks of the Bang Pakong, became a regular place to take visiting friends. As was the imposing Wat Wirachot Thammaram with elephants that you can feed.

A couple of times Taew and I stayed over when her establishment was closed. I knew I had done well finding Ban Mai Rimnam Padriew, when she said it was excellent, something quite rare. Indeed, we have gone with several friends and relatives, and everyone enjoys it. It’s worth seeking out, if only to look around and go upstairs to see the old artefacts. My brother and another mate say it's in the top 5 restaurants they have visited anywhere.

Wat Saman Rattanaram

Further Visits

My mate, Steve, and I visited. We caught the train, walked around town, and visited the Chachoengsao City Museum. Tuk-tuks have a set 60 THB charge, and it’s a good place to explore on foot. We walked back towards the station along Thanon Sisothon That Mai. It was a hot day, and we wanted to enjoy a few drinks before the train.

One slight downside to Chachoengsao is it has few bars open before 5 pm. We managed to find a couple that served us beer an hour earlier, but they were more cafes or restaurants. We found somewhere ideal and then missed the train. The train tracking app was inaccurate. It cost a lot more in a taxi back to Minburi!

In September 2025, I returned alone to make a video of the town for my YouTube Channel, offering a guide for those who have yet to visit.

To Conclude

I think Chachoengsao is a wonderful day out from Bangkok, with some beautiful temples, walks along the river, a fascinating old town, and fantastic restaurants, providing tradition and hidden gems on every turn.