Visit Chachoengsao

5 min readOct 6, 2018

For the last 6 months I have been living in Chachoengsao. This province is located just south east of Bangkok and North of Pattaya.

Chachoengsao is a great place to visit and live if you want to experience a mixture of eastern and western cultures, friendly people and beautiful surroundings. You could spend as little as £1 and as much as £10 on a meal.

There are Temples, markets, cinemas, shopping centres and plenty of boutique coffee shops.

People here are super respectful and there is a big sense of community. Everyone seems to know each other. Chachoengsao feels very local. Just the other day we were walking to the Ban Mai market and two local boys asked if we wanted a lift on the back of their scooters, The boys just wanted to do something nice and speak English.

Transport

I try to walk as much as possible, I enjoy the exercise. When I am not walking I get on a Songthaew, Tuk Tuk or Motorbike Taxi. Car Taxi’s don’t seem to exist here yet.

I find the best way to get to Bangkok is via train, I’ve heard rumours that the train isn’t always reliable but I’ve never had any problems with it. The train is super traditional.

There is also a van/coach station opposite the train station which takes you to pretty much anywhere in Thailand. It’s always busy.

Overall, Chachoengsao is well connected.

My Favourite Coffee Shop & Restaurant

Thakham Cafe

Thakham Cafe is a nice little boutique coffee shop that reminds me of something I would see on Grand Designs. The coffee shop has four different air conditioned buildings each with sliding glass doors. Each building is quite small so its usually peaceful. A great place to self excluded yourself and get on with some work in a natural and calm environment. Each building is joined by paths and lots of green plants. Aparently the Fish and chips are good here.

เรือนร่มไทร — Ruen Romsai

This traditional restaurant serves probably the best Thai food in the area and has a big Bonsai tree overlooking the river, a great date place. I recommend trying their seafood coconut curry. อร่อย

I love Markets

Chachoengsao has every variety of market!

Ban Mai Market

This traditional market is open every weekend. It’s located next to the river. I like this market because there’s heritage. If you visit on Saturday you can watch Thai dancing.

Night Markets

There are some massive night markets that run on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The locations can change so its best to travel via Tuk Tuk and ask the driver. I love these markets because you can get introduced to new foods. I believe that food helps bring people together. In Thailand, food is a great gift.

Bang Khla Floating Market

This market is further out from the city centre. Visit this market if you love Shrimp. Grilled Shrimp is everywhere!

Entertainment

Robinsons

When I need western comforts I visit this shopping centre. Its a good place to get some shopping done, eat KFC and watch a movie.

Flying Fish Stadium

Football is loved in Chachoengsao, why not support the local team. Remember to wear red!

Royal Princess Mothers Garden

Personally I think this park is the heart of the city. We have spent many weekends here eating street food. This park has a football stadium, basketball court, running track, a lake with a water fountain and a children’s playground. Sometimes there is a balloon lady as well. People here are super happy.

Mini Murrah Farm

I was pleasantly surprised with this farm, Its a bit further out but its definitely worth the visit. We were recommended to visit this farm and try the pizza. The pizza was delicious. You can even help make your own.

This farm is mainly suited to families, there are many activities for kids.

I saw Buffaloes and Ducks.

Temples

Chachoengsao is also home to many amazing temples.

Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan

I visited this temple on a Buddhist holiday when the whole place was packed. This is one of the most sacred temples in Thailand because wishes come true. People travel from all over Thailand just to visit this temple. From what I’ve gathered.. If you make a wish, you have to promise some eggs. If your wish comes true you have to revisit the temple and deliver what you promised. The spire can be seen around the whole city centre.

Wat Saman Rattanaram Temple

We arrived from a boat that departed from the Ban Mai market, it cost 100 Baht, we got to see the area from a different perspective. People jet skiing around us and fishing in their gardens.

The home of Ganesha the pink elephant is in the most brightest, vibrant and commercial area of Chachaongsao. The area is mainly Hindu, there are also many comic book characters. I was reminded more of a theme park instead of a temple, without the entrance fee. Thai people are respectful of all religions.