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Thread: Chachoengsao

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    Chachoengsao

    History of Chachoengsao or Paet Rio


    Chachoengsao

    Chachoengsao is commonly called "Paet Rio"
    The name "Chachoengsao" comes from the Khmer Language which means "deeps canal",("Paet" means eight, and "Rio" means stripes) is believed to have come from the way dried fish is slit into eight strips.
    Chachoengsao is a tourist destination close to Bangkok.
    It is located in central Thailand or 82 kilometers from Bangkok. It covers an area of 5,351 square kilometers.
    Chachoengsao is divided into 10 amphoe (district) and 1 king amphoe (sub district): 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.

    Art and Culture

    Wat Sothon Woraram Woravihan

    This temple lies in the municipal area by the Bang Pakong River.
    It was built in the late Ayutthaya Period, with its original name being "Wat Hong" It is the location of Phra Phutthasothon statue or Luang Phor Sothon statue or Luang Phor Sothon statue.

    This important Buddha image, sculpted in the meditation pose, has a width of 1.65 meters and a height of 1.48 meters.

    Legend has it that this Buddha image floated on the river before being placed here at the temple.

    The original Buddha images was a beautiful bronze one, but to prevent it from being stolen, cement was placed on it. Everyday, many worshippers come to pay respect to the image, pasting gold leaves on it.



    Wat Muang (Wat Pitulathiratrangsit)

    It is located at Tambon Namuang.
    The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III in 1834, together with the fortress and the wall.
    The architectural style of the temple is similar to Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok.
    The temple was formerly called Wat Muang. In 1908, during his visit to Chachoengsao, King Rama V called it "Wat Pitulathirat Rangsit", which means "the temple built by the king's uncle".

    Wat Sampatuan

    It is located on Suphakit Road.
    One side of the chapel depicts Wetsandon Jakarta (stories at the Buddhas past lives) ; the other side shows the traditional Paet Rio lifestyle.
    There is a beautiful hall which houses a Buddha images. At the pier, visitors can see the Bang Pakong Dam.

    Wat Uphai Phatikaram

    It is located near talad Mai (a market) on Suphakit Road.
    The temple was formerly a Chinese temple; however, it has now turned into a Vietnamese temple
    (Mahayana doctrine).
    It is the location of a Luang Phor To image (Phra Trairattananayok or Chaopho Sampakong).

    In Thailand there are only three images of Luang Phor To : at Wat Kanlayanamitra (Bangkok), Wat Phananchoeng (Ayutthaya), and Wat Uphai Phatikaram (Chachoengsao). Every weekend many Chinese tourists come to pay respect to the image.

    Wat Chin Prachasamoson (Wat Leng Hok Yi)

    This temple is located on Suphakit Road, Tambon Banmai, 1 kilometers from the City Hall. It was built by the believers of the Mahayana doctrine with Chinese architecture in 1906, during the reign of King Rama V.
    The interesting item in the temple are Chinese warrior sculptures and the ceremonial hall (viharn) featuring Chinese arts. The site draws many Chinese visitors.



    Wat Phayakkha Intharam (Wat Chedi)

    This temple is located at Tambon Banmai. It was built during the reign of King Rama V. The big pagoda inside the temple was built in 1873 by Mr. Sue or Pra Kriengkrai Krabuanyut, the deputy of Chachoengsao
    ,and Mrs. In, his wife.
    The temple itself was built later, in 1881.Being one of the most ancient temples, this venue has been registered by the Fine Arts Department as an archaeological site. The highlights of the temple are three pago-das, one big and two small, the ancient cemetery, the chapel and the bell tower.

    Wat Pho Bangkhla

    Wat Pho Bangkhla is located 23 kilometers from the city.
    Visitors can drive along Highway No. 304 (Chachoengsao-Kabinburi) for 17 kilometers, turn left to Highway No. 3121 to Amphoe Bangkhla for 6 kilometers, pass the Monument of King Taksin the Great, then turn left for 500 meters Thousands of Mae Kai bats ("Mae Kai" means Mother Hen) or fruit eating bats crowd the trees in the day and fly out to search for fruit at night.
    The Mae Kai bats have black wings. Brown fur, red cheeks and wolverine facial features of a small nose and ears but big eyes.

    Wat Jaeng

    Wat Jaeng is located at Bang Khla Market. A fascinating facet of the place is the chapel (ubosot) with Thai-Chinese arts and a statue of giant next to the chapel.
    The temple is believed to have been built in the reign of King Rama I. During his journey to make war with his enemies, King Rama I arrived in the area at dawn. This temple was then built and named "Wat Jaeng" ("Jaeng"means dawn).

    Wat Prathatwayo (Wat Hueinamsap)

    It is located at Moo 2, Tambon Ladkrathing. Visitors can make Highway No. 3259 (Sanamchaikhet-Thatakiep) 9 kilometers from the city.
    In the temple there is a big Buddha image and a bell-modeled pagoda with art depicting various events from the Lord Buddha's life.
    There is also a staircase to the top of the pagoda; visitors can admire the scenery of the town and the Ladkrathing Raser-voir, a small reservoir surrounded by fascinating nature.

    Wat Chom Phonarai

    It is located at Tambon Sothon, Amphoe Muang The most interesting site in the temple is a pagoda with the style of Buddh Gaya,India. The pagoda contains the Buddha's cremated bones.

    San Lak Muang (City Pillar Shrine)

    The City Pillar Shrine is located on Na Muang Road.
    The Shrine is built in Thai architectural style with 4-sided roofs and a tower (prang) in the center. Inside, there are two city pillars. One was built in 1834 and the other in 1895. In the same compound there is the Chao Pho Lak Mueng Shrine, which is highly respected. Operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The Floating Chaomae Kuan-Im Shrine

    (Sawangtham Foundation)
    The foundation is the location of Chaomae Kuan-Im, which is located on Suphakit Road . A ceramic image of the popular Chinese goddess stands at a height of 1 meter and weighs 40 kilograms. The image was found floating around the bridge across the Bang Pakong River in 1997. It was taken a shore and placed at this shrine Many worshippers head to the shrine to pay respect to the images.

    Monument of King Taksin the Great

    This monument was built to commemorate King Taksin. King Taksin passed Chachoengsao after the fall of Ayuttahya in 1767 to restore Thailand's independence.
    It is believed that this location was for-merly a stupa which was built for King Taksin's victory over his enemies. It was demolished in 1931, but the new shrine was constructed in 1988.

    Ancient Fortress

    It is located on Maruphong Road, the main part of the city. The site was erected during the reign of King Rama III in 1794 to protect the city from its enemies. During the reign of King Rama V, the fort was used bythe military against Chinese opium traders.
    The area at the front of the fortress is arranged as a public park to allow people to admire the scenery of the Bang Pakong River. Many ancient cannons can be seen along the wall.

    Prince Marupong Siriphat's Mansion

    Prince Marupong Siriphat's Mansion, now the official residence of the Chachoengsao Governor, has as remarkable a historical significance as the old Prachin Provincial Hall.Prince Marupong Siriphat's Mansion.

    Monument of Phraya Sunthonwohan

    (Noi Ajarayangkun)
    This monument is located in front of Sri Sothon Military Camp. Phraya Sunthonwohan (Noi Ajarayangkun) was a local. He was a Thai linguist under King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

    He wrote many Thai-language learning books, which were the most suitable learning materials for students at that time.

    Talad Mai (Mai Market)

    This is an ancient market dating back 100 years ago. This market on Suphakit Road by the Bang Pakong River reflects the traditional lifestyle of those who lived in the area.

    There are many stalls selling traditional food, coffee and drinks, herbs, Thai desserts, toys and souvenirs. It operates only on weekends (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) For more information, contact 0 3881 7336, 0 6148 4513, 0 9881 7161, 0 9666 4266.

    100-Year-Old Talad Khlong Suen

    The market is located in Tambon Thepharat, Amphoe Banpho, Chachoengsao. In the past, Khlong Suen (Suen Canal) was used to travel to Bangkok.

    The route begins at Thatua Watergate (Chachoengsao), passes Talad Khlong Suen and finally ends at Pratunam (Watergate) or Sapathum Palace, Bangkok.

    Traveling along the banks of the river, visitors can admire the 100-year-old lifestyle of Thai-Chinese, Buddhists and Thai Muslims, and also sites such as Chinese temples, Buddhist temples and mosques.

    The sites along the banks reflect a good relationship in the inter-faith community.
    The meeting point of the local people is Talad Khlong Suen.

    Visitors can taste Thai food, desserts and coffee, and view antiques and precious architecture. For more information, contact Tambon Khlongsuen Municipality, Tel. 0 2739 3253, 0 2739 3329.

    Local products

    Processed banana produced by a housewives group. Different types of processed banana such as baked cheese banana chips, baked sliced banana, crisp banana chips, barbeque banana chips, chilie paste banana chips. Tel: 0 1455 1861.

    Dessert and snacks Khanom Pia, Khraya Sard, Khanom Jark Agricultural products Different types of mango, jasmine rice, egg, fresh prawn, coconut, Khanom Jark and other desserts. All products are common in shops in Chachoengsao.

    Brass handmade products are for sale at 56, Moo 13 Ban Klongkudmai, Tambon Thai Kai. Brass is made into Different forms such as vases, baskets, napkin boxes, champagne boxes, souvenir products and candlesticks. Tel: 0 3851 3857, 01 939 9942

    Handicraft products made from wood, bones and horns are produced in Moo 3, Tambon Klong Nakhon, Nuang Khet. The village sells decoration items and utensils such as hair clips, hair pins, necklaces,bangles, earings and chopsticks. Tel 0 3884 7307, 0 3859 2678

    Local products and souvenirs Fruits and agricultural products Herbal products from Chao Phraya Abhaibhubate Hospital Handcraft products made of bamboo wood Furniture made of bamboo wood in Prachantakam District

    Accommodations & Hotels
    Amphoe Muang


    Grand Royal Plaza: 1110 Sukprayun Road, Tambon Sothon, Tel.0 3882 3701. 170 rooms available (635-1,500 baht/night)

    Jai Inn: 71/23 Bang Pakong Road, Tambon Sothon, Tel. 0 38512236, 038514810. 33 rooms available(250-450 baht/night)

    Mitsamphan: 76-92 Rimkhlongthakhai Road, Tambon Namuang, Tel. 0 3851 1079. 32 rooms available (150-350 baht/night)

    Yenjit bungalow: 203 Mahachakkaphat Road, Tel. 0 3851 1200. 29 rooms available (250-400 baht/night)

    River Inn: 122/1 Maruphong Road Tambon Namuang, Tel. 0 3851 4530-1, 0 3851 1609, 0 3851 1921. 30 rooms available (290-590 baht/night)

    Sammanakhan Bang Pakong Park: (Rathnakharin Rajabhat College) 422 Maruphong Road, Tambon Namunag, Tel.0 3881 0541, 0 3851 2501. 39 rooms available (500-700 Baht/night)

    Happy Home: 67/13 :Liengmuang Rorad,40 rooms available (200-350 baht/night)

    Amphoe Bangkhla Resort

    Bangkhla Resort: 118 Moo 1, Bangkhla-Plangyao Road, Tambon Thathongluang, Tel. 0 3854 2138-9. 28 rooms available (500 baht/night)

    Amphoe Phanomsarakham

    Phanom Garden: 333 Moo 4, Phanomsarakham Road, Tambon Thathan, Tel. 0 3855 1817, 03855 2775, fax no. 0 3855 1515. 44 rooms available (450 baht/night)

    Khao Hinsorn Development Study Center: 7 Moo 2, Chachoengsao-Kabinburi Road (the 51st-52nd kilometer), tambon Khao Hinsorn, Tel. 0 3859 9105-6, 0 3859 9067, 03859 9019. 10rooms available (600baht/night)

    RUNC RUENG 999 Moo 1 Tambon Phanom: Tel. 0 3855 1200 14 Room (150-250baht/night)

    PHANOM 1269 Phanomsaraksam Tambon Phanom: Tel 03855 1145 62 room (150-230 baht/night)

    BANG PAKONG Rive Bank 61/6 Moo 13 Bangna - Trad Road, Tambon Bang pakong Tel. 0 3853 1512 20 Room (200-350baht/night)

    Tourism

    Bang Pakong River Trip

    The Bang Pakong River originates in the Korat high plateau, flows through Prachinburi and the heart of Chachoengsao before running into the Gulf of Thailand at Amphoe Bang Pakong.

    The river stretches for 230 kilometers. A boat trip can start from the town market or Wat Sothon, and head towards Amphoe Bang Khla, a total distance of 25 kilometers.

    Along the route you can see the locals lifestyle, and interesting places such as Khrommakhun Maruphong Siriwat's Residence, ancients fortress and walls, the old City Hall, the biggest teak building and numerous wats.

    The trip takes about 3 hours by longtail boat. For more information, contact Bang Pakong Charter Service Co., Ltd., Tel. 0 3851 4333, 0 9668 1726, 0 9666 4266 (90 bath per person).

    River Trip and Dolphin Watch

    It is located at Tambon Thakham in Amphoe Bang Pakong. During November - January there are a lot of sea catfish, dolphins favorite food, in the Bang Pakong River.

    Amphoe Bangkhla Bang Khla
    Kho Lad River Trip Boat cruises are available around Bang Khla's Lad Is land.

    Khao Ang Ranai Wildlife Sanctuary

    (Amphoe Thatakiap)
    This sanctuary covers 1,030 square kilometers encompassing a large area that extends into five provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Prachinburi.

    If contains the last well-preserved tropical forest of the eastern region and is the source of several waterways:the Bang Pakong River (Chachoengsao), the Tanod Canal (Chanthaburi), and the Prasae River (Rayong).

    The national park is located 30-150 meters above sea level.

    The park's main attraction is the Ang Ranai Waterfall or Bo Thong Waterfall, 2 kilometers from the sanctuary's office.

    How to get there:

    Take Highway No. 3245 (Phanomsarakham-Sanamchaikhet),
    turn to Highway No. 3259, pass Amphoe Thatakiap to Ban Nong Kok for 50 kilometers, take the highway to Amphoe Wang Nam Yen (Sakaew Province) for 20 kilometers to reach the office of the Khao Ang Ranai Wild-life Sanctuary.
    Visitors are required to follow the park's rules and also ask for permission at least 15 days in advance.

    Khlong Siyat Reservoir

    It is situated at Moo 2, Tambon Thatakiep, on Highway No. 3259 (4 kilometers from the administrative office of Amphoe Thatakiep, and 90 kilometers from the city of Chachoengsao).

    The dam supplies water for crops. The reservoir, surrounded by a beautiful land-scape, is good for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing , biking, trek-king and camping. In the area is the Chao Pho Shrine at which locals pay their respects.

    Khao Hinsorn Royal Development Study Center

    This center, covering 1,929 rai, was established in 1979.
    This agricultural development study center aims to promote sustainable agriculture in accordance with the wishes of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej by demonstrating to and educating the people.

    In various forms of agriculture such as soil and land development, livestock and fisheries. A herbal project has also been established .

    It is open for visitors on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The entrance fee is 20 Baht.

    There is accommodation for approximately 120-150 people; however, bookings must be made. It is also necessary to bring your own food and beverage.

    For more information, Contact Tel. 0 3859 9105-6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Restaurants
    (Amphoe Mueng)


    Kuai Jab Tak Mo (Chinese food) 30/24-25 Moo 5 Bang Phra (Open: 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.) Tel. 0 3882 1893-4

    Kung Nang (Thai food) Located at the Bang Pakong riverside under the railway bridge.

    Kuea Kun Photchana (Chinese food): Kuea Kun Road, Na Muang (Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.) Tel 0 3851 1425

    Kai Yang Nong Phu (Thai food): New Sri Sothon road,Sri Sothon.

    King Tan Coca Photchana Sukiyaki (Chinese food): 103/3 Chumphon Road
    Tel: 0 3851 3596, 0 3851 1498

    Nguan Photchana (Thai food): Maha Chakkaphat Road, Na Muang

    Noi Kai Yang (Thai food): Sri Sothon Road, Sri Sothon

    Nai Kuak (Thai food): 49 Moo 12 Bangna-Trad Road

    Niew(Rice with Chicken) (Thai food): 83/5 Chakkaphat Road

    Pradit Photchana (Thai and seafood): 133 Maruphong Road, Na Muang (Open: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.) Tel. 0 3851 1246

    Pem Bun (Made to order and noodles): 3/108 New Sri Sothon Road, Na Muang
    Tel. 0 3853 5099

    Mathurot Ruan Thai (Thai food): Chachoengsao-Bang Pakong Road

    Mathurot Ruan Phae (Thai,Chinese, and eafood): 174/38 A raft; located in front of Chachoengsao Hospital, Maruphong Road, Na Muang (Open: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.) Tel.03851 1958, 0 3851 5833

    Ruai Ruan Phae (Thai food): Maruphong Road,Na Muang

    Siri O-Cha: 441/5-6 Soi 3 Tel. 03861 3419

    Nutritious Food Centre (Made order and noodles): Next to the train station,257 Maha Chakkaphat, Na Muang (Open: 6 a.m.- 7 p.m.) Tel. 0 3882 0083,0 3882 1920

    Ban Noi Kai Yang Restaurant (Thai food): 7 Moo 5 Bang Phra, Muang (Open: 9 a.m. - 12 noon)

    Sun Mu Deng (Thai food): Maha Chakkaphat Road, Namunag

    Thao Kae sue (Chinese food): 55/1-3, Next to Sri Ayutthaya Bank (Bang Khla Branch) Bang Khla-Plang Yao Road, Bang Khla (Open: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)

    Bang Khla Steak (Thai, Chinese, European food): 118 Moo 1 Bang Khla-Plang Yao Road, Bang Khla (Open:10 a.m.-11 p.m.) Tel 03854 2138-9

    Mae Nam Restaurant (Thai food):Tetsaban Phatthana 1 Road, Bang Khla (Open: 10 a.m. - 11p.m.) There are boat cruises along the Bang Pakong River.
    Tel.0 3854 1909, 0 1861 2740

    Travel By Car

    There are 3 ways to get to chachoensao, from Bangkok.
    First: Take Highway No. 304 (Bangkok - Minburi - Chachoensao),which is a distance of 75 kilometers.

    Second: Take Highway No. 34 (Bangna-Trat Highway), Then turn left before the bridge over the Bang Pakong River to Highway No.314 (Bang Pakong - Chachoensao). This is a distance of 90 killometers

    Third: Take Highway No.3 (Samut Prakarn -Bang Pakong), then turn on to Highway No. 314 The distance is 100 kilometers.

    By Bus

    Buses leave from two terminals.
    The Northern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 : For more information, contact Chachoengsao Transportation Co., Ltd, Tel. 0 2936 4041, 0 9748 1349, or The Northern Bus Terminal, Tel. 02936 2852-66 ext 311, 442

    The Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai: For more information, please contact Tel: 0 2712 1018, 09749 1336, Chachoensao Transportation Co.,Ltd., 02391 2504 for the Eastern Bus Terminal, or 0 38151 4482 for Chachoengsao Bus Terminal.

    150kg Giant Freshwater Stingray caught at Ban Pakong River in Thailand



    chachoengsao.go.th

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    Chachoengsao: An old market lumbers back from sleep

    An old market lumbers back from sleep
    Published: 23/09/2010

    An old canal-side market in the provincial heart of Chachoengsao, Nuang Khet, has grown by leaps and bounds as visitors who numbered only a few hundred a year ago are now flocking there in thousands on weekends.


    Nuang Khet market straddles a canal in Chachoengsao. It is now a popular weekend destination.

    According to Mayor Lersan Saivanich, their number now averages 10,000 on weekends and the number of vendors have jumped from 17 to 190 after the local municipality embarked on a plan last year to revive Nuang Khet and its former ambience.

    The market dates back some 130 years when it was a busy port by a canal that cut through a Chinese community trading in rice, tea and fresh food. It was also a small but significant stop for people travelling to Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

    But when roads gained ascendancy Nuang Khet went into a gradual decline, a trend that continued until the middle of last year when a plan was mooted to revive and present it as a new destination for tourists. They can hire boats and tour of the canal, from which the market takes its name, or enjoy hot meals and local delicacies some of which are a rarity these days.

    There is a local museum where on exhibit are old artefacts and photographs from its halcyon days. Nuang Khet's popularity means more tourist dollars for vendors whose average income on weekends has gone up substantially.

    To get there from Bangkok, take Highway 304 that cuts through Suwinthawong district, and follow the road signs to Chachoengsao.

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    Chachoengsao: Two temples to visit

    Bangkok Post
    Published: 19/09/2010

    It wasn't easy to pick two out of the many great temples in Chachoengsao, but we settled on one that reaches out into the Gulf of Thailand and another which may have the world's largest Ganesh

    Chachoengsao_ known as Paed Rew by locals_ is known as a backwater province in the Central region of Thailand, and isn't high on most foreign or Thai visitors' lists. However, it offers a wide array of interesting temples that are just the thing for those looking to rejuvenate their inner spirits.

    The province's colourful history dates back to the beginnings of the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767). Much of the population resides along the Bang Pakong River and its tributaries, where there are a number of thriving fishing communities.

    Through the centuries temples in Thailand have played a very significant role as religious, social and educational centres. This seems particularly true in Chachoengsao, and so it was a taxing process to sift through the many temples in the province to find two that really stand out.

    We finally settled on Wat Hongthong [the Golden Swan Temple] in Song Klong, Bang Pakong district, and Wat Saman Rattanaram in Ampur Muang district.


    We navigated our way along a maze of narrow dirt roads through verdant rice fields to reach Wat Hongthong, whose stupa stands majestically some 200 metres inside the Gulf of Thailand. While on a tour of the temple we were told that the original 21-rai complex was surrounded by mangrove forest and had been a Buddhist monastery.

    Erosion steadily ate into the complex and in 1990 much of it was inundated. Renovations started in 1990, when Preecha Prachakorn took over as abbot, and included the offshore construction of the Pra Tat Kongka Maha Chedi. The stupa _ connected to the pier of the temple compound by a long concrete bridge decorated with Naga images _ is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

    After the reconstruction was completed in 1999 the complex was rededicated as a temple and named Wat Hongthong. Artwork inside and outside the magnificent three-storey stupa depicts the life of Lord Buddha. Images of bodhisattvas in different incarnations are also displayed in a variety of postures. Housed on the third floor are the relics of Pra Arahant, a monk who is believed to have attained enlightenment. Behind the stupa a bridge leads to a pier that also serves as a prime spot to watch the sun set.


    On the right hand side of the stupa is a beautiful chapel, the latest addition to Wat Hongthong. The chapel opened its doors to worshippers in 2007. Inside are displayed beautiful Buddhist murals.

    Pilgrims visit the temple in search of good fortune and a serene place to meditate. Dormitories are available for both men and women. When we were there a significant number of women could be seen praying and meditating in different corners, and the women's dorm was buzzing with activity. As it was close to dinner time, they were preparing a simple meal.

    People from all walks of life come here to connect to the Buddha's teachings in a tranquil and scenic setting and enjoy the company of their fellow pilgrims.

    Also not to be missed while in the neighbourhood are the local seafood market and restaurant. You will find the local cuisine exquisite.

    **************


    Our next stop was Wat Saman Rattanaram - housed in a lush neighbourhood of the Bang Kaew municipality.

    Legend has it that the temple was constructed more than 100 years ago to bring merit and fortune to a man named Saman Chinpracha. This community house of worship follows the Dhammayuttika Buddhist order, established by King Rama IV.

    The highlight of Wat Saman Rattanaram is a reclining Ganesh image which is believed to be the biggest in the world. The image _ 16 metres high and 22 metres long _ was constructed on the banks of the Bang Pakong River and finished in early 2010. The base displays Ganesh in 32 postures. According to the Hindu faith, Ganesh is the deity of success and wisdom, taking a human form but with an elephant's head and tusks.

    Considered the patron of arts and sciences, Ganesh is highly revered by artists and craftsmen in particular.

    Many Buddhists also regard Ganesh as the god of success and new beginnings, and as equivalent to a bodhisattva (enlightened being). These beliefs bear testimony to the continuing Hindu influence in present-day Thailand and the harmonious co-existence between Hinduism and Buddhism.

  4. #4
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    Thank you both for the above photos and info, I lived in Bankpagong for 2 years ,been to the Big Temple many times, and the Fort on the River I found by accicdent/ and catch the Train from there to Pom-pet for a Visa,

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    we pass thru Chachoengsao but haven't stopped; next week we're going there for 2 nights and will visit both temples, fly out of Bkk on Weds and it's an easy trip from Ch to the airport for a morning flight. Saw so many billboards along the highway advertising the big pink Ganesh statue, didn't realise it was 22m long till saw this news item.
    We stopped to see those markets on the way home 2 weeks ago but no life there on a Tuesday will have to make a weekend journey for that one.

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    Chachoensgao: Wat Saman Rattanaram

    ..

    We had to see the big pink Ganesh, Wat Saman Rattanaram is on the bank of Bang Pakong river there are are options of going there by longtail boat or tuk-tuk if you don't have your own car.

    ..

    About 10km from central Chachoensgao, well signposted from all directions, we went by tuk-tuk the deal was 150 each way or 250 return the driver was happy to wait for an hour while we wandered the temple grounds. And an hour was plenty of time to see the statues, small temple, 40baht lunch on the riverside.

    ..

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    Chachoensgao: Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan


    On the riverbank of Bang Pakong, this is the site of a temple originally built towards the end of the Ayutthaya period, however the temple we see here is rebuilt on the site, work began in 1987 and the opening ceremony was held May 9 1996.

    ....

    The new shrine is built in the Rattanakosin style with a four-sided gable roof in the style of a Thai castle, 44.5m wide, 123.5m long and 84m high. The spire is made of 77 kilograms of gold.

    ..

    The Vegetarian Hall of Wat Sothon is in the Chinese style and each year is central to celebrations for Chinese New Year and the Chinese vegetarian festival.

    Getting there . . . a 10 baht bus trip from the main inter-city bus station/Big C shopping complex area

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    Chachoensgao: accommodation

    this place was listed in a Bangkok Post article, 595baht per night


    Grand Royal Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre: 1110 Sukprayun Road, Tambon Sothon, Tel.0 3882 3701. 170 rooms available

    It would have indeed been 'Grand' when it was built, but that shades of purple colour scheme . . . inside is tidy and clean, happy and helpful staff . . . rooms I'd describe as very 'tired' the whole place in in need of a serious makeover, everything is well worn, it would have been a very stylish building in is day.

    ..

    Having said that, 595 baht for a double room with small balcony, decent bed, cable tv and a proper swimming pool - 25m and six-lanes wide a real rarity when most pools are for decoration and a quick dip; local swim club use it for lessons/training.

    Tuk-tuks at the gate, 80 baht to the city, and 5min walk to a multi-level shopping complex that has seen better days . . . at a guess I'd say it was 'the place' until the Big C shopping and cinema complex was opened in the central city area.


    ..
    The cinema complex was a surprise, all rather flash for a city like this, 5 cinemas.
    For the record, we saw Detective Dee, a Chinese epic, cast of thousands, spectacular fights and scenery . . . recommended

  9. #9
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    May as well add this then- this was a day trip we did to Wat Sothon and the Chinese markets in Chachoengsao in early 2009:-

    https://teakdoor.com/the-eastern-thai...er-cruise.html

  10. #10
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    ^ good pics, we had permanent grey skies while we were there; the temple was swarming with people when we went - on Tuesday morning, school groups, bus loads of visiting 'pilgrims'. We didn't see any orange plastic buckets - the 'commercial' side of most temples, but people bring food for the monks, bags of rice and stacks of trays of eggs on sale to buy/donate to monks.
    Did the same boat trip - a bargain at 100 baht.
    Chachoensgao is a convenient stopover for us for early morning flights out of Bkk - travel there the day before, then minivan from there to airport is 50 baht.

  11. #11
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    Bang Pakong River Tour

    . . . my pics not as good as Sabang's, but will post some anyway

    We caught the boat outside the temple, October mid-week very quiet and just one other couple onboard, and three crew.
    Thai commentary from the jetty till we got to the Ban Mai market area, and a well-written four page free handout in English for me giving info on the seventeen 'points of interest' we'd be passing.
    Cost a budget 100 baht each, we left at 12, at markets for lunch 12.40 - 1.20 and back at the temple just before 2pm.

    ..

    ..
    Last edited by genghis61; 16-10-2010 at 05:17 PM.

  12. #12
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    Chachoensgao: Bang Pakong River Cruise

    ..

    Some pics from the Ban Mai markets, there were two of the man in the third pic, no explnantion/description, maybe he was the 'Steve Irwin' of the river?


    And, some imagination required, in the distance the railway bridge, 1850m in length as according to brochure, the longest erected railway bridge in SE Asia

  13. #13
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    Not really much to say, but am only three post's away from the mile high club so thought I would say nothing thank you for reading.

  14. #14
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    Thumbs up

    Really great pics on thailand.

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