Chachoengsao ( ฉะเชิงเทรา )

Chachoengsao

Chachoengsao, also known as Paet Rio, is located to the east of Bangkok in Thailand’s central region. Chachoengsao is a fertile agricultural area fed by the Bang Pakong River. Mango is the most popular fruit grown in the province, and 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) is believed to have come from the method that dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were divided by eight stripes. The history of modern Chachoengsao dates back to the Ayutthaya Period,

during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat, when most people lived along the banks of Bang Pakong River and its canals. Prior to that, based on archaeological assumptions, Bang Pakong Riverfront, like many other river basins worldwide, was a center of ancient civilization and habitat to a pre-historic populace. Five thousand year old skeletons and ornaments have been found at Khok Phanomadee, now a village in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom, Chonburi (once a dominion under Chachoengsao's sovereignty) providing the earliest evidence of this notion. According to geographers, between 7,000 and 2,000 B.C.E. the coastline where pre-historic communities resided was much farther inland. Thus, the assumption that Bangpakong people were forefathers of the renowned Ban Chiang men is a sensible assumption. Today, Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon is the center of traditional beliefs and faith for the current residents of Chachoengsao.

Chachoengsao or Paet Rio is located 80 kilometers east of Bangkok. Chachoengsao is a fertile agricultural area fed by the Bang Pakong River. Mango is the most popular fruit grown in the province. Moreover, it is the location of the sacred Phra Phutthasothon Buddha image. 

Wat Pho Bang Khla 
This temple is 23 kilometers from Chachoengsao. Using highway No. 304 for 17 kilometers, then turn left to highway No.3121 for 6 kilometers, pass the Monument of King Taksin the Great, then turn left 500 meters. Also, another route is to travel by boat from Chachoengsao town at Tawan Ok Plaza pier, and land at the pier of the temple. There are many bats on trees during the day and fly out to search for food during the night. And even though fruits are their favorites, these bats never eat fruits grown by Bang Khla people.

Sand Castle Chachoengsao 

This exhibition shows displays exquisite craftsmanship in the gigantic sand statues which were created by over professional 70 sculptors worldwide from the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, the United States, Czechoslovakia and Thailand.

Situated next to Carrefour Supermarket in Chachoengsao downtown, the Sand Castle Chachoengssao commemorates HM King Bhumibol’s 80th Birthday. This exhibition shows displays exquisite craftsmanship in the gigantic sand statues which were created by over professional 70 sculptors worldwide from the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, the United States, Czechoslovakia and Thailand. More than 30 pieces are exhibited on 4.8 acres of land, making this the world’s largest indoor sand sculpture exhibition.

The exhibition is divided into 3 sections:

1. Sand sculptures concerning HM the King

Sculptures in this zone extol HM the King and his many good works and dedication to his country and people.

2. Sculptures depicting Thai history and literature

This is a very interesting exhibit in the dark, with stunning light and sound effects.

3. International Sand Sculptures

This zone is dedicated to sculptures drawing source material from worldwide sources, including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, Brandenberg Gate, Van Gogh’s work, wind mills, etc.

• The Sand Castle Chachoengssao is open every day from 9.00-18.00 hrs.
• Admission is 80 Baht for adults and 40 Baht for children.
• For further information, call 0 3851 5120 - 1