Sand Castle Chachoengsao
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. 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.

The present chapel (ubosot) is a new, beautiful, and gigantic building which has replaced the old one. The chapel actually depicts the style of the applied Rattanakosin period.. The operating hours are during 07:00 –16:15 hrs. weekdays and 07:00 – 17:00 hrs. weekends. Moreover, there are many stalls for food and local souvenirs. Long-tailed boat service to and from the city market and the temple is also available.

Wat Chin Pracha Samoson (Wat Leng Hok Yi) is another Chinese temple of Wat Leng Noei Yi in Bangkok. It is on Supphakit Road, far from the City Hall about 1 kilometer. The interesting points in the temple are Chinese warrior sculptures and the ceremonial hall (viharn) with Chinese arts. It is also a popular site for Chinese religious ceremonies. 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.

The Sand Castle Chachoengssao is open every day from 9.00-18.00 hrs.

Chachoengsao is the venue for the most favorite fruit in Thailand which is mango. With the area of 86,000 Rae or 34,400 Acre, mangoes are grown mostly in Amphoe Bang Khla and Plaeng Yao. The most popular species are Raet, Khiao Sawoei, Chao Khun Thip, and Thongdam. The mango season is in March, which the mango Festival will be held annually. The present chapel (ubosot) is a new, beautiful, and gigantic building which has replaced the old one. The chapel actually depicts the style of the applied Rattanakosin period. The weekdays operating hours are during 07:00-16:15 and 07:00-17:00 hrs for weekends. 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. Klongsuan Market
Situated on the banks of Prawetburirom Canal, Khlong Suan Market lies in two provinces: Tambon Thepparat, Amphoe Ban Pho, Chacoengsao Province and Tambon Khlong Suan, Amphoe Bang Bo, Samut Prakan Province. This traditional market dates back to the reign of King Rama V. The market contains many different shops, which are getting rare these days, since they are increasingly being replaced by modern convenience stores and shopping malls. More than 100 years old, it still retains the quaint charm of the old days. Visitors will be pleased with the traditional market atmosphere while enjoying a great variety of tasty food.

Getting there:
By car - from Bangkok, take Motorway Expressway, and follow the signs for ‘100 Year Old Khlong Suan Market’, or take On Nut - Chachoengsao Road, drive past Latkrabang Institute of Technology, continue straight, and Khlong Suan Market will be on the left.

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. Located in the main part of the city, it was erected during the reign of King Rama III to protect the city from enemies. During the reign of King Rama V, it was used by the military against the Chinese opium traders. The area on front of the fort has now been arranged as a public park to allow people to admire the scenery of the Bangpakong River. Behind the wall, there are large cannons, remnants of the past. Maenam Bang Pakong or Bang Pakong River is originated from Korat plateau, pass Prachin Buri, Amphoe Bang Nam Priao and Bang Khla of Chachoengsao, and exit Thai Bay at Amphoe Bang Pakong with the distance of 230 kilometers. The three hour trip of 25 kilometers starts from Chachoengsao town to view the local Thai nature along both banks. The route passes some interesting places such as Khrommakhun Maruphong Siriwats Residence, ancient fortress and walls, previous City Hall, old rafts, many Wats, and landed at Wat Pho Bang Khla to view the spectacular sights of the bats. Tourists can hire boat at the pier of Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan or in town. The long-tailed boat can accommodate 8-10 people, and 40 people for a big boat. The hiring rate can be bargained due to number of passengers and distance. This is the education center for new agricultural development, with the cooperation of public and private sectors. The area inside has been divided for demonstration and experiment for farmers and other people. Many projects are: land development, live stocks, fishery, arts, and herb garden. “Eastern Botanical Garden” has been established to study and conduct research for plants and herbs. Herb sauna is also available in Wednesday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday. Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary is the conserved forest covered 643,750 Rai (257,500 Acres), located in the forest in the junction of 5 provinces: Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Prachin Buri. This fertile forest is the last of the east. General landscape is about 30-150 meters high above sea level. It is the origin of Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao, Khlong Tanod in Chanthaburi, and Prasae River in Rayong. Tourists who love nature should contact Wildlife Conservation Division, Forestry Department (Tel: 579-9446) in advance. Has been proved to be built in the reign of King Rama V, the big stupa inside the temple was built in 1873, while the temple itself was built in 1881. Being one of the most ancient temples, this venue has been registered by the Fine Arts Department as the archeological site. Highlights of the temple are one big stupa, two small stupas , some other Buddhist buildings such as the ceremonial hall (Viharn), the chapel, the bell tower, etc. Also known as the Bio-science and Technology Center, is located in Amphoe Sanamchai district, which is shaded with various species of plants that are used in Thai herbal medicine. In the interior of this property, there is the original old wooden house which is designed in the typical Thai style. The downstairs area of the house is open whereas the upstairs area has some handicrafts, household goods, and other old articles of a bygone era. Behind the house ,there is a small rice silo as well as equipment to thresh rice. Opposite the house, there is a small library with books on different varieties of herbs. Scattered among the trees are various farming implements ploughs, carts, etc. which may have been used in the past. 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.

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