Chachoengsao - When Bangkok Runs Out Of Things To See
Chachoengsao: The Most Random Day Trip You’ll Ever Take
So you’ve heard of Chachoengsao. No? Exactly, although it's just next to Bangkok. This is the Thai province so underrated that even locals forget it exists. But guess what? It’s actually a weirdly fun little escape from Bangkok, especially if your idea of adventure involves golden toilets, giant ducks, and a temple so shiny it could blind you.
Why Chachoengsao? (Because Why Not?)
This place is like Thailand’s version of that one quiet kid in class who suddenly reveals they’re secretly fascinating. It’s not Pattaya (thank God), it’s not Ayutthaya (no ruins here), it’s just… Chachoengsao. A mix of random attractions, bizarre local culture, and enough fried snacks to make your cardiologist cry.
What to Do (Because You Can’t Just Sit Around)
1. Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan – The main event. This temple houses a famous Buddha image that people pray to for lottery numbers (because spirituality in Thailand is 50% faith, 50% gambling). The real star? The golden toilet. Yes, you read that right. A golden. Toilet. Instagram has never been so confused.
2. Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market – Unlike those touristy floating markets, this one is actually local. Stalls sell everything from grilled river prawns to questionable herbal drinks that may or may not give you superpowers.
3. Wat Saman Rattanaram – A sort of temple, outside town, but this one has a giant pink Reclining Ganesha statue, as well as a collection of tiny ones. Because why not?
4. Wat Phrong Akat - Another temple, outside of town again, but this time with a giant pink Sitting Ganesha statue. There's also a giant golden stupa and Buddha imagery. Because why not?
5. Eat Like a Local – Chachoengsao is famous for khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo), pla salid tod (fried snakehead fish), and enough street food to make your stomach both happy and terrified.
Where to Stay (If You Get Stuck Here for Some Reason)
Cheap & Basic (500-800 THB/night) – Guesthouses near the temple. Don’t expect luxury, just a bed and possibly a gecko roommate.
Mid-Range (1,000-2,000 THB/night) – Decent hotels in town with aircon and maybe a pool (if you’re lucky).
Why Are You Even Staying Overnight? – Just go back to Bangkok.
How to Get There (Before You Change Your Mind)
Train (1.5 hrs, 10 THB) – Dirt cheap and scenic, if you consider rusty tracks and random chickens "scenic."
Minivan (1 hr, 70+ THB) – Faster, but you’ll be packed in like a sardine with 15 other people questioning their life choices.
Private Car (1 hr, ~1,000 THB) – For those who value personal space and air conditioning.
Final Verdict
Chachoengsao is the kind of place you visit when you’ve already seen everything else and think, "Sure, why not?" It’s weird, it’s random, and it’s got a golden toilet. What more could you possibly want?
Now go forth, take that selfie with the giant Ganesha, and may your lottery numbers come true.
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