Nakhon Si Thammarat was a fortified city, surrounded by ramparts. The first city wall was built during the reign of Phra Chao Sithamma Sokarat during the founding of the city on Had Saai Kaew. He built the rampart surrounded by a moat. It is assumed that the wall and many parts of the city have been renovated several times, the last being in the 17th century. At the time of King Narai Maharat, French engineers and architects traveled to the city and designed the walls in the form of a castle, as you can clearly see. During the reign of King Rama II the wall was again renovated.
Wat Chedi Ai Khai, which I’ve used in the title. But it’s also known as Ta Khai Wat Chedi, or, according to the many signs directing you to the place, just Wat Chedi or Wat JD (JD sounds like Chedi) or even Wat Chedi Ikai (because Ikai sounds like Ai Khai.) Most people though, know it as The Chicken Wat.
It allegedly dates back more than a thousand years. A famous monk named Luang Phu Thuad was travelling south ...
Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park, located in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, along the Bang Pakong River, is a 40,000-square-meter spiritual and cultural site dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom and success. Established in 2012, it blends Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese elements, serving as a pilgrimage and tourism hub.
The park features serene gardens, shrines, a local history museum, and a riverside coffee shop, with free entry for Thai nationals (100 Baht for foreigners) and daily hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The park’s centerpiece is the world’s tallest standing Ganesha statue, a 39-meter (128-foot) bronze figure crafted from 854 pieces. Depicting Ganesha with four arms holding jackfruit, sugarcane, banana, and mango—symbolizing prosperity, joy, nourishment, and wisdom—it stands on a lotus base with a rat (his vehicle) and smaller Ganesha figures. Illuminated at night, it’s a striking symbol of protection over the river and community.
In Hindu mythology, ...
Wat Pho Bang Khla (วัดโพธิ์บางคล้า), often called the “Temple of the Flying Foxes,” is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Situated along the serene Bang Pakong River, it’s about 23 km southeast of Chachoengsao city center and roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Bangkok.
This temple blends spiritual tranquility with a unique natural spectacle, making it a hidden gem for visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience away from Thailand’s more crowded tourist sites.
Built during the late 18th century (around 1767–1807), the temple dates back to the era of King Taksin the Great, who reportedly passed through the area with his army after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767. It was constructed to commemorate this historical moment, serving as a reminder of Thailand’s resilience during that turbulent period.
The architecture fuses Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin styles, featuring intricate brickwork, ...
Khlong Suan 100 Years Market (Thai: ตลาดคลองสวน 100 ปี, pronounced “Klong Suan Roi Pee”) is a historic waterfront marketplace that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s canal-side trading past. Dating back to the reign of King Rama V (late 19th to early 20th century), it was originally a bustling hub for travelers and traders along the Khlong Prawet Burirom canal, which connected Chachoengsao to Bangkok via boat services like the one run by Nai Loet (later known as Lert Sresthaputra, namesake of Bangkok’s Nailert Park). The market declined with the rise of roads and cars but was revived in 1999 and rebranded to highlight its century-old heritage. Today, it’s a “living museum” popular with local Thais for its authentic vibe, though it remains off the radar for most foreign tourists.
Unlike touristy floating markets, this one is a traditional land-based affair along the canal banks, with wooden shophouses in Sino-Thai style perched precariously on stilts. It spans both ...
