Wat Phra Thong (or Wat Prathong), meaning ‘Golden Buddha Image Temple is a very old temple with an incredible legend behind it, the kind of story that irresistibly attracts people. It’s not very big or impressive, but everyone first wants to see the famous half-buried golden Buddha.
A long time ago in Thalang, a boy tied the rope of his buffalo to a piece of wood sticking out of the pasture ground. This was a ‘finial’, the conical shape at the top of a very large Buddha image almost entirely buried. The boy became ill and soon died, as well as his buffalo. Following a dream he had, the boy’s father went to have a look at this stick to find out what it was. Villagers tried to free the statue, but the diggers were attacked by swarms of hornets coming out from the dug-up earth, while the spectators were left unharmed.
Later, during the invasion of Thalang town by the Burmese Army, Burmese soldiers tried to excavate the statue to take it back to Burma. But this time, they were ...
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 ...
Wat Mongkol Thep (also spelled Wat Mongkhon Thep, วัดมงคลเทพ) is a serene Buddhist temple located in Pak Nam Subdistrict, Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.
Originally established as a meditation center by wandering monks, it was officially declared a temple on June 3, 1999, under the Mahanikaya sect. The temple received permission to be built on October 11, 1994 on land donated to the temple.
The first abbot, Phra Athikarn Bancha Siriwichayo, was appointed as Phra Khru Phawanasitkun Wi.
The temple serves as the 27th meditation center in Chachoengsao Province.
The temple is primarily a place for meditation and Buddhist practice, with daily activities from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is known for its tranquil environment, making it a spiritual destination for worship and blessings.
The temple is renowned for its stunning golden chapel, which houses the revered Phra Buddha Pathom Maha Anantabarami Sriviriya (Somdej Ong Pathom), a beautiful Buddha statue adorned in ...