Wat Sam Wihan or the Monastery of the Three Preaching Halls, (also known as Wat Sam Pihan), is an active temple. It is located north of the city island. It is accessible by Khlong Bang Khuat (also known as Pho Sam Ton River or the old Lopburi River). The Maha Chai Fortress stood in front of it.
This monastery has a variety of architecture that survives from the Ayutthaya period. A
rather large bell-shaped chedi is viewable from various points across the city. The monastery's boat-shaped wihan houses a large reclining Buddha image and a variety of artifacts that were excavated at this site over the years.
The reclining Buddha image is advertised as being over 600 years old. A small Late Ayutthaya period chedi lies to the west of this wihan.
The ubosot has also survived. It has a full set of sema stones, two for each pillar. Outer walls are also present. There has been some recent excavations at this site, which reveal ancient foundation layers underneath one of the structures.
The third ...
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 ...
