Steam enthusiasts have at least six opportunities a year to ride a steam train in Thailand. Each trip has a different destination. For example, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom and Chachoengsao. Today I took the Mother’s Day excursion to Chachoengsao.
Date of travel: 12th August 2020
Bangkok Railway Station
Good morning from Bangkok Railway Station. Today I’m taking the Steam Train Excursion to Chachoengsao. Journey time is about one hour and forty minutes.
Chachoengsao Railway Station
The steam train arrived in Chachoengsao about an hour late. We now have just under six hours to explore the city before taking the train back at 4:30pm. Some people had tours booked. Others left the station by songtaew. I have my e-scooter.
Ban Mai Riverside Market, Chachoengsao
My first stop in Chachoengsao was at Ban Mai Riverside Market. This is an old traditional market with a lot of character. The best time to visit is weekends and public holidays.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/YZ85aK9Sd4yHmEaE9
Boat tour to Wat Saman Rattanaram, Chachoengsao
From Ban Mai market there are boat tours to Wat Saman Rattanaram. The round trip is 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. As there were no other customers, I decided to help the boatman out by renting the whole boat for 500 Baht. I enjoy boat trips and it’s still good value.
Wat Saman Rattanaram, Chachoengsao
The highlight of Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao is the Giant Reclining Ganesha. It is 16 meters high.
There are also other statues at the temple from different religions. This place is very popular with Thais looking for good luck.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/owjCJ2TmaGKNiVUB7
Chachoengsao Fort
Chachoengsao Fort was constructed during the reign of King Rama III in 1794. During the reign of King Rama 5, this place was used by the army to fight the Aung Ye rebels or Chinese opium dealers who rampaged and robbed city dwellers.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/tHUy7HQqYHJR6qA46
Chachoengsao Museum
Chachoengsao Museum was formerly a palace of Krom Muen Marupong Siripat. King Rama V stayed here from 24-29 January 1907 after he rode the first train here from Bangkok Railway Station. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am-4pm.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/SupdR8Lx1MYQijdA7
Wat Sothonwararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao
Wat Sothonwararam Worawihan is an ancient temple established alongside the Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao. Inside is enshrined Luang Por Sothon, a revered Buddha statue. The temple building is the largest of its kind in Thailand.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/H1Q1SNDYrBFxYtv5A
Wat Chom Phothayaram, Chachoengsao
This is Wat Chom Phothayaram in Chachoengsao. I saw the golden stupa from the train and so I thought I would come and check it out. The temple grounds has structures that represent important times in the Buddha!s life, like birth and enlightenment.
📍MAP: https://goo.gl/maps/Rk1YTL2YoBF1HBwR9
That’s a wrap on my steam train excursion to Chachoengsao. I hope you enjoyed my photos and I’ve inspired you to do the trip yourself.
📍 MAP LIST: https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/Yhq7aqkTQ1GWs26VSJvOPw
🚂 STEAM TRAIN EXCURSIONS: http://www.thailandphotomap.com/thailand-by-train/steam-trains
For more ideas about where to visit and what to do around Thailand, please join the #MyThailandBucketList Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/richardbarrow