Derived from Khmer, the name “Chachoengsao” means “deep canal”, while the name of “Paet Rio” (Paet means eight and Rio means stripes) has been believed to have come from the way dried fish (which are abundant in the area) were being pierced into eight stripes.

The history of Chachoengsao dated back since the Ayutthaya Period during the reign of King Phra Borom Tri Lokkanat. Most people live along the banks of Bang Pakong River and canals. Phra Phutthasothon or “Luang Pho Sothon” is the center of beliefs and faith. In the past, Chachoengsao was a small town, and was upgraded to a province in 1916.

Chachoengsao is 80 kilometers from Bangkok, with the area of 5,351 square kilometers. The local administration is divided into 10 Amphoe (district) and 1 King Amphoe (sub-district), namely: Amphoe Muang, Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, Tha Takiap, and King Amphoe Khlong Khuean.

Geographical Location
In general, the areas are plains with forests along the sea coast. In the east, in Amphoe Sanam Chai Khet, the areas contain highlands and mountains, with the attitude of 300 meters above sea level.

How to get there
Boundary
North: Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok
South: Chon Buri and Chantaburi
East: Sa Kaeo
West: Samut Prakarn and Bangkok

Car
By car: From Bangkok, there are 3 routes to Chachoengsao:
Use highway No.304, via Min Buri, with the distance of 82 kilometers.
Use Bang Na – Trat highway, turn left before reaching the bridge over Bang Pakong River to highway No.314. The total distance is 100 kilometers.
Use highway No.3, via Samut Prakarn and Bang Pakong, then turn left to highway No.314. The total distance is 106 kilometers.

Bus
By bus: There are buses leaving from 2 bus terminals:From Mor Chit 2 Bus Terminal (Tel: 0 2936 2852 – 66) First and second-class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:00 – 17:00 hrs. The fare is 40 and 36 Baht, respectively.

Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. The fare is 26 Baht. From Eastern Bus Terminal (at Ekkamai) (Tel: 0 2392 2391) First class air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes during 06:30 – 17:00 hrs. The fare is 59 Baht. Regular buses leave every 30 minutes during 05:40 – 19:00 hrs. The fare is 33 Baht.

Train
By Train : The trains from Hua Lamphong Station to Chachoengsao leave every day, 9 trains/day, both regular and air-conditioned during 06:00 – 17:25 hrs. The fare is 40 Baht for air-conditioned and 13 Baht for regular one. For more details, contact 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020

Traveling to nearby
From Chachoengsao, visitors can travel to Chonburi, Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, and Nakhon Nayok. Moreover, buses from other provinces pass Chachoengsao. They are from Chaing Mai, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Saraburi, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Lop Buri, Rayong, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Surin, and Si Sa Ket.

Festivals
Luang Pho Sothon Celebrating Festival
The festival is held three times a year.
1. Around April to celebrate the occasion of lifting Luang Pho Sothorn from the river. Open theatres are provided all through these three days and three nights.

2.Around November to commemorate the occasion of subsiding of smallpox in 1890. It was believed that due to the help of Luang Pho Sothon. Performed on the eve is the chanting of sermons whereby magical power is instilled in Luang Pho votive tablets. A procession of a Luang Pho Sothon reproduction is held both on land and the water. Red Cross Festival is held at the same time at Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park.

3. Around February (Chinese New Year Festival). This lasts 5 days 5 nights. A large crowd of people from every direction come to the temple to pay respect to Luang Pho.

Mango Day Festival
Mango Day Festival is held around March – April every year. This duration is the best crop of mango.