Chachoengsao, in Thailand’s central region, occupies an extremely fertile river basin and is home to one of the country’s most sacred Buddha images.
Located roughly 60 miles (100kms) east of Bangkok, Chachoengsao lies along the bank of the Bang Pakong river and is an important agricultural centre, producing much of Thailand’s rice and mangoes. A quiet and scenic area, it is popular with locals and tourists alike for its many historically significant temples. Foremost among them, the monastery known as Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan is visited daily by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
Possessing a legendary sacredness, the revered Buddha image housed within, Phra Phutthasothon, meditates serenely. The two-meter tall bronze-cast image is believed to have floated along the river from Prachin Buri before being invited ashore, where it has since remained enshrined. Noteworthy celebrations occur during the 5th and 12th lunar months of every year in honor of Luang Pho Sothon.