Chachoengsao Province

The western lowlands of the province are shaped by the Bang Pakong River, supporting extensive rice cultivation, while the eastern terrain rises to hills averaging over 100 metres in elevation. Chachoengsao borders eight provinces and has a short coastline on the Gulf of Thailand in its southeastern corner. The province's most famous site is Wat Sothonwararam, which houses the revered Luangpho Phutthasothon Buddha image and draws enormous numbers of pilgrims each year. The Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, covering over 1,078 square kilometres, protects one of the largest lowland forests in eastern Thailand and is home to wild elephants. Historical ties dating to the mid-Ayutthaya period give the province considerable cultural heritage alongside its modern industrial zones.