Chachoengsao , or as commonly called "Paet Riu" , is some 100 kilometers east of Bangkok occupying an area of 5,351 square kilometers. Its area is a low basin suitable for cultivation ,especially rice, which is an economic crop providina the principal income to the province. Chachoengsao is administratively divided into nine Amphoes and two King Amphoes : Muang,Bang Khla, Bang Nam Prieo, Bang Pakong, Ban Pho, Phanom Sarakham, Sanam Chai Khet, Plaeng Yao, Ratchasan, King Amphoe Tha Takiap and King Amphoe Khong Khuan.

Boundary
North  - Chachoengsao stretches beyond 5,000 square kilometers. Nokhon Nayok and Prachaiburi.
South - Chonburi and Chanthaburi.
East   - Prachinburi.
West  - Bangkok Metropolis, Samutprakarn and Pathumthani.

Geography
General area of Chachoengsao is low flat and low plain river. The area to be close to the sea is mangrove forest. And the east area in Amphoe Sanamchaiket is high and steep spot and mountain. It is high from sea level about 300 meters up. Chachoengsao has area 5,351 square kilometers. Prachinburi and Nakon Nayok in the North, Chonburi in the South, Sakaeo in the East And Samutprakarn and Bangkok in the west.

Employment
The majority of the population of Chachoengsao are farmers. The cash crops are corn, sugar cane, tapioca, cotton, capoc, soy bean, mung bean, rice, crops, depending on their location and seasons. The Provincial Government has successfully promoted the growing of fruit and Para Rubber are Sweet Tamarinds, Longans and Lichees. These fruit tree crops have substantially increased local farmers annual incomes. The region has little in the way of large-scale business or industry.

History

Only archaeological assumptions are made that, thousands of years ago, Bangpakong Riverfront , like many other river basins worldwide, was a center of ancient civilization and habitat to pre-historic populace. 5,000 year old skeletons and ornaments found at Khok Phanomadee, now a village in Amphoe Phanat Nikhom, Chonburi, and once a dominion under Chachoengsao's sovereignty, are the first testimony advocative to the nation.  According to geographers, during 7,000-2,000 B.C. the coastline where pre- historic communities abode was much farther inland. Thus, the assumption that Bangpakong people were forefathers of the renowned Ban Chiang men is sensible.

How to get there

By Bus
Buses leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Kamphengphet2) (Tel: 936-3660, 936-3666) commencing at 04.30 a.m. until 19.00 p.m. throughout the day.
- Non-air-conditioned cost 26 Baht
- Air-conditioned cost 36 Baht
By Train
Trains leave from Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) - 13 Baht; a number of trains throughout the day.
By Car
There are 3 routes.
       1) Bangkok via Minburi following Route 304, is 82 kilometers.
       2) Bangkok via the Bangna-Trad Highway to k.m. 34 then turn onto Route 314, is 100 kilometers. 
       3) Bangkok via Samut Prakan following Route 3 to Route 314, is 106 kilometers

Beginning travel from Bangkok is serviceable routes : either the 150 km. National Highway No.304 (Suwinthawong); or the bypass starting from km 20 to National Highway No.331 No.304 (Suwinthawong); or the bypass starting from km 20 to National Highway No.331 the National Highway No.34 (Bangna-Trad) . In immediate future, 3 more route bridging Bangkok and Tha Takieb Sub-district will be completed : Lad Krabang - Chachoengsao Nongchok-Bang Nam Priew-Ban Sang, and the New Bangkok-Chonburi Highway. The 233 km journey to Nokhon Ratchasima in the Northeastern Region is facilitated by the Chachoengsao - Kabinburi , Kabinburi-Korat and Chachoengsao-Nakhon Nayok (Bang Nam Priew) - Nakhon Ratchasima Routes.

Festivals & Events

Paet Riu Mango Festival and Agricultural Products Fair.
March/April
Held in March/April at the time mango products are released in the market. In this festival, there are competitions and sales of agricultural products including mangoes, as well as exhibitions of different aspects of agriculture in the region.

Chinese New Year (Trud Jeen)
January/February
Held during January/February by the local Chinese for a period of 5 days.On the first day, a procession in colorful cotton decoration and beauty queens prepared by different Amphoes makes its way through the street. Highlights include entertainments, stalls selling local produce and beauty contents.

Luang Por Sothon Festival
mid-April
Luang Por Sothon Temple
Celebrated in mid-April for a period of 3 days and nights in commemoration of the enshrining of Luang Por Sothon in the temple. There are celebrations and processions through the city and along the river. This is one of the biggest festivals of this province.