Chainat Travel Information

Chainat, a small town by the Chao Phraya River that I, mr.hotsia, must visit

Many may see Chainat as just a pass-through province between Bangkok and the North, but for mr.hotsia, Chainat is truly a fascinating destination. The first time I seriously experienced Chainat was just a few years ago. Although I came here as a child for a school field trip, that time the excitement was not as full as this visit.

Chainat is a small town by the Chao Phraya River where the water remains clear and the level is still above the Chao Phraya Dam. The water flowing through the town in the evening as the sun sets creates a breathtaking view. Walking along the riverside park in the evening, you can feel the local life and a relaxed atmosphere unlike big cities.

Chao Phraya Dam Fish Market, a hub for fresh fish and Chainat's local lifestyle

For me, every morning in Chainat starts with a visit to the Chao Phraya Dam Fish Market. This market is located about 6 kilometers south of Chainat town. It is a very lively wholesale freshwater fish market in the morning. Each type of fish here is fresh and much cheaper than markets in other provinces. For example, the krua fish that might sell for 200 baht per kilogram in the North is only about 85 baht here.

The fish available at this market are diverse, including krua fish, spotted fish, catfish, and giant catfish, which fishermen catch from the Chao Phraya Dam area. During dry periods, sandbanks appear, making it easier and more abundant to catch fish. This market is not just a place to buy and sell fish but also a center of lifestyle and culture for Chainat people.Read more about the Chao Phraya Dam Fish Market

Taste Chao Phraya River cuisine at Ton Takob Restaurant

After fully exploring the fish market, I, mr.hotsia, recommend stopping byTon Takob RestaurantA famous restaurant in Chainat not far from the fish market. It opens from 10 AM to around 5 PM and uses fresh fish from the Chao Phraya Dam as the main ingredient. I love the spicy soft-fish chili sauce dish, as well as the crispy morning glory salad and boiled giant catfish with dipping sauce that must be eaten to enjoy the full freshness of the fish. The Chainat-style Pad Thai here is also exceptional, fragrant with wok aroma and perfectly balanced flavors.

The prices are reasonable, making this restaurant beloved by locals and tourists like me. If you visit Chainat, don't miss this place.Watch mr.hotsia's review video of Ton Takob Restaurant

Relax in Chainat town with cool air-conditioned accommodations

For those driving here, I recommend Chainat Thani Hotel, a quality hotel located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River. Although you need to drive across the bridge, it offers a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

As for me, mr.hotsia, I chose to stay at Montree Hotel. This hotel has cooler air conditioning than others I have stayed at in Chainat. Although some nights I had to change rooms due to heat, the price is worth it and it is conveniently located in town for easy travel. If interested, you can book in advance for better rates through Agoda.

Enjoy a relaxing coffee at Doi Chang Coffee Shop

In the afternoon, if you want to rest and use Wi-Fi, I stop byDoi Chang Coffee ShopLocated opposite Lotus Chainat, it has cool air conditioning and delicious coffee. Although prices are slightly higher than typical coffee shops, the comfort and atmosphere here let me work and browse Facebook comfortably. A blended cappuccino costs 80 baht, which is reasonable for a travel day break.

Nighttime with BBQ Pork at Bang 7 Restaurant

Chainat is not only good during the day. At night, I, mr.hotsia, chose to experience the local lifestyle at a famous BBQ pork restaurantBang 7This restaurant is recommended by locals as the best in Chainat. I tried the BBQ pork here with its delicious dipping sauce and fragrant sweet broth, using a high-quality brass pan. Water and side dishes are free to refill. The atmosphere is full of locals, families, and groups of friends enjoying their meals together.

It was a moment that made me feel I truly experienced the real life of Chainat people.

Districts and routes I want to explore again

Chainat has many districts to visit, including Mueang Chainat, Manorom, Wat Sing, Sapphaya, Sankhaburi, Hankha, Nong Mamong, and Noen Kham. This time I only visited Mueang district, but next time I plan to explore all other districts and prepare travel routes as well as important gas stations in each area. I believe traveling within Chainat province will be much more convenient and enjoyable.

Activities not to miss when visiting Chainat

If you ask me, mr.hotsia, what to do in Chainat, I would say start at Chainat Bird Park, an important landmark and the face of the province. See colorful flocks of birds and enjoy the shady atmosphere. Then visit the Chao Phraya Dam Fish Market in the morning to experience the fishermen's lifestyle and buy fresh fish to take home.

Next, have lunch at Ton Takob Restaurant to fully enjoy river fish dishes, then sip coffee at Doi Chang Coffee Shop in town, and end the day with a walk along the Chao Phraya River in the evening. There is a riverside park to relax and many riverside restaurants.

For the night, I chose to eat BBQ pork at Bang 7 to truly experience local life. If I have more time next visit, I plan to try a famous larb restaurant on the way to Chainat Bird Park, which locals say is very flavorful, but I haven't had the chance yet.

Chainat is a province that I, mr.hotsia, am very impressed with, from the food and lifestyle to the peaceful simplicity that remains. If you are looking for a destination not far from Bangkok full of the charm of the Chao Phraya River and local culture, I highly recommend Chainat as your first choice.