Descriptions:
If you’re like me – you love Thailand, but you’ve done the Grand Palace, Khao San, and the usual Sukhumvit crawl more times than you can count – then this one’s for you.
I’m back with another C Kology adventure. This time, I grabbed my friends Budi and Nat and drove just one hour east of Bangkok to Chachoengsao province. Why? Because I heard a rumour about a floating temple that looks like a golden swan sitting on the Gulf of Thailand. And I had to see it for myself.
Wat Hong Thong (วัดหงษ์ทอง)
Hong = Swan | Thong = Gold
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8RqPV9f2SZQsaiSV8
Honestly? It’s one of those places that makes you remember why you keep coming back to Thailand. No crowds. No ticket booths trying to upsell you. Just a golden temple on the water, local fishermen nearby, and that salty Gulf breeze you usually have to drive 4 hours to find.
We did three things right:
Went on a weekday
Brought locals (thanks Budi & Nat)
Followed our stomachs afterwards
That last part led us to Mayom Kitchen (ครัวมะยม) – a proper hidden seafood spot that doesn’t even try to be found. No flashy sign, no Instagram wallpaper wall. Just fresh catch, family recipes, and the kind of meal where you stop talking because the food is too good.
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/GNmFiuLCpP1sTtNP8
For the frequent Thailand traveller:
You know that feeling when you find a place just outside the usual tourist loop – close enough for a day trip, but far enough to feel like yours? That’s this whole day. Wat Hong Thong + Mayom Kitchen is now on my shortlist for every friend who says “I’ve already seen Bangkok, what else?”
Practical stuff (because I know you’ll ask):
🚗 From Bangkok: ~1 hour drive east
🕒 Best time to visit temple: Late afternoon (golden hour = actual golden swan)
🍤 At Mayom Kitchen: Order whatever looks freshest – we let the auntie decide for us
💰 Bring cash – no cards at either place
Watch the full adventure here:
👇 Video link in comments / pinned below
Let’s talk – you frequent travellers:
Where’s your favourite underrated day trip from Bangkok? Drop it in the comments. I’m always building my list.
#Ckology #WatHongThong #Chachoengsao #GoldenSwanTemple #DayTripFromBangkok #ThailandHiddenGems #MayomKitchen #BangkokEscape
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