Wat Sothon (Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan) is located on the bank of the Bang Pakong River in Chachoengsao. Since its refurbisnment in the 2000's it has become the largest white marble temple in the world. Wat Sothon was originally built around 1765.

Housed in the temple is the image Phra Phutthasothon locally known as "Luang Pho Buddha Sothon". Legend has it that during the conflicts towards the end of the Ayudhya period Luang Pho Buddha Sothon floated up the river until reaching the current location of the temple in Chachoengsao. The Buddha image is revered by the Thai people. Thais travel from many parts of Thailand to pay respect to this Buddha image which is believed to have very strong healing powers.

The image stands 198 centimeters high and has a lap width of 165 centimeters. The temple, built from white marble, is a dazzling sight in the bright Thai sunlight. The spire towers above the temple roof and is 84 meters to the top. It is probably the tallest spire in the whole of Thailand.

Like most temples in Thailand there is a dress code for visitors. Sleeveless shirts or blouses are unacceptable and long trousers are the preferred attire for men. If you arrive with no sleeves, a gown will be provided free of charge at the entrance gate. When you visit Wat Sothon you will find it quite crowded inside the temple. Outside in the gardens is usually not so crowded. In fact the days that I visited the temple there were just a few Thais wondering around the gardens taking photos.

Behind the temple on the Bang Pakong River you can take a boat tour along the river.