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 The Bang Pakong River originates at the confluence of the Nakon Nayok and Prachin Buri rivers and winds its way through Chachoengsao province finally ending its journey in the Gulf of Thailand some 150km's downstream.
The Ban Pakong River is also known as the 'River of the dragon'. The town of Chachoengsao is situated on the low plain of the Ban Pakong River and is known commonly amongst the locals as 'Paet Riu'.The name Paet Riu has reference to the large catches of fish that were caught in ancient times by the local inhabitants. Chachoengsao is situated 80km's east from Bangkok and is home to one of the most spectacular temples in Thailand 'Wat Sothon Wararam Woravihan' which dates back to the Ayutthaya period and is of great religious and cultural importance.
The river is one of Thailand's five holy rivers which were traditionally used to mark the king's ascension to the throne.
Chachoengsao province is located in a low river basin and the surrounding area is rich in rice fields and mango orchards. The estuary close to the river mouth is covered by mango forests and is home to a myriad of wildlife.
 In the rivers lower reaches the depth of water and flow change considerably with daily tidal influxes making the water brackish in content.
Target species on the Ban Pakong are the awesome Giant Freshwater Stingray, in addition to various other members of the ray family and Sea Catfish.
Fishing times on the river are dictated by lunar phases and tidal predictions giving the angler the maximum potential of doing battle with one of these mighty beasts!
Giant prehistoric predators of mythical proportions lurk in the depths of the mighty 'River of the Dragon' as well as a real sense mystery and the unknown.
Due to the Fishsiam teams recent captures the Ban Pakong River has featured heavily in the press recently with the National Geographic explorer Dr.Zeb Hogan and news writer Stefan Lovgren joining the team to conduct research on Giant freshwater stingray.
 The Fishsiam team whilst fishing with the National Geographic at our Ban Pakong site would go on to witness an incredible 'natural world first' when during the handling of a large female Giant Freshwater Stingray captured by the team a live newborn ray was born measuring a mere 34cm.
This is a highly encouraging sign for this massive tidal river and good news for such a highly obscure and understudied species. The Fishsiam team has accounted for numerous Giant Freshwater Stingray from the Ban Pakong River with record breaking weights to an estimated 220kg.
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