Town in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand
Photo: Travelpleb, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Chanthaburi (Thai: จันทบุรี, /tɕan.tʰá.bù.riː/), 245 km from Bangkok, is the capital of the eponymous province in Eastern Thailand. It is a useful transport hub for accessing the islands Ko Chang and Ko Kut and also several of the border crossings with Cambodia.
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Opposite stands an old building (former town hall) which was erected during the reign of King Rama VI.
This Catholic cathedral is the largest in Thailand. Built in 1909, it is of neo-Gothic architectural style. The original spires were taken down during World War II to make it less conspicuous as a target; they have since been replaced.
Peaceful beaches in Tha Mai District. There are accommodations for tourists, particularly at Hat Chao Lao where there are several hotels and bungalows. About 1 km off shore from Hat Chao Lao are ranges of shallow water coral reefs covering an area of 14 km². Glass-bottomed boats are available. Over at Ao Khung Kraben are nature trails to study mangrove forests.
Established in 1834 during the reign of King Rama III. The town was moved from Ban Lum to this new location because of its high ground (which was more suitable for defending against the invading Vietnamese). The laterite walls and bricks from the old town were also dismantled and moved to the new site. A severe drought during the reign of King Rama V forced its return to the original site at Ban Lum.
A small hill 172 m above the sea, to the east of the mouth of the Chanthaburi River. It has a cape jutting into the sea which looks like a sprawling lion. There is an old fortification called Pom Phairi Phinat built during the reign of King Rama III.
Camping is allowed on application. Hat Ao Yang is a small beach some 2 km before the park. Cool and shady, it offers accommodations for visitors
Exhibits on Thailand's merchant marine and items discovered from underwater archaeological explorations from all over the country. There are also exhibits of ancient sailing routes and products. An exhibition chamber deals with the history and culture of Chanthaburi.
Square-shaped with extensive laterite walls mounted with large cannons. Each side had its own ramparts and defensive moats. It was regarded as a powerful military camp of the time. The town's principal temple was Wat Yothanimit.
The equestrian statue is guarded by statues of his four royal guards. The expression on the king's face clearly shows the resoluteness and determination to restore the national independence. The pond is stocked with a large variety of fish.
The Rama III-era Ubosot features wall murals on all four sides portraying the story of Lord Buddha with Chinese floral designs as well as illustrations of foreigners. There is also an ubosot of Western architectural influence attesting to Chanthaburi's artistic and cultural contact with the Western world.
Wat Phlap
The site of an old community during the late Ayutthaya period. Special features are two ancient pagodas of different styles and an old Thai wooden pavilion.
The site of an ancient bot which was built in a Khmer-style temple. It has a large collection of ancient Khmer sculptures such as lintels, sandstone door columns carved in various designs, and an inscription stone. Nearby is the Muang Phaniat archaeological site with laterite base of Khmer religious sanctuary and moats marking the town limit to the south. The ancient town is believed to have dated from the 12th-16th century (Buddhist Era).
Limestone hills standing in a circular cluster with cliffs. It contains stalagmites & stalactites. There are passages connecting some of the chambers. The walking trails outside offer views of varied plant life. There is no natural light inside the cave. The best time for cave exploring is between Feb-Apr. In other months they tend to be flooded (rainy season).
Part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park.
Swim with dolphins. Some tour operators offer one day trips there (from Bangkok or Pattaya) for 1,600-6,000 baht.
Called a "legendary restaurant" by The Nation newspaper, it has been in business for nearly 60 years and was the first restaurant in the province to receive the culinary hallmark of Shell Chuan Chim. The restaurant has two outlets in the Maharaj and Benjama Rachutit areas. Here you can find pork curry with cha muang leaves that is cooked to order or packaged in a can to take home. Also good is the som tum with shredded young durian, chicken massaman with durian, stir-fried long bean with shrimp paste and dried shrimp, as well as pad Thai with the province’s chewy rice noodle called sen chan.
โรงแรมชาเทรียม กอล์ฟ รีสอร์ท สอยดาว จันทบุรี
47-room golf resort with an outdoor swimming pool, 18-hole golf course and one restaurant (Soi Dao Restaurant, serves both local and international cuisines. Signature dishes include fried chicken, Chanthaburi-style pork curry and spicy chicken soup, open from 06:00 to 22:00).
Showing its age a little, but excellent value in the heart of Old Town. Room has en suite bath with cold shower. Free Wi-Fi officially only available in the lobby, but signal can be picked up in the rooms as well. Staff speak very limited English, but are friendly.
Riverfront location, free Wi-Fi, free English newspapers, rooms include both windowless boxes and those with river-facing balconies, air-con, TV and en suite bath.
ตลาดเซนทริค
Popular Friday–Sunday weekend market selling snacks, clothing, & other goods.
ชุมชนขนมแปลก ริมคลองหนองบัว
This market in Nong Bua (Thai: หนองบัว, /nɔ̌ːŋ bua/, “lotus swamp”) includes literally “weird snacks” such as khuai ling (Thai: ควยลิง, /kʰūaj līŋ/, “monkey cock”) and many other coconut-based and traditional-style sweets.
The commercial centre of the gem business. Even though actual gem-mining in the province is not extensive, Chanthaburi remains a major centre for gem dealings with stones from abroad being bought and sold. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, it attracts a large crowd of gem dealers and visitors.
Mats woven from kok reed. Among the products are handbags and coasters.
By car
By bus
From Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumwit Rd
By minivan
Victory Monument (Anusawaree Chai) in Bangkok has minivans to many nearby cities, including Chantaburi. The van to Chantaburi takes 2½-3½ hours depending on the driver and traffic.
There are songtaews around the bus station and certain other points of interest.
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Laem Ngop · Regional · TDX
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