Chanthaburi

Chantaburi is known for tropical fruits, particularly durian, and gems. The surrounding hills are rich with verdant forests and scenic waterfalls. Nearby there are quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches.

There are three bridges over the river in central Chanthaburi: one to the north, this is the one you will cross if coming from the north; about 500 m south of this is a footbridge facing the cathedral; then about 400 m south west of this, around a bend in the river, is a second road bridge. The both banks of the river between the two road bridges have a small collection of bars and restaurants.

Chantaburi is about 4 hours by bus from Bangkok.

The nearest border crossing with Cambodia is at Ban Pakard, which faces Phsar Prum in Cambodia. It is 1–2 hours from Chantaburi by minibus (~100 baht) or songthaew (~40 baht). Pailin is a further 18 km (USD4 by motorbike taxi) from the border. If direct connections to Ban Pakard are hard to find, take any northbound bus on Hwy 317 (i.e., to Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, or Aranyaprathet). Ask to get off at Pong Nam Rong (โป่งน้ำร้อน, write it in Thai so you can show it to the bus driver). In Pong Nam Rong, songthaews connect with the border crossing. Northbound buses will call at Aranyaprathet, the busiest Thai-Khmer crossing. For coastal Cambodia, head to Trat in Thailand and continue to the Koh Kong border from there.

There are songtaews around the bus station and certain other points of interest. The old city/downtown area is walkable, but it would be recommended to rent a motorbike (near bus station) if you are looking to go further out.

• The City Pillar & the Taksin Maharat Shrine (on Tha Luang Rd in front of the Taksin Military Barracks). Opposite stands an old building (former town hall) which was erected during the reign of King Rama VI. 
• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Chanthanimit Rd on the river bank). 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. 
• Hat Khung Wiman, Hat Khung Kraben, Hat Laem Sadet, and Hat Chao Lao (about 30 km from town; at km310 of Hwy 3 is a right turn to Hwy 3399 which leads to the area; or you can proceed from Tha Mai district on the route passing through Wang Tanot Dam). 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. 
• Khai Noen Wong (at Tambon Bang Kacha). 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. 
• Khao Laem Sing. 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. 
• Khao Laem Sing Forest Park (the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai road, 25 km from Tha Mai, passes through Wat Khao Laem Sing right up to the park HQ on a hill; or, you can charter a boat from Laem Sing Beach to Ao Krathing Beach, 400 m away, and walk up to the park). 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 
• National Maritime Museum & Underwater Archaeological Office (in Khai Noen Wong). 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. 
• Old Town at Khai Noen Wong. 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. 
• Taksin Maharat Memorial (Liap Noen Rd (near park)). 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. 
• Wat Phai Lom (across the Chanthaburi River (from Si Chan Rd) and left 1 km from the bridge, around 800 m off the main road). 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 a ubosot of Western architectural influence attesting to Chanthaburi's artistic and cultural contact with the Western world. 
• Wat Phlup (at Bang Kacha, southwest of town, on the Chanthaburi-Tha Mai-Khung Wiman Road). 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. 
• Wat Thong Thua (4 km from town, Sukhumwit Hwy). 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). 

Rayong-Chantaburi Route

• Khao Wong. 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). 
• Tham Khao Wang, Ban Khao Wongkot, Kaeng Hang Maeo District (about 40 km before Chanthaburi (Hwy 3 at km286:Ban Kong Din) left turn into the park, 11 km or turn into km288 (Talat Na Yai Arm)). Part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park. 

Chanthaburi-Krathing Wrathing Waterfall Route

• Chamsom Crocodile Farm and Zoo (Sukhumvit Hwy to km324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection), then turn left, around 4 km further), ☏ +66 39 324247. Daily 08:00-18:00. The facility is surrounded by fruit orchards. There is an elephant show Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 and 15:00. 
• Oasis Sea World, 48/2 Moo 5 Paknam Laemsing (from Chanthaburi, take taxi/songthaew, about 300 baht for a group), ☏ +66 39 499222, fax: +66 39 39363239. Swim with dolphins. Some tour operators offer one day trips there (from Bangkok or Pattaya) for 1,600-6,000 baht. 180 baht for park, 400 baht to swim with dolphins. 

Markets

• 🌍 Talat Centrik (ตลาดเซนทริค) (Catty-corner the river from Robinson/Chatuchak market). Popular Friday–Sunday weekend market selling snacks, clothing, & other goods. 
• 🌍 Nong Bua Khanom Plaek Weekend Afternoon Market (ชุมชน​ขนมแปลก​ ริมคลองหนองบัว) (8km south of Chanthaburi). 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. 

• Gems Market (At Si Chan Rd & Trok Krachang (centre of town)). 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. 
• Reed Mats (Ban Bang Sa Kaeo & Ban Samet Ngam). Mats woven from kok reed. Among the products are handbags and coasters. 

Local specialties to Chanthaburi (and Eastern Thailand) include

• kuai tiao mu lieng (Thai: ก๋วยเตี๋ยว​หมูเลี้ยง​, /kǔaj.tǐaw mǔː liaŋ/), pork noddle soup with local herbs and often pineapple
• mu chamuang (Thai: หมูชะมวง, /mǔː tɕʰá.muaŋ/), pork sweet-sour curry with chamuang leaves
• pad krawan (Thai: ผัดกระวาน, /pàt krà.waːn/), green cardamom stir-fry

Fruit: the best durian, rambutan, and mangosteens in Thailand. Durian snacks such as durian kwuan and crispy fried durian thot krop are nice.

• Chanthorn Pochana. 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. (updated Jun 2019)

• 🌍 Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi (โรงแรมชาเทรียม กอล์ฟ รีสอร์ท สอยดาว จันทบุรี), 224 Moo 2 Tambol Tabsai Amphoe Pong Nam Ron (next to Soi Dao Mountain), ☏ +66 8 9934 3008, info.sdao@chatrium.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:0. 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). 2,100 baht. (updated Mar 2021)
• Muang Chan Hotel, 257-259 Sri Chan Rd, ☏ +66 39 312909, fax: +66 39 327244. 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. Fan rooms: 250-400 baht. Air-con rooms: 350-600 baht. 
• The River Guest House, 3/5-8 Srichant Rd (next to the more southerly road bridge in the town centre, on the north bank (the west side of the river because of a small bend in the river)), ☏ +66 39 328211. Check-out: 12:00. 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. 150-500 baht.