Your Travel Guide to Thailand
All information & tips to prepare your trip in Thailand
Chanthaburi is known throughout Thailand for its cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic building in the country, and worldwide for its gem market, which is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. The city, located 245 kilometers from Bangkok, isn't very popular with foreign tourists, yet its riverfront, historic district with its houses in various colonial styles, and the bridge leading to the cathedral, beautifully lit in the evening, make it a place whose charm can quickly win you over for a stay of a few days. Although it must be said that since COVID, the city has lost its lively atmosphere of weekend evenings, when the street along the Chanthaburi River became a pleasant Walking Street.
Outside the city, you'll find some interesting temples like Wat Khao Sukim, lush nature and waterfalls, or beautiful, little-known beaches that are rather deserted during the week. The most famous beach is probably Hat Chao Lao. Surfing is even possible there during the rainy season (May to October). There is also a pretty blue temple, an interesting century-old dessert market, and some mangroves.
Historically speaking, despite those who have been a little too indoctrinated by the claim that Thailand was never colonized, the Chanthaburi region was occupied by France for 12 years. The French occupation of Chanthaburi took place between 1893 and 1905, following the Franco-Siamese conflict. After the signing of the peace treaty, France retained this Thai province as a guarantee of the fulfillment of the treaty's terms. During these twelve years, Chanthaburi saw a French administrative and military presence, although its influence over the local population was limited. The town was eventually returned to Siam in exchange for additional territorial concessions to Cambodia.
A night market where you can mostly buy cheap food is held on weekends near Somdej Pra Chao Tak Sin Maharat Public Park from 5 p.m. It doesn't match the atmosphere of the Walking Street that once held on Sukhaphiban Road.
The city of Chanthaburi is fairly easy to explore on foot, as the interesting sites are fairly close together around the cathedral. However, to visit places outside the city, you'll need a vehicle. Last I heard, GRAB or other car-hailing apps didn't yet serve Chanthaburi. So, it's best to check with your hotel or guesthouse, or go to the bus terminal and negotiate a privatized songhtaew (a pickup truck with benches in the back).
This festival generally takes place in the month of February
This festival generally takes place in the month of December
This festival generally takes place in the month of December
The best time to come to Chanthaburi is from December to March, with the driest months being December, January and February. From May to the end of October, it is better to choose another destination. Precipitations flirt with the 500 mm from June to September.
We have been waiting for it for months, hoping it will happen on July 1, but it will finally be October 1, 2022, when Thailand will lift the last COVID restrictions to enter the country. From this date, it will no longer be necessary to show...