All you need to know to visit Chanthaburi

Travel guide to visit Chanthaburi

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.

Hotel in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi town

Hotel in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi town

Practical information about Chanthaburi

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.

Other places to see in Chanthaburi

Wat Bot Muang
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perched on an hill it unfortunately does not offer interesting views but remains a charming temple although its architectural interest is quite limited.

Wat Phai Lom
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, temple especially interesting for its large golden reclining Buddha, dating from the Ayutthaya period. This is probably, because of this statue, the most interesting temple to visit in Chanthaburi.

Gems market
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Even if it's for professionals only, so not for tourists, Chanthaburi is known throughout Thailand for its gemstone market, where dealers and gem hunters meet each weekend. Interesting to see...

Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint
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This is not really a must visit but the view of the laces of the road on one side and the sea on the other side that you have from this point of view is one of the most representative and known images of Chanthaburi. It's lovely but maybe not the priority of priorities when you visit the province quickly.

Chedi Klang Nam
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This small chedi built in the middle of the sea is sometimes accessible by walking at low tide. It is not part of the must visit but coupled with the most famous viewpoint in Chanthaburi, it remains interesting to spend a few minutes there. The place is beautiful, especially in good weather.

Sea Farming Demonstration Unit
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This marine rescue and study unit has several deep sea bass nets with seashells, fishes (including baby sharks) and some sea turtles. Interesting to take a tour right after the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center visit. There is only 1 km between both places.

Bo Ploy Lek Petch
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Chanthaburi has been known for centuries to be a land of gems even if it is a little less true nowadays. There is the dedicated market on weekends but you can also turn into gems searchers in Bo Ploy Lek Petch mine. A fun moment if you are not claustrophobic and do not be afraid to get dirty.

Muang Phaniat
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It is the oldest Khmer ruin discovered in Thailand for now. It was a whole city that had settled here. Nowadays remain essentially a pound and some sections of walls as well as objects found there and kept in a small museum. Not an essential visit in Chanthaburi but it can interest the history fans.

Namtok Phliu National Park
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This national park near Chanthaburi does not lack of charm with its waterfall, its pools with turquoise waters in places and countless fishes. You will also see a small chedi covered with moss and can of course walk in the forest thre. A refreshing and pleasant nature pose in this province which possesses sea, mountains and rivers.

Khuk Khi Kai
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This surprising and also disgusting prison system, I must say, is a French invention that dates from the very short period of their occupation of the region. I do not tell you more, I let you click on the picture to read the detail. Those who understand Thai language have probably already understood what it is with the name of the place.

Wat Khao Sukim
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This temple perched about 30 kilometers from Chanthaburi city center is very visited by the Thai people for worship but does not present a major tourist interest, from my point of view. If you only stay in Chathaburi for a short time, there are other places that I think are more interesting to go first.