Chanthaburi

Famous for its abundance of tropical fruits and as a centre of gems, the eastern province of Chanthaburi is also blessed with rich, verdant forests with scenic waterfalls. The Chanthaburi River flows through the town which has been the home of ancient communities. Quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches are not far from town.

Chanthaburi was occupied by the French during the early part of the 20th century. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings including the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand, catering to a sizeable Christian population.

About 245 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 6,338 square kilometers, Chanthaburi as administratively divided into the following districts:- Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Khlung, Laem Sing, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Soi Dao, Na Yai Am, Kang Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut sub-district.

How To Get There

Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) and proceed to Chanthaburi along Highway No. 3.

Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Chanthaburi every hour from 4 a.m.-midnight. For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2391 2504; Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0 2391 4146; Phonnipha Tour Tel: 0 2391 5179.

The Trok Nong Waterfall

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfal, about 6 kilometres from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometres further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfall is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometres on foot.

Chantaburi Horticultural Research Centre

Located at Tambon Phliu, about 15 kilometres from the city. In its large area are various plantations such as durian, mango steen, rambutan and a variety of herbs and spices. The centre is opened for group visitors (more than 10 people). Advanced contact is necessary at Tel: 0 3939 7030.

Hat Laem Sing

Laem Sing is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

Hat Laem Sing

Laem Sing is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

Khuk Khi Kai

The notorious Khuk Khi Kai, just before Laem Sing beach, was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 metres. The walls were holed for ventilation. The porous roof is said to have been used as chicken coop through which the birds dropped their excrements.

Namtok Phliu National Park

A left turn at Km. 346 on Highway No. 3 is the Namtok Phliu National Park, covering an area of 134.5 square kilometres along forestland at Khao Sa Bap mountain range. The 3-level Phliu waterfall features a basin of cool, clear water for splashing around and plenty of fish make the flowing streams their home. Nearby are a small Chedi and a pyramid built by King Rama V as a loving memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, his first consort, who died in a boat accident.

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfal, about 6 kilometres from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometres further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfal is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometres on foot.