Thailand

Rightfully nicknamed the treasure of the eastern realm of the Kingdom of Siam, this eponymous city in its province is of ineffable beauty. Situated along the coast, it has several facets. Modern constructions adorned with greenery and ancient monuments, a landscape shaped by the ocean, mangrove forests, waterfalls, mountainous areas with rugged terrain... There is so much to discover in this locality. Let's take a closer look.

The city past

Chanthaburi translates to "city of the moon." Its earliest inhabitants were the Chong, a proud tribe mainly living off hunting and gathering. In the early 18th century, the city fell into the hands of the great King Taksin after an epic assault by 5,000 soldiers. Under French occupation for 11 years, Chanthaburi adopted the architecture of the land of Molière. Numerous monuments and historic buildings bear witness to this. Compared to the rest of Thailand, Chanthaburi has a significant Vietnamese population. However, they are a minority in the city. The search for a better life has driven these men and women to emigrate since the 19th century. This phenomenon persists to this day.

Today, a city of exotic fruits and gems

Chanthaburi's natural orchards not only brighten the landscape but also serve as theaters for hunting exotic delights during the fruit season. The most sought-after fruits include zalacca, pomelo, mangosteen, and rambutan. Enjoy unlimited tasting.

Chanthaburi is renowned for its sapphire and ruby deposits. A veritable open-air jewelry store, Si Chan Road is lined with gemstone merchants and adornment objects. It is one of Thailand's largest gem markets. Here, you can admire or even acquire the famous Siamese red sapphire.

Highlights of Chanthaburi

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Chanthaburi

Built in a neo-Gothic style, this monument with idyllic facades is the largest Catholic church in Thailand. An icon of the city, this century-old place of worship is a visual identity unique to Chanthaburi. This cathedral houses a statue of the Virgin Mary, adorned with hundreds of semi-precious stones and effigies of her parents.

Khao Khitchakhut National Park

Teeming with people between January and March, this protected area is a pilgrimage site for Siamese Buddhists. Rising over 1000 meters above sea level, one of its mountains houses a sacred relic: the footprint of Buddha himself. Believers come here to perform merits. The park is lush and boasts numerous viewpoints. A visit not to be missed.

Pliew Waterfall

Crystal-clear waters cascade over three levels in a spectacular display. Various underwater caves shelter numerous fish. Visitors enjoy feeding these scaly animals while bathing in the cool pools. The pure air and humid atmosphere invigorate the body. One feels wonderfully well. The place is calm, relaxing, and stress-relieving. An excursion to these waterfalls will rejuvenate you in just a few moments.

Khung Wiman Beach

With its marvelous landscapes, this beach is a must-visit in the city. With emerald tones, the ocean carries refreshing breezes to your face. The place invites the mind to serenity and the body to relaxation. Its shallow waters delight swimmers. Numerous picturesque spots serve as picnic areas.

Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center

A wooden bridge spans the entire mangrove forest. Channels also run through this ecosystem to flow into the lagoon. These waterways are perfect for kayaking. In the open sea, you'll see fishermen hauling nets onto their boats. The picturesque beach formed by the ocean is an ideal stop for birdwatching. Many bird species live here.

Chanthaboon village

Many wooden constructions line the Chanthaburi River beautifully. These are mostly residential houses and shops. Their architecture is colonial. Once an important commercial center, this hamlet is now the historical heart of the city. Its museum preserves the memories of Chanthaburi. A fascinating past.

Wat Thong Tua

Known for its Khmer pagoda dating back a hundred years, this temple is an architectural gem in the Thalaboriwat style. It houses several ancient sculptures visible on lintels and porticos. You'll kill two birds with one stone by visiting this sanctuary. The archaeological site of Muang Phaniat is near the monastery. Your excursion will be even more exciting.

When to go?

Throughout the year, the city's average temperature hovers around 29°C. Dress and equip accordingly. The periods with heavy precipitation are between April and October. And finally, we get there. The ideal season to visit Chanthaburi is between January and February or November to December. The weather conditions are optimal for the excursion.

How to get there?

It takes about 4 hours by road to reach Chanthaburi from the City of Angels. The distance between the two metropolises is 230 km. You have two choices if you plan a trip from Bangkok. You can take a bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal in Ekamai or a minibus from the Mochit New Van Terminal. For those on the Cambodian side, Songthaews depart from Ban Pakard to serve the city.

Getting around the city

The car is the means of transport to visit Chanthaburi far and wide. If renting a vehicle doesn't appeal to you, you can always walk or bike within a limited radius. Go at your own pace; the essential thing is to enjoy every moment spent in this idyllic city.