Commonly called Muang Chan, Chanthaburi is another Eastern province which has played an important role in the history of the nation both before and during the Rattanakosin Period. It is wealthy and rich in natural resources, particularly gems in addition to the plentiful field of tropical fruits including rambutan,- Durian and mangosteen. Products from the seas are also extensive. It is also blessed with natural beauties and attractions equal to any sister provinces.

Chanthaburi is about 291 kilometers from Bangkok on Highway 3, or 245 kilometers on Highway 36, taking a right turn at km. 323.

How to get there

Both air and non-conditioned buses leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) Non air-conditioned buses leave every hour, starting from 05.00-16.00 hrs. Fare is 60 baht (Tel. 3912504)

Air-conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes, starting from 07.00-24.00 hrs. Fare is 108 baht. (Tel. 3914164)

Attractions

King Tak Sin The Great’s Monument (อนุสาวรีย์สมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช) Located on Tha Luang Road in Amphoe Muang, opposite to the old governor office. Built in 1893 the building houses a bronze statue of the King.

Si Chan Road (ถนนศรีจันทร์) also known as gem road, an economic route of the province. Cut gems are put on sales here. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, gem trading in Trok Krachang (ตรอกกระจ่าง) or Krachang Lane lends a very informal atmosphere.

Underwater Achaeological Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์โบราณคดีใต้น้ำ) is the place where antiques taken from the ancient junks lying in the seabed of the Gulf of Thailand are well stored. Most of the objects are earthenware and Sangaloke china. The office is situated in Khai Noen Wong (ค่ายเนินวง), a military camp built in the reign of King Rama III as a barrier against violating enemies from-Vietnam.

At present, some traces of wall and bulwark are still left to be seen at the camp site which is on the route to Ban Tha Chalap, 8 kms. away from town to the west.

Laem Sing (แหลมสิงห์) (cape), a likeness of a lion facing the sea, is about 31 kilometers from Chanthaburi town on Sukhumvit Highway, with a right turn at km. 347 On the Laem Sing hill are the remains of one of the two forts built during King Rama Ill’s reign. The Laem Sing beach itself is not very appealing at present as it serves as the leading pier for fishing boats.

Khuk Khi Kai (คุกขี้ไก่) is located just one kilometer before the pier. Built by the French in the year 112 of the Rattanakosin Bangkok) Era, it was used by the builders as a retention center for Thai Nationals. A rectangular-shaped structure built with red bricks with two rows of ventilating slits and perforated roof, it is said that the roof was used as a chicken coop from which fowl waste was dropped onto the prisoners,

Tuk Daeng (ตึกแดง) or the Red House, was built at the same time as the Khuk Khi Kai (1893). Originally it was the headquarters of the Phikhat Patchamit Fort (ป้อมพิฆาตปัจจามิตร) but the French adapted it into living quarters for officers.

There are mini buses from municipal market leaving for Laem Sing, Khuk Khi Kai and Tuk Daeng daily.

Oasis Sea World (โอเอซีส ซีเวิลด์) located at Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Laem Sing, 25 kilometers from the provincial city on Sukhumvit Highway (the Highway 3) with a 15 kilometers right turn towards Laem Sing at kilometer 347.

Oasis Sea World covers a total area of more than 68 rai. It is a breeding and conserving station for dolphins from the waters of Chanthaburi. There are 2 breeds of them, namely Humpbacked dolphin and Irrawaddi dolphin. Dolphin shows are performed daily all through the day during 9.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 120 baht for adults and 60 baht for. children. For further information please contact Tel. (039) 399015

Laem Sadet and Khung Kraben (แหลมเสด็จ คุ้ง-กระแบน) Located in Tambon Khlong Kut of Amphoe Tha Mai. To get there, take Sukhumvit Highway at km. 301, then turn right about 27 kms. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of beach, cape, mountain and bay. Both turbulent and calm seas can be seen here at the same time. Bungalows are available.

Wat Khao Sukim (วัดเขาสุกิม) Located at km. 305 on Sukhumvit Highway, then turn left about 13 kilometers, is a religious center for meditation in a tranquil and tree shaded atmosphere.

Namtok Krathing (น้ำตกกระทิง) One of the very beautiful waterfall in Khao Khitchakut National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาคิชกูฏ) Tambon Phluang of Amphoe Makham. It is 30 kms. from Chanthaburi. To get there, taking Sukhumvit Road at km. 324 then turn left about 21 kms. Located on top of Khao Khitchakut are imprint of Lord Buddha’s foot, and a very beautiful cave called “Tham Ruesi” (Hermit’s Cave). In this cave there is a water-well called “Bo Ya” (medicine well). The soil in the well has yellow colour. It is believed that the water can be used to cure some diseases.. To get to the cave takes about 2 hours along a hiking trail. Tourist can stay in the National park by calling 5794842, 5790529

Namtok Phliu National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกพริ้ว) The 42,000 acre park was established in 1975, with numerous species of wild plants and fruits in perfusion.

Namtok Phliu (น้ำตกพริ้ว) (Phliu Waterfall) itself boast a stupa which was built by King Rama V in 1876, as well as a pyramid-type structure housing the remains of Queen Sunantha who 2 year earlier had visited Namtok Phliu. Accommodation is available by contacting National Park Division Tel. 5790529, 5794842

Namtok Phliu is a famous tourist spot. There are mini­buses from the municipal market leaving for the waterfall daily.

Chanthaburi Fruit Fair (งานเทศกาลผลไม้) This annual fair is held in May or June to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as rambutan, durian, jackfruit, and pomelo, then at their peak of succulent ripeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchards, there are cultural shows and exhibitions of provincial handicrafts.