Chanthaburi Province, often called a waterfall paradise, is blessed with natural pools, rivers, waterfalls, and rainforest slopes. It's ideal for adventurers who enjoy hiking and exploring these majestic waters. Besides pagodas and Buddhist temples, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is also worth seeing, having welcomed the 19th-century Catholic settlers who were influenced by the French and Vietnamese.

Known to the Thai people as the "Land of Fruits" and the "Kingdom of Gems," Chanthaburi welcomes visitors with a tempting array of sweet tropical fruits, sparkling gemstones, tranquil beaches, and a rich multicultural history. Furthermore, this so-called "Moon Province" is blessed with lush forests and picturesque waterfalls, promising visitors unforgettable experiences.

With its lush orchards in Chanthaburi province, it's no wonder the region is considered a paradise for tropical fruit lovers, especially durian fans—reputed to be the world's finest fruit—as well as rambutan, mangosteen, longkong, zalacca, and dragon fruit. During the peak season between May and June, fruit enthusiasts can join a fruit tour to one of the many verdant orchards or plantations and enjoy a bountiful fruit buffet, picking their own fruit and eating it fresh. Besides day trips, there's also the opportunity to experience the daily life of fruit growers and sample the delicious fruit at a local homestay. Durian aficionados shouldn't miss the World Durian Festival, held annually for one to two weeks in May at the Triangular Na Choei Ground. There, they can expect a wide selection of top-quality durian varieties, along with many other outstanding fruits from the East.

The tranquil coastal town of Chanthaburi boasts what is arguably the most scenic coastal road in the eastern region – Chalerm Burapa Chonlathit. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant drive along this 111-kilometer (70-mile) winding road, bordered by the sea and a rugged mountain range. Cyclists will also find plenty to enjoy, thanks to the picturesque waves, refreshing sea breezes, and dedicated cycle paths. Along the way, breathtaking views of the town can be enjoyed from viewpoints such as Laem Son, Nern, Nang Phraya, and the Chanthaburi estuary. For those seeking relaxation in a tranquil seaside atmosphere, Chao Laow Beach, the town's most popular tourist destination, is the perfect spot.

Chanthaburi, a multicultural city whose influence stems from the influx of Vietnamese refugees—mostly Christians—from the 19th century until 1975, as well as the French occupation from 1893 to 1935, offers a number of interesting historical sites. These include the Catholic Church of Chanthaburi, the largest Catholic building in Thailand, whose exquisite stained-glass windows echo the Gothic style of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and Tuek Daeng, a one-story red building with a red-tiled roof that served as headquarters and accommodation for soldiers stationed at Laem Sing during the French expansion into Vietnam and Cambodia. The Chantaboon Waterfront Community in the Old City is another popular spot where visitors can immerse themselves in the past through historical photographs, paintings, and architectural drawings displayed in the local learning center. You can leisurely stroll along the 1 km long section with its classically designed, old-fashioned shophouses and thus get to know the way of life of the Thais as well as the ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese who have settled in this community for over 300 years and live together harmoniously.

Chanthaburi is renowned for its natural attractions, boasting a long list of national parks, wildlife reserves, and waterfalls that satisfy even the most insatiable thirst for adventure. A must-see is Khao Soi Dao Waterfall in the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Reserve, which features 16 cascades and is home to a large swarm of butterflies, making it ideal for butterfly watching and plant studies. Khao Laem Sing Forest Park comprises evergreen dry forest and coastal forest, providing a habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species. Namtok Phliu National Park is home to Phliu Waterfall, a large waterfall that flows year-round, its sandy bed so clear that the water is easily visible. With its many tropical rainforests and mangrove forests, the province is also ideal for ecosystem tours. A must-visit is the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center (+66 3936 9216-8) with its 1,600-meter-long forest nature trail. Visitors have approximately 30–45 minutes to explore the mangrove forest and learn more about the mangrove flora and the importance of mangroves to the coastal ecosystem. Birdwatching is also an exciting experience for bird enthusiasts. In the mangrove forest along the Welu River in the Khlung district, birdwatchers can observe hundreds of Brahminy Kites fishing.

Other well-known attractions include Oasis Sea World, Wat Mangkon Buppharam, the National Maritime Museum, the Taksin Maharat Memorial, Wat Phai Lorn, the Bang Chan fishing village, and the Chanthaburi Gems and Jewelry Center.

The Buddha's footprint on Khao Khitchakut is not only a popular tourist destination with a picturesque evergreen forest and three impressive waterfalls, but is also considered a sacred site. Numerous Buddhist devotees climb to the summit of Khitchakut Mountain to pay their respects to the Buddha's footprint. This annual pilgrimage has a long tradition. According to religious belief, the pilgrimage to the Buddha's footprint is considered a particularly meritorious act.

Chanthaburi is accessible by car via four routes: Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) through Bang Saen, Si Racha, Sattahip, Ban Chang, and Rayong; Highway 344 (Ban Bueng – Klaeng section); Highway 33 from Kabin Buri district in Prachin Buri province through Sa Kaeo province; and Highway 7 to Pattaya (Chon Buri), from where you can continue on Highway 36 and Highway 3. Air-conditioned buses run daily from Bangkok's East Bus Terminal (Ekamai) or North Bus Terminal (www.transport.co.th).

For further information, please contact the TAT office in Rayong at +66 3865 5420-1 or +66 3866 4585.