Chanthaburi Travel Guide: Chanthaburi is known throughout Thailand for its Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic building in the country, and worldwide for its gemstone market, held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Located 245 kilometers from Bangkok, the city isn't particularly popular with foreign tourists. However, its waterfront promenade, historic district with its colonial-style houses, and the beautifully illuminated bridge leading to the cathedral at night make it a place whose charm can quickly entice visitors to stay for several days. That said, since the COVID pandemic, the city has lost some of its lively weekend evening atmosphere, when the road along the Chanthaburi River became a popular pedestrian zone. Outside the city, you'll find interesting temples like Wat Khao Sukim, lush nature and waterfalls, and beautiful, lesser-known beaches that tend to be deserted during the week. Perhaps the most famous beach is Hat Chao Lao, where you can even surf during the rainy season (May to October). There's also a pretty blue temple, an interesting, centuries-old dessert market, and some mangroves. Historically, contrary to the widespread belief that Thailand was never colonized, the Chanthaburi region was occupied by France for twelve years. The French occupation of Chanthaburi took place between 1893 and 1905 following the Franco-Siamese War. After the peace treaty, France retained this Thai province as a guarantee of compliance with the treaty terms. During these twelve years, Chanthaburi was administered and militarily occupied by France, though its influence on the local population was limited. The city was eventually returned to Siam in exchange for further territorial concessions to Cambodia. For all the information you need about getting around Chanthaburi, see our "Getting Around Chanthaburi" section.

Accommodation in Chanthaburi: Accommodation options in Chanthaburi are limited and quite scattered. There are a few good hotels that cater to the many gem traders who arrive on weekends. Otherwise, options near the riverfront, Chanthaburi's most beautiful area, are rather restricted, apart from the friendly River Guesthouse with its very good prices and the Muangchan Hotel. Room rates in Chanthaburi are among the cheapest in the country. Find accommodation in Chanthaburi. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Grey The prices that are not available in the city selection ("All prices" are always available) function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for (var i = 0; i < categories.options.length; i++) { var val = categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled = !(val == "all" || val == "-" || (Math.pow(2, parseInt(val, 10)) & price)); } } (function() { var forms = document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form = forms[forms.length - 1]; if (form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Chanthaburi. Rimnaam Klangchan Hotel, Chanthaburi (8.0/10) – Book now – More details Kasemsarn Hotel, Chanthaburi (8.0/10) – Book now – More details Bansabai - Raiwan Resort, Chanthaburi (8.3/10) – Book now – More details View all accommodations in Chanthaburi

Practical information about Chanthaburi: A night market, mainly offering inexpensive food, takes place on weekends from 5 pm near Somdej Pra Chao Tak Sin Maharat Public Park. However, it cannot compare to the atmosphere of the former Walking Street on Sukhaphiban Road.

How do I get to Chanthaburi? From Bangkok's East Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), the bus journey to Chanthaburi takes 4 hours. The city has neither an airport nor a train station. Without a car, buses or minivans are the only travel options. The Trat bus takes just over an hour to reach Chanthaburi. The Trat bus from Bangkok stops in Chanthaburi. [arrow_circle_right] View all travel options to Chanthaburi

What's the best way to get around Chanthaburi? Chanthaburi is easily explored on foot, as the sights around the cathedral are quite close together. However, for trips outside the city, you'll need a vehicle. As far as I know, ride-hailing services like GRAB don't yet operate in Chanthaburi. Your best bet is to check with your hotel or guesthouse, or go to the bus station and try to find a private songthaew (a pickup truck with benches in the back).

Chanthaburi Food Festival This festival usually takes place in February. More about the Chanthaburi Food Festival

Noël à Chanthaburi This festival usually takes place in December. More about Noël à Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi Christmas Miracle: This festival usually takes place in December. More about Chanthaburi Christmas Miracles

Other sights in Chanthaburi: Wat Bot Muang sits atop a hill and, unfortunately, doesn't offer spectacular views, but it's still a charming temple, even if its architectural interest is rather limited. Wat Phai Lom is particularly interesting because of its large, golden, reclining Buddha from the Ayutthaya period. This statue probably makes it the most interesting temple in Chanthaburi. Gem Market: Although it's reserved for professionals rather than tourists, Chanthaburi is known throughout Thailand for its gem market, where traders and gem hunters gather every weekend. Worth seeing... Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint: While not an absolute must-see, the view of the streets on one side and the sea on the other from here is one of the most iconic and representative images of Chanthaburi. It's beautiful, but perhaps not a top priority for a short visit to the province. Chedi Klang Nam (Starstar): This small chedi in the middle of the sea is sometimes accessible on foot at low tide. While not an absolute must-see, it's worth a short visit, especially when combined with Chanthaburi's most famous viewpoint. The spot is beautiful, particularly in good weather. Sea Farming Demonstration Unit (Starstar): This marine rescue and research station houses several deep-sea fishing nets containing shellfish, fish (including baby sharks), and sea turtles. A visit to the station is recommended immediately after visiting the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center. The two sites are only 1 km apart. Bo Ploy Lek Petch (Starstarstar): Chanthaburi has been known as a gemstone country for centuries, although this isn't entirely true today. A dedicated market takes place on weekends, and you can also search for gemstones yourself in the Bo Ploy Lek Petch mine. It's a great experience if you're not claustrophobic and don't mind getting dirty. Muang Phaniat (Starstar): This is the oldest Khmer ruin discovered in Thailand to date. An entire city once thrived here. Today, essentially only a pond, some sections of wall, and artifacts remain, displayed in a small museum. Not a must-see in Chanthaburi, but certainly interesting for history buffs. Namtok Phliu National Park near Chanthaburi is captivating: a waterfall, pools of turquoise water, and countless fish. You can also see a small, moss-covered chedi and, of course, stroll through the forest. A refreshing and pleasant oasis of nature in this province, which combines sea, mountains, and rivers. Khuk Khi Kai: This surprising and simultaneously repulsive prison system is, I must say, a French invention from their brief occupation of the region. I won't tell you more; just click on the image to read the details. Those who understand Thai probably already have an idea of ​​what this place is. Wat Khao Sukim, a temple about 30 kilometers from Chanthaburi's city center, is very popular with Thais, but in my opinion, it doesn't hold much tourist appeal. If you only have a short time in Chanthaburi, in my opinion there are other, more interesting places you should visit first.

How do you ask for directions to Chanthaburi in Thai? I want to go to Chanthaburi / Yak pai thi Chanthaburi. Where is Chanthaburi? / Chanthaburi yu thi nai?