Noen Wong Fort was built during the reign of King Rama III. Its origins date back to the rebellion of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane, who led his army through northeastern cities, advancing as far as Nakhon Ratchasima—the site of Thao Suranari's exploits. Bangkok dispatched troops to quell the rebellion, after which Chao Anuwong sought refuge in Vietnam. This event sparked a conflict that ultimately led to the war between Thailand and Vietnam. Consequently, the fort was built in preparation for a potential Vietnamese invasion.

Chanthaburi is a coastal city; it was originally located in Ban Lum on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River.

The terrain there, however, was unsuitable for a military base. Fearing a Vietnamese takeover, King Rama III tasked Somdet Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawong (Dit Bunnag) with selecting a strategically advantageous location. He chose Ban Noen Wong, a small, elevated hill offering a vantage point from which enemy movements could be observed as far as the mouth of the Chanthaburi River—an ideal defensive position. Construction began in 1834 according to strategic military principles. The fortress was built as a fortified town in a rectangular shape, encompassing approximately 270 rai (about 107 acres). It was surrounded by a 6-meter-high wall with bastions, a moat, and gates facing the four cardinal directions. Cannons, likely large-caliber and probably exceeding 155 mm, were positioned along the walls between the battlements, ready for action.

Noen Wong Fort is a historical site near the city center of Mueang Chanthaburi. It is an integral part of Chanthaburi's history and an archaeological site that also includes the sala fruit orchards (snake fruit plantations) so typical of Chanthaburi. These are known as "Sala Noen Wong".

After visiting Noen Wong Fort, a visit to the National Maritime Museum is highly recommended. It showcases underwater history, a field of research as significant as the history on land. Chanthaburi boasts a long maritime tradition, and various archaeological artifacts discovered beneath the sea are collected and displayed here.

Chanthaburi National Maritime Museum (Noen Wong Fort)

Chanthaburi National Maritime Museum, 80 Moo 8, Noen Wong Fort, Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Chanthaburi Province 22000

Foreigners: 100 - 120 Baht

Students in uniform; Buddhist monks and novices; senior citizens (60 years and older)

Opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday

Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays

Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM