Some places in Thailand have a reputation that precedes them, often disappointing travelers. And this isn't limited to top tourist destinations like Chiang Mai and Phuket, although these are of course the most famous examples.

The more I explore Thailand, the more I enjoy visiting places I have absolutely no expectations of – and from which, as is often the case in all areas of life, I return inspired and enriched.

My guidebook to Chanthaburi, which describes the underrated province of the same name in the far southeast of Thailand, perfectly illustrates this concept. Due to its remote location and unique charm, Chanthaburi isn't a destination most travelers consider. But I promise you, it's well worth the trip.

Accommodation in Chanthaburi

Long before my trip to Chanthaburi, I had only one hotel in mind: the Baan Luang Rajamaitri. It's located in a historic building with a museum on the ground floor and is owned by a long-established family who have played a significant role in the region for centuries. This is exactly the kind of hotel I love in small, historic towns in Southeast Asia. Plus, it's situated right on the banks of the Chanthaburi River and offers a breathtaking view.

To be clear: there are other similar hotels here, including the Punyashthiti Villa and the Usabai Riverside Boutique Hotel. However, whether due to the significantly higher price in the first case or the less authentic ambiance in the second, I consider these accommodations a second choice and would only consider them on future trips if my first choice were unavailable. Fortunately, I don't believe Chanthaburi will become a popular tourist destination anytime soon, so I doubt this will be an issue.

Where to go in Chanthaburi?

Chanthaboon Waterfront

The Chanthaburi riverfront is not only a charming starting point for exploring Chanthaburi, but also offers stunning views from afar. The best perspective is from the opposite bank of the Chanthaburi River. Furthermore, this is one of the best areas in Chanthaburi to discover the local cuisine, including the famous Chanthaburi noodles (Sen chan).

Chanthaburi Cathedral

At some point, your journey through Chanthaburi will inevitably lead you to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known in English as "Chanthaburi Cathedral" (undoubtedly a reference to Canterbury). While this 19th-century building is impressive within the context of the old town, especially at night, it occurred to me that it might not be worth mentioning in Europe.

Blue Temple Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu

Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu, on the other hand, is absolutely breathtaking – and ironically, strongly reminiscent of iconic European buildings, especially the azulejo-tiled temples in Portugal. It's quite a distance outside the city – if you don't have a car, you'll need to rent one and drive via your hotel – but it's absolutely worth it, mainly because of the beautiful scenery along the way.

Phlio Waterfall

Among Chanthaburi's natural beauties is the Phlio Waterfall National Park, which can be reached in just about 15 minutes on foot from the parking area. This medium-sized waterfall is absolutely impressive, especially considering the somewhat challenging path. It can also be easily combined with a visit to the Blue Temple, which is thematically fitting given the lush green forest surrounding the waterfall.

Chanthaburi International Gemstone Market

Chanthaburi's international gemstone market, located directly across the river from the church, is certainly not the only attraction in Chanthaburi. However, if you happen to be there on a Friday or Saturday morning, it's definitely worth a visit, even if you don't intend to buy anything. Keep in mind, though, that most of the gemstones sold here are no longer locally sourced (although this used to be the case).

How long will you need in Chanthaburi?

Chanthaburi is a small city, but a large province; there's a lot to see that isn't located directly in the city center. This is made even more difficult for travelers without their own car, as public transportation is very limited. If you have a car, I recommend spending at least two nights in Chanthaburi; if not (and bear in mind that you will almost certainly need to hire a car with a driver and budget accordingly), you should allow an extra day to organize everything.

Regardless of how many days you plan to spend in Chanthaburi, the question arises of how to integrate it into your travel itinerary. As I've mentioned here and in other articles, you essentially have two options: either a standalone trip by car from Bangkok (or from another location in east-central Thailand, such as Chonburi or Rayong provinces); or on your way from Bangkok to Trat (or vice versa) – or perhaps a round trip starting from Trat, meaning you drive back to Trat and fly from there back to Bangkok airport.

Other frequently asked questions about traveling to Chanthaburi

Is Chanthaburi worth a visit?

Chanthaburi was one of the most delightful surprises of my trip to Thailand – it's absolutely worth a visit. Thinking back on all the things that captivated me there, it's almost difficult to list them all: from the delicious Sen Chan (เส้นจันท์) noodles to the charming Chanthaboon Waterfront, and the contrast between the opulent gemstones at the gemstone market and the somewhat run-down atmosphere of the street where it takes place.

What is Chanthaburi famous for?

Chanthaburi is known not only for its famous Catholic church (the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) but also as the home of Sen Chan noodles, which are considered the basis for Pad Thai worldwide. Numerous other treasures dot the land and coast of this predominantly rural province, including Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu, the "Blue Temple."

How do I get to Chanthaburi?

Chanthaburi lies on the route between the provinces of Bangkok, Chonburi, and Rayong to Trat, or vice versa. If you don't stop here, regardless of whether you're traveling from east to west, you could theoretically do a round trip from Trat (e.g., island hopping between Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Wai, and Koh Kood) to Chanthaburi and then simply fly back to Bangkok (BKK) from Trat Airport (TDX).

Conclusion

I hope my Chanthaburi travel guide has been helpful. Once you've chosen Chanthaburi as your destination, it's simply a matter of planning your trip – and that's quite easy if you've read this page carefully. The most important decisions concern how you'll get to Chanthaburi and the length of your stay. Ideally, you'll travel with your own car (whether rented or borrowed from a Thai friend). Despite the long drive, having your own vehicle is ideal for fully enjoying the expansive province of Chanthaburi. Do you need help planning your trip through Chanthaburi (and other regions)? I'd be happy to assist you with planning your Thailand trip!