Chanthaburi is the province that own a lot of goods. It can be called the treasure of the east due to it is a historical with sea coast city and filled with tropical fruits.

For the fruit season, the king and the queen of fruits are all around the town, particularly durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and zalacca. You can enjoy them endlessly. Or if you are a nature person, there are waterfall, sea, and mountain which is an interesting place too. Chanthaburi is the answer for every destination you have ever dreamt of.

Khao Khitchakut national park

Khao Khitchakut is the famous place of Chan city. It is located 40km from the downtown. The attractive places are Kra-ting waterfall, Klongchang-se waterfall, the Khao Khitchakut Buddha’s footprint. The highest location in Thailand, which is 1,050m above the sea level with 1m wide and 2m long. Many Buddhist wish to go there and pay respect at least once in a lifetime. The paying-respect-for-Buddha-footprint festival is held annually on the 1 ^st day of the 3 ^rd waxing moon all day all night long. Thousands of people have ventured to the peak to pay respects to the footprint.

Previously, the worshippers had to climb the towering mountain of Khao Khitchakut to the top in order to pay reverence to the footprint, this is the ultimate way to perform good deeds and advance in determination despite difficulties. But it is more convenient nowadays because there is a shuttle service car to pick up and drop off. It is believed that an act of making a pilgrimage to the Buddha’s footprint equates to appearing before the Lord himself and is considered as a great meritorious deed.

Moreover, on the top of Khao Khitchakut, from the Buddha’s footprint around 1.2km, you will see the clear scenery of Sra-barb mountain range, Su-gim mountain, Nomsao island and the city of Chanthaburi. This national park is full of fertile and green nature. For adventure lover, you can camp at the designated area. The national park is opened daily.

Location: Khao Khitchakut, Chanthaburi province

Khung Wiman Beach

It will be a little weird if you come to Chan city and not go to the beach. Khung Wiman Beach is one of the attractive places because of the beautiful scenery of mountain and sea. This beach is quiet and suited for relaxing. Also, Chalerm Burapha Chonlatit road or Khung Wiman Beach road is the most beautiful street of the east. The road is curved as the mountain shape and the sea passing many of viewpoint such as Leam Sing Beach, Khung Wiman, and Khung kraben beach. It is recommended to drive a car and admiring the scenic view.

The most beautiful viewpoint of this street is at the south of Khung Wiman Beach till the small hill called “Nern Paya viewpoint” which can see the clear deep blue ocean with the various stone forms and the faraway small island. This is the popular spot for tourist to take a picture. Besides, this street is recommended by Tourism Authority of Thailand as Ten Dream destinations for travelling there.

In the middle of Khung Wiman Beach, there is a very clear seawater, clean sand, and a quiet place for playing water. There are several seafood restaurants, or you can bring your own recipes and picnic here. There are also a few accommodations to let you have some privacy and have a full refreshment. For the north and south area are the rock-bound which is suited for fishing and admiring the sea view.

Location: Sanam Chai, Nayaiarm District, Chanthaburi

Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center

For anyone who likes to explore nature, you should come to Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center from HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (King Rama IX). This place is responsible for studying and researching the natural ecosystem to improve the coastal area in Chanthaburi. Along with being fisherman and agricultural career development for local people. Also, be a place where interested people can study the ecosystem condition.

Inside, there is the 1.6km nature exploring forest trail which takes around 1 hr. This pathway is a wooden bridge passing through the mangrove forest. There are many mangrove species such as mangrove, Avicennia alba, and cork tree and many small aquatic animals along the trail, such as mudskipper, sesarma, and horseshoe crab that are waiting to grow up and back to their ecosystem. Continuing walking, where there is a pavilion that you can enjoy the mangrove view and local fisherman life and there is a small boat for anyone who interested in kayaking.

Moreover, there is a 15m wooden observation tower to admire the Kung Krabaen beach and birdwatch the local over 120 birds species. This center is opened daily 8 – 6pm.

Location: Khlong Khud, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi province

The Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary Celebration Aquarium

The Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary Celebration Aquarium of the King Rama IX is a small aquarium near Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center. It shows the beauty of many fish species, especially salt-water fish in Kung Krabaen bay, Chao Lhao beach and Laem Sadet beach. The Sixth Cycle Birthday Anniversary Celebration Aquarium exhibits the aquatic animals in 36 tanks in total. Although you dive into the real sea, you may not encounter some species that are shown in this aquarium such as Leopard Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Angelfish, Anemonefish, Pinnate Batfish, Butterflyfish, and other species. Moreover, there are other sea life such as king crab, seahorse, etc.

The highlight is the fish tunnel which we can closely watch many fish swim pass by. Mostly are large fish, beautiful fish, economic fish, and deep-blue-sea fish such as grouper, stingray, and almost become extinct wedgefish which similar to shark but has a head looks like stingray. There is a feeding show at 2pm every day. Travelling here will give you whole family both knowledge and entertainment for free. The operation hours are Tuesday - Friday at 8:30am - 4:30pm, and Saturday - Sunday at 8:30am - 5:30pm.

Location: Laem Sadet beach, Khlong Khud, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi province

Chanthaboon Riverside village

Chanthaboon Riverside village is a small old town aged over 3 decades and established since the King Narai the great reign. At that time, the villagers were Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese. During King Rama X reign, this area was developed as important trading centre of Chanthaburi. Chanthaboon Riverside village settlement runs for a full kilometer, following the path on both side of Chanthaburi River, starting from Tha Luang road to Sukhapiban Road. The position of house and shops are very unique because the back of a house is at the riverside and the front is facing to the street. Mostly were built by a local material in a gable roof shape. Thai architecture, Chinese architecture and Europe architecture can all be seen there. Some are for semi-commercial purpose. Some are renovated but still preserve the old style to be the heritage site which is the highlight for the tourism. There is hostel, shops, old drugstore, hairdressing, restaurant, Thai-bakery shop, coffee shop, old cafe, temple, the cathedral, Chinese shrine and market that are rarely to find nowadays.

The must-go place inside the village is The Chanthaboon Waterfront Learning House at Number 69 which is known as “Khun Anusornsombat’s House” . This is an old house which was renovated to be a community museum. It is free enter but there is a donation box for anyone who wants to support. Inside is filled with fantastic photography, videos and art illustrating the history of the town. Another is Baan Luang Rajamaitri who known as “Father of rubber for the East” because he was the person who brought the rubber tree from Malaysia to planted at Philo District. After that this specie has been developed and exported to England.

Baan Luang Rajamaitri has 2 sides, for Chanthaburi side is made of golden teak which serves as a historical inn offering well-equipped rooms and river views. For ground level is free for anyone who interested in antiques and museum.

Location: Wat Mai, the main district, Chanthaburi province

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Chanthaburi

Walking across Niramol bridge from Chanthaboon Riverside village, you will found Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Chanthaburi (as known as Asana Viharn Pra Nang Maree Arpathisonti Niramol), a catholic church which aged over 100 years. This is the biggest and most beautiful catholic church in Thailand. This is one of the Thailand unseen in Chanthaburi. It was constructed in Gothic style. Inside is decorated by European style with high rooftop, and the curved arch on each pillar. All of the chapel’s windows were elaborately decorated by colorful stained glasses. The centerpiece of the inside of the cathedral is the statue of the Virgin Mary. It is covered by semi-precious gems – estimates of the number of gems range from 200,000 to 500,000, together with statues of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary.

In front of the church, there is Virgin Mary, the mother of the Christ. During World War II in 1940, the two spires of the chapel were taken down to make it less obvious to the allied bombers which was returned in the celebration 100 years of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Chanthaburi. And there is an antique big clock under the right dome. You can visit the outside every day but for inside, available only Monday - Sunday (8:30am - 12pm and 1pm – 4:30pm).

Location: Chanthanimitr, the main district, Chanthaburi province

Gem Market

Another popular product of Chanthaburi is gem, Chan gem is famous for a purify gem since King Rama II reign until it has been accepted from around the world. Especially the Red Sapphire of Siam. Chanthaburi is a major centre of gem dealings with stones from abroad being bought and sold. There are 2 main places which are the old gem street near Si Chan Road and side street of Soi Krachang near Chanthaboon Riverside village. Gems Market operates on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 am – 15.00 pm. There are many gem shops along the street over 120 shops. You may visit the places for selection.

Another place is Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Centre, the center of traders and support jewelry and gem industry of Thailand. Providing quality and reasonable price jewelry. It is the community for jewelry traders and also the biggest Asian museum. The Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Center is and all-around gem center which comprises a gem museum, a multimedia room, gem exhibition hall, and gem cutting and inlay demonstration room. There is the jewelry shop at the exit, also the gemstone for sell. However, we recommend you buy the guaranteed gem with “PloyChan” logo for your pleasing. This center operating hours is 9am - 5pm every day.

Location: Gem market, Si Chan Road and side street of Soi Krachang, the main district, Chanthaburi  and Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Centre, Maharach Road, the main district, Chanthaburi

Philo Waterfall National Park

There are many attractive places in Philo Waterfall National Park, the popular one is Phra Narai Cave which has the holy river for Moral ceremony water. Narai waterfall is the middle-sized waterfall but has a clear water all year long. The environment is very quiet. Trok Nong waterfall which has plentiful of forest. There is a natural exploring pathway. However, the highlight is Phlio Waterfall which is a large, beautiful and full of water around the year. The water will fall to the below basin which has many fish. Phlio waterfall is the favorite place for relaxing all around the year.

This waterfall is also one of the historical places. Because the beauty of Phlio Waterfall became His Majesty King Chulalongkorn’s favorite. His Majesty made a lot of visits and once said that “I had seen a few beautiful waterfalls which are at Penang, Koh Chang, and Si Paya. I could sit here all day long. So, refreshing”

Location: Phlio, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province

Nong Bua village/ Antique sweet village

Nong Bua village is the Antique Sweet market village, located on side of Nong Bua canal. In the past, this village was one of the trading centers of Chanthaburi. Although time has passed, this village is still preserving their unique over 100 years. There are many old houses which decorated with stencils, preserved lifestyle, and traditional sweets which are rarely to find now such as Tangmae NamAoy, Kanom Tuay, Khaoneaw Lueng, Kanom Tidkor, Kanom TangGuay, and others. There are local traditional foods too such as Kuayteaw Moo Leang, Grilled Hoypork, Khaogreav Namjim Kinghaeng and seafoods. Also, many souvenirs for tourist shopping.

The checked-in point of Nong Bua village is Tha Rue, Baan Maigwad, The house number 38, noodle shop, sugarcane manufacture, and many other things. If you come on weekdays, there will be the local fisherman boat tour around the village.

Location: Nong Bua, the main district, Chanthaburi province

Chanthaburi fruit garden

The highlight of Chanthaburi is fruit garden, which Chanthaburi is the greatest city of fruit. There are the fruit King and Queen. We can grab a fruit from its tree. Especially, during durian season, it will be crowded with Thai people and foreigner. Not only durian, but rambutan, longan, Langsard, zalacca, Ragam, and many more. Below is the recommended garden list

• KP garden, Makarm district; An organic fruit garden.
• Charoenchai garden, Laem Sing district; One of the popular fruit gardens in Chan city which located opposite Phlio Waterfall National Park.
• Sao Sud Jai garden, Laem Sing district; a variety of fruits and agricultural tourism place
• Khao Bai Sri preserved community garden, Tha Mai district; an over-100-years-species of fruits with a homestay service
• Tha Mai Farm and Homestay garden, Poo Yai Kumnueng garden, Tha Mai district; This garden belongs to the Chanthaburi’s philosopher.
• Pranorm garden, Laem Sing district and Tho Torng garden, the main district; Other than fresh fruits, there is processing durian show.
• RathThai 9 organic garden, Makharm district; You can try a tasty fruits, local food and learning agriculture way with local traditional people
• Loong Chat garden and Sala HeaTuek garden; Also has a variety of fruits but the best is zalacca.
• Baan Loong Chaluay garden which not only got the guaranteed tasty reward but also this place is where to learn sustainable way as said by King Rama IX.
• There are many more gardens to go, but we have a limited space. However, you should not miss it!

Fresh Seafood from Chan city sea

There are many tasty foods to try in Chanthaburi. Seafood is so fresh and local food is a must. The must-try restaurant list is as below.

• Chan Photchana ; The famous local food for over 50 years. Their foods have been guaranteed from many food awards. Now there are 2 branches; Benjamarachutit branch and Maharach branch. The recommended menus are made from local sources such as Kaeng Moo Chamuang, Sen Chan Pad Poo, Krawan Padcha, Som Tum durian, Masamun Kai with durian, Yum mungkood with fresh shrimp.
• Je Pen restaurant ; Located at Soi Wat Pai Lorm, the original noodle shop which recommended menu is Yen Ta Four Talay, Kuay Teaw Tomyum Talay, Talay Luakjim.
• Je Eed restaurant ; Located at Niramol bridge on Sukhabhibarn road. The recommended menu is Kuay Teaw Talay, Khao Nha Talay, and Luakjim with shrimp, squid, and crab.
• Tha Ma Jun restaurant ; Located in Chanthaboon Riverside village, the classic decoration which sell local food and Thai food with accommodation service.
• Krua Loong Choey restaurant ; Located on Tha Chalaeb road, sell local and full-flavored food and seafood. There are many tasty recipes with cheap price and family environment.
• Yai Tu Seafood restaurant ; Located at Chao Lhao beach, if you want to have a local and fresh seafood. This is one of the choices.
• Poo Nim Farm restaurant ; Located on Tesabarn Sai 2, Kalhung district, A seafood restaurant which the top menus are made from Poo Nim (Soft shell crab) such as Poo Nim Pad Sen Chan, Poo Nim Tod Krateam, Pad Pong curry.
• Bang Manao restaurant ; Anyone who likes seafood should try. Eating seafood along with admiring the sea wave sound.

Rayong Tourism Authority of Thailand. Tel: 038-655-420