Chanthaburi is known for its tropical fruits, especially durian and precious stones. The surrounding hills are rich in green forests and picturesque waterfalls. There are quiet fishing villages and quiet beaches nearby. There are three bridges across the river in central Chanthaburi: one to the north, which you cross if coming from the north; about 500 m south of it is a pedestrian bridge in front of the cathedral; Then about 400m southwest of that, around a bend in the river, is a second road bridge. There is a small cluster of bars and restaurants on the two banks of the river between the two road bridges.
History of Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi is a city (Thesaban Mueang) in eastern Thailand on the banks of the Chanthaburi River. It is the capital of Chanthaburi Province and Mueang Chanthaburi District. The town includes the two tambon Talat and Wat Mai of the Mueang Chanthaburi district. In 2005, the city had a population of 27,602 inhabitants. The city is listed in King Taksin’s legacy.
In 1981, the Thai cabinet passed a resolution giving him the honorary title of Grand. When the Bank of Thailand issued 12 series notes, dubbed the Great Series, King Taksin the Great’s monument in the city’s Tunnachaey Recreation Park appeared on the back of the 20-baht note issued on December 28, 1981[1], the 214th. Anniversary of his coronation.
Best places to see:
- The City Pillar and Taksin Maharat Shrine (on Tha Luang Road opposite Taksin Military Barracks). The opposite is an old building (Old Town Hall) built during the reign of King Rama VI.
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Chanthanimit Rd on the riverside). This catholic cathedral is the largest in Thailand. It was built in 1909 in the neo-Gothic style. The original towers were demolished during WWII, so they wouldn’t draw as much attention; they have since been replaced.
- Hat Khung Wiman, Hat Khung Kraben, Hat Laem Sadet, and Hat Chao Lao (about 30 km from town; at km 310 of Hwy 3, turn right onto Hwy 3399, which leads into the area; or you can drive from Proceed from Tha Mai district on a route past Wang Tanot Dam). Quiet beaches in Tha Mai district. Accommodation for tourists is mainly in Hat Chao Lao, where several hotels and bungalows exist. About 1 km off the coast of Hat Chao Lao are chains of shallow water coral reefs covering an area of 14 km².
- Glass bottom boats are available. In Ao Khung Kraben, there are nature trails to study the mangrove forests.
- Khai Noen Wong (in the tambon Bang Kacha). They were established in 1834 during the reign of King Rama III. Lum moved to this new location because of its elevation (which was better suited to defend against invading Vietnamese). The laterite walls and bricks of the old town were also dismantled and moved to the new site. A severe drought during the reign of King Rama V forced it to return to its original location in Ban Lum.
- Khao Laem Sing- A small hill 172 m above sea level, east of the mouth of the Chanthaburi River. It has a cape that juts out into the sea and looks like a sprawling lion. An ancient fortress called Pom Phairi Phinat was built during the reign of King Rama III.
- Khao Laem Sing Forest Park (Tha Mai-Bang Kachai road, 25 km from Tha Mai, passes Wat Khao Laem Sing to reach the hilltop park headquarters, or take a boat from Laem Sing beach to the 400th meters away from Ao Krathing Beach and walk to the park). Km before the park. Cool and shady, it offers visitors accommodation.
- National Maritime Museum and Bureau of Underwater Archeology (in Khai Noen Wong). Exhibits related to the Thai merchant marine and items unearthed during underwater archaeological surveys across the country. In addition, old shipping routes and products are shown with the history and culture of Chanthaburi.
Climate:
Chanthaburi has a tropical monsoon climate with slight temperature variations throughout the year. However, the amount of precipitation varies greatly depending on the season. It rains lightly and infrequently during the short dry season (December to February), but torrential downpours occur in October. March and November are transitional months when some years can see significant rainfall while others have little rain.
