Travel

Pha Hin Kub in Chanthaburi, Thailand, is a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts looking for the best hiking trails in Thailand and scenic hiking spots in Thailand. This stunning cliff offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush mountains and verdant valleys. The hike may be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort for the incredible vistas you’ll find at the summit. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, Pha Hin Kub provides a peaceful spot to relax and take in the natural beauty. Discover the unforgettable charm and top hiking experiences that Chanthaburi has to offer.Just a 1-hour drive from Chatrium Golf Resort Soi Dao Chanthaburi.

Location: Takien Tong, Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi 22210, Thailand 22210 Takien Tong Thailand

What better place to discover the mysteries of the deep than at the National Maritime Museum in Soi Dao. It is an endeavour by the Fine Arts Department of Chanthaburi to attempt to increase awareness of the treasures hidden in the sea.

The museum was built in 1994 when the Fine Arts Department realized the importance of preserving the thousands of archaeological ruins that have been naturally preserved in the saline waters.

The museum is not a grand affair, but has plenty of information on the underwater archaeological studies conducted in Thailand. In addition to this, there is a string of exhibits illustrating the birth and development of naval commerce in the country.

Location: Muang Amphoe Mueang Chanthaburi, Chang Wat Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Chang Wat Chanthaburi Thailand

Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center is responsible for studying and researching the natural ecosystem in order to find appropriate and sustainable ways to develop the coastal area in Chanthaburi Province. At this fascinating facility you can study the natural environment of Chanthaburi. There are many small pavilions spaced at intervals presenting interesting information about the mangrove forest. Tourists will find two different trails teeming with a wide variety of trees and plants. The last spot on the tour is a pavilion where you can rest and simply enjoy the view, which projects out into the bay. From this spot, tourists can see the line of mangrove forest that runs perfectly parallel with the river.

Location: 31 Moo 4 22000 Tambon Khlong Khut Thailand

A building that you can't miss as it stands in its brightly coloured exterior, the Red Building is located close to Laem Sing Beach, about 30 km away from Chanthaburi. It is a registered historical place that had played a significant part in the country's history.

The Red Building was made by the French during their occupation of the country. The purpose of the building was to serve as a guard house, catering to the French officers. After the liberation from French occupation, the Red Building was turned into a school library.

The building is a single story structure, 32 metres in length and only seven metres wide. The red colour of the place is from the plaster and painting of the reddish bricks brought all the way from Pikardsuuk Fortress. The floor area is divided into five rooms with corridors running the length of it on each side.

Location: Chanthaburi 22130, Thailand 22130 Chanthaburi Thailand

Wang Suan Ban Kaeo with its rich, beautifully landscaped gardens was once the royal abode and office of Queen Rambhai Barni, who was King Rama VII’s, Royal Consort. Along with acting as the official residence and office of Queen Rambhai Bhanni, Wang Suan Ban Kaeo, constructed in 1949, was also a demonstration centre where animals were raised and plants were grown for the local people.

In her old age, the Queen graciously donated the palace and its estate to the Ministry of Education in order to establish an institute of higher education and increase educational opportunities. Thus, today Wang Suan Ban Kaeo is a part of the Rajabhat Rambhai Bhanni University and is open to the public.

General visitors can visit the palace itself and observe its many rooms and halls, and also enjoy the Queen’s thriving gardens and farms. Queen Rambhai Bhanni dedicated much of her time to improving the living conditions, farming practices, health and education of the people of Chanthaburi.

In addition to running a massive vegetable garden and fruit orchard, she also oversaw the raising of hens, ducks, geese and about 100 oxen and even had an experimental farm where successful farming practices were tested and passed on.

Location: 41 Moo 5 Sukhumvit Road Amphoe Mueang Chanthaburi, Chang Wat Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Chang Wat Chanthaburi Thailand

Phlio Waterfall is a huge and beautiful waterfall with water flowing all year round. Phlio Waterfall consists of two streams that join together and flow through rocks and high cliffs and finally cascade over the rock face as a magnificent waterfall with crystal clear water. And because Phlio Waterfall has running water all year round it is home to many kinds of fish, including the stunning Mahseer Barb, whose large numbers have tourists flocking to see them in their natural habitat.

Getting there is pretty convenient because it is just 14 kilometers from Chanthaburi city.

The Chantaboon Waterfront Community is an old community in the neighbourhood of Chanthaburi that retains most of the old-world charm in the buildings and the personality of its residents. The community is part of a charming town located on the banks of the Mae Nam Chanthaburi. Spending a few hours exploring the area and talking to the community is a good way for you to understand the people of the country. The buildings either retain their original architecture or have been renovated while preserving their unique identity. There is a Learning House in the town that serves as a museum of sorts, where photos, paintings and the like are displayed, all depicting the history and development of the area. You will also find older residents of the community sitting idly in front of their ancestral homes, reminiscing about days gone by. They are the best people to have a chat with if you want to know the history of the place through an authentic voice. Today there are coffee shops, snack bars, and art galleries being set up along the main street of the Chantaboon Waterfront Community, making it one of the emerging tourist attractions in the region.

Location: Sukhaphiban Road 22000 Chang Wat Chanthaburi Thailand

From breathtaking waterfalls and rich forestland to abundant mountain wildlife and a place of religious importance, Khao Khitchakut National Park has it all. The 58-square kilometre national park is overflowing with lush evergreens and deciduous forests that are home to vividly coloured wild orchids, rare eaglewood and a large variety of herbs. A myriad of different animal species, including serow, sambar, barking deer and sometimes wild elephants, also reside within the park’s boundaries, especially in its verdant mountain areas and you are sure to come across plenty during your visit. The Krathing Waterfall is perhaps the most loved attraction here. Fed by the Chanthaburi River, the falls cascade over 13 levels all of which intersect the park’s nature trails. Visitors to the park can swim in the wondrous crystal clear pools, go camping or even visit Phra Bat Phluang, the site of the venerated Buddha’s footprint.

Location: Pluang, Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi, Thailand 22210 Pluang Thailand

Khuk Khi Kai is an infamous prison located close to the Laem Sing Beach. Built in the late 1800s and literally translating to ‘bird-drop prison’, Khuk Khi Kai has a rather notorious history.

Measuring roughly five metres on each side this square building is about seven metres in height. The prison held Thai rebels of Chanthaburi who rebelled against the French occupation. The walls of the prison have holes for ventilation, but no windows or other ways of communicating with the outside world. It is made of bricks and has the look of a truly hard prison.

The name Khuk Khi Kai is derived from its porous roof. There is no solid cover on the prison, but just a net-like covering. This made the prisoners open to all the elements. The ‘bird-drop’ was caused by the fact that the roof was used as a chicken coop; so the bird droppings were collected inside the prison. This was used as a torturing method on the prisoners who had no way of escaping the smell and slime of the bird droppings.

Location: Pak Nam Laem Sing, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi 22130, Thailand 22130 Pak Nam Laem Sing Thailand

The best views in Chanthaburi are found at the Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint. It is located towards the East, on the Chalerm Burapha Chonlathit road. Dubbed a ‘dream destination’, the views here will leave you in awe.

On one side of the viewpoint, you will see the golden sand of Kung Wiman Beach stretching away for miles and miles. On the other side is Kung Krabaen Bay, with its glistening blue waters. As the location of the viewpoint is right next to the ocean itself, in addition to the beach and the sea, you will also be treated to views of hills and cliffs that surround all these scenic beauties. The main road snakes through all this, making a pretty picture.

Visit the Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint towards the evening for some beautiful vistas under the setting sun.

Location: 99 Chao Lao Beach 22170 Tambon Sanamchai Thailand

King Taksin the Great, now eternalized in the form of the King Taksin Monument, was a famed king of Thailand who unified the kingdom and brought it back to life after the famous battle of Ayutthaya.

The statue, placed in the middle of Wong Wian Yai, shows King Taksin the Great astride his steed, raising his sabre calling for a cavalry charge. This pose is supposed to be symbolic of the immense power he wielded on the battlefield, always leading from the frontlines. There are four of his chief soldiers on foot, surrounding the charging king. Designed by Corrado Feroci, the monument is loved and admired by everyone.

The King Taksin Monument is also considered to be the most impressive piece of art in the city and truly stands out as a noteworthy landmark amidst the hustle and bustle of Wong Wian Yai.

Old Library Building, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand 10600 Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Thailand

Taking you away to a place of pristine peace, Laem Sing Beach is a spot that is rather different from other beaches. Instead of palm trees, you have pine trees lining the shore. But the gentle breeze and the sense of solitude is exactly the same.

Laem Sing Beach has become popular among visitors in the recent past. With this in mind, a long stretch of small food stalls has now been set up along the beach. You can easily get yourself a snack, or even a whole meal from one of these stalls.

There are boat rides operating from Laem Sing Beach, to take visitors to the two isles located close by; Ko Nom Sao and Ko Chula. There are two types of boat rides, one for half an hour and the other for an hour. Although the beach is open throughout the day, the boat rides operate only during the daylight hours.

Location: Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit Road 22130 Tambon Pak Nam Laem Sing Thailand

Thailand is renowned for being a capital for precious stones and expertly made personal ornaments. Perhaps the best place to visit where this is concerned is the Gem and Jewellery Centre in Chanthaburi.

The gem history of Thailand can easily be traced back centuries because the nation was always renowned for its richness in natural resources. Rubies and sapphires, some of the most sought-after precious stones, are particularly abundant in Thailand. In addition to the profusion of gems in the nation, the craftsmanship of Thai jewellers is also remarkable, and famous throughout the world.

If you wish to explore the nation’s history with gems and jewellery and see some of the best specimens, then there’s no better place than the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewellery Centre which features a gem museum that will surely bring you up to speed on the story of Thailand’s gem-trade.

The centre’s famous exhibition hall will allow you to experience first-hand the beauty of the many varieties of precious stones that are abundantly available in Thailand. There’s also a special demonstration room where visitors can discover the unique inlay-process popular in the nation. Last but not least, there’s even a shop where you can procure your own specimens.

Location: 1 / 59 Maharaj Road, Tambon Tarad, Amphoe Muang, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Chanthaburi Thailand

Moo 4, Thep Nimit, Pong Nam Ron, Chanthaburi 22140, Thailand 22140 Chanthaburi Thailand

Wat Phai Lom is located in the district of Soi Dao in Chanthaburi. Its key attraction is the reclining statue of the Buddha in gold and it is one of the region’s main attractions.

The main building itself has a sombre facade, though within it is the contrasting sight of the magnificent reclining golden Buddha statue. This is what attracts the most number of visitors to this sacred site. Those exploring the rest of the complex which dates back to the 18th century will also come across a fascinating ordination hall that features intricate frescoes. The entirety of Wat Phai Lom is one of quiet comfort and you will find the ambience to be rather soothing.

Location:Thung Khanan, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi 22180, Thailand 22180 Thung Khanan Thailand

The City Pillar Shrine in Chanthaburi is one of those attractions where no one knows how or when it came into existence. The general consensus is that the original site was built by King Taksin and dates back to around 250 years.

It should be noted, that the structure and the appearance are said to have changed drastically from then to now. People believe that the original shrine was built out of laterite, only traces of which remain today in some of the more dilapidated parts of the shrine. The presence of Bodhi trees and Koi trees have given the compound a completely new look as well.

Once, this site featured nothing but an ordinary wooden shrine between two trees. However, in 1981, it was refurbished to be the grand spectacle it is today. There are several new additions now, and the architectural style appears to have borrowed Chinese elements as well.

Location: Wat Mai, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Chanthaburi Thailand

Once a towering beacon with its high roof, summoning devotees from miles around, the Catholic Church of Chanthaburi was built in 1909 and offers a fascinating insight into the region’s religious heritage.

The original structure of the church had a tall roof that was considered one of its prominent features. However, this roof was taken down during World War Two to make sure that the building did not become an easy target. However, certain gothic elements of the original church can still be seen at this sacred site which is also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the largest of its kind in the country.

There is a special statue within the structure that serves as a testimony to the devotion of the people of the community. It was gifted to the church by the goldsmiths and gem dealers of the community, who make up one of the oldest communities in Chanthaburi.

Apart from visiting, those interested in attending mass will find the times services are held here displayed at the church entrance.

Located right in front of the Taksin Military Fort, the King Taksin Shrine might appear strange to the unaccustomed eye. It is shaped like a helmet and is a popular attraction in Chanthaburi.

The shrine and the statue of King Taksin that are enshrined within it are revered by many Thai people. They make offerings of flowers and the like to the statue, in return for blessings from King Taksin; he was known as an extremely kind-hearted monarch who always placed the betterment of his people before anything else.

The annual celebration of the King Taksin Shrine takes place on 28 December. It is a festival of large proportions where people give thanks in remembrance to the king for his kindness and for establishing the country to what it is.

Wat Khao Chawang is not just a sacred site, but it is also an architectural phenomenon that leaves many in awe. It is the only temple in the area to have used wood as the primary material in its construction.

Many tourists and students visit the temple almost daily in order to see and learn more about this craft that is steadily declining. The Wat Khao Chawang offers invaluable insights into traditional design styles that are quite intricate and unique. You can easily find someone willing to give you a guided tour or explanations of these architectural wonders.

Location: Pong Nam Ron, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi 22140, Thailand 22140 Pong Nam Ron Thailand

Wat Phlab (also known as Wat Phlap) is a sacred site in Chanthaburi that is rich in history and is home to two age-old pagodas which interestingly feature different design styles.

The site dates back to the late Ayutthaya period and is also where one will find fascinating religious imagery and traditional wooden pavilions which have been listed as Ancient Monuments in Thailand.

It is interesting to note that one of the old structures at this site was used for a sacred ritual known as the “Ceremony of Murathaphisek” during the beginning of the Chakri Dynasty. This ceremony involved the creation of sacred water that would be used at such royal rituals as the coronation ceremony, where it was poured over the head of the king.

Location: Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi, Thailand 22000 Chanthaburi Thailand

Incorporating Khmer-style design elements, Wat Thong Thua is a temple that is best described as being antique. It has a rustic feel to it, almost as if you are being transported to a different time in history.

The temple has a vast collection of Khmer sculptures from days gone by. These include lintels, inscription stones and door columns made out of sandstone, with various designs carved onto them. After paying your respects at Wat Thong Thua, you can make your way to the Mueang Phaniat archaeological site; located close by, it features what remains of a religious sanctuary and offers more insights into the region’s rich heritage.

Location: Chanthaburi, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Chanthaburi Thailand

In the Liam district of Chanthaburi is Wat Mangkon Buppharam or Leng Hua Yi. If you want to have your life blessed by the Gods to make it a happy and prosperous one, Wat Mangkon Buppharam is where you should go.

The temple is built in a Chinese architectural style and is dedicated to Chinese deities who can be seen in the form of statues within this sacred site. The popular Wat Mangkon Kamalawat in Bangkok is a sibling temple of Wat Mangkon Buppharam. Both these temples are highly respected by Thai- Chinese devotees and it is believed that those who visit will be blessed by prosperity.

Thailand offers easy access to Cambodia via the Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing which can be easily reached via bus from Chanthaburi. It is an ideal way to experience the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

This is not the only way to get to Cambodia from Thailand however. The Cambodian town of Pailin can be accessed by way of the Phsa Prum border crossing which is situated at Ban Pakard, 72 km northeast of Chanthaburi. Another seldom used crossing into Pailin is the Daun Lem border crossing at Ban Laem located 88 km northeast of Chanthaburi.

Don’t forget to get an online Cambodian e-visa which will save time and hassle at the border.

Location: Thep Nimit, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi, Thailand Thep Nimit Thailand

Alternatively referred to as the “New Bangkok International Airport”, Suvarnabhumi Airport is the biggest in the country, and the twentieth busiest airport in the world, handling more than 50 million passengers annually.

The design of the airport is so captivating that many who pass through it experience memories of their favourite science-fiction stories. The airport’s striking facade resulted in it becoming the world’s most photographed location on Instagram. As far as the world’s transport hubs are concerned, this is one of the most fascinating airports in the world.

The range of dining options available at Suvarnabhumi Airport is astonishing and includes healthy burgers, sushi bars, bistros, gourmet coffee and expertly prepared Italian pizzas. The Miracle Food Village is one of the most interesting places in the airport, famous for offering the best prices for food.

The airport can also hold its own against the most comprehensive shopping destinations the city has to offer since you can find more than 270 retail shops here, covering everything from luxury brands to humble handicrafts. The possibilities for retail therapy are more or less limitless. Be wary of prices though, although branded goods boast the best prices, handicrafts cost twice as much.

Location: 999 Soi Mu Ban Nakhon Thong 1 10540 Nong Prue Thailand

King Taksin the Great Shipyard history museum was initiated when the Development Committee of King Taksin the Great Shipyard raised money to purchase land to build a permanent exhibition, commemorating the King’s campaign to retake the old capital from the Burmese. The museum is built in the area where wreckage of these ancient warships was found. The exhibits inside the museum include permanent exhibitions of royal biographies and royal activities of King Taksin the Great. The display also features the background, evolution, archeology and history of Chanthaburi province.

Location: Nong Bua, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand 22000 Nong Bua Thailand