Chanthaburi is a seaside hidden gem with so much potential. From quiet beaches and waterfalls surrounded by forests to quaint riverside and seaside communities and an otherworldly rock mountain for Buddhist pilgrims, the eastern city has got all kinds of traveler covered.
These are some of the underappreciated grandeurs of Chanthaburi, but the city is also famous for tropical fruits especially durians, gemstones and Chanthaboon mats. Make sure you go local and discover these treasures. For 11 years, the city was occupied by French colonial troops, so you can also find relics from those times, as well as the long-standing Chinese and Vietnamese heritage from the immigrants. It promises to be an all-in-one travel experience, so spare more than a few days for this charming coastal city.
Check out these top things to do in Chanthaburi, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on. Stretching along the Chanthaburi River, the year-old Chanthaboon Waterfront Community boasts not only a scenic location but also interesting history.
Time-honored houses line the narrow alleys, which are also dotted with street arts. Speaking of Vietnamese influences, Vietnamese Christians took refuge in the city and thus came in the Roman Catholic influences. The Gothic edifice was built in and is a sight to behold. Only from January to March is the passage to paradise open to the public. The landscape is unlike anywhere else, especially the gigantic Floating Rock or Stone Pagoda.
Buddhist motif-resembling rocks are also scattered along way. However, Khao Phra Bat Footprint Mountain or the pilgrimage location is just one part of the national park. Khao Khitchakut National Park also has more treats for nature lovers: waterfalls and wildlife. Interested but staying in Bangkok? For more details, click here. For over 10 years, Gem Road Sri Chan Road has been drawing merchants from all over the world to bargain for gemstones on Friday and during the weekends.
