Officially the capital of its namesake province, this town and its surrounding regions are primarily known for its rich history, wonderful countryside culture, relaxed vibe, scenic waterfalls, forests and rolling hills.
Many varied cutures have had an influence on Chanthaburi since 1893. Thai, Vietnamese, Mon, Chinese, Burmese, Khmer and even French attributes can be seen in the locals and the city architecture here. A Cathedral and many Thai-Chinese temples can be found here. The food of Chanthaburi is also seen to reflect the culture. It is known as one of the best cities in Thailand for cheap seafood. Tropical fruits are another speciality of this city, especially Durian.
In Chanthabura, you can visit some places such as:
Namtok Phlio National Park
Namtok Phlio National Park is situated nearly 14 kilometres from the main town. This sprawling national park is home to a stunning waterfall, exciting nature trails, and a memorial built for King Rama V’s queen, Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, making it well worth visiting. A lot of people come to pay respect to the Chedi containing the queen’s ashes. There are small eateries, seating areas, and toilets in the park for the convenience of tourists. Enjoy adventure activities such as trekking as you discover the diverse flora and fauna in the lush green park.
Gems Market Chanthaburi
Situated in a commercial area in Chanthaburi, Gems Market, sometimes also referred to as the “City of Gems”, is a perfect place for gem enthusiasts. Lined up with more than 120 gems, precious stones, and gold shops, this market is said to be one of Thailand’s biggest hubs for gem trading. During the weekdays, this place is much like any other street, but the actual glamour comes alive during the weekend when the Chanthaburi market becomes jam-packed with sellers and buyers from all around the world. Even if someone is not looking to buy gemstones, a walk along this street is a walk down this old town’s hundreds of years of history.
Wat Khao Sukim
This tranquil and well-maintained temple is one of the best places to visit in Chanthaburi. Perched on the hilltop, this temple offers a panoramic and amazing view of the town. Wat Khao Sukim temple has a massive collection of beautiful antiques and several religious artefacts. The temple is also famous for its wax sculptures of ancient Buddhist monks. Suan Sadetyat, a sprawling orchard that grows durian and rambutan, lies close to the temple.
National Maritime Museum Chanthaburi
Built-in 1994 near Khai Noen Wong, the National Maritime Museum is all about the underwater antiques of Tha Chalaep. A well-constructed exhibit narrating the tales of the maritime history of the city and surrounding area, this museum is a go-to place for relic admirers. It displays numerous kinds of rare ships and artefacts that submerged underwater a long time ago. However, the absolute highlight of the whole arrangement is a life-sized model of a large merchant ship. One can take a walk inside it to get a sense of what it would have been like when these ships were used for trading worldwide.
According to holidify.com
