Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi riverside Chanthaburi (จันทบุรี), 245 km from Bangkok, is the capital of an eponymous province in Eastern Thailand. It is a useful transport hub for accessing the islands Koh Chang and Koh Kut and also several of the border crossings with Cambodia. Understand Chantaburi is notable for tropical fruits, particularly durian, and gems. The surrounding hills are rich with verdant forests and scenic waterfalls. Nearby are quiet fishing villages & peaceful beaches. There are three bridges over the river in central Chanthaburi: one to the north, this is the one you will cross if coming from the north; about 500 m south of this is a footbridge facing the cathedral; then about 400 m south west of this, around a bend in the river, is a second road bridge. The both banks of the river between the two road bridges have a small collection of bars and restaurants. History Chanthaburi has been long inhabited, with neolithic artifacts having been discovered in the region. Chong was the first Mon-Khmer hunting-gathering community to have settled in the eastern forests in what are now Chanthaburi, Trat and Rayong provinces in ca. 13th century A.D. The first settlement in Chanthaburi was near Khao Sa Bap. The forest area, especially on the boundary between Chanthaburi and Trat, was abundant in herbs and forest products such as gamboge, lac, wax, cardamom, eaglewood, rattan, cinnamon, etc. Deforestation for cultivation as well as habitation by Thai and Chinese people has shrunken the forest. Hunting and gathering has been made illegal, so the hunter-gatherers were forced to change their lifestyle and become urban labourers or farmers. Most of the ‘Chong’ now live at Ban Khlong Phlu in Amphoe Khao Khitchakut. A new city was established in 1657 A.D. at Ban Lum on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River. At the fall of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1767 A.D., King Taksin the Great, then Phraya Wachiraprakan, led a troop of some 500 soldiers to break through and head eastward to occupy Chanthaburi. He took 5 months to store foodstuffs and recruit a troop of 5,000 Thai and Chinese soldiers to regain the independence of the kingdom. Monuments and memorials built to commemorate the historic event well reflect the pride of the people of Chanthaburi. The city was relocated to the highlands at Ban Noen Wong in the reign of King Rama III to prevent a Vietnamese invasion, but due to its far distance from water sources was moved back to Ban Lum in the reign of King Rama V. Chanthaburi used to be occupied by France for 11 years in a Thai – French dispute. Thailand had to surrender its territory on the left bank of the Mekong River to France in return for Chanthaburi, which was later established as a province in 1933. Get in Chantaburi is about 4 hours by bus from Bangkok. The nearest border crossing with Cambodia is at Ban Pakard, which faces Phsar Prum in Cambodia. It is 1-2 hours from Chantaburi by minibus (~100 baht) or songthaew (~40 baht). Pailin is a further 18 km ($4 by motorbike taxi) from the border. If direct connections to Ban Pakard are hard to find, take any northbound bus on Highway 317 (e.g. to Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram or Aranyaprathet). Ask to get off at Pong Nam Rong (โป่งน้ำร้อน, write it in Thai so you can show it to the bus driver). In Pong Nam Rong, songthaew connect with the border crossing. Northbound buses will call at Aranyaprathet, the busiest Thai-Khmer crossing. For coastal Cambodia, head to Trat in Thailand and continue to the Koh Kong border from there. By car The province is accessible by 5 routes: Highway No. 3, start from Bang Na, Bangkok, via Chon Buri – Bang Saen – Si Racha – Pattaya – Sattahip – Ban Chang – Rayong – Chanthaburi, a total distance of 330 Kilometres Highway No. 36, start from kilometres 140 on Sukhumwit Road in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, turn left at Krathing Lai T-junction via Pira Circuit to end at Tambon Choeng Noen in Amphoe Mueang, Rayong Province, a distance of 60 kilometres, then turn into Highway No. 3 for 108 kilometres to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 308 kilometres Highway No. 344, the Ban Bueng – Klaeng route, saving a distance of up to 70 kilometres, start from kilometres 98 on Sukhumwit Road in Amphoe Mueang, Chon Buri, via Amphoe Ban Bueng of Chon Buri Province, Amphoe Wang Chan and Amphoe Klaeng of Rayong Province, a distance of 110 kilometres Then, continue on Highway No. 3 for 58 kilometres to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 266 kilometres linking the Northeast and the East, start at Kilometres 200 on Highway No. 33 from Amphoe Kabin Buri of Prachin Buri Province, turn right at Kilometres 230 in Sa Kaeo Province into Highway No. 317, continue for 189 Kilometres via Amphoe Wang Nam Yen, Amphoe Soi Dao, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, Amphoe Makham to Chanthaburi, a total distance of 219 Kilometres from Kabin Buri. Motorway – Highway No. 7, start from Si Nakharin Road in Bangkok and end in Pattaya, Chon Buri, a distance of 90 kilometres then, continue on Highway No. 36 for 50 kilometres and Highway No. 3 for another 108 kilometres, a total distance of 248 kilometres By bus From Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumwit Road Air-conditioned Bus Transport Co., Ltd., there are buses leaving daily, for more details, Tel. 0 2391 2504; Chanthaburi office, Tel. 0 3932 2197. Private operators: Cherdchai Tour Tel. 0 2391 2237; Chanthaburi office, Tel. 0 3935 0357. Pornnipa Tour Tel. 0 2391 5179; Chanthaburi office, Tel. 0 3931 1476, 0 3931 1278. Suparat Tour Tel. 0 2391 2331; Chanthaburi office, Tel. 0 3935 0223. Non Air-conditioned Bus There are non-scheduled buses leaving the Eastern Bus Terminal, for more details: Tel. 0 2391 2504. From Mo Chit 2 or Northern Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) on Kamphaeng Phet Road Transport Co., Ltd., there are buses leaving daily, Tel. 0 2936 2852 Private operators: Cherdchai Tour Tel. 0 2936 0199 Pornnipa Tour Tel. 0 2936 2256-7 Suparat Tour Tel. 0 2936 3888, 0 2936 3939 Buses are also available from Chanthaburi to other provinces including Aranyaprathet, Nakhon Ratchasima, Trat, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Saraburi, Buri Ram, Prachinburi and Tak. For more information, contact the Chanthaburi Bus Terminal at Tel. 0 3932 2197. By Mini Van Victory Monument (Anusawaree Chai) in Bangkok has mini vans to many near by cities, including Chantaburi. The van to Chantaburi takes anywhere from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours depending on the driver and traffic. It makes one stop about an 75 kilometres outside Bangkok. The van stops in Chantaburi just outside town at the Tesco Lotus. The vans also leave from the Tesco going to Victory Monument. The vans usually run from 6am until 8pm. They leave every hour, but make sure you arrive 20-30 minutes before the time you want to leave, because when the van is full (13 people) it will leave and another van may not be available for another hour. As of September 2011 the cost is 200Baht each way. Get around See Not to be confused with Canterbury Cathedral The City Pillar & the Taksin Maharat Shrine, are located at Tha Luang Road in front of the Taksin Military Barracks. Opposite stands an old building (Former town hall) which was erected during the reign of King Rama VI. Taksin Maharat Memorial, Liap Noen Road (near to park). The equestrian statue is guarded by statues of his four royal guards. The expression on the king's face clearly shows the resoluteness and determination to restore the national independence. The pond is stocked with a large variety of fish. Si Chan Road is the commercial centre of the gem business. Even though actual gem-mining in the province is not extensive, Chanthaburi remains a major centre for gem dealings with stones from abroad being bought and sold. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, it attracts a large crowd of gem dealers and visitors. Across the Chanthaburi River (from Si Chan Road) and left turn 1 km from the bridge, is around 800m off the main road is Wat Phai Lom. The Ram lll-era Ubosot features wall murals on all four sides portraying the story of Lord Buddha with Chinese floral designs as well as illustrations of foreigners. There is also a ubosot of western architectural influence attesting to Chanthaburi's artistic and cultural contact with the western world. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Chanthanimit Road on the river bank. This Catholic cathedral is the largest in Thailand. Built in 1909, it is of Gothic architectural style. The original spires were taken down during World War II to make it less conspicuous as a possible target; they have since been replaced. Wat Thong Thua, 4 km from town, Sukhumwit Highway, is the site of an ancient Bot which was built in Khmer-style temple. It has a large collection of ancient Khmer sculptures such as lintels, sandstone door columns carved in various designs & inscription stone. Nearby is the Muang Phaniat archaeological site with laterite base of Khmer religious sanctuary and moats marking the town limit to the south. The ancient town is believed to have been dated from the 12th-16th century(Buddhist Era). On Chanthaburi-Tha Mai-Khung Wiman Route Wat Phlup at Tambon Bang Kacha, southwest of town, was the site of an old community during the late Ayutthaya period. Special features are two ancient pagodas of different styles and an old Thai wooden pavilion. The ancient site of Khai Noen Wong, at Tambon Bang Kacha, was established in 1834 during the reign of King Rama lll. The town was moved from Ban Lum to this new location because of its high ground (which more suitable for defensive purposes against the invading Vietnamese). The laterite walls and bricks from the old town were also dismantled and moved to the new site. A severe drought during the reign of King Rama V forced its return to the original site at Ban Lum. The old town at Khai Noen Wong was square-shaped with extensive laterite walls mounted with large cannons. Each side had its own ramparts and defensive moats. It was regarded as a powerful military camp of the time. The town's principal temple was Wat Yothanimit National maritime museum, the Underwater Archaeological Office is located within Khai Noen Wong specialising in exhibits on Thailand's merchant marine and items discovered from underwater archaeological explorations from all over the country. There are also exhibits of ancient sailing routes and products. An exhibition chamber deals with the history and culture of Chanthaburi. Khao Laem Sing Forest Park , Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route, 25 km from Tha Mai, passes through Wat Khao Laem Sing right up to the park HQ on a hill. Alternatively, visitors can charter a boat from Laem Sing beach to Ao Krathing Beach, just 400 metres away, and walk up to the park. Camping is allowed on application. Khao Laem Sing is a small hill 172 metres above the sea. Located to the east of the mouth of the Chanthaburi River, it has a cape jutting into the sea which looks like a sprawling lion. There is an old fortification called Pom Phairi Phinat built during the reign of King Rama lll. Hat Ao Yang is a small beach some 2km before the park. Cool and shady, it offers accommodation facilities for visitors. Hat Khung Wiman, Hat Khung Kraben, Hat Laem Sadet and Hat Chao Lao are all peaceful beaches in Tha Mai district and clustered in an area about 30km from town. At Km. 310 of Highway No. 3 is a right turn into Highway No. 3399 which leads to the area. Or one can proceed from Tha Mai district on the route passing through Wang Tanot dam. There are accommodation facilities for tourists, particularly at Hat Chao Lao where there are several hotels and bungalows to choose from. About one kilometre off shore from Hat Chao Lao are ranges of shallow water coral reefs covering an area of 14 square kilometres. Glass-bottomed boats are available. Over at Ao Khung Kraben are nature trails to study mangrove areas Do Rayong-Chantaburi Route Tham Khao Wang, at Ban Khao Wongkot, Kaeng Hang Maeo district, is part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park. About 40 km before Chanthaburi (Highway No 3 at Km. 286:Ban Kong Din) left turn into the park, 11 km or turn into Km 288 (Talat Na Yai Arm). Khao Wong, limestone hills standing in a circular cluster with cliffs. It containing stalagmites & stalactites. There are passages connecting to some of the chambers. The walking trails outside offer views of varied plantlife. There are no natural lights inside the cave. The best time for cave exploring is between Feb-Apr, otherwise (in other month) they tend to be flooded (raining season). Chanthaburi-Krathing Wrathing Waterfall Route The Chamsom Crocodile Farm and Zoo. The facility is surrounded by fruit orchards. To reach it go on Sukhumwit Highway until Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) then turn left, around 4 km further. Open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. There is an Elephant show every Saturday and Sunday at 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m. Tel: (039) 324247. Oasis sea world, 48/2 Moo 5 Paknam Laemsing Chanthaburi Thailand 22130 (From Chanthaburi, take taxi/songthaew, about 300 BHT for a group), ☎ (039) 499-222 (info@oasisseaworld.net, fax: (039) - 3936 - 3239), [1]. Swim with dolphins. The main website seems unmaintained. You can check http://www.swimwithdolphinsthailand.com/. In July 2011, this attraction was suspended for some renovations from late 2010 and planned to resume later this year. Some tour operators offers one day trip there (from Bangkok/Pattaya) between 1600-6000 BHT 180 BHT for park, 400 to swim with dolphins.  edit Buy Gems Market- At Si Chan Road & Trok Krachang (centre of town) offer world glass gems and precious stones. Local Mats - mats woven from Kok reed is at Ban Bang Sa Kaeo & Ban Samet Ngam. Purses & coasters is some of the the products. Eat Local Seafood products is worth to try. The Kuai Tieo Mu Lieng (Pork Noddle) is popular noodle soup with local herbs. Mu Chamuang (Pork Sweet Sour Curry) Fruits - the best durian, rambutan & mangosteen in Thailand. Durian snacks such as chewy Durian Kwuan and crisp fried Durian Thot Krop is nice. Drink Sleep Muang Chan Hotel, 257-259 Sri Chan Rd. (Exiting the main bus terminal, turn left onto Saritdidet, and proceed up the hill. After about ten minutes' walking, turn right onto Benchamarachuthis -- at the T in the road, in front of the Kasemsarn Hotel. After five minutes, just past Thanon Khwang, see the hotel on the right side of the street. From the Northern Terminal -- that's the one with the tuquoise-coloured fibreglass arch over the driveway -- turn left onto Thanon Thaluang and proceed up the hill, crossing the street to the right side when convenient. After ten minutes, turn right onto Benchamarachuthis in front of the Police Station. After ten minutes, just past Thanon Khwang, see the hotel on the right side of the street.), ☎ (039) 312909 (fax: (039) 327244). Showing its age a little, but excellent value in the heart of Old Town. Room is en-suite with cold shower. Free Wi-Fi officially only available in the lobby, but signal can be picked up in the rooms as well. Staff speak very limited English, but are friendly. Fan rooms: 250-400 baht. Air-con rooms: 420-650 baht.  edit The River Guest House, 3/5-8 Srichant Rd. (Next to the more southerly road bridge in the town centre, on the west side or the river (technically it's on the north bank given a small bend in the river)), ☎ (039) 328211. checkin: 6AM; checkout: Midday. Riverfront location, free Wi-Fi, free English newspapers, rooms include both windowless boxes and those with river-facing balconies, air-con, TV and en-suite. 190-500 baht.  edit Chanthaburi Riverside Hotel & Resort Get out Pailin - gem town and former Khmer Rouge stronghold in Cambodia Routes through Chanthaburi Bangkok ← Ban Phe ←  W  E  → Trat This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!