This ancient port on the eastern coast of Thailand about 300 kilometers from Bangkok. The province is abundant with natural resources stunning waterfalls, lush forests and clean beaches. Its known for its tropical fruit and for it's position as the centre of Thailand's Gem Industry.

Chanthaburi Town is known locally as (Chan) the towns architecture reflects on earlier occupations and is particularly attractive with many Thai traditional houses along the river bank, that runs through the center of the town. Its also the home of Thailand's Largest Catholic Cathedral.

Chanthaburi province is located in the east of Thailand, at the border to Battambang and Pailin Cambodia and the shore to the Gulf of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Trat in the east and Rayong, Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Sa Kaeo.

The province is divided into 10 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Chanthaburi, Khlung, Tha Mai, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Laem Sing, Soi Dao, Kaeng Hang Maeo, Na Yai Am and Khao Khitchakut. These are further divided into sub districts (tambon) and villages (muban). The main river of the province is the Chanthaburi River

While the southern part of the province is located at the shore to the Gulf of Thailand and thus is mostly coastal alluvial plains, the hinterlands of the province are quite mountainous. The Chanthaburi mountain range in the north and has the highest elevation of the province. Soi Dao Nua is the highest Peak at 1556 meters above sea level.

Somdet Phna Chao Taksin Maharaj Public Park is a large park in the centre of town. Boats can be rented for punting, in the middle of the park there is an island with a statue of King Taksin.

Laem Sadet Khung Kraben has long clean beaches and hosts many seafood restaurants some have bathing rooms for swimmers. The west of Laem Sing there is a clean yellow beach, which offers great views of the islands Koh Perhrit, Koh Chula and Koh Sao.

Khao Khitchakut is located in the north of Chanthaburi province. The mountainous park covers an area of about 59 square kilometers making it one of Thailand's smallest parks.

The tallest mountain in the park, is Khao Probad. Standing at a 1085 meters above sea level. Its the main watershed area for Chanthaburi province.

Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park covers an area of about 120 square kilometers, connecting to mountains from the north, through to the south. The summit of Khao Siphachan on the West Side is 802 meters above sea level.

The north connects to Khao Ang Ruenai Wildlife Sanctuary, where there are many canals through the forest. Khlong Tanot is the main canal with a large amount deep streams.

Namtok Phlio National Park is located 14 kilometers from Chanthaburi and covers an area of 134 square kilometers. The park also covers areas in other districts of Chanthaburi province. Mueang, Laemsing, Khlung and Makham districts.

The area is rich with forests and filled with dense high mountains. The headwater of many streams and rivers with many stunning water falls.

Phliu Waterfall is south east of Chanthaburi is a 30 minutes drive along highway 3 buses leave for the park from the front of Chanthaburi municipal market.

National Parks Thailand

By Car, Taxi or Minibus is the most conveniant way to travel to Chanthaburi. From the majority of hotels in Bangkok. Depending on route the journey takes around 3 hours.

Air Conditioned Buses and regular buses depart from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) Bangkok every hour to Chanthaburi. Starting from 05:00 to 24:00 hours.

Air Conditioned Buses also depart to Chanthaburi from the Morchit Bus Terminal Bangkok at 7:30 am. 8:30 am. 2:30 pm. and 5:30 pm.

Return journeys from Chanthaburi to Bangkok depart at 9:00 am. and 3:45 pm. The journey takes just over 3 hours.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Markets are every where in Thailand. Chanthaburi, like Trat is famous for its weekend gem market and worth visiting.

Visitors to the Gem Market Beware of Fakes! Never buy from people approaching you in the street.

Chanthabrui resorts provide plenty of leisure and sporting activities from fitness centers to water sports.

The provinces national parks are great for trekking and rafting tours, fishing inland and deep sea is also available.

Chanthabrui offers many good quality beach resort hotels with plenty of leisure activities. You will also find plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses along the towns river bank and in the town.

The town is well worth a visit of 2 or 3 days to explore the old town and nearby villages. Giving you an insight to the real Thailand.