Chanthaburi

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
13/08/2025
Stunning low-angle view of gothic cathedral facade in Thailand
sukrit lamthong, Pexels

Chanthaburi offers a blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and a rich local culture, inviting visitors to experience its unique character beyond typical tourist paths. It is notably recognized as a hub for the global gem trade and a prominent region for tropical fruit cultivation.

The Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, an ancient riverside area, serves as a central point where visitors can explore historical buildings, enjoy local cafes, and dine at restaurants. While Chanthaburi provides opportunities to engage with local life and culture, it is not known for a prominent nightlife or a specific district dedicated to socializing with other tourists or backpackers.

Top 7 Things to do in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi offers a range of experiences from exploring historical riverside communities and bustling markets to discovering serene natural landscapes and engaging with local agriculture.

1. Chanthaboon Waterfront Community and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, a 300-year-old riverside area, invites exploration of its historic buildings, local cafes, and restaurants. This area, reflecting a blend of Thai, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences, received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. Nearby, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception stands as Thailand's largest Catholic church, showcasing impressive Gothic architecture. The interior features a significant statue of the Virgin Mary adorned with numerous donated gems. Visitors can appreciate the cultural fusion and historical depth of the area.

Cost: Entry to both the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is free.

Transport: Both locations are centrally located in Chanthaburi town and are within walking distance of each other.

2. Chanthaburi Gem Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chanthaburi's renowned Gem Market, a significant hub for the global gem trade. Here, local and foreign dealers engage in active trading of precious stones, particularly rubies and sapphires. The market operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering a unique glimpse into the intricate world of gem dealing, including the presence of 'Dek Doen Phloi' (middlemen) facilitating transactions.

Cost: There is no entrance fee to wander through the Gem Market.

Transport: The Gem Market is situated in the central area, near the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, making it accessible by walking from the town center.

3. Namtok Phlio National Park

Namtok Phlio National Park offers a refreshing escape into nature, primarily known for the multi-tiered Phlio Waterfall. Visitors can enjoy swimming in its clear, cool pools, which are home to numerous soro brook carp. The park also contains historical monuments, including the moss-covered Alongkon Chedi and a small pyramid housing the ashes of King Rama V's queen, Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat. Nature trails are available for exploration within the lush surroundings.

Cost: The entrance fee is 200 Thai Baht for adults and 100 Thai Baht for children under 15 years old.

Transport: Located approximately 14-17 kilometers southeast of Chanthaburi city, the park is reachable by songthaew from the north side of the market in Chanthaburi for about 50 Thai Baht (30-minute ride, dropping 1 km from the entrance). Alternatively, a taxi ride costs approximately 230-280 Thai Baht and takes about 19 minutes.

4. Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint

Perched along the scenic Chalerm Burapha Chonlathit coastal road, Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the winding road, dramatic cliffs, and the sparkling sea. It is particularly popular for capturing stunning photographs and enjoying sunsets over the coastline, providing a romantic and tranquil setting.

Cost: Access to the viewpoint is free of charge.

Transport: The viewpoint is best accessed by private car or bicycle, as it is part of a scenic coastal drive.

5. Tropical Fruit Orchards

Chanthaburi is recognized as Thailand's 'fruit capital,' particularly famous for its durians. Visiting local fruit orchards, especially during the peak season from May to July, allows for an immersive experience. Many orchards offer all-you-can-eat fruit buffets and guided tours on open-sided shuttle buses, providing insights into various tropical fruits like durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, and salak.

Cost: Costs vary depending on the specific orchard and whether it's part of an organized tour. All-you-can-eat fruit buffets at orchards typically have a per-person fee.

Transport: Fruit orchards are generally located outside the city center. While exact public transport options to individual orchards are not widely detailed, they are often visited as part of organized tours or via private vehicle.

6. Khao Laem Sing Forest Park and Ao Krathing Beach

Khao Laem Sing Forest Park encompasses a small hill that extends into the sea, resembling a sprawling lion. Within the park lies Ao Krathing Beach, a secluded and tranquil spot known for its unique orange-colored sand and clear, calm waters suitable for swimming. The park also features Pom Phairi Phinat, an old fortification dating back to King Rama III's reign. It is an ideal location for those seeking a quiet beach experience amidst natural beauty.

Cost: Entrance to Khao Laem Sing Forest Park is generally free, though some sources might imply a minimal fee depending on specific areas.

Transport: Located approximately 25 kilometers from Tha Mai, the park is best accessed by car via the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route. Alternatively, visitors can charter a boat from Laem Sing beach to Ao Krathing Beach, which is about 400 meters away from the park.

7. Oasis Sea World

Oasis Sea World offers entertaining dolphin shows featuring two rare local Thai dolphin species: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (pink dolphin) and the Irrawaddy dolphin. Beyond the shows, visitors have the unique opportunity to interact with dolphins, including swimming and touching them, which is a rare experience. The facility aims for dolphin conservation and provides other family-friendly activities such as fish feeding and a fish spa.

Cost: Admission to Oasis Sea World and the dolphin show costs 300 Thai Baht for adults and 200 Thai Baht for children. The experience of swimming with dolphins is an additional cost, approximately 2,500 Thai Baht per person for an hour and a half session. For groups, packages including transport, show, and swimming can range from 3,500 to 3,800 Thai Baht per person.

Transport: Oasis Sea World is located about 25-30 kilometers from Chanthaburi town in Tambon Paknam Laem Sing. Public transport is not widely available, and private transport or a taxi is generally recommended. A private car/van can be arranged, sometimes included in tour packages.

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