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The Chanthaburi City Pillar and the Taksin Maharat Shrine
are located on Tha Luang Road in front of the Taksin Military Barracks within town limit. Opposite stands an old building erected during the reign of King Rama VI which was formerly the town hall. The Taksin barracks are situated in an area where the old town once stood. There are ancient temples in town such as Wat Bot Muang and Wat Klang. Located in the public park near the town hall on Liap Noen Road, is the Taksin Maharat Memorial. 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 carry out the task of restoring the national independence. The large pond in the park serves as a popular recreation area and is stocked with a large variety of fish. Tuek Daeng or Red Building near Khuk Khi Kai is the site of the Phikhat Patchamit Fort built in the reign of King Rama III. It was subsequently turned into living quarters and military command post by the French. A single storey, red-tiled roof building, today it serves as the Laem Sing district public library. The Catholic Church
on Chanthanimit Road on the river bank is the largest Catholic edifice in Thailand. Built in 1909, it is of Gothic architectural style. The original tall roof was taken down during World War II to make it less conspicuous as a possible target. Opening daily 06.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m. More information tel. 03931 1578 4 kilometers from town on Sukhumvit Highway, is the site of an ancient Bot which was built over a Khmer-style temple. It also has a large collection of ancient Khmer sculptures such as lintels, sandstone door columns carve in various designs and inscription stone. Nearby is the Muang Phaniat archaeological site with its remains of laterite base of a large Khmer religious sanctuary and moats marking the town limit the south. The ancient town is believed to have been dated from the 12th-16the centuries B.E. (Buddhist Era).  Wat Phlup at Tambon Bang Kacha to the 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.  Situated on a hill, 20 kilometers north of town, covering an area of some 1,320 acres, Wat Khao Sukim was built in 1966 by devout Buddhists who had faith in Phra Achan Somchai Thitawiriyo. The objective of the temple is to be used as a meditation venue. The expansive temple compound offers a peaceful haven surrounded by shady orchards. The temple also houses a large collection of religious items and valuable antiques donated by the public. On display are wax sculptures of over twenty Buddhist monks highly revered by the public.

In the temples newly built Ubosot (ceremonial hall), mural painting created by Chakrabhand Posayakrit, National Thai Artist in Painting of the year 2000, can be appreciated. The temple is near Khao Khitchakut National Park, 20 kilometres from downtown Chanthaburi and can be reached through three accesses branching off Sukhumvit Road (Highway No. 3):- at Km. 305 (Ban Huai Sathon); at the Ban Noen Sung intersection; or at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) or Leng Hua Yi, is a temple in Chinese architectural style. Located on Sukhumvit Highway, it is at Km. 345 some 12 kilometers from town.

A left turn at Km. 346 on Highway No. 3 is the Namtok Phliu National Park, covering an area of 134.5 square kilometers along forestland at Khao Sa Bap mountain range. The 3-level Phliu waterfall features a basin of cool, clear water for splashing around and plenty of fish make the flowing streams their home. Nearby are a laterite chedi and stupa shaped like a pyramid built by King Rama V as a loving memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, his first consort, who died in a boat accident.

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfall, about 6 kilometers from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometers further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfall is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometers on foot. Underwater Archaeological Office
Soon to be established as a national maritime museum, the Underwater Archaeological Office is located within Khai Noen Wong specialising in exhibits on Thailands 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 the people of Chanthaburi. King Taksin dock located at Ban Samet Ngam about 8 kilometers to the southwest of the provincial town, follow the provincial highway. No. 3146. A distance of approximately 3 km.Then extract the right into a Samet Ngam village 5 kilometers. It is an archaeological site where remains of many old vessels have been found. The vicinity is also dotted with a number of square-shaped basins along the shore indicating they might have been a boat -building site. It is believed that the forces of King Taksin constructed their war vessels around here in preparation to liberating Ayutthaya after its fall. Operating on Mon – Fri 08.00 a.m. – 04.00 p.m. Located within the grounds of the Rambhai Barni Rajabhat Institute about 6 kilometers from town on Highway No.316. In the area of Wang Suan Ban Kaeo used to be the residence of the late Queen Rambhai Barni, royal consort of King Rama VII. She was instrumental in developing the local Chanthabun mats made from reed. Today, the palace houses her personal effects and products made from the Kok reeds and Chanthabun mats of lovely patterns. Si Chan Road
is the commercial area and center of gem business. Even though actual gem-mining in the province is not as extensively as it used to be, Chanthaburi remains a major center for gem dealings with stones from neighboring countries and abroad being bought and sold. The Gems Market during the mornings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10.00 a.m. - 03.00 p.m., attracts large crowd of gem dealers and visitors alike.
Hat Ao Yang
Hat Ao Yang is a small beach some 2 kilometres 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. These are all peaceful beaches in Tha Mai district and clustered in an area about 30 kilometres 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. located 50 km. from Chanthaburi in Amphoe Na Yai Am,turn left for another 18 km.at Km.301 on Sukhumwit Road. It is a long stretch of sandy beach with seasite accommodation available. The best period for visiting is during November-May

Ao Khung Kraben has white sand and is a shady beach that is connected to Laem Sadet. It is resourceful area of marshland with plenty of small marine animals their home. This area used to be located of Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Center.

Located 25 km. form Chanthaburi in Amphoe Tha Mai. Follow Tha Mai – Ban Moo Dud road. It is quieter beach and suitable for camping

Is a peaceful beach in Tha Mai district and clustered in an area about 30 kilometers from the town. Haad Chao Lao is said to be the most beautiful beach of Chanthaburi. The reddish sandy beach contrasts sharply with the clear blue sea. About one kilometer off shore from this beach are ranges of shallow water coral reefs. There are accommodation facilities for tourists, particularly at Haad Chao Lao where there are several hotels and bungalows to choose from.

Laem Sing is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

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 III.

The notorious Khuk Khi Kai, just before Laem Sing beach, was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 meters. The walls were holed for ventilation. The porous roof is said to have been used as chicken coop through which the birds dropped their excrements.

Is located in Tambon Paknam, 25 kilometers from town. Just before Laem Sing beach is the Oasis Sea World, which attracts visitors who delight in watching the exciting dolphin shows. Also on hand are butterfly farm and other animals. The dolphins are mainly those accidentally caught in fishermans nets in the Gulf of Thailand. Trained by Thai experts, they are now capable of showing off their high degree of ability. There are five shows daily. More information Tel: (039) 363238-9 Tham Khao Wong at Ban Khao Wongkot, Kaeng Hang Maeo district, is part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park. About 40 kilometres before reaching Chanthaburi town on Highway No.3 at Km. 286 (Ban Kong Din) is a left turn to the park, 11 kilometres further on. Or take a turn at Km. 288 (Talat Na Yai Arm) instead. From the cave proceed on foot to see the caves themselves. Advice could be obtained from park officials.

Khao Wong is a group of limestone hills standing in circular cluster with cliffs and caves containing stalagmites and stalactites. There are passages connecting some of the chambers. The walking trails outside offer views of varied plantlife. For those intending to explore the caves, torches are advisable as there are no natural lights inside. The best time to go cave-exploring is between February and April, after which they tend to be flooded.

The Khao Khitchakut National Park has its headquarters at a site which can be reached by taking a turning at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) on Highway No. 3 and proceed on for a further 21 kilometres.

The park covers a rich, verdant forestland of some 58 square kilometres where many herbal plants are found. It is also rich in wildlife. An attraction is the Krathing waterfall with its nature trails cutting through all 13 levels of the fall. There are clear ponds where swimming is possible. Camping is allowed in the park. There are also accommodations for visitors who should make advance booking at the Forestry Department in Bangkok.

Using the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route cars can easily access the Khao Laem Sing Forest Park, some 25 kilometres from Tha Mai. The route passes through Wat Khao Laem Sing right up to the park headquarters 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. Shooting the Rapids at Khlong Pong Nam Ron is an adventure travel during the season of July-January. Enthusiasts will thrill to the exciting passage through streams and rapids, an exercise of 2-4 level of difficulty. The two-hour trip passes through verdant forestland and fruit orchards. Contact tour agents or resorts in Pong Nam Ron district.

At Km. 62 on Highway No. 317, about 70 kilometers from Chanthaburi, is a left turn to Nam Tok Khao Soi Dao. The trail to the 15-level waterfall is amid unspoiled forests with a large variety of butterfly and bird. As it is a waterfall within a wildlife sanctuary, visitors are permitted only daytime only.

A left turn at Km. 346 on Highway No. 3 is the Namtok Phliu National Park, covering an area of 134.5 square kilometres along forestland at Khao Sa Bap mountain range. The 3-level Phliu waterfall features a basin of cool, clear water for splashing around and plenty of fish make the flowing streams their home. Nearby are a small Chedi and a pyramid built by King Rama V as a loving memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, his first consort, who died in a boat accident.

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfal, about 6 kilometres from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometres further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfal is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometres on foot.

The Chamsom Crocodile Farm and Zoo
This zoo has a number of crocodiles of different species as well as other animals. The facility is surrounded by fruit orchards. To reach it go on Sukhumvit Highway until Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) then turn left and proceed on for a further 4 kilometers.
□ Open daily from 08.30 a.m.- 5.30 p.m.
□ Crocodile shows every Saturday and Sunday at 11.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
□ Elephant shows every Saturday and Sunday at 12.00 noon and 4.00 p.m. Tel: (039) 312399, (039) 373256-7

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