Famous for its abundance of tropical fruits and as a centre of gems, the eastern province of Chanthaburi is also blessed with rich, verdant forests with scenic waterfalls. The Chanthaburi River flows through the town which has been the home of ancient communities. Quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches are not far from town.

Chanthaburi was occupied by the French during the early part of the 20th century. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings including the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand, catering to a sizeable Christian population.

About 245 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 6,338 square kilometers, Chanthaburi as administratively divided into the following districts:- Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Khlung, Laem Sing, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Soi Dao, Na Yai Am, Kang Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut sub-district.

By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) and proceed to Chanthaburi along Highway No. 3. Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Chanthaburi every hour from 4 a.m.-midnight. For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2391 2504; Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0 2391 4146; Phonnipha Tour Tel: 0 2391 5179. □ Chanthaburi-Makham-Ban Ang 21 kms. Leave from Sui Siriphan Market, Starting from 07.00-16.00 hrs. Fare is 5-20 Baht
□ Chanthaburi-Nong Bua 12 kms. Leave from Sui Siriphan Market, Starting from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Fare is 7 Baht
□ Chanthaburi-Nong Sim 30 kms. Leave from Nam Phu Market, Starting from 07.00-18.00 hrs. Fare is 7 Baht
□ Chanthaburi-Patong 70 kms. Leave from Kasemsarn Bowl, Starting from 05.00-19.00 hrs. Fare is 20 Baht
□ Chanthaburi-Tha Chalab 12 kms. Leave from Nam Phu Market, Starting from 06.00-18.00 hrs. Fare is 10 Baht Chak Phra Bat
This is another traditional event which is held during the Songkran Festival in April at Wat Taphon Yai in Khlung district. A fair established more than a century ago, it involves paying respects to the elderly by sprinkling scented water over their hands, and the exciting tug of war by carts.

This annual fair is held in the provincial capital, usually during the middle of May, to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as rambutan, durian, mangos teen and zalacca, then at their peak of succulent ripeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchard, there are cultural show and exhibitions of provincial handicrafts.

 

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