Some places in Thailand have reputations that precede them, and often end up disappointing travelers as a result. And not just top-tier ones like Chiang Mai and Phuket, though these are obviously the most notable examples.
The more I explore Thailand, to be sure, the more I fan I am of going places for which I truly have no expectations—and where, as tends to happen in all areas of live, I leave inspired and enriched.
My Chanthaburi travel guide, which covers the underrated province of the same name in Thailand’s far southeast, illustrates this concept perfectly. Chanthaburi isn’t a place most travelers will consider visiting, on account of its remote geography and niche attractions and appeal. But if you do make the journey, I promise that it will reward you.
Where to Stay in Chanthaburi
For as long as I’d been browsing Chanthaburi hotels prior to going there, I had just one in mind: Baan Luang Rajamaitri. Housed in a historical home that has a museum on its ground floor, and owned by local family with literally centuries of prominence in the region, it’s precisely the sort of place I love to stay in small, old towns in Southeast Asia. Plus it’s right on the Chanthaboon Waterfront, with a gorgeous view over the Chanthaburi River.
Now, let’s be clear: There are other similar hotels here, including Punyashthiti Villa and Usabai Riverside Boutique Hotel. But whether because of a much higher price in the first case, or a less authentic ambiance in the second, I consider these properties a second choice, and would only stay there on future trips if my first was not available. Thankfully, I don’t see Chanthaburi becoming a top tourist destination anytime soon, so I doubt this will be an issue.
Where to Go in Chanthaburi
Chanthaboon Waterfront
The Chanthaboon Waterfront is delightful not only to use as your base for exploring Chanthaburi, but also to see from afar. In particular, seeing it from just across the Chanthaburi River offers the best perspective. Additionally, this is one of the best areas in Chanthaburi to discover its food scene, including เส้นจันท์ (Sen chan), aka Chanthaburi noodles.
Chanthaburi Cathedral
At some point, your Chanthaburi itinerary will inevitably take you to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, sometimes also known in English as “Chanthaburi Cathedral” (no doubt a play on Canterbury). While this 19th-century structure is impressive within the context of the old town, especially at night, I couldn’t help but think that it might not be worth mentioning if you saw it in Europe.
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu Blue Temple
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu, by contrast, is an absolute stunner—and, ironically, very much evokes iconic European structures, in particular those in Portugal adorned by azulejo tiles. This is quite a way’s outside the city—if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to arrange a car and drive through your hotel—but is absolutely worth it, especially in combination with all the beautiful nature along the way.
Phlio Waterfall
Among said nature is another of my favorite things to do in Chanthaburi: Phlio Waterfall National Park. Located only around 15 minutes by foot from the parking lot, this medium-sized waterfall is perfectly impressive for the amount of work you have to put in to reach. And because you can easily combine it with a trip to the Blue Temple, which works well thematically given how deeply green the waterfall’s surrounding forest is.
Chanthaburi International Gems Market
The Chanthaburi International Gems Market, located basically just over the river from the church, is certainly not the “last” thing worth seeing in Chanthaburi. But if you happen to be there on Friday or Saturday morning, it’s absolutely worth a walkthrough, even if you don’t plan to buy anything. Do note in any case that most of the gems sold here are no longer collected near here (though they were at some point in the past).
How Long Do You Need in Chanthaburi?
Chanthaburi is a small city, but a large province; there’s a lot to see that isn’t in the immediate city center. This is further complicated for travelers who don’t have their own cars, since public transportation is extremely limited. If you do have your own car, I’d suggest spending two nights in Chanthaburi at a minimum; if you don’t (and do note, you’ll almost certainly need to hire some kind of car/driver, and have funds for doing so), give yourself an extra day to figure things out.
Regardless of how many days in Chanthaburi you plan to spend, there’s the question of how it will fit into your trip. As I’ve alluded to here and in other articles, you basically have two options: A standalone trip by road from Bangkok (or elsewhere in east-central Thailand, be that in Chonburi or Rayong provinces); or on the way from Bangkok to Trat (or back)—or, perhaps, round-trip from Trat, meaning that you’d go back to Trat and fly from there back to BKK airport.
Other FAQ About Travel to Chanthaburi
Is Chanthaburi worth visiting?
Chanthaburi was one of my most pleasant Thailand travel surprises—it’s completely worth visiting. Thinking back on all the things that delighted me about it, in fact, it’s almost hard to list everything off, from the delicious Sen Chan (เส้นจันท์) noodles, to the charming Chanthaboon Waterfront, to the contrast of the regal gemstones being sold at the gem market with the ramshackle feel of the street where it takes place.
What is Chanthaburi famous for?
Chanthaburi is well-known not only for its famous Catholic church (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), but for being the home to Sen Chan, noodles most of the world knows as being the bedrock of Pad Thai. Countless other treasures dot both the lands and coastline of this largely rural province, including the Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu “blue temple.”
How do I get to Chanthaburi?
Chanthaburi is on the way between Bangkok, Chonburi and Rayong provinces to Trat, or back the other way. If you don’t stop here en route between destinations, whether you head east of west, you could potentially make a round-trip journey from Trat (i.e. after island hopping between Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Wai and Koh Kood) to here, and then just fly from Trat Airport (TDX) back to Bangkok (BKK).
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found my Chanthaburi travel guide useful. Once you decide that Chanthaburi is worth visiting, it’s really just a matter of putting your trip together—and that’s easy, if you read this page carefully. The key decisions you need to make are how you’ll reach Chanthaburi, and how long you’d spend there. Ideally you’ll come in your own private car (whether rented, or owned by a Thai friend of yours); in spite of the long journey en route, having your own set of wheels is ideal to explore all that this spread-out province has to offer. Need personalized help setting your course around Chanthaburi (and elsewhere)? Consider hiring me to plan your Thailand trip!
