Chanthaburi provincial seal , which is the moon surrounded by an aura, with a rabbit inside, symbolizes the beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of this territory.
| Chanthaburi, or Chanthabun, commonly called Muang Chan (each name means "City of the Moon") is a coastal town on the eastern seaboard of Thailand.The city is wealthy and rich in natural resources, such as gem mines and fertile soil, good for the cultivation of tropical fruits as well as paddy fields and farms land. The plentiful orchards of tropical fruits include rambutan, durian, mangosteen, custard apple, guava, jackfruit, pomelo, rose apple, sapodilla, longan and langsat. Products from the seas and seafood are also extensive. It is also blessed with natural beauties and attractions equal to any sister provinces. | |
 The province has continuous history in
pre-historic and the ancient Khmer periods. Also, it has played an important role in the
history of the nation both before and during the Rattanakosin Period. Its historical
importance lies in two major events: The first took place while King Tak Sin was still
Governor of Kamphaeng Phet; Ayutthaya had fallen in 1767 and Tak Sin was marching along
the east coast trying to rally his followers for a campaign to expel the Burmese invaders.
His first victory was won by taking the walled city of Chanthaburi. The second event was
the so called Incident of 1893, when Chanthaburi was almost lost to a foreign colonial
power (France). This particular event was commemorated by the Tuk Daeng, or Red Brick Fort
and Kook Ki Kai (Chicken's shit prison), which can still be seen at Lam Singh (Singha
Point) today. Chanthaburi is about 291 kilometers from Bangkok on Highway 3, or 245 kilometers on Highway 36 and 344.
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| How to get there | By Car
Bangkok-Chanthaburi ( Ekamai Bus Terminal) Both air and non air-conditioned buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai). The rare non air-conditioned buses cost 93 baht. Air-conditioned buses leave every hour, starting from 05.00-24.00 hrs. The fare is 130 baht (Tel. 02-3912504, 3918097) Bangkok-Chanthaburi ( Morchit Bus Terminal ) Air conditioned buses from Morchit Bus Terminal leave Bangkok at 07.30 a.m., 08.30 a.m., 02.30 p.m. and 05.30 p.m., and from Chanthaburi at 09.00 a.m. and 03.45 p.m. One way fare is 135 baht. The trip takes about 3.10 hours. |
| Namtok Phliu National Park
The 42,000-acre park was established in 1975, with numerous species of wild plants and
fruits in perfusion. Namtok Phliu (Phliu Waterfall) itself boast a stupa which was built by King Rama V in 1876, as well as a pyramid-type structure housing the remains of Queen Sunantha who 2 year earlier had visited Namtok Phliu. Accommodation is available by contacting National Park Division Tel. 579-0529, 579-4842. Namtok Phliu is a famous tourist spot so there are mini buses from the municipal market leaving for the waterfall daily. 31 kilometers from Chanthaburi town on Sukhumvit Highway, take a right turn at Km.347 is the Lam Singh (cape), a likeness of a lion on all four facing the sea. On the Laem Sing hill are the remain of one of the two forts built during King Rama III's reign. The Lam Singh beach itself is not very appealing at present as it serves as the leading pier for fishing boats. Built by the French in the year 112 of the Rattanakosin (Bangkok) Era, located just one kilometer before the present-day pier, Kook Ki Kai was used by the builders as a retention center for Thai Nationals. A rectangular-shaped structure built with red bricks with two rows of ventilating slits and perforacted roof, it is said that the roof was used as chicken coop from which fowl waste was dropped onto the prisoners.
Tuk Daeng or the Red Brick Fort, was built at the same time as the Kook Ki Kai (1893). Originally it was the headquarters of the Phikat Patchamit Fort but French adapted it into living quarters for officers. There are mini buses from municipal market leaving for Lam Singh, Kook Ki Kai and Tuk Daeng daily. Wat Khao Sukim Located at Km. 305 on Sukhumvit Highway, then turn left about 13 kilometers, is a religious center for meditation in a tranquil and tree shaded atmosphere. King Tak Sin The Great's Monument Located on Tha Luang Road in Amphoe Muang, opposite to the old governor office. Built in 1893 the building houses a bronze statue of the King. Namtok Krathing One of the very beautiful waterfall in Khao Khitchakut National Park Tambon Phluang of Amphoe Makham. It is 30 km. from Chanthaburi. To get there, taking Sukhumvit Road at Km. 324 then turn left about 21 km. Located on top of Khao Khitchakut are imprint of Lord Buddha's foot, and a very beautiful cave called "Tham Ruesi" (Hermit's Cave). In this cave there is a water-well called "Bo Ya" (medicine well). The soil in the well has yellow colour. It is believed that the water can be used to cure some disease. To get to the cave takes about 2 hours along a hiking trail. Laem Sadet and Khung Kraben Located in Tambon Kholong Kut of Amphoe Tha Mai. To get there, take Sukhumvit Highway at Km. 301, then turn right about 27 km. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of beach, cape, mountain and bay. Both turbulent and calm seas can be seen here at the same time. |
Si
chan Road, also known as Gem road,
an economic route of the province. Cut gems are put on sales here. On Fridays, Saturdays,
and Sundays, gem trading in Trok Krachang or Krachang Lane lends a very informal
atmosphere.