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Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi is the capital of Chanthaburi Province on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand. The province is rich in natural resources, especially gems, fish and fruit. Chanthaburi is a little different from your typical Thai town making it a great place to visit. It's situated on a quiet river, has some French colonial style buildings, world famous noodles and the oldest Christian church in Thailand. Chanthaburi is probably one of the least tourist oriented areas in the country with little or no English spoken. If that is not a problem for you then it is a great area to travel in. The people are extra friendly and the prices are lower. Having a rental car is also a real plus.

Chanthaburi was occupied for 10 years around 1900 by the French. Their influence is still felt in the food, buildings and people of the town.

Maenam Chanthaburi: This river is the heart of this town with lots of French collonial buildings lining the banks of both sides as it meanders through town. I saw a couple of skiffs being poled on the river but no longtails. Was I just lucky or are no boats motor boats allowed?

Taksin Park: This large public park in the southwest part of downtown near the town hall surrounds a man made lake stocked with lots of fish. It is a favourite place for locals to take a stroll. The Taksin Memorial Monument dedicated to King Taksin who, in the late 1700's pushed the Burmese out of Chanthaburi thus reunifying the country.

Church of the Immaculate Conception: On the east bank of the river in the center of town is the largest Catholic church in Thailand.

Chanthaburi Fruit Festival: This festival is held in early May to celebrate all of the wonderful fruit that grows in the area. The area between Chanthaburi and Cambodia is Thailand's fruit basket where durians, mangosteens and my favourite, rambutans are grown everywhere. The festival has stalls selling all the different varieties of each fruit. The festival is centered around the lake in Taksin Park and has floats both on water and on land that are amazingly built of fruit. There are competitions and prizes for the best durians and rambutans. Local crafts are also on offer. Some of the orchards give tours.

Gemstones: Chanthaburi is a well known hub for mining and selling gems. Both local and foreign gems of all quality are for sale here. The dealers are centered around Thanon Si Chan in the centre of town. Head down and check out some stones but be sure to know your stuff. There are numerous dealers selling high quality gems, synthetic ones and a lot of very low quality stuff. At the start of June, there is a Gem Festival in mid December.

Chanthaburi National Maritime Museum: Located 5 km southwest of Chanthaburi, this museum is a great place to spend part of an afternoon. The museum focuses on maritime history, architecture, trade and events. It is a well laid out place with lots of exhibits covering everything maritime. There are model ships, a full scale ship, archaeological displays, and even treasure. Open Wed-Sun, 9-4.

Namtok Phlio National Park: Located only 20 km from Chanthaburi, this park is a great place to go for a hike followed by a swim with the fish in the pool at the base of Phlio Waterfall. The park also has a few other waterfalls, a couple of monuments as well as a restaurant and some small shops where you can buy food to feed the fish. Take highway 3 south from Chanthaburi for 15 km and turn left at the sign. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Khao Khitchakut National Park: This is one of the smallest National Parks in Thailand. The views of the surrounding provinces, once you climb up, are great. There are some great hiking trails and a couple of waterfalls, including the 13 level Namtok Krathing. Take highway 3249 north from Chanthaburi for 40 km to the park road. Restaurant and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Chanthaburi Noodles: The best noodles for Pad Thai are the Chanthaburi rice noodles. Try them out for yourself if you don't believe me.

Oasis Seaworld: Want to swim with the dolphins? Here you can. Besides 5 dolphin shows daily, the centre has a limited number of spots to swim in a large pool with the dolphins. They also have a conservation and breeding program. From Chanthaburi go south on highway 3 for 15 km and then 3149 southwest for another 15 km to Hat Laem Singh and look for signs.

Beaches: There are a number of nice beaches 30 km southwest of Chanthaburi with reddish brown sand that are much less crowded than Phuket and other areas. The beachgoers are mostly locals or Thais on vacation.

Hat Laem Singh: Not the best beach to tan and relax on but it is an interesting place to watch the fishing boats and grab a bite of lunch in one of the many restaurants. From Chanthaburi go south on highway 3 for 15 km and then 3149 southwest for another 15 km and look for the big red customs building beside the beach.

Koh Nom Sao and Koh Chula: These two Islands are off Hat Laem Singh and are about 4km apart. Both Islands have reefs and beaches but little else. Hire a boat from Hat Laem Singh or go with a dive tour.

Hat Khung Wiman: 35 km due west of Chanthaburi lies this nice pine tree flanked beach. The beach is near the northern entrance to Ao Khung Krabain.

Hat Laem Sadet: Located near the southern entrance to Ao Khung Krabain, this sandy beach is also lined with pine trees and a few resorts.

Ao Kung Kraben: Between Hat Laem Sadet and Hat Khung Wiman is this 4 km wide bay that is almost fully enclosed. The Khung Krabain Study and Development Centre is located here where you can explore the mangrove forest. The nature trail is a wooden walkway through the mangrove forest that is almost 1 km long. The centre is a Royal project intended to restore the coastline from damage done over the last century and improve conservation methods. Well worth a visit.

Hat Chao Lao: Located 4 km south of Hat Laem Sadet, this nice looking beach seems to be a popular spot for Thais on holiday.