Are you looking for a unique and authentic destination in Thailand that is not overrun by tourists? Do you want to experience the rich history, culture, nature, and gems of this amazing country? If yes, then you need to visit Chanthaburi, a province in eastern Thailand that is full of surprises and wonders.
Chanthaburi is a hidden gem of Thailand that offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers who want to explore a different side of Thailand, away from the crowds and the clichés. Whether you are interested in visiting the largest Catholic church in Thailand, exploring the historical riverside community, enjoying the scenic waterfalls and parks, shopping at the famous gem market, or sampling the delicious local desserts, Chanthaburi has something for everyone.
In this article, we will show you the best things to do in Chanthaburi, how to get there, and why you should add this province to your Thailand itinerary. Read on to discover the hidden gem of Thailand that you need to visit.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
One of the most impressive and unique attractions in Chanthaburi is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in Thailand and a symbol of the French influence in Chanthaburi. The cathedral was built in the 18th century and renovated in the 19th century, when the French occupied the province for a short period. The cathedral features a stunning Gothic style, with stained glass windows, a marble altar, and a 59-meter-high spire.
The cathedral is open to visitors every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and you can also attend the mass on Sundays at 9 am or 5 pm. The best time to visit the cathedral is during the annual festival in December, when the church is decorated with lights and flowers, and a procession of the Virgin Mary statue takes place around the town.
Chanthaboon Waterfront Community
Another must-see attraction in Chanthaburi is the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, a historical riverside area with old wooden houses, museums, cafes, and shops. The community dates back to the 17th century and reflects the diversity of the people who lived there, such as the Chinese, the Vietnamese, and the French. The community is also known for its production of gemstones, especially sapphires and rubies.
You can walk along the waterfront and admire the architecture and the atmosphere of the community, or visit some of the interesting places, such as the Chanthaboon Learning Center, where you can learn about the history and culture of the area, the Baan Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, where you can stay in a traditional house and enjoy the hospitality of the locals, the Philatelic Museum, where you can see a collection of stamps and postcards, and the Old Market, where you can buy souvenirs and snacks.
Namtok Phlio National Park
If you are a nature lover, you will love Namtok Phlio National Park, a scenic park with waterfalls, pools, forests, and wildlife. The park is located about 14 kilometers from the town of Chanthaburi, and covers an area of 134 square kilometers. The main attraction of the park is the Namtok Phlio Waterfall, which has a large pool with fish that nibble on the visitors’ feet. The waterfall is also surrounded by a memorial park dedicated to King Rama V, who visited the waterfall in 1876.
Some of the other attractions and activities in the park are the King Rama V Monument, which commemorates the king’s visit, the Khlong Narai Waterfall, which is another beautiful waterfall with a pool, the nature trails, which offer a chance to see the flora and fauna of the park, such as monkeys, birds, and orchids, and the camping sites, where you can stay overnight and enjoy the starry sky.
Chanthaburi Gem Market
One of the most exciting and unique things to do in Chanthaburi is to visit the Chanthaburi Gem Market, a famous market where traders buy and sell precious stones, especially sapphires and rubies. The market is located in the center of the town, and operates every Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. The market attracts both locals and foreigners, who come to see the dazzling displays of gems, or to try their luck in finding a bargain.
The market is a great place to experience the culture and the economy of Chanthaburi, as well as to learn about the different types and qualities of gems. However, you need to be careful and smart when you shop at the market, as there are many fake gems and scams. Here are some tips and advice on how to enjoy the market:
- Do some research before you go to the market, and learn about the basic characteristics and prices of gems, such as the color, clarity, cut, and carat.
- Bring a magnifying glass or a loupe, and examine the gems carefully for any flaws, cracks, or treatments.
- Bargain hard, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you are not satisfied with the price or the quality of the gem.
- Don’t buy from the street vendors, who are more likely to sell fake gems or overcharge you. Instead, buy from the reputable shops or dealers, who have certificates and guarantees for their gems.
- Have fun, and don’t take the market too seriously. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can still enjoy the experience of the market and the thrill of the hunt.
Khao Khitchakut National Park
Another amazing national park in Chanthaburi is Khao Khitchakut National Park, a mountainous park with a sacred Buddha footprint, stunning views, and hiking trails. The park is located about 30 kilometers from the town of Chanthaburi, and covers an area of 59 square kilometers. The main attraction of the park is the Buddha footprint, which is located on the top of a rocky peak at an altitude of 1,085 meters. The footprint is believed to have been left by the Buddha himself, when he visited the mountain to meditate.
The Buddha footprint is open to visitors only during the dry season, from January to March, when the weather is clear and cool. To reach the footprint, you need to hike for about 3 kilometers from the park headquarters, or take a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The hike is challenging, but rewarding, as you can see the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
You can also visit some of the other attractions and activities in the park, such as the Krathing Waterfall, which is a 13-tiered waterfall with a pool, the Pha Sawan Waterfall, which is a 9-tiered waterfall with a rainbow, the rock formations, which have interesting shapes and names, such as the Crocodile Rock and the Turtle Rock, and the wildlife, which includes elephants, deer, monkeys, and birds.
Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Shrine
One of the most important and revered attractions in Chanthaburi is the Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Shrine, a shrine dedicated to King Taksin the Great, who liberated Thailand from the Burmese invasion and is considered as one of the greatest kings of Thailand. The shrine is located in the town of Chanthaburi, and was built in 1920 on the site where King Taksin established his base and army in 1767.
The shrine features a Chinese style, with a red and gold color scheme, a pagoda, and a courtyard. Inside the shrine, there are several golden statues of King Taksin and his generals, as well as incense offerings and candles. The shrine is open to visitors every day from 6 am to 6 pm, and you can also attend the daily ceremonies that take place at 8 am and 4 pm. The best time to visit the shrine is during the annual festival in December, when the shrine is decorated with lanterns and flags, and a parade of the king’s image takes place around the town.
Nong Bua Thai Dessert Market
Last but not least, one of the most delicious and delightful things to do in Chanthaburi is to visit the Nong Bua Thai Dessert Market, a market where you can sample various kinds of traditional Thai desserts, such as sticky rice, coconut milk, and fruits. The market is located in the Nong Bua village, about 12 kilometers from the town of Chanthaburi, and operates every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. The market is famous for its production and variety of desserts, which are influenced by the local ingredients, the seasons, and the cultures of the people who make them.
You can walk around the market and try some of the best and most popular desserts, such as the Khanom Chan, which is a layered dessert made of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, the Khanom Krok, which is a coconut pancake with different fillings, such as corn, taro, or pumpkin, the Khanom Thian, which is a sticky rice ball with coconut and palm sugar, and the Khanom Mo Kaeng, which is a baked custard with eggs, coconut milk, and mung beans. You can also buy some of the desserts as souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family.
As you can see, Chanthaburi is a hidden gem of Thailand that you need to visit. It has a unique and diverse range of attractions, activities, and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, or gems, Chanthaburi has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Chanthaburi and discover the hidden gem of Thailand for yourself. You will not regret it.
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