5 Cool Places Worth Visiting In Chantaburi

Chanthaburi is a province in the east of Thailand, just 245 km. away from Bangkok.  It is the city which is appropriate to grow fruits especially durian, king of fruits, and mangosteen, queen of fruits.  There are places to go such as mountains, forests, waterfalls, beaches and historical sites.  Because it takes just 4 hours from Bangkok, Chanthaburi is one of popular cities for Thai and foreign tourists.





 


Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Located at 111 Mu 5, Santisook Road, Tambon Chantanimit, Amphur Muang Chantaburi on the left bank of the Chantaburi River and opposite Chantaboon River Community. It took almost 300 years to complete this Cathedral. At first, Father Herst Tolabtino and Christians who migrated from Vietnam started the project on the west bank of the River in 1711. Then in year 1834, it was re-built at current location, on the east side of the river.  In 1903, it was enlarged to serve and facilitate the increasing Catholics.

The Cathedral is in Gothic architecture. The chapel is 60 meters long and 20 meters wide. The spires were tall and easily noticeable. There is a 4.70 meters huge clock on the right tower. From this tower, you can see Chantaburi in panoramic view as far as 2 kilometers. The interior of the church decorated with beautiful Stained- Glasses of more than 100 years old depicting Christian Saints. The Holy Statue of Virgin Mary stands inside the church is beautifully adorned with more than 2,000,000 pieces of ruby, total weight more than 20,000 karats.

This is one of the oldest Catholic churches, most beautiful and the biggest Catholic edifices in Thailand.

Chantaburi Water Front Community

The 300 years old community has been here since the reign of The Great King Narai. It has now been restored and preserved that it has become an eco-tourism spot with old Thai wooden Houses, Vietnamese Brick Houses and some French influenced buildings. The Chantaburi Water Front Community attracted a lot of tourists that there are many chic café, restaurants and guess houses.


Namtok (Water Fall) Phlio National Park

Namtok Phlio is a mid-size water fall, originated from water under the ground between cracked rocks on the high cliffs with clear water flowing all year round. It is home of many kinds of fish including Mahseer barb which are found only in some water fall streams. The large number of them attracted tourists. There are 2 important and Interesting history monuments in this National Park.

One is a Pyramid memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, King Rama V’s beloved queen who died in a boat accident in Chaopraya River. The Granite Pyramid was built in 1881 as a monument of love for his queen. Part of the queen’s ash has been kept in this Pyramid.

Another monument is Alongkorn Chedi. The beauty of Phlio Waterfall became His Majesty Rama V and his queen’s favorite so he made an order to build the Chedi made of Laterite in 1876 at the cliff area.


Nong Bua Thai Desserts Market/Community Walking Street

Located at Nong Bua Tambon, Muang Chantaburi, this market is one of the communities promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. You will find all unique local desserts of Chantaburi here. Every households in this walking street prepares rare desserts for tourist to taste and try.  The desserts have unique names such as Kanom Kuay Ling (Monkey’s Penis), Kanom E-Nam Yiew Woa (Cow’s urine), Kanom Prapai, Kanom Look Rabird or ancient Tang May etc. Apart from desserts, there are local foods such as Moo Lieng Noodles, Grilled Shellfish, Crispy Rice served with sauce.

This market opens all day on weekend.


Oasis Sea World

Located about 30 kilometers from town, just before Laem Sing beach. It is a dolphin nursery and dolphin training center of 2 Thai dolphin species which are Bottlenose Dolphin or Pink Dolphin and Finless Porpoise or Irrawaddy Dolphin. Apart from the exciting Dolphin shows, Oasis Sea World lets tourists swim, play and touch in “Up Close” with dolphins which makes an impressive experience of a life time for tourists