Chanthaburi (จันทบุรี) is an absorbing riverside town where precious stones ranging from sapphires to emeralds are traded every weekend in a bustling street gem market. Nearby, restored waterfront buildings in the historic quarter are evidence of how the Chinese, French and Vietnamese have influenced life – and architecture – here.
Vietnamese Christians fled persecution from Cochin China (southern Vietnam) in the 19th century and came to Chanthaburi. The French colonized Chanthaburi from 1893 to 1905 due to a dispute over the border between Siam and Indochina. More Vietnamese arrived in the 1920s and 1940s as they fled French rule, then a third wave followed in 1975 after the Communist takeover of southern Vietnam.
The surrounding area has waterfall-heavy national parks and charming beach villages to discover.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Chanthaburi.
Historic Site
Hugging the banks of Mae Nam Chanthaburi, this charismatic area is filled with restored houses and elderly residents who sit around reminiscing about old Chanthaburi. The Learning House displays neighbourhood photos, paintings and architectural designs, including upstairs drawings of intricate ventilation panels that feature Chinese characters and French fleurs-de-lis.
Market
Every weekend, the normally quiet streets near Th Si Chan (or 'Gem Road') burst into life as gem traders arrive to bustle and bargain. It's incongruously humble and pedestrian considering the value of the commodities on offer, as people cluster around makeshift office tables examining small piles of unset stones through magnifying glasses.
National Park
Lying 28km northeast of Chanthaburi, off Rte 3249, Khao Khitchakut National Park is one of Thailand’s smallest national parks (59 sq km). It’s bordered by wildlife sanctuaries and is home to wild elephants and the cascade of Nam Tok Krathing (only impressive just after the rainy season). There's also a hilltop temple where, by an enormous boulder, Buddha is believed to have left a footprint. Book accommodation here through the park reservation service (02 562 0760; www.dnp.go.th).
National Park
The popularity of this national park is evidenced by the food stalls lining the road to the entrance. A pleasant short nature trail loops around waterfalls, which writhe with soro brook carp; you can bathe here. Also look for the strikingly mossy Phra Nang Ruar Lom stupa (c 1876) and Along Khon chedi (c 1881). Campsite and bungalow accommodation can be booked via the park reservation service (02 562 0760; www.dnp.go.th). It's off Hwy 3, 14km southeast of Chanthaburi.
Cathedral
Thailand’s largest cathedral, on the east bank of Mae Nam Chanthaburi, started life as a modest chapel in 1711. Since then there have been four reconstructions. The current Gothic-style structure includes some impressive stained-glass windows and an upstairs gallery that gives the interior the feel of a medieval hall. The statue of the Virgin Mary at the front is bedecked with more than 200,000 sapphires – a fitting link between religion and the city’s famous gem trade.
Buddhist Temple
Begun in the early 18th century, this sizeable complex features a high, ornate ordination hall with fresco decoration and another building with an enormous reclining Buddha.
Museum
This traditional house in the heart of the waterside district has some interesting old and new photographs of the area, as well as a small garden and shop. The wide balcony upstairs is a fine spot to observe local life passing by below.
Buddhist Temple
This popular shrine holds the lak meuang (pillar of the city), which people adorn with gold leaf. The pillar has both symbolic and spiritual significance to locals, and was granted to the city by King Rama III in the 19th century.
Park
The town’s main oasis fills with joggers and picnicking families. It’s a pleasant spot for an evening stroll; there's a lake, an island centred on a statue of King Taksin, and cute bridges.