This small, likeable town sees few foreigners, but is becoming a popular spot for Bangkokians to enjoy a weekend away, nosing round the gem market and strolling along the picturesque Chantaboon Riverfront, a narrow street of well preserved wooden houses and shops that include souvenir shops and trendy cafes. Many of these cafes back onto the Chanthaburi River which flows slowly by.

Huge cathedral

Also beside the river is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, erected by Vietnamese immigrants— a beautiful structure and Thailand’s biggest cathedral.

King Taksin & gems

There’s a park and a shrine dedicated to King Taksin, who reunited Siam in the late 18th century after it had been overrun by the Burmese. On the weekends, it’s fun to wander through the Gem Quarter where you’ll see traders and buyers of all nationalities excitedly bargaining over rubies, sapphires and other precious stones.

Practical Info

Bus Regular buses connect Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal with Chanthaburi, the ride taking about 4 hours.