Where to stay in Chanthaburi – old town, beaches and orchards
Chanthaburi's riverside old town, gem market, fruit orchards and quiet beaches. Where to stay and when to visit.
Chanthaburi, between Rayong and Trat on the eastern coast, is one of Thailand’s most rewarding and least-visited provinces. It is known for its gem trade, its fruit orchards and a historic riverside quarter shaped by Chinese, Vietnamese and French influences.
Choosing where to stay
- Chanthaburi town has the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, a long street of restored wooden houses along the river, with cafés and small guesthouses. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception across the river is the largest Catholic church in Thailand.
- The coast, around Chao Lao, Laem Sadet and Khung Kraben Bay, has quiet beaches, seafood restaurants and resorts popular with Thai families.
- Orchard stays inland let you visit durian, mangosteen and rambutan farms in season.
Things to do
- The gem market around Si Chan Road, busiest on Friday to Sunday mornings.
- Khung Kraben Bay mangrove walk and aquarium.
- Namtok Phlio National Park, with a waterfall full of fish.
- Fruit season, roughly April to June, when orchards open to visitors and the province holds fruit fairs.
When to go
The dry season from November to April is best for the beaches. The fruit season runs from about April to June.
Getting there
Chanthaburi is about four hours by road from Bangkok. Buses run from Bangkok’s Eastern (Ekkamai) and Northern (Mo Chit) bus terminals. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Trat.
Things to do
Khung Kraben BayA mangrove bay with a nature study centre and an aquarium on Chanthaburi's coast. What to see at Khung Kraben and how to get there.
