Chanthaburi
จันทบุรี · Chanthaburi Province
Population
35K
Budget / Month
$285
Internet
65 Mbps
Best Season
November to May (dry season, fruit season Apr-Jun)
About Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi sits on the eastern seaboard of Thailand, about 250 kilometres from Bangkok, where the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains meet the Gulf of Thailand. The province stretches from lush, rain-drenched mountains down to a quiet coastline, and the town itself lines the banks of the Chanthaburi River in a setting that feels more like a Vietnamese riverside village than a typical Thai city.
The town's distinctive character comes from its layered cultural heritage. Vietnamese Catholics fled persecution and settled here in the 17th and 18th centuries, building the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, now Thailand's largest Christian church, with its French Gothic spires rising incongruously above the shophouses. The riverside community they established — known as Chanthaboon Waterfront — is a beautifully preserved strip of wooden shophouses, some Vietnamese, some Chinese, some Thai, now converted into cafes, boutique shops, and small museums. This old quarter is one of the most photogenic and least visited historic neighbourhoods in Thailand.
Chanthaburi's other claim to fame is gems. The province has been a centre of ruby and sapphire mining for centuries, and while the local mines are largely depleted, the gem trading industry remains. Every Friday to Sunday, Si Chan Road transforms into Asia's largest open-air gem market, where dealers from Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Africa spread their stones on folding tables. Even if you have no intention of buying, watching the dealers negotiate under their loupes is fascinating.
But for many Thai visitors, the real draw is fruit. Chanthaburi Province is Thailand's durian heartland, producing the country's finest and most expensive varieties including Monthong, Chanee, and the coveted Musang King. From April to June, roadside stalls overflow with durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, and salak. Fruit orchard tours let you eat as much as you can straight from the tree. The annual Fruit Festival in May-June is a major event, drawing hundreds of thousands of Thai visitors for fruit buffets, beauty pageants, and parades.
Beyond the town, the province offers surprisingly good nature. Namtok Phlio National Park has a beautiful waterfall with sacred carp pools. The coast around Laem Sing and Kung Wiman has quiet, undeveloped beaches with none of the tourism infrastructure — or crowds — of the southern islands. Khao Kitchakut National Park draws pilgrims to its mountaintop boulder formations, while the Oasis Sea World aquarium near the coast is popular with families.
Chanthaburi sees very few foreign tourists. You will struggle to find English-language menus or English-speaking staff outside a handful of newer boutique hotels. This is both its challenge and its charm. The prices are genuinely local — a full meal costs 40-60 baht, monthly rent starts at 3,000 baht, and a day exploring the town costs almost nothing. For travellers who want to see a side of Thailand that most visitors never experience, Chanthaburi is one of the best-kept secrets in the eastern region.
Historical Note
Chanthaburi has been a strategic border town for centuries, fought over by the Khmer, Burmese, and Siamese empires. France occupied the city from 1893 to 1905 as leverage in colonial Indochina disputes, leaving behind the cathedral and Western architectural influences. Vietnamese Catholic refugees settled here in waves from the 17th century onward, creating the distinctive riverside community that survives today as the Chanthaboon Waterfront.
Best time to visit: November to May (dry season, fruit season Apr-Jun)
At a Glance
Thai Name
จันทบุรี
Province
Chanthaburi
Region
Eastern
Population
34,645
Area
6,338 km²
Elevation
8 m
Postal Code
22000
Local Language
Thai (some Vietnamese and Chinese heritage communities)
Cost of Living
budget
/month10,000 THB
~$285 USD
comfortable
/month18,000 THB
~$515 USD
luxury
/month35,000 THB
~$1,000 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (noodles / rice) | 35 | 60 |
| Kuay tiew Chanthaburi (Sen Chan noodles) | 40 | 60 |
| Local restaurant meal | 50 | 100 |
| Seafood restaurant (per person) | 100 | 300 |
| Durian (per kg, peak season) | 150 | 500 |
| Coffee at a cafe | 35 | 70 |
| Beer (large bottle) | 55 | 90 |
| 7-Eleven snack meal | 30 | 55 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | 250 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel | 500 | 1,200 |
| Boutique hotel (old town) | 1,000 | 2,500 |
| Beach resort (Laem Sing area) | 800 | 2,000 |
| Monthly apartment rental | 3,000 | 6,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew within town | 10 | 20 |
| Motorbike rental (per day) | 150 | 250 |
| Minivan to Bangkok | 250 | 350 |
| Songthaew to nearby beach | 30 | 80 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data SIM (30 days, 30GB) | 200 | 400 |
| Laundry (per kg) | 25 | 40 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Namtok Phlio National Park entrance | 200 | 200 |
| Fruit orchard tour | 200 | 400 |
| Gem market browsing | 0 | 0 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
33% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for the best weather. April to June for durian and fruit season — the main reason many Thai visitors come. The gem market operates Friday to Sunday year-round. Avoid July-October when heavy rains can cause flooding.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 21 | 15 | 68% |
| Feb | 32 | 22 | 25 | 70% |
| Mar | 33 | 24 | 50 | 72% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 100 | 75% |
| May | 33 | 25 | 280 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 350 | 85% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 380 | 86% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 400 | 87% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 400 | 87% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 250 | 82% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 60 | 73% |
| Dec | 31 | 21 | 15 | 67% |
Things to Do
Chanthaboon Waterfront Community
ชุมชนริมน้ำจันทบูร
Beautifully preserved riverside neighbourhood of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai shophouses now housing cafes, galleries, and small museums.
Gem Market (Si Chan Road)
ตลาดพลอย
Asia's largest open-air gem market where dealers from around the world trade rubies, sapphires, and precious stones on folding tables every weekend.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
โบสถ์คาทอลิกจันทบุรี
Thailand's largest Christian church, a stunning French Gothic cathedral built by Vietnamese immigrants with stained glass windows and twin spires.
Namtok Phlio National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกพลิ้ว
Beautiful multi-tier waterfall surrounded by lush jungle with pools of sacred carp and easy walking trails. A favourite weekend spot for local families.
Fruit Orchard Tours
Visit working orchards during fruit season (April-June) to taste durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longkong straight from the tree. All-you-can-eat buffet style.
King Taksin Shrine
ศาลสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช
Shrine dedicated to King Taksin the Great who rallied his forces in Chanthaburi before liberating Siam from Burmese occupation. An important historical site.
Kung Wiman Beach
หาดคุ้งวิมาน
Quiet, curving bay with a long sandy beach, few visitors, and a viewpoint at the headland. One of Thailand's most under-visited beaches.
Laem Sing Beach
หาดแหลมสิงห์
Small coastal town with quiet beaches, seafood restaurants, and a lighthouse viewpoint. Popular with Thai weekenders but empty during the week.
Khao Kitchakut National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาคิชฌกูฏ
Mountainous park with a sacred summit featuring natural boulder formations that resemble Buddhist footprints. Pilgrimage site during February-March.
Chanthaburi Night Market
ตลาดกลางคืนจันทบุรี
Nightly market near the old town with cheap local food, fruit desserts, and Vietnamese-influenced snacks unique to the province.
Food & Dining
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเส้นจันท์
Kuay Tiew Sen Chan
Thin rice noodles named after Chanthaburi itself, served in clear broth with seafood or pork. The noodles have a distinctive silky texture unique to the province.
40-60
The old town waterfront area, or any noodle shop — they are proud of their local noodles
ทุเรียน
Durian (fresh from orchards)
Chanthaburi produces Thailand's finest durian — Monthong, Chanee, and Kan Yao varieties. The 'King of Fruits' is creamy, intense, and best eaten fresh from the tree.
150-500 per kg
Roadside stalls along Highway 3 during season (April-June), or orchard tours
หมูสะเต๊ะ
Moo Satay Vietnamese-Style
Grilled pork skewers with a Vietnamese-influenced sweet dipping sauce and pickled vegetables — a Chanthaburi specialty reflecting the town's cultural mix.
30-50
Night market stalls and the Chanthaboon waterfront area
ขนมเบื้องญวน
Kanom Bueang Yuan
Vietnamese-style crispy crepe filled with shrimp, beansprouts, and herbs — a popular street snack reflecting the town's Vietnamese heritage.
20-40
Street vendors in the old town and night market
ผัดฉ่าทะเล
Pad Cha Seafood
Stir-fried seafood with rhizome (grachai), chili, peppercorns, and fragrant herbs. The coastal province's fresh catch makes this dish exceptional here.
80-150
Seafood restaurants at Laem Sing or along the coast road
มังคุด
Mangosteen
Chanthaburi's other famous fruit — the 'Queen of Fruits' has sweet, tangy white segments inside a thick purple rind. Peak season May-July.
30-80 per kg
Any fruit stall in the province during season. The fruit market near the old town is excellent.
Night Markets
- Chanthaburi Night Market (near old town)
- Chanthaboon Waterfront weekend market
Food Streets
- Chanthaboon Waterfront community
- Si Chan Road area
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
600 - 1,500
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
3,000 - 5,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
4,500 - 7,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Limited accommodation options compared to tourist cities. Book ahead for weekends during fruit season (April-June) as Thai visitors fill up guesthouses. The boutique hotels in the old town are the nicest option but have few rooms.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus
3.5-4h
200-350 THB
Minivan
3-3.5h
250-350 THB
Drive
3h
Fuel (~500-700 THB) THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedSmall songthaew trucks run fixed routes through town. Wave them down and pay upon exit. Limited coverage.
10-20
Motorbike rental
LimitedThe best way to explore the province's orchards, waterfalls, and beaches independently.
150-250/day
Motorcycle taxi
LimitedMotorcycle taxis wait at key intersections and markets for short trips within town.
20-50
Walking
LimitedThe old town waterfront area is very walkable. The gem market, cathedral, and waterfront are all within walking distance.
Free
Neighborhoods
Chanthaboon Old Town / Waterfront
Quiet, charming, and slightly frozen in time — feels like Thailand 30 years agoThe historic riverside quarter with Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai shophouses, the cathedral, heritage cafes, and the most photogenic streetscapes in the province.
Best for: Culture, photography, cafe hopping, history
Si Chan Road / Gem Market Area
Busy on gem market weekends, sleepy during the weekThe commercial centre where the weekend gem market operates, surrounded by gem shops, restaurants, and the main shopping area.
Best for: Gem market, shopping, central location
Laem Sing Coast
Sleepy fishing village atmosphere with minimal tourism infrastructureQuiet coastal area about 30km from town with beaches, seafood restaurants, and a lighthouse viewpoint.
Best for: Beach time, seafood, escaping the town
Festivals & Events
Chanthaburi Fruit Festival
งานเทศกาลผลไม้จันทบุรี
Major annual festival celebrating the fruit harvest with all-you-can-eat durian and fruit buffets, parades, beauty pageants, and cooking competitions. Draws hundreds of thousands of Thai visitors.
Gem and Jewellery Festival
Annual gem trade fair with special exhibitions, gem cutting demonstrations, and deals from international dealers alongside the regular weekend market.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating offerings released on the Chanthaburi River. The old town waterfront setting makes this celebration particularly atmospheric.
King Taksin Memorial Festival
งานวันสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสินมหาราช
Festival honouring King Taksin who used Chanthaburi as his base to liberate Siam. Ceremonies, performances, and historical re-enactments at the King Taksin Shrine.
Practical Info
Hospital
Prapokklao Hospital Chanthaburi
Best SIM Provider
AIS or TRUE — both have decent 4G coverage in town and along main highways. Coverage weakens in mountain areas.
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Very limited English spoken anywhere. A translation app is essential. Even basic Thai will be met with genuine surprise and delight from locals. Signs are mostly Thai-only.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is 7-10 THB. Refill stations are less common than in tourist areas.
Tipping Culture
Not expected and rarely practised. Locals do not tip at restaurants. Leaving change is appreciated but not required.
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police: 1155, Ambulance: 1669, Police: 191
Day Trips
Namtok Phlio National Park
Beautiful waterfall with sacred carp pools, jungle trails, and a memorial chedi built by King Rama V. One of eastern Thailand's most popular nature spots.
Laem Sing & Kung Wiman Beaches
Quiet beaches on the coast with seafood restaurants, a lighthouse viewpoint, and almost no tourists. Great for a relaxed beach day.
Trat & Koh Chang
Neighbouring province with the popular island of Koh Chang accessible by ferry. Worth an overnight trip for beaches and snorkelling.
Khao Kitchakut National Park
Sacred mountain park with boulder formations and pilgrimage trails. The summit opens February-March for an annual pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chanthaburi worth visiting?
Absolutely, if you want an authentic Thai experience far from the tourist trail. The old town is charming, the gem market is fascinating, the food is excellent and cheap, and the fruit is world-class. It is not a glamorous destination but it is deeply rewarding for curious travelers.
When is the best time to visit for durian?
Peak durian season runs from April to June, with May being the sweet spot. Roadside stalls overflow with fruit and prices are at their most reasonable. The Fruit Festival in May-June is the main event.
How do I get from Bangkok to Chanthaburi?
Take a bus or minivan from Ekkamai bus station in Bangkok. The journey takes 3-4 hours and costs 200-350 THB. There is no airport or train station in Chanthaburi.
Is the gem market safe to buy from?
Unless you are an experienced gem buyer with knowledge of grading and pricing, do not buy. The market is fascinating to observe but ungraded stones are impossible to evaluate for a layperson. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon simply because so few tourists visit.
Do people speak English in Chanthaburi?
Almost no English is spoken. This is one of the least touristed provincial cities in Thailand. A translation app is essential. Some younger staff at newer boutique hotels may speak basic English.
Can I visit the old town and gem market in one day from Bangkok?
Technically yes, but it would be rushed. The 3-4 hour drive each way leaves limited time for exploring. At minimum stay one night to properly enjoy the old town at sunset and the night market.
Are there beaches near Chanthaburi?
Yes, the coast is about 30km from town. Laem Sing and Kung Wiman are quiet, undeveloped beaches with good seafood. They lack the white sand of southern islands but offer a genuinely peaceful experience with zero tourist crowds.
What is the Chanthaboon Waterfront?
It is the historic riverside community built by Vietnamese immigrants over 300 years ago. The wooden shophouses have been beautifully restored and now house cafes, galleries, and small museums. It is the highlight of any visit to Chanthaburi.