Chanthaburi Attractions and Travel Guide

Amphoe Mueang Chanthaburi-Amphoe Makham-Amphoe Soi Dao Route

Chanthaburi Herbal Garden (สวนสมุนไพรจันทบุรี)

An agency under the Medical Science Department, Ministry of Public Health, located 25 Kilometres from Chanthaburi provincial town. There are an experimental plantation and nursery of various herbs to be used in research and experiments for medical production. Open daily during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. A group visit will have to seek prior permission from the Director of Herbal Research Institute. For more information, Tel. 0 3941 3177 Bangkok Tel. 0 2589 9850-8 ext. 9042-3.

Khiri Than Dam (เขื่อนคีรีธาร)

Located in Amphoe Tha Makham 40 Kilometres from Chanthaburi. Follow Highway No. 317 for 20 Kilometres and turn right for 14 Kilometres to the dam. It was built by the Energy Development and Promotion Department, Ministry of Science Technology and Environment into a multi-purpose dam for electricity generation, irrigation, fishery, as well as, prevention and alleviation of floods in the rainy season. Its highest altitude for water is 205 metres from sea level, with a carrying capacity of approximately 76 million cubic metres. Its reservoir offers a picturesque scenery but without any facilities available.

Chong Phakkat Thai-Cambodian Border Market (ตลาดชายแดนไทย-กัมพูชา ช่องผักกาด)

Located at Ban Khlong Yai, Mu 4 Tambon Khlong Yai, 30 Kilometres from Pong Nam Ron District Office, 20 Kilometres from Pailin and 68 Kilometres from Preah Tabong in Cambodia. It is a commodity market but shopping across the border is allowed for Thai citizens only. Open during 7.00 a.m.–8.00 p.m.

Ban Laem Thai-Cambodian Border Market (ตลาดชายแดนไทย-กัมพูชา บ้านแหลม)

Located at Ban Laem, Mu 4 Tambon Thep Nimit, 46 Kilometres from Pong Nam Ron District Office. It is a commodity market along the border, with an occupational promotion in making wooden furniture for sale to the general public and tourists. Shopping across the border is convenient but available only for residents of Amphoe Pong Nam Ron and Amphoe Soi Dao during 7.00 a.m.-8.00 p.m. The market is 86 Kilometres from Preah Tabong. For more information, please contact the Security Department, Tel. 0 3931 2730.

Namtok Hin Dat (น้ำตกหินดาด)

Located on the Soi Dao Range at Mu 2 Tambon Thap Sai, 10 Kilometres and another 3 Kilometres walk which takes about 2 hours from Pong Nam Ron District Office. The 12-tiered waterfall is surrounded by an intact evergreen forest, with its 9th-12th tiers being especially breathtaking. A return trip takes about 3 hours and will require a guide. Contact Subdistrict Chief Thongchai Phrae-ngam at Tel. 0 3944 7247, 08 7143 5521.

Namtok Khao Soi Dao (น้ำตกเขาสอยดาว)

Llocated within Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Amphoe Soi Dao, some 4 Kilometres from the sanctuary’s headquarters. The waterfall has 16 tiers with a large swarm of butterflies ideal for butterfly watching and plant study. The Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary covers mixed decicuous forest, decicuous dipterocarp forest, with an abundance of herbs, flora and fauna. Its topography is mountainous with 2 peaks; namely, Soi Dao Nuea and Soi Dao Tai. The Soi Dao Tai is the highest peak rising approximately 1,675 metres above sea level. The verdant forest is the watershed of several streams that become the large Namtok Khao Soi Dao in the deep jungle. It is accessible by foot along a scenic and adventurous trail. The large topmost tier is breathtaking and accessible by climbing banyan roots up the cliff of about 20 metres high. Visitors can walk as far as the 9th tier which is a distance of 2.5 Kilometres and takes nearly 2 hours. The 10th -16th tiers will require a guide and another 1 hour walk. Guesthouses are available near the waterfall.

The sanctuary also provides a nature trail named “Lila Sai” or the grace of the banyan, starting from the sanctuary’s headquarters. Along the trail, visitors will notice the buttress roots, lichens, banyan trees, Yang Daeng, natural salt lick, etc., with nature interpretation signs. The 2 Kilometres trail takes about 2 hours.

Accommodation, there are 3 guesthouses for 8-70 persons available at the sanctuary, tents for 2 persons at 100 baht/night and camping fee of 30 baht/person/night for own tents. Camping is allowed but contact in advance is required. For more information, please contact the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Amphoe Khao Soi Dao, Chanthaburi 22180, Tel. 08 1384 5164 or National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

How to get there: Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is 70 Kilometres from the provincial town along Highway No. 317 toward Sa Kaeo. After passing Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, at Kilometres 22 before reaching Patong Market, turn left for another 4 Kilometres to the sanctuary’s headquarters. The waterfall is about 5 Kilometres away: 2.5 Kilometres by car and another 2 Kilometres on foot, or take a bus, the Chanthaburi–Sa Kaeo route, get off at Patong Market and charter a Song Thaeo minibus to the sanctuary.

Amphoe Mueang Chanthaburi–Amphoe Laem Sing–Amphoe Khlung Route

Wat Mangkon Buppharam or Wat Leng Hua Yi (วัดมังกรบุปผาราม หรือ วัดเล่งฮัวยี่)

Is located on Sukhumvit Road, Chanthaburi - Khlung Route, 16 Kilometres from the city. It is a Mahayana Sect’s temple, built in 1977. There is a reception hall and ordination hall, decorated with mosaics in different beautiful patterns. The temple’s atmosphere is shady and serene, suitable for people who are interested in practice meditation. Accommodation is available.

There are two major events arranged at the temple every year: Kathin Offering Ceremony, held after the Buddhist Lent, and Temple’s Annual Fair, held 21 days after the Chinese New Year. People will go to the temple to make merit, practice precepts, and stay at the temple during the festival period of 7 - 10 days.

Namtok Phlio National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกพลิ้ว) located in Amphoe Laem Sing on the Sa Bap Range, covering a total area of 84,063 rai with various species of flora such as Khanun Pa, Krathon Pa, Phimsen, etc., and fauna, the most frequently seen including boar, serow, mongoose, ground squirrel, Asiatic black bear, gibbon, monkey, etc. It is also home to several kinds of fish.

It is said that “Phlio” is a Chong term for sand or beach. However, it was understood that the name of the waterfall was derived from a kind of vine growing in sandy soil and bearing small reddish yellow fruits. Namtok Phlio is a large waterfall with water all year round which is so clear that its sandy soil bed is visible.

Places of interest within the National Park include:

Namtok Khlong Narai (น้ำตกคลองนารายณ์)

Otherwise known as “Namtok Khao So Bap”, located some 8 Kilometres from the provincial town on the Chanthaburi – Laem Sing route. The 25-metre high waterfall is accessible by walking along the trail in a verdant forest. The atmosphere is ideal for nature-lovers who wish to spend a night amid serene nature.

Namtok Phlio (น้ำตกพลิ้ว)

Located only 200 metres from the national park’s headquarters. It is a medium-scale waterfall originating from an underground stream that springs and cascades over the cliff down to a pool below. The water is clear and ideal for swimming. Before reaching the waterfall, there is a pool which is a natural habitat of soro brook carp that reside in the stream of waterfalls in some regions only. There are also 2 important monuments within the waterfall area including:

Alongkon Chedi (อลงกรณ์เจดีย์)

Built from laterite in 1876 A.D. by King Rama V in memory of the king’s and his beloved consort’s, Queen Sunantha Kumarirat, visit to the waterfall in 1874. The royal couple was much pleased with the waterfall.

Phranang Ruea Lom Pyramid (ปิรามิดพระนางเรือล่ม)

A pyramidal stupa built from granite in 1881 in memory of the affectionate love of King Rama Ⅴtoward Queen Sunantha who was killed in a boat accident on the Chao Phraya River. The stupa also contains part of her royal ashes.

Namtok Trok Nong (น้ำตกตรอกนอง)

Located to the west of Namtok Phlio 26 Kilometres from Chanthaburi provincial town along Sukhumwit Road, the Chanthaburi–Khlung route. Turn left at the Amphoe Khlung Intersection into the Amphoe Khlung–Amphoe Makham route for approximately 10 Kilometres and turn left at Ban Trok Nong for another 2 Kilometres to the Safeguard Unit 2 (Namtok Trok Nong).

The waterfall has 3 tiers. The 1st tier is known as “Namtok Mai Si” (Mai Si refers to bamboo). It is only 500 metres from the Safeguard Unit. The 1st tier is accessible through a 50-metre long bamboo forest tunnel. The 2nd tier is called “Namtok Klang” which is about 1 Kilometres away from the 1st tier and surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. The 3rd tier is “Namtok Trok Nong” located about 1 Kilometres from the 2nd tier and cascades down a cliff of approximately 20 metres high. Walking to the waterfall will need a guide. Visitors to the 3rd tier are recommended to contact the national park’s official. Camping is allowed within the national park with tents for 2 persons available at 270 baht per night.

Admission to the national park is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children.

Accommodation, there are 4 guesthouses for 6 persons available at 1,800 baht, camp for 30 person at 3,000 baht, tents for 2 persons at 270 baht and a camping fee of 30 baht/person/night for own tents. For more details, please contact Namtok Phlio National Park, Tel. 0 3943 4528 or National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th. How to get there: it is 14 Kilometres from Chanthaburi along Sukhumwit Road, the Chanthaburi–Khlung route. Turn left at Kilometres 346 for another 2 Kilometres to Namtok Phlio. Or take the Song Thaeo minibus on the Chanthaburi Namtok Phlio route. Phuttha-utthayan Wat Chak Yai (พุทธอุทยานวัดชากใหญ่) located on Highway 3149 approximately 500 metres off Sukhumwit Road toward Amphoe Laem Sing. It is a Buddhist park featuring a fine sculptural exhibition of the Life of the Lord Buddha with narrative signs.

Khuk Khi Kai (คุกขี้ไก่)

Just before Laem Sing beach, was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 metres. The walls were holed for ventilation. The porous roof is said to have been used as chicken coop through which the birds dropped their excrements.

How to get there: take Highway No. 3, the Chanthaburi-Trat route, and turn right into Highway No. 3149 before reaching Amphoe Laem Sing.

Tuk Daeng (ตึกแดง)

Near Khuk Khi Kai is the site of the Phikhat Patchamit Fort built in the reign of King Rama III. It was subsequently turned into living quarters and military command post by the French. A single storey, red-tiled roof building, today it serves as the Laem Sing district public library.

Hat Laem Sing (หาดแหลมสิงห์)

Is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Kilometres 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

Oasis Sea World (โอเอซิส ซี เวิลด์)

Is located in Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Laem Sing, 25 Kilometres from the city, covering an area of more than 68 rai (108,800 square metres). It is the place to reproduce and conserve dolphins in Chanthaburi’s watercourses. The two species of dolphins conserved are Irrawaddy Dolphin and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin. In addition, there is a butterfly garden where visitors can closely see varieties of butterflies and their life cycles in nature. Accommodation for tourists is available.

There is a dolphin show 5 times a day. On weekdays, the show starts at 9.00 a.m., 11.00 a.m., 1.00 p.m., 3.00 p.m., and 5.00 p.m. On weekends, there will be an additional show at 7.00 a.m. Admission fee is 180 Baht. For further information, please contact Tel. 0 3939 9015, 0 3936 3238-9, or www.oasisseaworld.net

Amphoe Pong Nam Ron

Hot Springs (บ่อน้ำพุร้อน)

3 natural hot springs surrounded by longan and durian orchards, located 18 Kilometres from Amphoe Pong Nam Ron on Highway No. 3193.

“Manut Boran” Archaeological Site (สถานโบราณคดี “มนุษย์โบราณ”)

Excavation site located 25 Kilometres from Amphoe Pong Nam Ron. Prehistoric human skeletons, stone tools, artefacts, pottery and ornaments of some 4,000 years old, now removed from the pits, were unearthed.

Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสิบห้าชั้น)

Or Namtok Nam Pen (น้ำตกน้ำเป็น), located in Tambon Khun Song and covering a total area of 75,000 rai (not yet officially declared a national park). Places of interest include waterfalls like Namtok Saba, Namtok I Kek and especially Namtok Khao Sip Ha Chan, a breathtaking 15-tiered waterfall with water all year round. It is accessible by climbing up the high altitudes and skirting along the stream or climbing up the waterfall’s cliff. Camping is possible on the 6th and 13th tiers, the latter being the highest one with a cascade of some 35 metres high. The surrounding forest is verdant with various wild animals having been noticed such as monkey, gibbon, elephant, gaur and banteng. Camping grounds are also provided for those bringing their own tents at Khlong Maduea and near Namtok I Kek. For further information, please contact Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park, Tel. 08 9550 3639 or National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

How to get there: take a bus from Bangkok, and get off at Amphoe Na Yai Am and connect the Song Thaeo minibus at the market to the park or an agreed price for a chartered one.

Amphoe Mueang

Suan Tho Thong (สวนโถทอง) Mu 10, Tambon Khom Bang, Tel. 0 3945 9339, admission is Bt 60. Suan Wong Wit (สวนวงษ์วิทย์) 45 Mu 7, Tambon Salaeng, Tel. 0 3937 3030, 08 1861 6258, 08 9808 6397, admission is Bt 60.

Amphoe Khlung

Horticultural Research Centre (ศูนย์วิจัยพืชสวน)

Located on Sukhumwit Road in Tambon Tapon, Amphoe Khlung, 21 Kilometres from Chanthaburi, covering a total area of 280 rai. The centre is responsible for horticultural research in order to solve the problems as well as develop major economic plants in the Central Region and the East. There are experimental plantations of various horticultural plants such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, zalacca, santol as well as decorative plants, herbs and spices. A 30-minute study trail is provided through gardens and plantations. A camping ground is also allocated for visitors, with tents for 1–3 persons available at Baht 100–200. Contact at least 1 week in advance for a group visit. Tel. 0 3939 7030, 0 3939 7146 during office hours on weekdays.

The period of May–July is the fruiting season for durian, rambutan, mangosteen, Rakam and Sala zalacca, Longkong, etc. Fruit orchards in various districts will be open for visitors to try and buy fresh fruits from the trees, which include:

Amphoe Tha Mai

Suan Sadetyat (สวนสะเด็ดยาด) 183/13, accommodation is available, Tel. 0 2272 1030, 0 2579 4814–5, admission is Bt 30.

Amphoe Na Yai Am

Suan Kunlaphat (สวนกุลพัฒน์) 38/2 Mu 6, Tambon Wang Mai, Kilometres 298 Sukhumwit Road, Tel. 08 1809 0366, 08 6155 0222, admission is Bt 40.

Amphoe Khao Khitchakut

Krathing Country Resort (กระทิงคันทรี รีสอร์ท) 21/7 Mu 2, Tambon Phluang, Tel. 0 3945 2454–6, Admission is Bt 100.

Suan Sala Khun Winai (สวนสละคุณวินัย) 7/14 Mu 6, Tambon Phluang, Tel. 0 3930 7228, 08 1806 9527

Rafting

Pong Nam Ron Rapids (ล่องแก่งโป่งน้ำร้อน)

Situated 18 Kilometres from Amphoe Pong Nam Ron featuring a 12-Kilometres long scenic rafting channel which will take about 2–3 hours along Khlong Pong Nam Ron. Originating on the Khruea Wai Range, the canal meanders through rocky valleys and villages in Amphoe Pong Nam Ron to end up in Cambodia. There are fruit orchards and rich greenery of various plants. The difficulty of the rafting is between Levels 2–3 (depending on the volume of water of each year). The starting point for the rafting is at Ban Khruea Wai and Khlong Pong Nam Ron, passing various interesting and scenic spots such as Kaeng Cha-om, Kaeng Yao, Wang Nam Un, Saphan Wat Chai–a small hanging bridge from where visitors can jump into the water, dyke, to end up at Wat Khlong Yai. The appropriate period for rafting is during the green season (May–November).

Rafting is available at Wang Khon Chalet, 3/8 Mu 8, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, Tel. 0 3931 7024, 08 1639 4629; Bangkok, Tel. 0 2885 5355, offering rafting boats for 8 persons at Bt 2,500–3,900, canoes for 2 persons at Bt 1,000–1,500, and Fuji Tour, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2540 2971–2, 0 2918 6067–8, offering rafting boats for 8 persons at Bt 3,000 and canoe for 1-2 persons at Bt 200/hour. and Phayakumpuch Resort, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron, Tel. 0 3938 7225-6, 08 1523 1678 www.phayakumpuch.thiewthai.com offering rafting boats for 8 persons at Bt 2,000–3,500, canoes for 2-3 persons at Bt 1,000.

Amphoe Mueang Chanthaburi

Rambhai Barni Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟรำไพพรรณี) (9 holes), located in Rajabhat University Rambhai Barni, Taksin Road, Tel. 0 3933 5493.

Sirikan Driving Range (สนามไดรฟกอล์ฟ ศิริการ) Front off Sirikan Village Tel. 0 3933 6077.

Amphoe Pong Nam Ron

Soi Dao Highland Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟสอยดาวไฮแลนด์)

A standard 18-hole golf course located 4 Kilometres from Amphoe Pong Nam Ron. Other outdoor activities are also available such as mountain biking, water skiing, car trekking and ATV riding. The ideal period is during October–May. For further information, Tel. 0 3932 0174-6 Bangkok, Tel. 0 2231 5889-92.

Spa

Home of Spa (โฮมออฟ สปา) 21/65-67 Mu 7, Tambon Chanthanimit, Amphoe Mueang, Tel. 0 3930 3300-1, offering traditional Thai massage, aromatic massage, body scrub, facial massage and foot massage.

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