About 245 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 6,338 square kilometers, Chanthaburi as administratively divided into the following districts:- Muang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Khlung, Laem Sing, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Soi Dao, Na Yai Am, Kang Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut sub-district.
The old town at Khai Noen Wong was square-shaped with extensive laterite walls mounted with large cannons. Each side had its own ramparts and defensive moats. It was regarded as a powerful military camp of the time. The town’s principal temple was Wat Yothanimit
Si Chan Road
Si Chan Road is the commercial area and centre of gem business. Even though actual gem-mining in the province is not as extensively as it used to be, Chanthaburi remains a major centre for gem dealings with stones from neighbouring countries and abroad being bought and sold. The Gems Market during the mornings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday attracts large crowd of gem dealers and visitors alike.
The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church on Chanthanimit Road on the river bank is the largest Catholic edifice in Thailand. Built in 1909, it is of Gothic architectural style. The original tall roof was taken down during World War II to make it less conspicuous as a possible target.
The Chamsom Crocodile Farm and Zoo
The Chamsom Crocodile Farm and Zoo has a number of crocodiles of different species as well as other animals. The facility is surrounded by fruit orchards. To reach it go on Sukhumvit Highway until Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) then turn left and proceed on for a further 4 kilometres. Open daily from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Elephant shows every Saturday and Sunday at 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m. Tel: (039) 324247.
The Chanthaburi City Pillar and the Taksin Maharat Shrine
The Chanthaburi City Pillar and the Taksin Maharat Shrine are located on Tha Luang Road in front of the Taksin Military Barracks within town limit. Opposite stands an old building erected during the reign of King Rama VI which was formerly the town hall.
Located in the public park near the town hall on Liap Noen Road, is the Taksin Maharat Memorial. The equestrian statue is guarded by statues of his four royal guards. the expression on the king’s face clearly shows the resoluteness and determination to carry out the task of restoring the national independence. The large pond in the park serves as a popular recreation area and is stocked with a large variety of fish.
The Khao Khitchakut National Park
The Khao Khitchakut National Park has its headquarters at a site which can be reached by taking a turning at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection) on Highway No. 3 and proceed on for a further 21 kilometres.
the Underwater Archaeological Office
Soon to be established as a national maritime museum, the Underwater Archaeological Office is located within Khai Noen Wong specialising in exhibits on Thailand’s merchant marine and items discovered from underwater archaeological explorations from all over the country. There are also exhibits of ancient sailing routes and products. An exhibition chamber deals with the history and culture of the people of Chanthaburi.
Wat Phai Lom
Going across the Chanthaburi River from Si Chan Road and taking a left turn 1 kilometre from the bridge, 800 meters off the main road is Wat Phai Lom. The Rama III-era Ubosot features wall murals on all four sides portraying the story of Lord Buddha with Chinese floral designs as well as illustrations of foreigners with must have been commissioned after the time of his reign. There is also aubosot of western architectural influence attesting to Chanthaburi’s artistic and cultural contact with the western world.
Wat Phlup
Wat Phlup at Tambon Bang Kacha to the southwest of town was the site of an old community during the late Ayutthaya period. Special features are two ancient pagodas of different styles and an old Thai wooden pavilion.
Wat Thong Thua
Wat Thong Thua, 4kilometres from town on Sukhumvit Highway, is the site of an ancient Bot which was built over a Khmer-style temple. It also has a large collection of ancient Khmer sculptures such as lintels, sandstone door columns carve in various designs and inscription stone. Nearby is the Mueang Phaniat archaeological site with its remains of laterite base of a large Khmer religious sanctuary and moats marking the town limit the south. The ancient town is believed to have been dated from the 12th-16th centuries B.E. (Buddhist Era).
