Some places in Thailand get all the attention: Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai. Then there are places like Chanthaburi, the kind of destination that doesn’t try to impress you, yet quietly becomes unforgettable. It’s a city shaped by local life, rich history, incredible food, fertile farmland, and hardworking communities rather than mass tourism.

Before I (Cam) first visited Chanthaburi - Kat’s hometown where her sister and family live - I didn’t really know what to expect. It wasn’t a place I had heard anything about, and it certainly wasn’t promoted across Instagram or at the top of Thailand “must-visit” lists. But after several trips over the years, I can safely say it’s one of my favorite places in all of Thailand.

It’s become personal to me due to the amazing local experiences I’ve had here with both Kat’s family and my own family. Chanthaburi is one of those hidden gems in Thailand that I wish more travelers would experience - not in a rushed, touristy way, but with curiosity and an open mind.

Kat with Her Sister — *Kat with her sister in Chanthaburi*

*Dinner with Kat’s family at the Chanthaboon Waterfront*

Our Connection to Chanthaburi

What makes Chanthaburi special to us isn’t just the attractions. It’s how it feels to slip into everyday local life. Every visit means reconnecting with Kat’s family and friends. It means eating at restaurants no tourists ever think to visit - tucked-away places, softly lit and surrounded by lush greenery - where tables aren’t set for one or two dishes, they’re set for feasts. In Thailand, people don’t order individually. Food is social. Food is shared.

In Chanthaburi, meals turn into events. Plates keep coming until the table disappears beneath colour and steam: whole fish drenched in garlic and lime, soft squid, piles of crab, curries, stir-fries, soups. Nobody expects to finish everything - that’s never the point. The point is conversation, passing dishes around, having a beer together, and enjoying that sense of togetherness. And at some stage, the Thai whisky comes out, and the night gently fades into a happy blur.

Our days here rarely feel like “tourist days.” We explore the way locals do - sometimes that means simply jumping onto the back of a pickup truck and cruising along quiet country roads. Once, a Canadian guy saw us sitting in the back and yelled, “Now that’s a sight you don’t see every day in Chanthaburi!” in the thickest accent imaginable - we still laugh about it today.

We’ve partied with locals at live music bars, tried what feels like every variety of durian, visited the Chanthaburi Cathedral at Christmas, worshipped with family at the magnificent Blue Temple, and spent countless evenings soaking up the charming atmosphere along the Chanthaboon Waterfront. These have all become treasured memories for us.

Chanthaburi is also deeply connected to our family life. Kat’s brother-in-law runs a durian farm in Sa Kaeo, just north of Chanthaburi. He’s a passionate agriculturist and horticulturist, with a deep love of fruit and plants. Visiting his farm and spending time in the surrounding villages has given us a rare windown into rural Thailand. Kat spent part of her childhood in Sa Kaeo too, so being there feels like returning home for her.

Not every traveler will experience Chanthaburi the way we have through family connections, but you can still feel close to local life. If you’re willing to try new things and step slightly outside your comfort zone, Chanthaburi has a way of welcoming you in.

Pick Up Trucks Chanthaburi — *Riding on the back of pick up trucks*

Live Music Chanthaburi — *Live music in Chanthaburi*

Durian Farm Chanthaburi — *Kat with her sister on the durian farm*

Kat Catching Up with Relatives — *Kat catching up with the villagers in Sa Kaeo*

What Chanthaburi Offers Travelers

Chanthaburi sits in Eastern Thailand, roughly halfway between Bangkok and the ferry piers that take travelers to Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Most people treat it as nothing more than a sign on the highway - a place they pass on the way to an island. That’s a missed opportunity. Spending even a few nights here can completely transform your trip, adding layers of culture, food, history, and everyday Thai life you simply won’t find in the islands.

Locals proudly call Chanthaburi the “Fruit Bowl of Thailand”. It’s a region bursting with orchards, rich soil, and some of the best durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longan anywhere in Asia. Visit from April to July and you’ll see entire festivals dedicated to fruit, with tasting tables, orchard tours, and trucks overflowing with produce.

But Chanthaburi’s story stretches far beyond agriculture. It’s one of the world’s historic centres of coloured gemstone cutting and trading. Since the 17th century, traders from across the globe have traveled here for sapphires and rubies. Even today, the gem district hums with quiet intensity - a fascinating blend of expertise, heritage, and international connection.

Combine that with its culturally significant temples, exceptional seafood, coastal scenery, waterfalls, and charming riverfront districts, and it becomes clear why the few travelers who make it here end up falling in love with it.

10 Best Things To Do in Chanthaburi

1. Experience the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community

If you want to understand Chanthaburi, start here - especially after dark. The Chanthaboon Waterfront Community stretches along the river, where century-old shophouses glow beneath fairy lights and temples hover beside the water. It’s deeply atmospheric, without trying too hard.

We’ve spent many evenings here sharing meals with family and friends, and food is a huge part of the experience. This is where you’ll find some of Chanthaburi’s signature dishes, including Sen Chan Pad Pu, delicate local rice noodles stir-fried with crab, and Moo Cha-Muang, a rich pork belly curry balanced with tangy local Cowa leaves. These aren’t just standard Thai meals - they’re recipes that belong to Chanthaburi specifically.

Beyond the restaurants, the riverfront doubles as a living heritage area. Many of the over 100-year-old shophouses have been thoughtfully preserved and transformed into art spaces, boutique hotels, and cultural “learning houses.” One of the most interesting is Baan Luang Rajamaitri, where you can stay at a historic inn and learn about the town’s trading past and unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and colonial architecture.

If you can, visit the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community on a Saturday or Sunday evening, when the area becomes even more alive. A small walking street pops up along the waterfront with local snacks, handmade crafts, and street musicians. It adds another layer of atmosphere you won’t get during the week.

Another bonus? The waterfront sits just a short walk from Chanthaburi’s Gems Market, making it the perfect place to wind down with dinner or a sunset drink after a day wandering through the gem-trading district.

Chanthaburi - Chanthaboon Waterfront Community — *Chanthaboon Waterfront Community*

Chanthaboon Waterfront Community - Chanthaburi — *Chanthaboon Waterfront Community*

Chanthaboon Waterfront Community - Chanthaburi - Dinner with Drinks — *Chanthaboon Waterfront Community*

2. Enjoy Chanthaburi’s Legendary Seafood

Chanthaburi takes seafood very seriously. This isn’t “tourist seafood”, it’s local seafood. When we go out with Kat’s family and friends, the table overflows: giant prawns, fresh crab, grilled fish, spicy soups, stir-fries, oysters, and more.

If you want to eat like a local, look for regional classics like Pu Ja (crab meat mixed with minced pork and spices, stuffed back into the shell and deep-fried), Pla Phla (a zesty herb salad with thinly sliced fish), Kaeng Som Khai Pla Riang Siew (a fiery sour curry with giant popping fish roe), and squid with salted egg made with seafood pulled straight from nearby piers like Laem Sing. For the best dining spots, start with:

Tha Chalaep: the historic heart of seafood dining, home to long-trusted local favourites like Pu Ja Seafood, serving families for over 40 years.
Laem Sing: coastal restaurants with sea breezes and relaxing open-air dining.
Chao Lao Beach: beachside seafood with beautiful coastal views.
Farm Pu Nim: a unique floating restaurant reached by a short boat ride, famous for its soft-shell crab.

Chanthaburi - Seafood — *Seafood in Chanthaburi*

Seafood Platters in Chanthaburi — *Seafood in Chanthaburi*

3. Admire the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Chanthaburi’s cathedral is one of the most striking religious buildings in Thailand, and one of the largest Catholic churches in the country. Its Gothic Revival facade rises dramatically over the river, creating a surreal but beautiful contrast against the tropical Thai landscape.

Beyond its beauty, the cathedral tells an incredible story. Chanthaburi’s Catholic community began in the early 1700s with Vietnamese refugees who settled here, and the current building, completed in 1909, is actually the fifth church on this site - representing more than three centuries of faith. Its striking Gothic style and stained-glass windows reflect strong French influence from the late 1800s, and even World War II left its mark when the cathedral’s spires were temporarily removed so they wouldn’t guide Allied bombers.

Inside, the highlight is the gem-encrusted statue of the Virgin Mary, set on a golden dais. It’s adorned with hundreds of thousands of sapphires and rubies, many donated by local traders, symbolising the deep connection between religion and Chanthaburi’s gemstone heritage.

Chanthaburi - Cathedral — *Chanthaburi Cathedral*

Cathedral in Chanthaburi — *Chanthaburi Cathedral*

4. Step Inside the Blue Temple (Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu)

The Blue Temple (Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu) is one of the most visually stunning temples we’ve seen anywhere in Thailand. The entire structure shines in shades of blue and white. When we visited, it was even more impressive up close than in photos - and stepping inside made it unforgettable.

What makes the temple so unique is that its design wasn’t just about beauty. The original temple, built in 1946, struggled against the salty sea air, which caused rapid corrosion. When the new “ubosot” (ordination hall) was built, it was covered entirely in glossy ceramic tiles, creating the iconic blue-and-white finish while protecting it from the coastal climate. Every pillar, stairway, and rooftop detail is decorated with intricate blue porcelain, giving it that surreal sheen under clear skies.

Inside, the colours change completely. Instead of blue, the interior bursts to life with vibrant murals depicting Buddhist stories, along with a revered replica of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat - a deeply respected Buddha image that locals visit daily for blessings. When we visited, we even saw an artist finishing some of the murals, and the level of detail was astonishing.

Blue Temple - Chanthaburi — *Blue Temple*

Chanthaburi - Blue Temple — *Blue Temple*

Blue Temple in Chanthaburi — *Blue Temple*

Murals at Blue Temple Chanthaburi — *Blue Temple*

5. Explore Namtok Phlio National Park

Chanthaburi isn’t just about cities and coastlines - it’s deeply green, and Namtok Phlio National Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding nature escapes in the region. A short walk leads you through lush rainforest, along streams twisting through smooth rock, to a powerful waterfall that crashes into crystal-clear emerald pools filled with fish.

King Rama V loved this area and visited often, commissioning the moss-covered Along Khon Chedi here in 1876. Nearby, a small pyramid stupa was later built to house the ashes of his queen, adding a quiet layer of royal history to the jungle surroundings.

Then there’s the fun part: the “fish spa” pools. The water here is famously full of large Soro Brook Carp, and visitors can dip their feet in or sit along the rocks as the fish gently nibble at dead skin. You can even buy long beans at the entrance to feed them, which kids absolutely love.

Unlike many waterfalls in Thailand, Namtok Phlio flows year-round, though the water is at its strongest during the rainy season. The main falls are easy to reach via a well-maintained 300-metre path, but there are also longer jungle trails for anyone wanting deeper adventure.

Practical Tip: Expect the usual dual pricing (around 200 THB for foreigners, 40 THB for Thai nationals), and you’ll find food stalls near the entrance.

Namtok Phlio National Park near Chanthaburi — *Namtok Phlio National Park*

Namtok Phlio National Park Water Flow — *Namtok Phlio National Park*

Namtok Phlio National Park - Chanthaburi — *Namtok Phlio National Park*

Namtok Phlio National Park - Close to Chanthaburi — *Namtok Phlio National Park*

6. Visit the International Gems Market

Chanthaburi has traded gemstones for centuries. Traders from all over the world come here for sapphires, rubies, garnets, and more. Even though the local mines are mostly depleted, the city remains a global powerhouse for cutting, polishing, and heat treatment, with stones arriving from Africa and Asia to be perfected using techniques refined over generations.

What makes the market fascinating is how business actually operates. Along Si Chan Road, the “Gems Street,” trading works like a quiet dance. Buyers sit at tables while brokers walk from person to person carrying small parcels of stones. Negotiations happen silently using calculators, tapped back and forth to bridge language barriers until a price is agreed.

During the week, it’s just a normal street with a few gem shops. But from Friday to Sunday, roughly 10am to 5pm, it explodes into one of the most active gemstone trading scenes in the world. Even if you’re not buying, it’s one of the most fascinating windows into Chanthaburi’s identity.

Practical Tip: This is a professional wholesale market, so if you want to purchase gems, stick to reputable retailers and certified gem centres rather than jumping straight into negotiation tables.

7. Shop & Eat at Central Chanthaburi Mall

Normally, we wouldn’t list a shopping mall as a travel highlight but Central Chanthaburi genuinely deserves a mention. It’s modern without being chaotic, and it has a warmth and local energy you don’t often find in malls. We actually prefer to shop here than in Bangkok - it feels calmer and easier.

The design itself reflects Chanthaburi’s identity. Inspired by the province’s agricultural roots, the mall features open-air walkways, lush vertical gardens, and subtle design motifs drawn from durian and mangosteen, so parts of it feel more like a tropical garden than a concrete complex. Inside, the dedicated Chanthaburi Market Hall showcases local farmers and small businesses selling regional pepper, fruit snacks, gem-inspired souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

It’s also a genuine community hub. Chanthaburi Hall, the city’s main convention centre, often hosts gemstone exhibitions, fruit-themed events, and weekend shows. For travelers, it’s practical too: you’ll find reliable SIM cards, international ATMs, and food halls for Western comforts before heading to quieter islands like Koh Kood or Koh Mak.

Central Chanthaburi Mall — *Central Chanthaburi*

8. Get Lost in the Local Streets

Chanthaburi rewards curiosity. Hire a scooter and go exploring with no real plan. Ride through residential neighbourhoods, pass small temples, cross quiet bridges, and stumble into markets, street stalls, and tiny cafes. This isn’t a city built to entertain tourists, it’s built to live in, and exploring it this way gives you a sense of connection you can’t get from guidebooks. Along the way, make time for places that locals genuinely care about like:

The King Taksin Shrine: Residents come daily to pay respects to King Taksin the Great, who once rallied his forces here after the fall of Ayutthaya.
Wat Khet Na Bunyaram: A beautifully detailed Vietnamese/Chinese temple, reflecting the city’s strong Thai-Chinese heritage and contrasts strikingly with the nearby Catholic cathedral.

As you weave through side streets, you’ll find pockets of street art and little surprises, especially around the edges of the Chanthaboon Waterfront area. Go slow, take random turns, and follow whatever catches your attention. One day we did exactly that on what was meant to be a simple ride to 7-Eleven, and we ended up passing a stunning temple we had no intention of finding. In Chanthaburi, even the simplest rides turn into discoveries.

Chanthaburi - Scooters — *Exploring Chanthaburi*

Exploring Chanthaburi on Scooters — *Exploring Chanthaburi*

Chanthaburi - Temple on the Way to 7-Eleven — *Hidden temple we found on the way to 7-11*

9. Try Durian in Chanthaburi (Even if You Think You Hate it)

I (Cam) never used to like durian. The smell alone was enough to put me off. Kat, on the other hand, has loved it her whole life - probably because she grew up eating Chanthaburi durian, which is on another level entirely.

Visit during the April–July durian harvest and you’ll understand how deeply durian shapes life here. The fruit takes over everything: truckloads stacked to the brim pass through town, orchards work nonstop, markets overflow, and the whole province hums with energy. This is when Cam finally tried the “right” durian - smooth, creamy, subtly sweet, and surprisingly fragrant - and his opinion changed instantly.

Chanthaburi is the undisputed “Durian Capital of the World”, producing more than any other province globally. Its climate and limestone-rich soil create exceptional flavour and creamy texture, and generations of cultivation mean you’ll find everything from export-famous Monthong to rare local favourites like Puang Manee (caramel-sweet), Chanee (rich and custardy), and Kradumthong (buttery and melt-in-the-mouth).

The best time to experience durian culture is from April to July, especially around the Chanthaburi Fruit Festival in May when tastings, celebrations, and fruit buffets are everywhere. Visit local markets and you may even find tree-ripe durian straight from small farms, something incredibly rare anywhere else in the world. If you’re ever going to understand durian properly, this is the place to do it.

Chanthaburi - Durian - Roadside Stall — *Durian*

Chanthaburi - Durian - King of Fruits — *Durian*

10. Relax at Sky View Cafe, Ko Proet

About a 40 minute drive from Chanthaburi, Sky View Cafe sits on a dramatic cliff overlooking the coast at Ko Proet. The cafe itself is modern and stylish, but the real reason to come is the view - endless ocean expanses and stunning sunsets. It can get busy, but with good timing it’s an exceptional place to sit back with a drink and simply take in the horizon.

Sky View Cafe near Chanthaburi — *Sky View Cafe*

Chanthaburi - Sky View Cafe Stairs — *Sky View Cafe*

Where to Stay in Chanthaburi

If you want your stay in Chanthaburi to feel like part of the experience rather than just somewhere to sleep, there are a couple of standout places that really capture the spirit of the city.

One of the most special places to stay is the Baan Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, a beautifully restored 150-year-old Sino-European house set along the Chanthaburi River. It feels like a blend of boutique hotel and living museum. Each room is themed to honour figures from Chanthaburi’s past, the architecture has been lovingly preserved, and the atmosphere feels deeply rooted in the city’s heritage.

Our personal go-to base, though, is IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi. It feels like a small green oasis tucked inside the city, with comfortable rooms, affordable rates, and a great pool for cooling off and relaxing. There are cute little rooftop terraces above each room where you can sit in the evenings and enjoy the sunset, which becomes one of our favourite rituals while staying here.

We also love that the hotel feels welcoming for families. Kat’s family often comes to visit, the kids swim in the pool, and we order local food via Grab and eat together at the hotel. It becomes less like a hotel stay and more like a relaxed home base.

IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi Where to Stay — *IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi*

IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi - Rickshaw — *IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi*

IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi - Sunset — *IP Plus Resort - Chanthaburi*

When to Visit Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi can be visited year-round, but if you want the most flavourful and lively version of it, come during fruit season (April to July). This is when the province truly comes alive. Markets overflow with fresh produce, orchards open for tours and tastings, festivals often pop up around May, and durian season is in full swing.

The cooler, drier months (November to February) are ideal for sightseeing, waterfalls, scooter exploring, and outdoor activities thanks to comfortable temperatures and clearer skies. This period is also the best time to visit nearby islands like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood, with calmer seas, sunnier days, and the most reliable weather.

The rainy season (roughly May to October) brings tropical downpours, but also lush scenery, flowing waterfalls, and quieter attractions. Showers are often short and powerful rather than all-day rain, so with a flexible mindset, it can still be a great time to visit. Island ferries generally continue operating, but seas can be rough at times, especially from August to October.

How to Get to Chanthaburi

From Bangkok, we usually take a private van, which is incredibly convenient for families or small groups. It’s comfortable, direct, and worth the cost when split between several people, with the journey typically taking around 3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and where you leave from. If you’re traveling independently, regular buses and minivans run from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), making it an easy and affordable trip.

If you’re coming from the eastern islands - Koh Chang or Koh Kood - Chanthaburi makes an ideal stop either before or after your island time. Ferries and speedboats connect to the mainland at Laem Ngop and Trat, from where it’s roughly an hour to ninety minutes by road to Chanthaburi. Spending two or three nights here adds a deeper, more cultural layer to what might otherwise be a purely beach-focused journey.

FAQs for Visiting Chanthaburi

Is Chanthaburi worth visiting?

Absolutely. Chanthaburi is one of the most authentic, culturally rich, and delicious destinations in Eastern Thailand, with fascinating history, welcoming locals, incredible food, and unique attractions you won’t find elsewhere.

How many days should you spend here?

Two to four nights is perfect for Chanthaburi. Long enough to explore, relax, eat properly, and take your time.

Is Chanthaburi touristy?

Not in the typical sense. You’ll mostly encounter Thai travelers, locals, and a handful of curious foreigners. That’s part of its charm.

Is Chanthaburi family-friendly?

Chanthaburi is very family-friendly. Waterfalls, parks, cafes, malls, temples, and friendly communities make it easy for families.

Can you visit on the way to Koh Chang or Koh Kood?

Yes, and you absolutely should. Visiting Chanthaburi breaks up the travel time and adds depth to your trip.

10 Best Things To Do in Chanthaburi: A Local’s Guide