Understand

Chantaburi, a beautiful town in Thailand, is known for its abundance of tropical fruits, such as the famous durian, and precious gemstones. The surrounding hills are home to lush forests teeming with vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking waterfalls cascade through the landscape. As you explore Chantaburi, you'll stumble upon quaint fishing villages and tranquil beaches that offer a peaceful escape. Crossing the river, you'll encounter three bridges, each with its own unique charm. To the north, the bridge welcomes you if you're arriving from that direction. Just south of it, a magnificent footbridge awaits, offering stunning views of the cathedral. And if you venture further southwest, you'll discover another road bridge nestled around a bend in the river. This picturesque area between the two road bridges is dotted with cozy bars and restaurants, inviting you to indulge in local delicacies and delightful drinks.

Get in

If you're looking to travel to Chantaburi from Bangkok, the most convenient and affordable option is to take a bus. The journey typically takes around 4 hours. For those planning to visit Cambodia, the nearest border crossing is located at Ban Pakard, which faces Phsar Prum in Cambodia. From Chantaburi, you can take a minibus (approximately 150 baht) or a songthaew (around 80-100 baht) to reach Ban Pakard, which usually takes 1-2 hours. From Ban Pakard, it is possible to continue to Pailin, which is approximately 18 km away (and costs around 70-100 baht by motorbike taxi). If you are unable to find direct connections to Ban Pakard, you can take any northbound bus on Highway 317 towards Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, or Aranyaprathet and ask to get off at Pong Nam Rong. Once in Pong Nam Rong, you can easily connect with the border crossing via a songthaew. For those planning to travel to coastal Cambodia, the recommended route is to head to Trat in Thailand and continue on to the Koh Kong border from there. Please note that it is always advisable to check the latest travel advisories and requirements before planning your trip to Chantaburi and Cambodia.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing