Chanthaburi Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Explore
Chanthaburi, located 230 km southeast of Bangkok, is known for its neo-Gothic cathedral reflecting French influence and its vibrant gem market. It’s the perfect overnight stop before heading to eastern islands (Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood) or Cambodia.
- Name in Thai: จันทบุรี
- Distance from Bangkok: 230 km
- Distance from Cambodia: 156 km
- Main river: Chanthaburi
- Population: 28,000 inhabitants
- Province: Chanthaburi
- Main activities: precious stones
- High season: November – April
- Number of days on site: 1 day
- Main attractions: The cathedral and Christmas ceremonies, the gem market
📍 What to See & Do in Chanthaburi
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral: A striking landmark, especially during Christmas celebrations.
- Gemstone Market: One of Thailand’s largest, ideal for browsing or buying jewelry.
- Old Town & Riverfront: Stroll historic streets lined with colonial-era buildings.
When to Visit
Prime time: November to April, when climate is cooler and festive energy is high. The city is especially lively during Christmas events at the cathedral.
🚍 How to Get to Chanthaburi
Learn how to reach Chanthaburi from major hubs:
🛏️ Where to Stay
Choose your ideal area and accommodation:
Booking.com
🛶 Island Transfers
Need to head to the islands? This guide helps:
Eating out in Chanthaburi
It is easy to find restaurants or street food in Chanthaburi. However, people eat early in Chanthaburi! After a certain time, it is not always easy to find a place that is open (except for Seven-Eleven).
There are small restaurants overlooking the river. They offer a fairly comprehensive menu that will satisfy most people.
