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Amphoe Muang
Chanthaburi Cultural Centre
Located at Rampaipannee Rajabhat Institute. In three buildings
that have been a residence of Queen Rampaipannee - the Queen of
King Rama VII. This centre displays many utensils used by the Queen,
such as clothes, shoes, golf equipment, etc. There are also local
ancient collections.
Khai Noen Wong
The ancient site of Khai Noen Wong, also at Tambon Bang
Kacha, was established as the town in circa 1834 during the reign
of King Rama III. The town was moved from Ban Lum to this location
because of its high grounds which were more suitable for defensive
purposes against the invading Vietnamese. The laterite walls and
bricks from the old town were also dismantled and moved to the new
site. A serve drought during the reign of King Rama V forced its
return to the original site at Ban Lum.
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.
Suan Sadetyat
Adjacent to Wat Khao Sukim is Suan Sadetyat, an extensive
fruit plantation growing rambutan and durian in the main. During
the fruit season of April-June, it is open to the public. Admission
fee includes free fruit-tasting.
Taksin Maharat Memorial
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 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
This 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 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 park covers a rich, verdant forestland of some 58 square kilometres
where many herbal plants are found. It is also rich in wildlife.
An attraction is the Krathing waterfall with its nature trails cutting
through all 13 levels of the fall. There are clear ponds where swimming
is possible. Camping is allowed in the park. There are also accommodations
for visitors who should make advance booking at the Forestry Department
in Bangkok.
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 Khao Sukim
Situated on a hill covering an area of some 1,320 acres,
Wat Khao Sukim was built in 1966 by devout Buddhists who had faith
in Phra Achan Somchai Thitawiriyo. The objective of the temple is
to be used as a meditation venue. The expansive temple compound
offers a peaceful haven surrounded by shady orchards. The temple
also houses a large collection of religious items and valuable antiques
donated by the public. On display are wax sculptures of over twenty
Buddhist monks highly revered by the public. In the temple’s
newly built Ubosot (ceremonial hall), mural painting created by
Chakrabhand Posayakrit, National Thai Artist in Painting of the
year 2000, can be appreciated. The temple is near Khao Khitchakut
National Park, 20 kilometres from downtown Chanthaburi and can be
reached through three accesses branching off Sukhumvit Road (Highway
No. 3):- at Km. 305 (Ban Huai Sathon); at the Ban Noen Sung intersection;
or at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection)
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 a ubosot 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, 4 kilometres 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-16the centuries
B.E. (Buddhist Era).
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