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Amphoe Tha Mai
Hat Ao Yang
Hat Ao Yang is a small beach some 2 kilometres before the
park. Cool and shady, it offers accommodation facilities for visitors.
Hat Khung Wiman, Hat Khung Kraben, Hat Laem Sadet and Hat Chao
Lao
These are all peaceful beaches in Tha Mai district and clustered
in an area about 30 kilometres from town. At Km. 310 of Highway
No. 3 is a right turn into Highway No. 3399 which leads to the area.
Or one can proceed from Tha Mai district on the route passing through
Wang Tanot dam. There are accommodation facilities for tourists,
particularly at Hat Chao Lao where there are several hotels and
bungalows to choose from. About one kilometre off shore from Hat
Chao Lao are ranges of shallow water coral reefs covering an area
of 14 square kilometres. Glass-bottomed boats are available. Over
at Ao Khung Kraben are nature trails to study mangrove areas.
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.
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.
Khao Laem Sing Forest Park
Using the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route cars can easily access
the Khao Laem Sing Forest Park, some 25 kilometres from Tha Mai.
The route passes through Wat Khao Laem Sing right up to the park
headquarters on a hill. Alternatively, visitors can charter a boat
from Laem Sing beach to Ao Krathing Beach, just 400 metres away,
and walk up to the park. Camping is allowed on application.
Khao Laem Sing is a small hill 172 metres above the sea. Located
to the east of the mouth of the Chanthaburi River, it has a cape
jutting into the sea which looks like a sprawling lion. There is
an old fortification called Pom Phairi Phinat built during the reign
of King Rama III.
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.
Wat Khao Sukim
Wat Khao Sukim is about 20 kilometres north of town. Built
in 1966, it 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. The temple
can be reached through three accesses:- at Km. 305 (Ban Huai Sathon);
at the Ban Noen Sung intersection; or at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection)
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.
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