Eastern Thailand is blessed with beautiful beaches and mountains, and one of my favorite provinces in the area is Chanthaburi. It is home to the ancient waterfront community of Chantabun, many idyllic mountain temples, and pristine beaches that rarely ever get any tourists.
Within this travel guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a fantastic trip to Chantaburi. From visiting a mountain temple to discovering the best beach in the province, here are the 13 best things to do in Chantaburi for solo travelers.
- Chantaburi Things to do Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Chantaburi?
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13 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi
- Explore Chantaburi's Old Town
- Keep an Eye Out for Events at King Taksin Memorial Park
- Visit Wat Mangkon Buppharam
- Hike Around Namtok Phlio National Park
- Enjoy the Remote Ao Krathing Beach
- Check Out The Red Building
- Drop by Khuk Khi Kai Prison
- Stroll around Kung Wiman Beach
- Check out Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint
- Walk to Chedi Klang Nam Viewpoint
- Explore Ao Khung Kraben Forest Park
- Visit Wat Khao Sukim Mountain Temple
- Hike to Pha Suk Nirun
- What to Eat and Drink in Chantaburi
- More Chantaburi Activities
- Thailand Travel Video
- What to Pack for Chantaburi?
- Further Reading for Eastern Thailand
Chantaburi Things to do Itinerary Map
13 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi
1. Explore Chantaburi's Old Town
Chantaburi's Old Town, or "Chantabun", is an ancient waterfront community and a former residential area inhabited by Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants. This has resulted in a tightly-knit community with diverse cultures and charming traditions unlike any other Thai town you have visited before.
The town is steeped in history, with old buildings dating back to the 19th century, during the reign of King Rama V. It is the oldest part of the province and the best place to learn more about the history of Chantaburi and its unique mix of people and culture.
One of the highlights of visiting Chantaburi's Old Town is spending a night in a heritage inn and seeing firsthand what life was like living in this historic town back in the day. One of the best places to stay is Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn, located right by the bank of Chantaburi River.
- Chernchan Hostel (Budget)
- Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Am2tree (Mid-Range)
- Punyashthiti villa (High-End)
Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn is a 150-year-old establishment situated in the heart of the Chantabun community, commemorating the legend of Luang Rajamaitri, the benefactor of the region.
The inn houses a small museum on the first floor, showcasing a diverse collection of vintage artifacts from that era. Items such as an old typewriter, official documents, and vintage photographs provide us with a glimpse into the way of life of the people here during that period.
Be sure to book it in advance as it's a small inn and it can get booked out quite fast. Since you are in an old town, there's no designated parking space, but you can park your car for free at Wat Bot Muang nearby.
While exploring, you will also be amazed to see a stunning Catholic cathedral right at the center of the old town. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was constructed by the French to accommodate the Catholic Vietnamese population that has migrated here throughout history.
If you think the exterior is beautiful, wait until you see the interior of the church. I went there one morning, and the church was open to visitors. Even though I kind of expected the interior to be rundown and plain, much like most old Catholic churches I see across Southeast Asia, I was surprised to see just how immaculately decorated and well-kept the place is.
While here, also be sure to go for a little stroll around Chantaburi Waterfront Promenade, which forms a loop starting from the old town. The route crosses the river via Wat Chantanaram Bridge, follows the east bank, and returns to the old town via Niramol Bridge, allowing you to see much of Chantaburi's Old Town in one go.
After crossing Wat Chantanaram Bridge, you will have a pretty amazing view of the waterfront community with all its teakwood houses on stilts and the pagoda of Wat Bot Muang, shimmering in gold against the backdrop of the blue sky. That is the money shot right here.
The whole walk should take about 20 minutes, and you will be passing some of the most beautiful old buildings in the Old Town, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Since it can get pretty hot here, I highly recommend doing the loop in the early morning or late evening.
If you want to learn more about the history of this ancient waterfront community, you should also check out the Chanthaburi River Community Cultural Center, a free museum with exhibitions that aim to preserve the old way of life of the local people, as well as educate us on the history of the community and what makes it so unique.
There are so many things to do in the Old Town alone that I recommend you stay at least a night here, preferably in a heritage hotel and explore the town at your leisure. Trust me, you are going to love sitting by the river, sipping a cup of coffee, and watching the world go by.
Where to Stay in Chantaburi?
2. Keep an Eye Out for Events at King Taksin Memorial Park
While we are still in town, you might as well go and check out King Taksin Memorial Park, a lake and a large park with a diameter of around 4 km right in the city center where you can stroll around.
It is a nice place to check out in the evening if you are looking for a quiet place in town. It is also a popular place for local events to be held here, so who knows, you might find yourself in a temple fair and witness a bustling food market and a local Mor Lam concert.
I happened to be there at the height of a temple fair and had the opportunity to witness a popular Mor Lam singer, Lamyai Hai Thongkum, performing at one of the stages at the fair, and it completely blew me away. When Mor Lam goes hard, it goes REALLY hard!
If you are not familiar with Mor Lam, it is traditional folk music that originated from Isaan (Northeastern Thailand) and Laos. It features a dynamic melody that reminds me of psychedelic rock, but with a touch of spiciness. The singer is usually accompanied by dancers, and they perform local music that you cannot help but dance to.
Mor Lam is truly the epitome of Thai entertainment, so if you happen to be in Chantaburi during such a time, be sure to drop by King Taksin Memorial Park and enjoy the lively event. Trust me, even if you do not understand the lyrics, you will still have a great time dancing to it. 😉
3. Visit Wat Mangkon Buppharam
One of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Chantaburi is Wat Mangkon Buppharam, which is one of my favorite temples. It is located right by the main road, which makes it a great place to stop along the way to Namtok Phlio National Park, our next destination.
This temple has Chinese origins, and the moment I stepped foot inside, it felt as if I had been transported to China. From the lingering scent of incense to the serene music playing in the temple, it reminded me so much of my time in China and Taiwan.
Inside the temple, you will find the main hall surrounded by several small shrines, all of which are worth seeing with their stunning statues and colorful decor.
This just goes to show how much influence the Chinese migrants had on Chantaburi. The temple is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee to enter.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips.
4. Hike Around Namtok Phlio National Park
One of the most impressive waterfalls you will find in Chantaburi is Namtok Phlio National Park, a massive waterfall with crystal-clear water year-round. It is the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim while you are exploring Chataburi.
There are several pools you can swim in along the river stream or at the waterfall, so be sure to pack your swimsuits here. There is a free parking lot right in front of the national park, although they have limited space, so be sure to get there early.
From the entrance, it should take you about 5 minutes to reach the waterfall on foot. Along the way, you will come across some fascinating monuments, such as the Pyramid of Pranang Ruea Lom. This memorial, built in 1881, commemorates the loss of Queen Sunantha, who tragically died in a boat accident on the Chao Phraya River.
Not too far from the pyramid, you will also find Alongkorn Chedi, a beautiful moss-covered pagoda in the middle of the forest, built during the reign of King Rama V in the late 19th century.
Once you walk past the pagoda, you will then descend along the stream until you arrive at an opening where the breathtaking waterfall awaits you.
The waterfall is truly a sight to behold, and the best time to visit, when there is the highest amount of water, is around September, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.
I visited in December, during the dry season, and even then, there was still a significant amount of water flowing, as you can see in the picture. The national park is open from 8 AM to 4 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 200 THB.
5. Enjoy the Remote Ao Krathing Beach
Ao Krathing Beach is, hands down, the best beach in Chantaburi, in my opinion. The beach is located inside Khao Laem Sing Forest Park, tucked behind a cape on a remote shore of Chantaburi. It is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a quiet beach to relax for a few hours.
The sand here is orange in color and squeaky clean, while the water is crystal clear - perfect for swimming. There are plenty of shades along the beach, as well as swings and benches where you can sit and rest.
Since it is in a forest park and rather hidden away, you will likely find only a handful of tourists here at any given time. Despite it being in a protected area, you do not have to pay an entrance fee like other national parks.
The forest park is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and while you are exploring the cape, be sure to also drop by Phairi Phinat Fort, an old defensive fort overlooking the bay below.
The fort was built to defend the shoreline of Thailand from the Vietnamese invasion by sea that never actually happened. You will find a white pagoda at the top and a bunch of cannons lying around.
6. Check Out The Red Building (Tuek Daeng)
One of the most historical buildings near Ao Krathing that you should check out is the Red Building or Tuek Daeng, which was a military outpost built by the French when they briefly occupied Chantaburi during colonial times.
The building was used by the military to exert control over the region during the standoff against the Siamese (modern-day Thailand), forcing the Siamese to relinquish control of parts of Cambodia and Laos, which were annexed into the French Indochina colony.
Although the interior is under renovation and access inside the building is still prohibited, the building does hold significant historic value with its exterior boasting a nice blend of Thai and colonial architectural styles and its striking crimson color. If you love history, be sure to check out the Red Building in Chantaburi.
7. Drop by Khuk Khi Kai Prison
Not too far from the Red Building, you will find Khuk Khi Kai Prison, another remnant from the French colonial era, with a pretty dark and twisted history.
The French built it in 1893 during their occupation in Chantaburi and used it to lock up Thais who opposed the French and irreligious Vietnamese soldiers.
You see, "Khi Kai" in Thai means chicken's poop, and "Khuk" means prison. The reason they called it that is because the prison consists of 2 floors, and it is said that the upper floor was used to keep the chickens, whose droppings often rained down on prisoners day and night.
You can go inside the prison and see for yourself just how torturous and horrible it must have been to get locked up under this structure. The prison is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee to enter.
8. Stroll around Kung Wiman Beach
Another nice and quiet beach in Chantaburi is Kung Wiman Beach, where you will find a mix of rocky and sandy beaches, which makes for an interesting sight to see.
Unlike at Ao Krathing, which is in a protected forest park, Kung Wiman Beach is in a public area. Here, you will find several hotels and resorts where you can stay overnight by the beach in Chantaburi.
Be sure to walk by and check out Hin Khrong while you are here. It is a nice place to see the beautiful rocky coastline of Kung Wiman Beach.
9. Check out Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint
One of the most popular viewpoints in Chantaburi is Noen Nang Phaya Viewpoint, a roadside stop where you can enjoy the stunning view of Chantaburi's dynamic coastline.
From the viewpoint, you can see all the small hills along the coastline, as well as a pagoda in the middle of the ocean, where we will be heading next.
There are parking lots right by the roadside where you can park your car and check out the view. Additionally, there are shops and cafes where you can sit and relax as you make your way along the coastline.
10. Walk to Chedi Klang Nam Viewpoint
Located right by Ban Hua Laem, a small fishing community, you will find Chedi Klang Nam Viewpoint, a viewpoint where you can see the 200-year-old white pagoda built on a rock in the middle of the ocean.
The pagoda on the rock extends about 50 meters into the sea. In the past, for worship or to enjoy the scenery, people had to take a boat, wade through the sea, or wait for low tide for the pathway to appear. Nowadays, you can get quite close to the pagoda via a wooden bridge built to allow us to get close to the pagoda without the need for boats.
While you are exploring this part of Chantaburi, be sure to check out Chedi Klang Nam Viewpoint. It is open 24/7, and there is no entrance fee. However, there is a limited parking spot, so be sure to get there early.
11. Explore Ao Khung Kraben Forest Park
Located on the opposite side of the bay, you will find Ao Khung Kraben Forest Park, a rich and beautiful mangrove forest with several walking paths where you can stroll around in solitude.
The walking paths are extremely well-maintained, and they take you deep into the forest and along the bay, where you can get a pretty stunning view of Chantaburi's coastline.
You can also rent a kayak and explore the bay directly from the viewpoint within the mangrove forest. The kayak rental fee is 50 THB per person for 2 hours or 100 THB for a tandem kayak for 2 hours. What a great way to explore the mangrove forest and the bay!
If you do not want to kayak, there is also a bird-watching tower you can climb, where you can get some really stunning views of the mangrove forest and the bay from above. The forest park is open from 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee to enter.
12. Visit Wat Khao Sukim Mountain Temple
Thanks to the mountainous geography of northern Chantaburi, this province is home to many mountain temples that are often tucked away from the bustle and hustle of the city. The monks who founded these temples often sought peace in these remote rolling hills, and one of the best temples you should check out is Wat Khao Sukim Mountain Temple.
Wat Khao Sukim Mountain Temple is one of the largest temples out here, and it has a ton of great things to do, from its incredible collection of artifacts from different eras to the excellent viewpoint from the main temple hall on the mountain.
When you arrive at the temple, you will find a large reservoir where you can walk around and check out some of the Buddha statues and images. Once you get to the foothill, you can either take the free mountain car to the top or walk up.
Once you reach the top, you will find a small shrine and a large building that houses a museum full of antique and vintage items, ranging from old Buddha images to a VCR machine, mobile phones, and video camcorders from the 80s and 90s. These items have been donated by people from all over this part of Thailand.
The collection they have here is massive. There are rows and rows of these antique items as far as the eye can see. It will take you more than 30 minutes to see them all.
After exploring the museum, you can make your way to the top floor, where you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountains from above. The view here alone is definitely worth all the effort to get up here.
The temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee to enter. If you are looking for a unique place to visit in Chantaburi, be sure to check out Wat Khao Sukim Mountain Temple!
13. Hike to Pha Suk Nirun
Pha Suk Nirun is a rocky coast with a charming cafe right by the coastline where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while overlooking the ocean. You can also take a walk along the coast, swim, or relax by the rocks.
In order to access this cafe, you have to park your car at Wat Ko Proet, and then you have to walk about 300 meters up a hill to find an opening where the cafe is located.
Although they might pressure you (in a non-confrontational Thai style, of course) to buy something from the café, you don't really have to as the café is considered a public area. Although I found the drink to be alright and not overly expensive, the food is outrageously expensive, so I would not recommend eating here.
Right on the coast, you will find a paved stairway leading down to the water. If you wish to swim, you can do it here, but please be aware that it is a rocky coastline with cliffs and a small cave, so do so at your own risk. Please be extra careful if you decide to take a dip.
If you are around this part of Chanthaburi, be sure to drop by and check out Pha Suk Nirun. The temple where you can park your car is open from 7 AM to 7 PM.
What to Eat and Drink in Chantaburi
1. Try the Guay Jub Nam Kon at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant
If you are in Chantaburi's Old Town, you have to try the delicious Guay Jub Nam Kon or rolled noodles in five-spice broth for breakfast at Pa Mai Guay Jub Restaurant, an old local restaurant that has been serving their unique bowl of broths for decades.
The savory, thick soup from their Guay Jub bowls is unlike anything I've tasted before. While I'm not usually a Guay Jub guy, I absolutely love this one. The broth is so flavorful that it's hard to put my spoon down after the first taste.
The dish is also sprinkled with several toppings, ranging from crispy grilled pork belly to fried tofu and the delicious Five-Spice Egg. All of this for only 40 THB, which makes it even harder not to recommend. The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 3 PM every day, and you can have Guay Jub for both breakfast or lunch, so be sure to check them out.
2. Try the Real Local Dish Cuisine at Chantorn Pochana Restaurant
If you are craving proper Chantaburi's authentic cuisine, Chantorn Pochana Restaurant is the place where locals would go. It is a roadside restaurant with a wide selection of Chantaburi's famous dishes, such as traditional fried noodles with crispy crab, stir-fried fish with "Krawan" (Cardamom stern), and more.
If you want to try the real Chantaburi's cuisine, you can't go wrong with Chantorn Pochana Restaurant. The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 8 PM every day. They also have a souvenir shop where you can buy some dried food and snacks to take back home, so be sure to check them out.
3. Try the Best Satay in Chantaburi at Nai Lhim Restaurant
If you are looking for a quick lunch somewhere in Chantaburi's city center, I highly recommend you check out Nai Lhim Restaurant, a popular restaurant best known for its satay dishes.
They serve a variety of dishes from noodles to Pad Thai, but the best dish you gotta try is their Pork Satay on sticks with its savory Satay peanut sauce, grilled bread, and Thai Cucumber Salad for Satay. I'm already drooling talking about it.
The restaurant is located right next to King Taksin Memorial Park. It is open from 4 AM to 8 PM every day, so if you are looking for a place for a quick meal, don't forget to check it out.
What to Pack for Chantaburi?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Chantaburi, Thailand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Chantaburi, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Eastern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Eastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Eastern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Pattaya City is no longer a sin city it used to be as the city shifts its focus to becoming a more family-friendly destination. Here are the 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pattaya City.
- Want to visit Rayong soon? You are going to love this! Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Rayong.
- Chantanburi's old town is the most historic part of the province and is rich in history and plenty of things to do. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi's Old Town.
- For the best island getaway in Eastern Thailand, Koh Chang is still the best with its stunning beauty and affordability. Here are the 12 Best Things to do in Koh Chang.
- If you are looking for the most beautiful island in Thailand, Koh Kood is the place to be. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Kood.
- For a complete travel guide to the whole of Trat province, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Trat.
- Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
- Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
- Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
- Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
- Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
- Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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