Full day Unseen Chantaburi

Chantaburi, one of the larger towns along Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, has long been associated with its gem winning and trading history. Its past does not only bring out the precious stone industry forward: the strategic location alongside the Gulf of Thailand also has some sights that often are overlooked but have contributed to the shape of Thailand’s much revered royalties. Its proximity nearby Koh Chang has made this outing one of our favourites based on the variety of sights available within one day. Our full day exploring Chantaburi on the Thai mainland brings out the best in east coast Thai culture and history.

An early morning pick-up from your Koh Chang resorts is the beginning of an interesting day back on the Thai mainland. The approximately half an hour ferry ride from the northern tip of the island and the short ride to the Chantaburi province borders welcome a nice break away from the island’s pristine beaches and swaying palm trees. We start with one of the town’s most famous Buddhist temples – Wat Chak Yai. It is part of a Buddhist park in a region called Laem Singh and is the regional birthplace of depicting the birth and life of the Lord Buddha. We continue to the famous and most notorious sites of a bygone era, the Khuk Khi Kai, translated as the Chicken Prison. Erected during the time the French took over this part of Thailand for a short period of time, it depicts the confines of what used to be the main prison in the country. Off to Pink Stone Field, one of the two places in the Kingdom where precious pink stones can be found. Before lunch, we enter the borders of a stunning mangrove forest called Kung Krabaen, a natural site where you certainly will take a lot of pictures, and admire the Chantaburi landscape from Nang Phaya. It is one of the best scenic view points along the eastern seaboard to get great panoramic vistas of the visited area.

Lunch will be served at the locally well-known Peggy’s Cove Resort. Inspired by western fisherman’s village with colourful, wooden houses, it does not feel you’re in Thailand when wandering around the place. It is time to hit the Chantaburi town centre, where we will make three stops. The first one is the old town with still some French influences seen here and there. Note en route monument of King Taksin the Great dominates the provincial capital’s park. The cathedral of Chantaburi is the main attraction – the largest one in the country and bound to inspire you asking your guide some questions.

Unfortunately, we have to make our way back to Koh Chang but not without a stop at a local market. By ferry and the ubiquitous curvy roads on the island, we’d expect to reach your resort in the late afternoon / early evening.