Interesting CHANTHABURI

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CHANTHABURI

[ The Chanthaburi City Pillar and the Taksin Maharat Shrine ]
are located on Tha Luang Road in front of the Taksin Military Barracks within town limit. Opposite stands an old building erected during the reign of King Rama VI which was formerly the town hall. The Taksin barracks are situated in an area where the old town once stood. There are ancient temples in town such as Wat Bot Muang and Wat Klang. 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.

[ Si Chan Road ]
is the commercial area and center of gem business. Even though actual gem-mining in the province is not as extensively as it used to be, Chanthaburi remains a major center for gem dealings with stones from neighboring 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.
Going across the Chanthaburi River from Si Chan Road and taking a left turn 1 kilometer 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 Chantaburi's artistic and cultural contact with the western world.

[ 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.

[ Wat Thong Thua ]
4 kilometers 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 Muang 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). Now within the grounds of the Rambhai Barni Rajabhat Institute, Wang Suan Ban Kaeo used to be the residence of the late Queen Rambhai Barni, royal consort of King Rama VII. She was instrumental in developing the local Chanthabun mats made from reed. Today, the palace houses her personal effects and products made from the Kok reeds and Chanthabun mats of lovely patterns.
□ Visitors need to apply for entry permission in advance by calling the Institute at (039) 335408-10.

Located at Ban Samet Ngam about 8 kilometers to the southwest of the provincial town is an archaeological site where remains of many old vessels have been found. The vicinity is also dotted with a number of square-shaped basins along the shore indicating they might have been a boat -building site. It is believed that the forces of King Taksin constructed their war vessels around here in preparation to liberating Ayutthaya after its fall.

[ 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.
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 specializing 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.
Using the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route cars can easily access the Khao Laem Sing Forest Park, some 25 kilometers 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 meters away, and walk up to the park. Camping is allowed on application. Khao Laem Sing is a small hill 172 meters 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.

[ Hat Ao Yang ]
is a small beach some 2 kilometers 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 ]
are all peaceful beaches in Tha Mai district and clustered in an area about 30 kilometers 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 kilometer off shore from Hat Chao Lao are ranges of shallow water coral reefs covering an area of 14 square kilometers. Glass-bottomed boats are available. Over at Ao Khung Kraben are nature trails to study mangrove areas.

[ Tham Khao Wong ]
at Ban Khao Wongkot, Kaeng Hang Maeo district, is part of the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park. About 40 kilometers before reaching Chanthaburi town on Highway No.3 at Km. 286 (Ban Kong Din) is a left turn to the park, 11 kilometers further on. Or take a turn at Km. 288 (Talat Na Yai Arm) instead. From the cave proceed on foot to see the caves themselves. Advice could be obtained from park officials. Khao Wong is a group of limestone hills standing in circular cluster with cliffs and caves containing stalagmites and stalactites. There are passages connecting some of the chambers. The walking trails outside offer views of varied plant life. For those intending to explore the caves, torches are advisable as there are no natural lights inside. The best time to go cave-exploring is between February and April, after which they tend to be flooded.

[ The Chamsom Crocodile Farm and 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 kilometers.
□ 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.

[ Wat Khao Sukim ]
is about 20 kilometers 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)
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.

[ The Khao Khitchakut National Park ]
has its head quarters 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 kilometers.
The park covers a rich, verdant forestland of some 58 square kilometers 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.
In addition, the park offers other attractions such as the Khlong Chang Se waterfall , which is 10 kilometers from the headquarters, where nature walk is possible. Others include Phra Bat Phluang, 5 kilometers from the headquarters, which is a natural geological occurrence creating a Holy Footprint-like depression on the hilltop, to which people come and pay homage during Makha Bucha celebrations.

About twenty kilometers from Chanthaburi on Highway No. 317 is a right turn to Khirithan Dam, a multi -purpose structure to generate electricity and for irrigation. The scenery around the dam is relaxing and pleasant.

[ Shooting the Rapids at Khlong Pong Nam Ron ]
is an adventure travel during the season of July-January. Enthusiasts will thrill to the exciting passage through streams and rapids, an exercise of 2-4 level of difficulty. The two-hour trip passes through verdant forestland and fruit orchards. Contact tour agents or resorts in Pong Nam Ron district.

At Km. 62 on Highway No. 317, about 70 kilometers from Chanthaburi, is a left turn to Nam Tok Khao Soi Dao . The trail to the 15-level waterfall is amid unspoiled forests with a large variety of butterfly and bird. As it is a waterfall within a wildlife sanctuary, visitors are permitted only daytime only.

[ Wat Mangkon Buppharam ]
or Leng Hua Yi, is a temple in Chinese architectural style. Located on Sukhumvit Highway, it is at Km. 345 some 12 kilometers from town.
A left turn at Km. 346 on Highway No. 3 is the Namtok Phliu National Park , covering an area of 134.5 square kilometers along forestland at Khao Sa Bap mountain range. The 3-level Phliu waterfall features a basin of cool, clear water for splashing around and plenty of fish make the flowing streams their home. Nearby are a laterite chedi and stupa shaped like a pyramid built by King Rama V as a loving memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, his first consort, who died in a boat accident.
There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfall, about 6 kilometers from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometers further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfall is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometers on foot.

[ Hat Laem Sing ]
is about 30 kilometers from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometers to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

The notorious Khuk Khi Kai, just before Laem Sing beach, was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 meters. The walls were holed for ventilation. The porous roof is said to have been used as chicken coop through which the birds dropped their excrements.

[ Tuk Daeng ]
near Khuk Khi Kai is the site of the Phikhat Patchamit Fort built in the reign of King Rama III. It was subsequently turned into living quarters and military command post by the French. A single storey, red-tiled roof building, today it serves as the Laem Sing district public library.

Just before Laem Sing beach is the Oasis Sea World which attracts visitors who delight in watching the exciting dolphin shows. Also on hand are butterfly farm and other animals. The dolphins are mainly those accidentally caught in fisherman's nets in the Gulf of Thailand. Trained by Thai experts, they are now capable of showing off their high degree of ability.
□ There are five shows daily. Tel: (039) 363238-9.