If you’re spending two days in Chanthaburi but don’t know what to do or where to go, then you came to the right place because, in this blog, we’ve prepared a two-day itinerary with all the popular sites and attractions you can go to in Chanthaburi!
Chanthaburi is found in the east of Thailand and was the center of gem mining and trading in Thailand and Cambodia. It is believed that the town was founded in the 12th century AD by a Mon-Khmer tribe called Chong (Xong). It was then occupied by the French by the end of the 19th Century and their influence is still dominant in the architectural style of the infrastructure.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chanthaburi is home to a sizeable population of Christians who are mostly of Vietnamese descent who migrated to Thailand. Today, Chanthaburi is famous for its gemstones and mining history, fruits, and Chanthaboon mats.
So, to further get to know the beauty of the City of Gems and without further ado, here is the two-day itinerary for Chanthaburi!
Chanthaburi Itinerary Map Overview
2-Day Chanthaburi Itinerary
Day 1: Khung Kraben Bay, Wat Paknam, Gems Market, Chanthaboon Waterfront, Immaculate Conception Cathedral
7:00 AM: Breakfast at Koff House Coffee Bar and Eatery
Early in the morning, you must have taken your breakfast already so you’ll have enough time to travel from your hotel to Khung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest, your first destination. If your hotel does not have a breakfast option or if you’ve just arrived at Chanthaburi, you can have breakfast at Koff House Coffee Bar and Eatery.
They serve American, European, and Thai food items here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can have something that you actually would like to eat, and the coffee here is great!
8:00 AM: Morning walk at Khung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest
After breakfast, head to Khung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest by negotiating with a Songthaew driver to get you there or rent a moped bike. Your hotel can book a Songthaew for you and the cost will depend on the trip but most round trips cost around THB500 to THB1500. Meanwhile, Moped bikes cost around THB200 to THB500 for the whole day.
The Khung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest is a conservation effort founded in 1982 that aims to protect the local mangroves. Strolling at the bay walk is nice especially in the morning with the lake breeze and the peaceful atmosphere. Definitely, a great way to start the day. You can also go canoeing along the lake to really get the full experience here.
11:00 AM: See Wat Paknam Khaem Nu (The Blue Temple)
Wat Paknam Khaem Nu is a stunning Buddhist temple distinct for its blue hues. This is the perfect stop before going to lunch because its vivid colors shine brightly, especially on a sunny day! The blue and white ceramic tiles make for a really pretty sight. With the sea breeze blowing, you’ll feel as if you’ve been taken on a trip to an ocean kingdom!
12:00 PM: Lunch at a farm-style restaurant
After visiting the Blue Temple, you can have your lunch at ไร่ตามฟาร์มสุข (Rai Tam Suk Farm) which is a farm-style restaurant. The food here is great and they also serve coolers like iced coffee and some fresh juice drinks. Perhaps, the highlight of this restaurant is the variety of activities that you can do here. You can go cycling, horseback riding, Kayak Sup Boarding, and many others!
The restaurant offers a fun break before going to the other attractions. You can simply grab lunch or stay for longer if you want!
2:00 PM: Discover beautiful gems at Gems Market
One of the popular markets in Canthaburi is the Gems Market. By the name itself, you can already understand what this market offers. Chanthaburi is famous for the high-quality rubies and sapphires found here. This is probably the best place to buy the best quality gemstones. But if you’re a budget traveler or you’re really not into these kinds of things, you can also just witness the beauty of these gemstones which is a good experience too!
3:00 PM: Visit the ancient Chanthaboon Waterfront
At the heart of the Mueang District is the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, an ancient community that was regenerated by a group of corporations to retain sustainability and preserve its architecture. Today, you can visit the community and witness the mix of cultures there between Thais, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French.
You can grab some snacks here. There are a lot of Thai and Chinese food stalls selling snacks and noodles that you can try. The cafes here are great spots to rest and unwind as you view the river outside. Try the Rocket Ice cream sold here which is a Thai-style ice cream. The Durian-flavored ice cream they have is a fan favorite, so you can try that if you don’t know what to get!
4:30 PM: Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
After visiting the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, you can visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Chanthaburi. Locals flock to this cathedral simply because it is quite a stunning Catholic cathedral and because of its beautiful Gothic architecture and French influence. There’s nothing much to do here but if you ever want to come here, remember to wear conservative clothing as this is a holy place.
5:30 PM: Have Dinner at Genghiskhan BBQ and Grill
To end the day, you can try Thai-style barbecue at Genghiskhan BBQ and Grill. This is a very popular barbecue place in Chanthaburi because of its delicious marinated meat options that are grilled atop a clay pot. And the best thing is that you’ll get to see the river at night while you eat. This restaurant is a bit pricier compared to others but the food is authentic and worth it!
After this, you can go back to your hotel or stroll a little bit more of the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community since it is just a few blocks away from Genghiskhan BBQ and Grill. You can get a better view of the river by doing so.
You might also like: 3-Day Kanchanaburi Itinerary – History, Nature, and the Best Places!
Day 2: Namtok Phlio Waterfall
7:30 AM: Check-in at อิงเขารีสอร์ท ING KHAO RESORT Chanthaburi
On your second day in Chanthaburi, you might want to check in at a place near the Namtok Phlio Waterfall. One accommodation we can recommend is the อิงเขารีสอร์ท ING KHAO RESORT Chanthaburi. There is a high chance that you will be spending your whole day here since the waterfall makes for a great swimming place. After exploring the waterfall area and swimming here, you’ll probably be exhausted so it is best to have a place to stay while you’re here.
8:30 AM: Namtok Phlio Waterfall
After you have settled at the Khao Resort, you can now go to the Namtok Phlio Waterfall. You can explore the Namtok Phlio National Park first. The entrance fee is only THB200 for foreigners and is well worth it because the Park is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained. You can go hiking around the area first before going to the waterfall.
12:00 PM: Have lunch at Rattanaburi Resort
There are foods sold both outside and inside the National Park so finding a place to eat is not something you can worry about. However, we recommend you eat at Rattanaburi Resort. The restaurant is near the waterfalls so you’ll hear birds chirping and other nature sounds which is great while you are eating! This place is not quite expensive so if you are on a budget, this is a great place with an amazing atmosphere!
It’s actually also a homestay, so you can consider this as your accommodation while you stay here.
1:30 PM: Also check out Khao Sa Bap National Park
The Khao Sa Bap National Park is near Namtok Phlio National Park so if you want to explore more, you can come here too. It’s a great place to spend the rest of your day. The scenery is beautiful and the water streams and their sounds are pleasant to hear. You can also take a swim here and just like Namtok Phlio Waterfall, there are pools of water with little fishes that clean off your feet.
6:00 PM: Dine at ร้านเจนตำแซ่บ (Jane Tum Zap)
Are you up for Som Tum? Then ร้านเจนตำแซ่บ (Jane Tum Zap) is the place to go because it is well known for the delicious Som Tum here! Another notable dish is the fried chicken which is a great option if you’re traveling with kids! There is also grilled chicken in coconut milk and papaya salad too!
What is Chanthaburi famous for?
With the Gems Market being one of the popular places to visit in Chanthaburi, it’s no doubt that the gemstones in Chanthaburi are of quality and are sought after. But speaking of quality gemstones, it is the high-quality rubies and sapphires that have put Chanthaburi on the map.
Great places to eat at Chanthaburi
Koff House Coffee Bar & Eatery
The Koff House Coffee Bar and Eatery offers both great coffee and good food! If you were to start your day, you can do so here. There are Thai-inspired fusions, western food options, and a variety of desserts. So, this restaurant is not just a place to grab breakfast but also a great place to eat lunch and dinner.
Location: 34/8 จันทนิมิต, Tambon Chanthanimit, เมือง, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand
Price Range: THB100-THB300
ไร่ตามฟาร์มสุข (Rai Tam Suk Farm)
The Rai Tam Suk Farm is a great place to spend lunch as this restaurant offers great food. Their iced coffee is a very popular item here and is also perfect after the whole day of walking and touring. Another thing that makes Rai Tam Suk Farm special is the many different activities you can do here. For example, you can go horseback riding, cycling, camping, and many others.
Location: 68/3 ม.4 ต Bang Kacha, อ.เมือง Chanthaburi, Thailand
Price Range: THB200-THB300
หมูย่างเจงกีสข่าน Genghiskhan BBQ & Grill
Have you tried Thai-style barbecue before? Well, if you have not then have your first Thai-style barbecue here at Genghiskhan BBQ and Grill! It has a great selection of marinated meats and a unique clay pot grill set-up that sets this experience apart from other barbecue places. This is considered to be one of the best Thai barbecue places in town but we’ll leave the verdict to you!
Location: 24 ม.2 Thaluang Rd, Chanthanimit, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand
Price Range: THB200-THB300
Rattanaburi Resort
It’s quite difficult to find a good restaurant near Namtok Phlio National Park but Rattanaburi Resort might just save you the hassle of looking for a place to eat! This restaurant has Thai and Western food options to choose from and the drinks here are good too. It is near the Namtok Phlio Waterfall which is a plus! And since it is near to the waterfall, you can hear nature playing its songs here too!
Location: 24 ม.2 Thaluang Rd, Chanthanimit, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand
Price Range: THB100-THB300
ร้านเจนตำแซ่บ (Jane Tum Zap)
A great way to end the day is to have an awesome dinner and one place you can eat at if you’re staying near Namtok Phlio National Park on your second day in Chanthaburi is ร้านเจนตำแซ่บ (Jane Tum Zap). Locals and visitors absolutely love the Som Tum here, so you can try that out! Another option is the Roasted Honey Chicken which is also a fan favorite. This is one of the most inexpensive places to eat so this is great if you’re on a budget!
Location: ร้านเจนตำแซ่บ ทางเข้าน้ำตกพลิ้ว อำเภอแหลมสิงห์ จันทบุรี Phliu, แหลมสิงห์ Chanthaburi 22190, Thailand
Price Range: THB100-THB200
Things to pack and bring to Chanthaburi
- Hat. The heat of the sun can become very intense and a hat is a great way to cover your head from it. So, Make sure to bring one on your trip.
- Sunscreen/sunblock. Speaking of protection, the best way to protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays is sunscreen. Re-apply your sunscreen as needed to best protect your skin from sun damage
- Water. Water is essential wherever you go and in a new place like this, there’s a very high chance that you don’t know where to buy drinkable water or if there are vendors in the area you’re going to visit, so it is best to bring your own!
- Snacks. There are not a lot of places that sell food inside the Namtok Phlio National Park so, you might want to bring food with you inside. A simple snack would be okay!
- Cash. You must bring cash with you because there may not be any ATM machines in the area or restaurants and other establishments might not accept cards for payment.
- Passports and IDs. Traveling to a foreign country is pretty unpredictable. We will never know when these will be needed, so just prepare them at all times.
Best way to get around Chanthaburi
The cheapest way to get around Chanthaburi is to rent a moped which usually costs around THB300 per day. It’s very affordable and easy to rent since it is popular here. However, for those who do not know how to drive their own moped, you can book a Songthaew for the whole day to make it easier for you to get around, especially when going to father places like the Khung Kraben Bay!
How to travel from Bangkok to Chanthaburi?
The best way to get from Bangkok to Chanthaburi is to take the bus. There are first-class and second-class buses that take off from the Eastern Bus terminal (Ekkamai).
The first-class bus is an air-conditioned bus that takes you directly to Chanthaburi. The second-class bus is also an air-conditioned bus but this has frequent stops which may cause some delays on your arrival. Bus tickets cost around $7 to $8 and travel time takes less than four hours.
Where to stay in Chanthanaburi?
Chanthaburi is one of the touristy provinces in Thailand and despite having a lot of accommodations, it’s still quite difficult to find a place to stay that is accessible to the top attractions and at the same time, affordable.
So, here are our topics for accommodations in Chanthaburi!
Affordable accommodation in Chanthaburi
Laluna River House
Right in the heart of the Waterfront Community is the Laluna River House, an affordable and cozy place to stay in Chanthaburi! This is a great place for budget travelers to stay since room rates are around THB400 to THB700 per night! The place offers a stunning view of the river and the cathedral, the same view you’ll get from more expensive places.
For the price point, you really cannot expect too much from this place. It’s one of the best affordable places to stay in Chanthaburi which is near most of the popular tourist attractions.
Location: 192 194 Sukhaphiban Rd, Tambon Wat Mai, Mueang Chanthaburi District, Chanthaburi 22000, Thailand
Mid-Budget Accommodation in Chanthaburi
Chern Chan Hostel
Chern Chan Hostel originally opened as a cafe but now offers accommodations for travelers. This is quite accessible to most of the attractions in Chanthaburi too but it’s not at the center of the bustle and hustle, so you’ll have peace and quiet as you sleep. It’s a hostel but a lot of visitors are surprised by how well the area is set up. The decorations look modern and new, and most importantly, the bedrooms are clean and spacious!
Location: 43/11-13, Chanthanimit, Mueang Chanthaburi District, 2200, Thailand
Accommodation near Namtok Phlio Waterfall Area
อิงเขารีสอร์ท ING KHAO RESORT Chanthaburi
The Ing Khao Resort is one of the nearest accommodations to Namtok Phlio National Park and Waterfall. There are other accommodations in the area but this one stands out from the rest because it is very well-maintained, clean, and new. Visitors have also noted that the owners are pretty friendly and nice themselves which means that you’ll be taken cared of while you are there! The ambiance is also great and rooms have access to the mountain view and the sight of the river passing by!
Location: 19 m 12 พลิ้ว, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi 22190, Thailand
When is the best time to visit Chanthaburi?
The best time to visit Chanthaburi is from November to February. The rainy season in Northern Thailand starts in May and continues until October, so you might want to reconsider if you’re planning to go on a trip during these months.
We also don’t recommend you come to Chanthaburi in March and April as these are the hottest and the most humid months here. The heat might become too overwhelming and might cause dangerous effects like heat strokes and the like.
How many days should I spend in Chanthaburi?
Chanthaburi offers a lot of attractions and interesting sites to see which may not fit in just one day. Two days are enough to spend in Chanthaburi if you’re after visiting all the popular places. But you can extend your stay if you want to visit other attractions too like the Maritime Museum and the Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Maharat Park!
Do I need VISA to visit Chanthaburi?
If you are planning to visit Thailand for less than 30 days, then VISA is no longer required. However, you must have a valid passport to enter the country. With that being said, you don’t have to have a VISA to visit Kamphaeng Phet but you must bring your passport with you!
There are 64 VISA exempted countries that can freely enter Thailand as long as it is for tourism only. Other nationalities may get a VISA upon arrival. To know more about the VISA policies in Thailand, read this article from the Thai Embassy about the “Tourist Visa to Thailand“
Travel Budget for Chanthaburi for 2 Days
Chanthaburi is quite a touristy province. That is why you will notice that prices here are typically more expensive compared to that of Kamphaeng Phet or Si Satchanalai.
A daily budget of $80 per person is already enough to get around Chanthaburi. However, there are attractions that are notorious for charging foreigners more for entrance fees. For example, the Namtok Phlio National Park charges THB200 for foreigners but only charges THB40 for Thais. So, this is one of the things that you might want to look out for when traveling to Chanthaburi.
This computation already includes the basic costs, the average accommodation rate, and the Moped rental but may vary depending on your preferences. So, for a two-day stay in Chanthaburi, you can expect to spend around $160 to $200.
Do I need to bring cash to Chanthaburi?
Yes! There are establishments that accept cards as payment in Chanthaburi but for the most part, local restaurants as well as attractions, do not accept credit cards. So, it is best if you bring cash with you.
You can exchange your foreign currency for Thai Baht at the airport if you need money for a taxi, food, etc. Bangkok’s airport, for example, has a Kasikorn Bank booth wherein you can ask how much the rate is and exchange your money there. This bank offers the best rate among the other bank booths at the airport like Thai Military Bank and Siam Commercial Bank. But unlike TMB and SCB which are open 24/7, Kasikorn Bank is only open from 7 AM to 11 PM only.
Is Chanthaburi worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! The City of Gems is full of hidden gems yet to be discovered. This itinerary does not even cover all the things that you can do here. However, Chanthaburi is a bit expensive for budget travelers but it is still an enjoyable experience! So, on your next Thailand trip, you should come to Chanthaburi!
If you liked this itinerary, also check out our Si Satchanalai itinerary and other Thailand itineraries we’ve prepared!
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