Chantaburi, Eastern Seaboard

Chao Lao

PLACE
Most western tourists have not yet discovered the beaches around Chantaburi. During the weekends you will find some locals on these beaches, but during the week it is possible to have an entire beach to yourself. We’ve found one such beach to add to the TreasureBeaches website.

WHAT TO DO
Chantaburi is a nice city to visit for a day trip, offering small shops and nice restaurants and bars. A good time to visit is late November or early December, during the jewels and gems festival.

Be sure to visit the Waterfront with its old, restored houses, alleys, cozy cafes, and shops. Stroll the streets, visit the temples and enjoy a meal at one of the nice restaurants. Crossing the river, you will find yourself at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is one of the largest cathedrals in the country and is more than 100 years old.

There are 2 National Parks in the vicinity of Chantaburi. Namtok Phlio National Park is 40 kilometers from Chao Lao and Khao Khitchakut National Park Marve is 60 kilometers from Chao Lao beach. These are home to a green forest, native plants and animals, waterfalls and nature trails.

Near the beach of Chao Lao, you can visit Wat Laem Sadet, a Buddhist monastery. On the way to this monastery, you will pass the Khung Kraben Bay Aquarium and the Khung Kraben Bay Mangrove Forest Education Center. Both places we found worthwhile.

TRANSPORT
From Bangkok, there are several good bus and minibus connections to Chantaburi which is a 4-hour trip. From Chantaburi, you can take a private taxi to Chao Lao (350 baht), or you rent a scooter in town, in either case it is about a 30-minute drive. If you have limited time, we recommend renting a car in Bangkok at one of the airports.