Jul 14

Old Town in Chanthaburi

By Richard Barrow Email

Tuesday 14th July, 2009 | 240 words | Category: Road Trips, Chantaburi | 9 feedbacks »

"Muang Chan", the nickname for Chanthaburi, is about 330 kilometers south-east of Bangkok. It is famous for its gem and jewellery trading market which is the largest in the country. The province is also rich in natural resources with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs and mountain tops. However, what draws me most to this area is the historical record. King Thaksin rallied the troops here after the fall of Ayutthaya and the French occupied the town for about 11 years after a territorial dispute.

The oldest part of the city is along the riverfront. Walking down these narrow lanes is not only like walking back in time but it also feels that you are being transported to another country. Many of the buildings, which are over one hundred years old, are in a dilapidated state. Others have unfortunately been pulled down and replaced with concrete structures.

But, it is not too late for them to do anything. Local people have banded together to help preserver their heritage. They are being supported by the local government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) who preparing to turn these winding lanes into walking streets and the next tourist attraction for the city.

If you are planning on visiting Chanthaburi, or are passing through to head to Koh Chang in Trad, then make sure you take time to explore the old part of the city. More tourist information for this province at our ThailandGuidebook.com.

Do you have any questions about Thailand? Maybe you are planning a holiday or just want to learn more about Thai culture. Have all of your questions answered for free at ThailandQA.com. These forums are part of the family friendly Paknam Web Network.

« The Baby Buddha ImageCathedral in Chanthaburi »
Comment from: Benny Tan · http://www.horizonchange.blogspot.com
*****
Looks quite typical of my childhood days home.They should be refurbished and preserve as historical heritage.
The Hokkiens from Xiamen (China) are the ones with this design.
Very grateful for your recommendation,hope to find a distant relative there when I make a visit.
15/07/2009 @ 00:08
Comment from: Khun Don
*****
Visit on a Fri, Sat or Sun and you have the added attraction of the large ruby and sapphire market in "Gem Street" (Si Chan Road) in the mornings. It is estimated that 80% of the world's ruby and sapphires pass through Chanthaburi.
15/07/2009 @ 03:07
Comment from: Leosia · http://leosia.com
*****
You mentioned the French occupied the town for about 11 years, yet there seems to be a Spanish influence on the old stone walls: "Casa Del Libro" and "cafe Floridita". Is this some kind of trading link with Spain (by the river)?
15/07/2009 @ 16:14
Comment from: jenhan
Are there many Chinese living in this part of the town?
15/07/2009 @ 18:12
Comment from: Khun Don
*****
Jenhan
Yes.The Chinese quarter is here by the riverside.
15/07/2009 @ 23:55
Comment from: Jen Han
Thank you for your prompt reply Khun Don.

Refering to the first comment by Benny, are the Chinese here in Chanthaburi predominantly Hokkiens or Teochews?
16/07/2009 @ 06:36
Comment from: Khun Don
*****
Sorry, Jen Han, I do not know.

LeoAsia-Unable to find any special connection with Spain-trade etc.
"Cafe Floridita" seems more Cuban than Spanish from research on this subject.

16/07/2009 @ 18:14
Comment from: BangkokDan · http://absolutelyBangkok.com
Thank you for this excellent photo series. You're spot on, Chanburi as the locals call it has some of the most beautiful old houses. And the food!
16/07/2009 @ 20:54
Comment from: Jenhan
Khun Don, are you Thai Chinese
18/07/2009 @ 15:28

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