For more than five centuries, Chanthaburi has sparkled as Thailand’s gem capital. Nestled 80km east of Ban Phe, this provincial hub first gained fame for its sapphire and ruby-rich hills that attracted prospectors from across Asia. While local gem deposits have dwindled, Chanthaburi maintains its glittering reputation as one of the world’s premier gem trading and cutting centers. Today, most stones come from Sri Lanka and other global sources, but they’re expertly cut by Thai lapidaries renowned for their skill and affordability.
Beyond its gem trade, Chanthaburi boasts incredibly fertile land bursting with tropical orchards. The province is particularly famous for its durian, rambutan, and mangosteen – fruits so celebrated they inspire an annual festival each May or June. This agricultural abundance complements Chanthaburi’s continuing role as a gem hub, creating a unique blend of natural wealth that continues to draw visitors.
Pattaya
Ko Chang
Ko Samet
Trat
Thailand’s East Coast Travel Guide
While Chanthaburi town offers low-key exploration opportunities, its real charm lies in the surrounding province. The coastline remains refreshingly undeveloped for tourism, featuring quiet beaches shaded by palm trees that attract mainly Thai visitors. Many travelers find themselves passing through Chanthaburi as it serves as a major transit hub for east-coast bus services, including routes connecting Rayong with Trat and northeastern Thailand.
Border Crossings to Cambodia from Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi province offers alternative routes into Cambodia beyond the popular Aranyaprathet-Poipet crossing. Two less-frequented border points provide access to Cambodia’s Pailin region:
The Daung Lem crossing at Ban Laem sits 88km northeast of Chanthaburi (note: no public transport serves this route). More accessible is the Phsa Prom crossing at Ban Pakkard (also called Chong Phakkat), located 72km northeast of town. Morning minibuses depart from near The River Guest House in Chanthaburi, reaching Ban Pakkard in about an hour for 150 baht.
Travelers should obtain a Cambodian e-visa in advance, though thirty-day visas are available on arrival. Those entering Thailand via these crossings may need to show proof of onward travel from Thailand.
Planning a Thailand adventure? Begin your journey by researching transportation options to reach this fascinating destination.
🌟 The Travaloca Travel Editors Community is a dynamic collective of individuals united by their passion for travel and their dedication to high-quality content creation. This community serves as the driving force behind Travaloca's informative and engaging travel resources. ✨ Core Identity: This group consists primarily of passionate travel enthusiasts who have turned their love for exploration into a commitment to writing and content curation. Members are recognized for their: Extensive Travel Experience: Possessing valuable firsthand knowledge from their journeys worldwide. Aptitude for Writing and Editing: Demonstrating a keen interest and skill in crafting, reviewing, and perfecting travel narratives, guides, tips, and reviews. Dedication to Storytelling: Transforming personal experiences and destination knowledge into accessible, inspiring, and reliable information for a global audience. 📝 Community Focus: The community’s primary role is to contribute, edit, and maintain the diverse range of content on Travaloca's platform. They ensure the information provided is accurate, engaging, and reflective of current travel trends. In essence, the Travaloca Travel Editors Community is where travel passion meets editorial excellence, enriching the user experience and solidifying Travaloca’s standing as a trusted travel resource.
