Welcome to The East of Thailand

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI : Attraction - Wat Khao Sukim







Wat Khao Sukim


Situated on a hill covering an area of some 1,320 acres, Wat Khao Sukim was built in 1966 by devout Buddhists who had faith in Phra Achan Somchai Thitawiriyo. The objective of the temple is to be used as a meditation venue. The expansive temple compound offers a peaceful haven surrounded by shady orchards. The temple also 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. In the temples newly built Ubosot (ceremonial hall), mural painting created by Chakrabhand Posayakrit, National Thai Artist in Painting of the year 2000, can be appreciated. The temple is near Khao Khitchakut National Park, 20 kilometres from downtown Chanthaburi and can be reached through three accesses branching off Sukhumvit Road (Highway No. 3):- at Km. 305 (Ban Huai Sathon); at the Ban Noen Sung intersection; or at Km. 324 (Khao Rai Ya intersection)


Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI : Attraction - Wat Phai Lom










Wat Phai Lom

Going across the Chanthaburi River from Si Chan Road and taking a left turn 1 kilometre 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 Chanthaburis artistic and cultural contact with the western world.

Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI : Attraction - Khao Laem Sing Forest Park

Khao Laem Sing Forest Park

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

Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI – Map

Click here to see CHANTHABURI TOURIST MAP

Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI - How to get there



Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Chanthaburi every hour from 4 a.m.-midnight. For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2391 2504; Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0 2391 4146; Phonnipha Tour Tel: 0 2391 5179.





Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) and proceed to Chanthaburi along Highway No. 3.


Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand

Destination Guide : CHANTHABURI : General Information

Famous for its abundance of tropical fruits and as a centre of gems, the eastern province of Chanthaburi is also blessed with rich, verdant forests with scenic waterfalls. The Chanthaburi River flows through the town which has been the home of ancient communities. Quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches are not far from town.


Chanthaburi was occupied by the French during the early part of the 20th century. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings including the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand, catering to a sizeable Christian population.

About 245 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 6,338 square kilometers, Chanthaburi as administratively divided into the following districts:- Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Khlung, Laem Sing, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Soi Dao, Na Yai Am, Kang Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut sub-district.

Data from Tourism Authority of Thailand