Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
NATIONAL PARKS NEAR CHANTHABURI
Two small national parks are easily reached from Chanthaburi, and make good day trips. Both are malarial, so
take the usual precautions.
Khao Khitchakut National Park
( 0 3945 2074; admission 200B; 6am-6pm) is 28km northeast of
town. The cascade of
Nam Tok Krathing
is the main attraction; though it is only worth a visit just after the rainy
season.
To get to Khao Khitchakut, take a
sorng·taa·ou
from next to the post office, near the northern side of the mar-
ket in Chanthaburi (35B, 45 minutes). The
sorng·taa·ou
stops 1km from the park headquarters on Rte 3249, from
which point you'll have to walk. Returning transport is scarce so expect to wait or hitch.
Nam Tok Phlio National Park
( 0 3943 4528; admission 200B; 8.30am-4.30pm) , off Hwy 3, is
14km to the southeast of Chanthaburi and is much more popular. A pleasant, 1km nature trail loops around the
waterfalls, which teem with soro brook carp. To get to the park, catch a
sorng·taa·ou
from the northern side of the
market in Chanthaburi to the park entrance (50B, 30 minutes). You'll get dropped off about 1km from the en-
trance.
Accommodation is available at both parks; book with the
park reservation system
(
0 2562 0760;
Getting Around
Ko Samet's small size makes it a great place to explore on foot. A network of dirt roads
connects most of the western side of the island.
Green
sŏrng·tăa·ou
meet arriving boats at the pier and provide drop-offs at the various
beaches (100B to 400B, depending on the beach). The same fares apply no matter how
many people are on board.
You can rent motorcycles nearly everywhere along the northern half of the island. Ex-
pect to pay 300B per day. The dirt roads are rough and hazardous, and larger vehicles can
leave behind blinding dust clouds. Test the brakes before you drive off and exercise cau-
tion.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Chanthaburi
POP 99,819
Chanthaburi is proof that all that glitters is not gold. Here, gemstones do the sparkling, at-
tracting international traders, including many South Asians, dealing in sapphires, rubies,
emeralds, agate and jade. Thanks to the gem market and Chanthaburi's multicultural his-