Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the hills surrounding Chanthaburi, several sapphire and ruby mines once supplied the
palace with fine ornaments prior to the mid-19th century when the mines were developed
into commercial operations by Shan (Burmese) traders. These days, locally mined gems
are of inferior international quality but the resourceful Chanthaburi traders roam the globe
acquiring precious and semi-precious stones, which are in turn traded here to other globe-
trotters.
The last remaining mine in the area is
Khao Phloi Waen
, 6km from town, which is famous
locally for its 'Mekong Whiskey' yellow-coloured sapphire.
HISTORICAL SITE
Chantaboon Waterfront Community
(Th Sukhaphiban)
Along the banks of Mae Nam Chanthaburi is a 1km stretch of old wooden
houses that are valiantly being preserved. It makes for an atmospheric stroll with a typical
Thai twist: food features more prominently than facts. Stop by the
Learning House
ings and architectural drawings that reveal the community's history.
Of especial interest are the drawings of the homes' beautifully carved ventilation pan-
els. Much of the community's immigrant past is revealed in these unique panels: there are
carvings of Chinese characters and even French fleurs-de-lis.
Farmers and merchants first settled on the fertile river banks some 300 years ago, estab-
lishing the area as an agricultural trading post. Chinese traders and economic migrants
sought refuge here, thus diversifying the local population. Vietnamese Catholics fled from
religious persecution in their home country. And before long the different groups had in-
termarried until everyone claimed a little bit of each culture.
Today, the older generation remains in the rickety old houses but increasing numbers of
domestic tourists are coming for weekend outings to eat Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese
specialities and listen to all the old stories.
Cathedral
(east bank of Mae Nam Chanthaburi; daylight hours)
This French-style cathedral, across a foot-
bridge from Th Sukhaphiban, is the town's architectural highlight. A small missionary
chapel was built here in 1711, when Vietnamese Catholics and a French priest arrived.
CHURCH