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
sŏrng·tăa·ou
from next to the post office, near the northern side of the mar-
ket in Chanthaburi (35B, 45 minutes). The
sŏrng·tăa·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
sŏrng·tăa·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
entrance.
Accommodation is available at both parks; book with the
park reservation system
(
0 2562 0760;
Festivals
Fruit Festival
( May or Jun)
At the end of May, or beginning of June, Chanthaburi's annual fruit festival
is a great opportunity to sample the region's superb produce, especially rambutans, man-
gosteens and the ever-pungent durian.
FOOD
Sleeping
Accommodation can get busy at weekends when the gem traders are in town.
River Guest House
OFFLINE MAP
HOTEL
$
GOOGLE MAP
( 0 3932 8211; 3/5-8 Th Si Chan; r 190-490B; )
Lumpy beds, boxlike rooms and tiny
bathrooms, but this is as good as it gets in the budget range. The relaxed outdoor terrace
is a plus. Try to score a room away from the highway.
Kasemsarn Hotel
OFFLINE MAP
HOTEL
$$
GOOGLE MAP
