The Chanthaburi Riverside Community is situated along a 900-meter stretch of the Chanthaburi River, directly on Sukhaphiban Road, the province’s first road. On both sides of the road, wooden houses and quaint shophouses create a charming scene. Many houses continue to function as residences for locals, while others have transformed into charming souvenir shops, inviting cafes, and delightful restaurants. Furthermore, several historic buildings have been converted into elegant accommodations for travelers. Each of them preserves its distinct allure, including Bunyathiti Villa and Baan Luang Ratchamaitri. Additionally, the Chanthaburi Riverside radiates the charm of a tranquil and uncomplicated lifestyle. Explore a lively gem market, an engaging learning center, innovative jewelry studios, and an array of shops filled with local goods and delectable cuisine. Enjoy delightful treats such as egg cakes, refreshing calamansi juice, and unique tile ice cream while you explore and appreciate all that this destination has to offer.
1
International Gems Market
(240 m.)
2
Pa Tai Egg Cake
(110 m.)
3
Community Learning Center
(120 m.)
4
Punyashthiti Villa
(85 m.)
5
Jang Guang An Medicine Shop
(100 m.)
6
Chaloem Chan Coffee Shop
(350 m.)
7
Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn
(50 m.)
8
Rocket Ice Cream
(30 m.)
9
MEJAI Jewelry Studio
(100 m.)
10
Wat Bot Muang
1
International Gems Market
Chanthaburi is known as the “City of Gems” for its many gem mines and skilled lapidaries. A renowned spot in the Chanthaburi Riverside Community is the International Gem Market, which locals commonly call the “Gem Market.” The area encompassing Soi Krachang and Srichan Road is recognized as a vital economic path in the province, featuring more than 120 shops specializing in lapidary, gems, and gold. Today, the lively scene of gem trading is unmistakable, with both Thai and foreign traders and buyers coming together, offering an exciting experience for tourists.
Open: Every Friday and Saturday 10:00-16:00.
2
Pa Tai Egg Cake
The treat was originally called “Khanom Farang,” a name that illustrates its rich history. A French priest brought the recipe and techniques when he arrived with the first Vietnamese immigrants to Chanthaburi. Throughout the years, this culinary treasure was handed down through generations until it reached Aunt Tai. Only three simple ingredients are used in her recipe: eggs, flour, and sugar. Aunt Tai’s egg cake has been a beloved staple in the community for over 70 years, staying true to its original recipe and attracting customers with its pleasingl taste. What makes it unique is that it is freshly baked from the oven each day, featuring an egg cake without the trendy toppings that are popular today. Aunt Tai shared her wish for those who loved it as kids to come back and savor that same satisfying flavor once more.
Open: Daily from 10:00-17:00.
3
Community Learning Center
A charming half-timbered residence, over a century old, has been generously made available by its owner, Pol. Col. Boonprim Patiruphanusorn, for the benefit of community activities. A workshop on the ground level invites visitors to create herbal-scented sachets, celebrating Chanthaburi’s rich history as a hub for spice trading and distribution. On the upper floor, an exhibition awaits visitors to the Chanthaburi riverfront village, offering insights into the community’s history, the identities of its inhabitants, their origins, and the significant architecture that defines the area. This learning center also made an effort to preserve the original architectural style, showcasing a blend of Thai, Chinese, and European influences.
Open: Sat-Sun 09.30-17.30
4
Punyashthiti Villa
Punyashthiti Villa is a handsome historical Chinese pavilion-style building that is between 120 and 150 years old. At first glance, it looks like a cozy single-story house, but step inside and you’ll be surprised to find a spacious three-story building, complete with a charming riverside house in the back. The house features a distinctive structure made of half concrete and half wood. The current owner of the house is the seventh-generation heir actively participating in the conservation and restoration initiative for the Chanthaburi riverside community. The owner used family funds for renovations and granted the right to Chanthaburi Rakdee Co., Ltd. to manage the space as a hotel. In total, there are five rooms. Starting prices are at 3,000 baht.
Visitors can explore the front zone of Bunyathiti Villa, which is open as an exhibition across all three floors at no cost. The first floor showcases the house’s restoration and is also the location of a charming riverside cafe named “Chong Dee by C.A.P.” The second floor covers the history of the Bunyathiti family, and the third floor highlights Chanthaburi Province. It acts as a vibrant hub for travelers, students, and any active learners.
Open: Daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
5
Jang Guang An Medicine Shop
In the past, medicines were transported from China to Hong Kong, then to Bangkok, and ultimately to Chanthaburi. The first famous Chinese medicine shop in Chanthaburi has a history spanning over a century. Today, Jang Guang An Medicine Shop sells various Chinese and Thai herbs. The fourth-generation Hakka Chinese heir continues to manage the business in the same way as the generations before them. The shop largely maintains its charming character, showcasing equipment used for selling Chinese medicine, such as ancient medicine cabinets, medicine scales, brass mortars, and medicinal cutting knives, among other items. The ‘Shaking Inhaler’ is a popular tourist attraction, made by the shop owner right in front of you, letting you take home a freshly mixed bottle.
Open: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6
Chaloem Chan Coffee Shop
A vintage coffee shop in Chanthaburi, known as the “Chaloem Chan Coffee Shop,” has been open for over 70 years due to its location near the former Chalerm Chan Cinema. The owner shared that calamansi is a key ingredient in the Vietnamese Chanthaburi cuisine. Due to the abundance of produce, they decided to experiment with creating a beverage, ultimately becoming the pioneer in Chanthaburi with their unique calamansi juice recipe. The drinks have become incredibly popular all over the city. The shop’s best-selling menu item is the calamansi soda, which costs only 30 baht per glass.
Open: Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
7
Luang Rajamaitri Historic Inn
The historic house, standing proudly for a century, is the residence of Mr. Poom Punsri, also known as Luang Ratchamaitri. He began his journey as a merchant, following in the footsteps of his father, Luang Pramuan Ratchasap, who was both a tax collector and a merchant. Luang Ratchamaitri traveled to Penang under his father’s guidance to pursue his studies and went on to establish groundbreaking rubber plantations in Chanthaburi, ultimately achieving prosperity and earning the title of ‘Father of Eastern Rubber.’ The property has been transformed into a 10-room hotel, aiming to preserve heritage while engaging in sustainable business practices, under the management of Chanthaburi Rakdee Co., Ltd. Room rates start at just 1,690 baht.
8
Rocket Ice Cream
Rocket Ice Cream is proud to be Chanthaburi’s first machine-operated ice cream factory. The company has been operating since 1959. It presents an appealing selection of ice cream, featuring bars, scoops, and cuts, accompanied by a variety of flavors such as milk pop, black sticky rice, durian, and blue Hawaii, among others. ‘Glazed Tile Ice Cream,’ made from a delicious blend of milk and coconut milk and finished with a coating of Thai tea syrup, is truly a must-try. The factory maintains its original character with the tagline ‘delicious, clean, and hygienic.’ The factory building features a Western-style design, constructed with mixed wood and decorated with intricately carved wooden vents. This style is classified as Sino-Portuguese architecture, showcasing the historical trade links with Singapore.
Open: Daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9
MEJAI Jewelry Studio
A group of five young friends founded this interesting workshop to display the local expertise in Chanthaburi’s gem and jewelry craftsmanship, all while embracing a creative and contemporary lifestyle. It is the very first jewelry workshop studio in Chanthaburi Province. The studio is perfect for anyone passionate about creative works and wants to explore new experiences and exchange ideas with the local community. Visitors can sign up for a workshop session to craft unique stone bracelets, resin jewelry, or rings for as little as 599 baht.
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:30
10
Wat Bot Muang
The temple is located on Benchamarachuthit Road, near the Chanthaburi River, on top of a high hill that is exactly aligned with the previous city hall. The white sandstone sema stone, the ordination hall, and the Sri Lankan-style pagoda that houses the Buddha’s relics all point to a late Ayutthaya period construction. A lintel portraying Indra riding an Erawan elephant was discovered in a glass pavilion, demonstrating the essence of late Bapuan art. As you leave the temple, take in the beautiful backdrop of the Chanthaburi riverfront neighborhood, which includes a spectacular golden Sri Lankan-style pagoda tucked among quaint vintage houses. A short stroll to the Chanthanaram Temple Bridge will reward you with a view that is sure to bring you joy.
