หนีร้อนไปนอนโฮมสเตย์ เที่ยวสวนผลไม้ ผ่อนคลายที่จันทบุรี
Answering the question, “Where should we go and what should we eat in Chanthaburi?” isn’t simple, giventhe province’s diverse range of attractions. Nature enthusiasts can explore waterfalls, trek through forests, or unwind by the sea, thanks to its location along the Gulf of Thailand. Chanthaburi’s gems are too beautiful to ignore, while its fresh fruits from orchards live up the reputation. With a rich history dating back to the era of King Taksin the Great, Chanthaburi also offers a glimpse into its fascinating past.
Now that summer is officially here, there’s no other things better than sleeping in floating houses in the local ‘village without land’, relaxing by the beach, and ending your day with a tour of fruit orchards. With all the essentials gathered, let’s get ready and explore Chanthaburi.
Day 1 Sleeping on a Floating House, Eating Crab and Birdwatching.
We kicked off this trip at the floating village, a community with a history spanning over 160 years. Initially settled by Chinese immigrants who built their homes on the water, the village has since expanded into the present-day floating community.
Upon arriving at our designated spot, we parked our car by the shore and switched to a speedboat to reach the guesthouse we had booked earlier. The journey to our accommodation was already thrilling as we passed through lush mangrove forests and floating houses, occasionally spotting oyster farms along the way. In no time, we arrived at our lodging (true to its name, it’s indeed a speedy boat).
“Hello and welcome!” the staff greeted us with a local accent and warm smile that made us feel right at home. By the time we settled in, it was almost lunchtime. We were treated to a feast of local cuisine. The flavors were so delightful that we found ourselves asking for seconds.
By 3 o’clock, it was time for the activity recommended by the resort staff. Now, when it comes to the phrase “floating excursion,” many people might envision a serene boat ride, bird watching, and perhaps some leisurely dipping in the water. Instead of a tranquil boat ride, it was a lively group outing on a barge, with loud music that drew a flock of birds for a feeding frenzy. The atmosphere was filled with laughter as tourists interacted with the wildlife. I swear I saw an elderly lady on the barge getting into the groove so much that she seemed to completely forget her age. They even offered paddleboards for those eager for more active water activities.
After several jumps into the water from the barge that left us exhausted and breathless, everyone wore bright smiles as if they had let go of emotions pent up over the past year. Then came dinner time, another highlight of the day. The seafood buffet offered an abundance of choices from fresh catches to delectable seafood dips, complemented by a variety of local dishes. It was a fulfilling end to this evening.
Day 2 Exploring Chanthaburi’s Coastal Beauty
If you don’t visit the famous beaches, you can’t really say you have been to Chanthaburi. So, after crossing back to the mainland, our next destination was Chao Lao Beach, renowned for its fine red sand. Along the way, we passed over the Taksin Maharat Bridge, locally known as Laem Singh Bridge, which spans the Chanthaburi River. The bridge boasts a panoramic view stretching over the river, where we took a moment to soak in the surroundings and capture some breathtaking photos. In the evening, the setting sun bathed everything in a warm orange glow, reflecting off the water and creating a stunning backdrop against the mountains and lush forests. Distant fishing boats and waterfront houses added to the picturesque scene, making it an endlessly captivating sight.
Today’s lunch was a delightful seafood feast at a riverside restaurant known for its fresh and affordable seafood dishes. This family-run establishment has been my favorite since childhood, and the flavors never disappoint. Opting to sit at a table by the riverbank, we enjoyed the spacious, airy ambiance with a view of the opposite riverbank, where fishing boats of various sizes were docked in rows. We lingered here for a while before continuing our journey to check into our accommodation.
This time, we stayed at the Maldives Beach Resort, opting for a Garden Villa. These villas are designed as private retreats with the sea view. Stepping just a few paces from our villa, we could feel the soft sand beneath our feet, inviting us for a dip in the sea or taking a leisurely paddleboard ride. From our room’s doorstep, we could enjoy the sunset as well.
Our next destination was the renowned viewpoint of Nern Nang Phaya. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking 180-degree panoramic view of the sea, along with the winding coastal road that creates a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. It’s truly a must-visit spot.
We concluded our day at a seaside restaurant, immersing ourselves in the evening atmosphere while watching the sun gently dip below the horizon. Savoring delicious food against this scenic backdrop was the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3 Garden Tour and Fruit Tasting Feast
On the third day of our trip, we embarked on a garden tour and fruit tasting adventure in Chanthaburi, a region known for its abundant fruit harvests from April to August, particularly the renowned durian. Our destination was Aunt Galab’s shop, a multifaceted establishment encompassing a fruit garden, an agricultural product processing factory, a community learning center, and a 5-star OTOP souvenir shop.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and immediately headed to explore the durian orchard that was surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with mangosteen and longan trees. Although we couldn’t indulge in freshly picked durians as they were still raw, we savored kilogramweighted durians purchased from the shop, creating a picnic-like atmosphere in the garden. For those less keen on fresh durians, the shop also offered fried durian for purchase. The durian chips are also one of Chantaburi’s popular souvenirs.
And so, the 3-day, 2-night trip initially intended for relaxation and indulgence somehow turned into a serious adventure of gastronomy and activity. Yet, this trip’s most memorable part was the gathering of familiar faces to have fun and create lasting memories together.
Chanthaburi, the vibrant province of the eastern Thailand with just a little over 3 hours from Bangkok, proved to be an intriguing place. However, all of this is just a glimpse, as it offers many more interesting places to explore. It all depends on what kind of travel experience you seek. Whichever travel style you prefer, it won’t disappoint you.
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