Chanthaburi: Old Riverside Town & Cathedral (2 Days / 1 Night)
A gem-trading town on a river: century-old wooden houses, the largest cathedral in Thailand, a sapphire market and a hilltop temple museum, at an unhurried pace.
Tour overview
Chanthaburi grew rich on gems and river trade, and its old riverside quarter keeps the wooden shophouses of Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai merchants from the time of King Rama V. On the first day you stop at Wat Sothon on the way, then walk through the Chanthaboon riverside community with its 150-year-old inn and century-old Chinese pharmacy, and visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. On the second morning you see the gem market, where traders sort sapphires on the street (Friday to Sunday; on other days a gem-cutting workshop), and Wat Khao Sukim, a temple museum on a hill. You return to Bangkok, or continue to Pattaya. One night in Chanthaburi with breakfast is included; other meals are free stops.
Scheduled stops
- •Wat Sothon
- •Chanthaboon riverside community
- •Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
- •Gem market
- •Wat Khao Sukim
Two-day itinerary
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Departure from Bangkok
Pickup at your hotel.
Wat Sothon
The revered Luang Pho Sothon Buddha in Chachoengsao.
Lunch
Not included in the standard tour price; available on request.
Chanthaboon riverside
Century-old wooden houses, Baan Luang Rajamaitri and the Jang Kwong An pharmacy.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Thailand’s largest cathedral, then check-in at the hotel.
Gem market
Traders sorting sapphires (Friday to Sunday; otherwise a gem-cutting workshop).
Wat Khao Sukim
A temple museum on a hill with views over the countryside.
Lunch
Not included in the standard tour price; available on request.
Return
Arrival at your Bangkok hotel around 17:30, or in Pattaya around 15:30.
Photo gallery
Photos: Narongchaiv (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Preecha.MJ (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Frequently asked questions
Is the hotel included?
Yes, one night in Chanthaburi with breakfast; the category is confirmed in your offer.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people). Larger groups on request.
Can we end the tour in Pattaya?
Yes. On the second day we can drive you to your hotel in Pattaya or Jomtien instead of Bangkok, arriving around 15:30.
When is the gem market open?
The street gem market is busiest from Friday to Sunday mornings. On other days we visit a gem-cutting workshop instead.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Hotel pickup in Bangkok and drop-off in Bangkok, Pattaya or Jomtien.
- One night in Chanthaburi with breakfast; accommodation for the guide and the driver.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- The visits in the programme are free or included.
- Lunches and dinner are not included in the standard tour price; they are available on request.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly for temples: shoulders covered, trousers or skirt at least knee-length.
- Light clothes for two days and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.