Joanna James
Chanthaburi, located near the border of Cambodia, has an assorted community and is home to many temples, parks and waterfalls. Here are a few places worth visiting.
It is an old town in the Chanthaburi province and is a waterfront community. Looking at the buildings around, it is very evident that it reflects the Chinese architecture in town. Throughout the years, this town has evolved into a tourist town. One could wander through the streets and still not get lost. Do not forget to indulge in a few local cuisines and interact with the locals who are quite happy to help you.
This is the biggest cathedral in Thailand. The Gothic-style of the church makes it even more beautiful with the stained-glass windows that add to its beauty. The most unique feature is the statue of the Virgin Mary, standing right at the front of the altar. The church isn't too far from the Chanthaburi river; in fact, it is only a footbridge away from it.
The park is home to many mountains, with the tallest one belonging to Map Wa Krok standing at a staggering 3031 foot. The main attraction is the Phlio waterfall where Soro brook carp, an endemic freshwater fish, is found in abundance. There is a stupa that was built as a memorial for Princess Sunanta Kumari by King Rama V that is found in close proximity to this waterfall. There are other waterfalls namely Khlong Narai, Makok and Trok Nong. Therefore, this park is a great place to venture into if you are a nature enthusiast and love a bit of hiking.
Located 70km away from the main town and is best accessed in a car. This is home to the waterfall from which the sanctuary gets its name. The uniqueness of this waterfall is that it has 16 tiers and gives the impression of it being a massive staircase. The bottom pool is shallow and is usually open from 6 am to 6 pm.
The sanctuary is home to many distinct species including the Blue-rumped Pitta, Indochinese Green Magpie, Dusky Broadbill and Asian Barred Owlet to name a few. A new nature trail was opened quite recently in 2015 which makes it convenient to explore around. The sanctuary, despite being so further away from the town, is still located a few minutes away from the Chatrium Gold Resort Soida which is a well-known golf resort in Thailand.
This is a sacred Buddhist site and is used as a meditation venue. Built by a few devotees in 1966, the temple lies on top of a hill overlooking a tranquil area that further enhances one's meditative experience. Once you step into the temple, you are instantly enveloped in a sense of peace. You will also find many wax statues of Buddhist monks and religious artefacts that were donated by the public.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
