Chanthaburi 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Chanthaburi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Chanthaburi City Pillar Shrine

A tranquil public shrine housing the city's foundation pillar, with intricate Thai-Chinese design and peaceful gardens. Locals come to make merit and offer incense. The shaded grounds provide a cool b

🕐 Daily 6am-6pm

Free entry

💡 Wear respectful clothing covering shoulders and knees. Small incense bundles and lotus flowers are available for purchase nearby if you want to make an offering.

Hotels near Chanthaburi City Pillar Shrine →
Afternoon
Chanthaburi Gem Market

A bustling outdoor market where locals trade precious stones. Watch cutters and dealers work from wooden stalls along the river. Even if you don't buy, the atmosphere and skill on display are fascinat

🕐 Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

Free entry

💡 Go between 9am and noon when the buying and selling is most active. Bring small bills if you want to buy—sellers rarely have change for large notes.

Hotels near Chanthaburi Gem Market →
Evening
Where to eat

Café Amazon · ££

Natural Kitchen · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Chanthaburi

Morning
Chanthaboon Waterfront Community

A restored historic district along the river with old wooden shophouses, cafes, and small galleries. Wander the narrow lanes past fading French-colonial architecture and Thai-Chinese temples. Entry to

🕐 Open area, no restrictions. Most shops open 9am-6pm.

💡 Walk from the river end towards the cathedral around 5pm when the light softens for photos. Stop at Baan NongJa for excellent local iced coffee.

Midday
Wat Phai Lom Floating Market

A restored 19th-century market on stilts over the Chanthaburi River. Walk the creaky wooden boardwalks past old shop houses selling local snacks, fruits, and handmade goods. Entry to the market is fre

🕐 Fri-Sun 7am-2pm

💡 Arrive by 8am to see sellers in traditional dress arriving by boat. The market empties out by early afternoon. Try the grilled river prawns from the stalls nearest the water.

Evening
Dining tonight

Restaurant 317

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Namtok Phlio National Park

A lush national park centred on a three-tiered waterfall. The main pool is clear and swimmable, surrounded by greenery and monkeys. A 200 baht entry fee for for

💡 Bring swimwear and a towel. The pool near the second tier has fewer people and a deeper swimming hole. Watch your food—the long-tailed macaques will grab anything unattended.

Getting Around Chanthaburi

Airport taxi service From 1800 THB 210 min

Book a fixed-rate taxi at the airport taxi counter on Level 1 (Arrivals). Metered taxis are cheaper but drivers often refuse longer trips. Negotiate hard for returns: local drivers near Iyara will do 1500-1600 THB.

Songthaew (local pickup truck) From 20 THB 15 min

Shared passenger trucks run fixed routes. Look for the white-and-red ones heading south on Tha Charoen Road. Wave them down anywhere. Tell the driver 'Iyara' – they know it. No fixed stops, just tap the roof to get off.

Government bus from Bangkok From 200 THB 240 min

Get off at the main bus station, then take a public songthaew (20 THB) or a motorbike taxi (60 THB) to Iyara Resort. Do not take the minibus – it's overpriced and cramped.

Airport minibus from Suvarnabhumi From 350 THB 210 min

Located at the 'Public Bus/Car Park' area, floor B1. Buy tickets at the counter, not from touts. It's slower than a taxi but decent value. Once at the bus station, flag a songthaew for Iyara.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Chanthaburi?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Chanthaburi City Pillar Shrine and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Chanthaburi?

See our full best time to visit Chanthaburi guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Sida Hotel, Sai Bungalows, Iyara Resort. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.