CHANTHABOON WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

The city's old quarter, on the banks of the Chanthaboon River, dates back more than three centuries. During the reign of Phra Narai of Ayutthaya, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese formed the city's first community. Their descendants continued to live in the area, and today you can still admire some magnificent buildings with an old-fashioned charm, some built on stilts along the river. There are also many small businesses, hotels, restaurants, boutiques...

French troops occupied the town from 1893 to early 1905 during the Franco-Siamese war, but had no real influence on the community's culture. On the other hand, the ruins of Fort Tuek Daeng, built by the French at the same time and located some ten kilometers away in Tan Chan, can be admired. The community subsequently experienced two influxes of Vietnamese migrants, first fleeing French Indochina, then during the Vietnam War. The Chanthaburi River, its official name, was an essential means of transport at the time, and the town was an important commercial port, particularly for the trade in precious stones. Although Chanthaburi's prestige and commercial importance have since waned, the gem trade is still very active. A gems market and several specialized stores can be found near the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community.