Chanthaburi’s beaches are not overcrowded and offer astounding views of the Gulf of Thailand. Golden stretches of sands with enticing names such as Laem Sing, Chao Lao and Ao Yang are only just over three hours away by bus from the capital city of Bangkok.
Buses for Chanthaburi depart from Bangkok’s Morchit and Ekkamai bus terminals at fairly frequent intervals during the day. Air-conditioned buses provide that little extra comfort plus complimentary snacks and iced water. Fan-cooled buses also stop randomly en route when passengers hail them down. As a result they take longer to get here.
There are several hotels and guest houses in Chanthaburi Town which make good bases for exploring the province. Alternately, travellers have the option of taking a songthaew shared taxi to one of the beaches and staying there. Some songthaews ply routes from Chanthaburi Bus Station to the beaches.
The unspoilt beaches of Chanthaburi Province
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Chanthaburi is the next province along Thailand’s gulf coast from Rayong and not much farther from the legendary seaside resort town of Pattaya. Despite this proximity, many travellers skip Chanthaburi’s beaches in favour of those on Koh Chang or pass by on their way to the Cambodian border.