Weather in Chanthaburi

About Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi's gem market pulses with dealers trading rubies and sapphires in open-air stalls where fortunes exchange hands over loose stones. This provincial capital's precious stone commerce creates an atmosphere of wealth concentration—a glimpse into gem trading's secretive networks.

Country

Thailand

Best months to visit

January, December

Currency

THB

Language

Thai, English

Things to do in Chanthaburi

Gem market trading and purchasing experiences Cathedral French colonial architecture exploration Durian orchard farm visits and fruit tastings Waterfront riverine boat tours Local seafood restaurant dining experiences Nearby Khao Khiao National Park hiking

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

February

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

March

31C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

April

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

November

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Recommended

December

30C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Chanthaburi is Thailand's gem-trading capital, a riverside town in the southeast where weekend markets buzz with dealers haggling over sapphires and rubies under makeshift awnings. Its old quarter retains rows of French-colonial shophouses and a striking neo-Gothic cathedral, the largest Catholic church in Thailand, while the surrounding province produces some of the country's best durian and rambutan. It's an under-visited slice of provincial Thailand with genuine character.

Best areas to stay in Chanthaburi

Chanthaboon Waterfront Community

The atmospheric old town along the river, lined with century-old wooden shophouses, cafes, and small museums.

Gem Market District

The streets around the weekend gem market, where dealers trade sapphires and rubies in a distinctive open-air bazaar.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Thailand's largest Catholic cathedral, a striking neo-Gothic landmark on the riverbank with stained glass and a long history.

Khao Khitchakut National Park

A forested mountain area outside town, popular for waterfall hikes and a pilgrimage trail to a hilltop Buddha footprint shrine.

Getting to Chanthaburi

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Flights

Fly into Bangkok (BKK/DMK), then take a bus from the Eastern bus terminal (around 3-4 hours) to Chanthaburi.

⏱

From London

~12-14 hours total journey time from London via Bangkok

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Getting around

Songthaews and motorbike taxis cover the town; renting a car or scooter is useful for visiting orchards and the national park.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Chanthaburi?

November to February is cool and dry. May to August is fruit season, when the durian and rambutan orchards around town are at their best, though it's also the start of the rains.

How do I get to Chanthaburi?

Buses run regularly from Bangkok's Eastern bus terminal (around 3-4 hours). The town has no airport, so road travel from Bangkok or nearby Trat is the usual route.

What is Chanthaburi known for?

Its gem market, held on weekends, where traders buy and sell sapphires and rubies from nearby mines; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; and the riverside old town of wooden shophouses.

Is Chanthaburi a good stop on the way to Trat or Koh Chang?

Yes — it sits roughly halfway between Bangkok and Trat (the gateway to Koh Chang), making it an easy overnight stop to break up the journey.

What food is Chanthaburi famous for?

Chanthaburi is renowned for its rice noodles (sen Chan), used in pad thai across Thailand, as well as seasonal tropical fruit including durian, rambutan, and mangosteen.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Really enjoyed wandering the old wooden shophouses along the river — felt like a step back in time and barely any other tourists around.

Tom B. · December 2023

★★★★★

Visited during durian season and the fruit stalls were incredible. The gem market was also fascinating to walk through, even just to watch the deals being made.

Ploy N. · June 2024

★★★★☆

A good overnight stop on the way to Koh Chang. The cathedral is genuinely impressive and the riverside area is lovely in the evening.

Ian F. · January 2024