About Chanthaburi Province
Chanthaburi lies on Thailand's eastern seaboard between Rayong and Trat, with a fertile interior of orchards backing onto the Cardamom foothills and a short coastline of quiet beaches. The province is Thailand's traditional gem-trading capital, and the gem street in the old town still hosts weekend markets where dealers sort sapphires, rubies, and zircons on paper trays. The Old Vietnamese Quarter, lined with century-old shophouses along the Chanthaboon riverfront, reflects waves of Catholic Vietnamese refugees.
Key facts
- Population
- 535,559 (2020)
- Area
- 6,338 km²
- Density
- 84 / km²
- Districts
- 10
- Capital
- Chanthaburi
- ISO code
- TH-22
All 10 districts
Kaeng Hang Maeo · Khao Khitchakut · Khlung · Laem Sing · Makham · Mueang Chanthaburi · Na Yai Am · Pong Nam Ron · Soi Dao · Tha Mai
Top Highlights
Gem trading street and weekend market for sapphires, rubies, and zircons
Old Vietnamese Quarter shophouses along the Chanthaboon riverfront
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand
Khao Khitchakut National Park and the durian-and-mangosteen orchards of the interior
Getting There
Chanthaburi is about 245 km southeast of Bangkok, around four hours by car or by intercity bus from Ekkamai or Mo Chit. The nearest airport with regular flights is U-Tapao (Pattaya), roughly two hours away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore more Thai provinces
Browse all 76 province guides
Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q327730 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
Was this page helpful?
ThailandKnowledge Editorial Team
Factual claims on this page are sourced and dated. Where something could not be verified, we say so rather than guessing.
Our editorial standards