Chanthaburi

Bus

Chanthaburi is usually reached from Bangkok's Ekkamai (eastern) bus terminal, although a handful of buses also run to/from Bangkok's Morchit (northern) terminal, and minibuses depart hourly from Bangkok's Victory Monument. Chanthaburi can also be reached by bus from regional destinations like Pattaya, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Aranyaprathet, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sa Kaeo and Trat (Ko Chang).

In Chanthaburi, the bus terminal is located just to the west of town on the corner of Laeb Neon and Saritdidet Roads. It's a 40 baht pick-up truck taxi ride or around a kilometre walk from the old town. Sample fares include:

Bangkok (Ekkamai): First class air-con buses run roughly every hour between 02:00 and 21:30 and there's also a 24:00 departure. The cost is 205 baht and it takes 5.5 hours. These buses also service Chachoengsao.

Bangkok (Morchit): First class air-con buses depart at 09:30 and 15:45, cost 212 baht and take 5.5 hours.

Bangkok (Victory Monument): Mini-buses run hourly between 06:00 and 18:00 from the Tesco Lotus on Thaluang Rd further west from the bus terminal. The cost is 220 baht and it takes about 4.5 hours.

Khlung: Local buses depart every half hour from 05:00 to 22:00 and cost 30 baht.

Aranyaprathet: Buses depart hourly from 03:00 to 13:00 and again from 19:00 to 22:00, costing 150 baht and taking 3.5 hours.

Ko Chang: Buses depart at 06:30, 08:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30 and 18:00, cost 143 baht and take 3 hours. These buses also service Trat.

Minibuses also depart for Trat from near the fountain at Nam Phuu market every hour between 06:00 and 18:00, costing 120 baht. However these do not go onwards to Ko Chang so it would be necessary to transfer in Trat.

Rayong: Buses depart every hour between 04:00 and 16:00, cost 90 baht and take 3 hours.

Pattaya: First class air-con buses depart at 06:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00, cost 150 baht and take 4 hours.

Nakhon Ratchasima: First class air-con buses depart at 02:30, 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 11:30 and 20:00, cost 293 baht and take 8 hours. These buses also service Sa Kaeo.

Laem Singh & Chao Lao: Although minibuses run sporadically from Burapha University in Chanthaburi, most travellers take a pick-up truck taxi for 250 baht one-way to Laem Singh or 300 baht to Chao Lao. Once in these destinations, guesthouses and resorts can arrange transport back to Chanthaburi.

Getting Around

Chanthaburi's taxis come in the form of small yellow and blue Mazda pick-up trucks, which can be easily hailed around town or caught from central areas like Wat Kate Na Boonyaram, Nam Phuu Market, Robinson shopping centre and the bus station. Motorbike taxis can also be found at these places. Any fare within town shouldn't be higher than 60 baht -- negotiate before setting off.

Blue songthaews of varying sizes run in loops that cover the major roads from Burapha University to Tesco Lotus to the bus station and Nam Phuu Market. Fares are in the 5-15 baht range for anywhere in town.

Motorbikes can be rented from a man named Jong, who runs a small laundry shop on Tha Chalaep Soi 8 near Burapha University. It's not easy to find, so Jong encourages travellers to call him at (081) 853 1763, and he will deliver the bike(s) to anywhere in town. The cost is 300 baht per day. If wanting someone else to handle it, River Guest House can make arrangements for you.

In Laem Singh, motorbikes can be rented for 300 baht per day at Siri Guesthouse. Bicycles can be rented for 50 baht per day at Natural Beach Resort.

In Chao Lao, motorbike rental can be arranged by Tosang Beach Resort and several other hotels for 300 baht per day. Bicycles are offered for free by many resorts, but they can also be rented for 50 baht per day at a stand on the main road near The Residence Hotel.