"Come visit Chanthaburi, where the good vibes extend beyond smiles and memories."

(This short nature trail is a lot of fun.)

Located at a convenient distance from Bangkok, Chanthaburi is an ideal destination for group trips, family outings, or solo adventures. This review focuses on a group trip experience, which can be easily adapted to suit different preferences.

The trip was originally planned for July, but due to some friends' exams, it had to be postponed to the end of October.

Day 1

6:20 AM. Prepare to board the van at Mo Chit.

11:00 AM: Arrive at the Khlong bus station and take a three-wheeled vehicle to the pier.

Description of the surrounding atmosphere along the roadside.

12:00 p.m. Board a large long-tailed boat to Ban Rai Pla Din for a homestay experience. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The homestay provided a delicious lunch with five dishes and a sweet dessert of "khanom thuai".

The delicious lunch provided by Baan Talay Dao was devoured with gusto, leaving no morsel behind.

13:30 Check into your room and settle in. Take a walk around the village. The homestay will meet you again at 16:00 for a raft trip.

The day the OP went, they almost didn't get to go on the raft because it was raining. However, as the time to go on the raft approached, the rain started to stop.

The homestay has announced a trip to the sandbar in the middle of the sea, where you can see red hawks and enjoy the view.

This is the raft we will take to visit the Emerald Pool and Talay Waek.

Contrary to our initial expectations, the scenery was breathtaking. While it may not have resembled other sea of mist landscapes, it far surpassed our imaginations. The air was refreshingly cool, likely due to the recent rainfall.

After paddling for a while, you will reach a wide sandbar where you can walk. The boat will stop here for a while so that tourists can take photos, paddle kayaks, or simply enjoy the natural beauty.

5:30 PM, then sail back.

6:20 PM. The homestay prepared an all-you-can-eat buffet, which our group ate until our bellies were full. I myself ate about 6-7 crabs and fresh oysters, which were delicious. And there will always be someone asking if we need anything more, and there is no shortage of food.

The plaster statue was eaten so quickly that there was no time to take a picture. >///<

---

The first day of the journey has come to an end.

---

Day Two

6:30 a.m. Unlimited breakfast (seafood porridge) is served.

7:00 AM Morning alms offering (Alms offering set ordered from the homestay)

9:15 AM: The boat provided by the homestay returns to the shore from where it came.

However, our group left late at 10:00 a.m., so we had to call a small boat to pick us up instead, which could only accommodate up to 6 people. It was fun, though, and we had a great time.

10:15 AM: Upon arrival at Uncle Chaow's, we can discuss our itinerary and decide which destinations to prioritize. Feel free to suggest any places you'd like to visit.

10:40 AM: Arrival at Pliew Waterfall Park. Entry fee for Thai citizens is 40 baht per person, while foreigners pay a different price.

Upon arrival, approximately 500-600 meters ahead, you will find the entrance to the "Nature Study Trail," which is approximately 1.20 kilometers long. Our group was surprised because we were unaware that there was a nature trail there. We had initially planned to go swimming, so we discussed going in to explore. Before entering, you must first obtain permission from the authorities, as access may be restricted due to high water levels or heavy rain. Fortunately, it had rained the previous day, leaving the ground slightly damp, and the authorities informed us that we could enter and explore. They assured us that if we could pass the first hill, the rest of the trail would be easy.

The exploration begins with excitement.

It was a pleasant coincidence. The initial part of the trail was a mix of steep and gentle slopes, with an elevation gain of 700-800 meters.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

The author and their group wore flip-flops while walking, which is not recommended due to the slippery terrain. However, as previously mentioned, they were unaware of the conditions beforehand. Furthermore, the author wore high heels while walking, resulting in multiple falls.

You will encounter a stream flowing from the source. Initially, it may appear as a dead end, as you might think that you don't need to cross the waterfall. However, as you can see from the image, follow the arrow's direction. You must climb over the waterfall and ascend the steep path on the other side.

"If others have succeeded, why can't we?"

After walking approximately 1.0 km, you will encounter the Alangkarn Chedi and a statue of Her Majesty Queen Sunandha Kumariratana, the Queen Consort.

After visiting the Alangkarn Pagoda, you can enjoy the scenic view of the Pliu Waterfall.

At 12:00 p.m., we were looking for grilled chicken and sticky rice to eat. However, we were worried that we wouldn't have enough time, so we bought some to eat in the car. Then, we continued our journey.

Uncle Chaow drove us to "Wat Cha Yai," which features beautiful Buddhist statues. The surroundings were lush and serene. However, as we were enjoying chicken and sticky rice, Uncle Chaow took us on a tour of the temple grounds.

12.10 p.m. Then, we traveled to the Red Building, which was built during World War II by the French in 1893.

The Chicken Coop Jail: A Relic of World War II

Not far from here stands the Chicken Coop Jail, a structure built during World War II by the French in 1939. Originally intended as a chicken coop, the building was repurposed due to a shortage of prison space during the war. The upper level served as a chicken coop, while the lower level housed prisoners, primarily those who resisted French rule. This information was shared by a local resident, Mr. Chaow.

12:30 PM: Take a photo at the viewpoint (recommended by Uncle Chaow).

13:00: Travel to Taksin Maharat Bridge (Saphan Laem Sing) (recommended by Uncle Chaow)

2:00 PM: Visit the Chalermphrakiet Aquarium in Chanthaburi, which houses a diverse collection of local fish, including rare species and an abundance of groupers.

Free admission. Not many pictures. Enjoyable walk (recommended by Uncle Chaow).

15.10 p.m. I arrived at the "Ao Kung Kraben Mangrove Forest Study Center". It wasn't long before it started to rain, but not too heavily. As a result, some of the photos will be filled with condensation on the lens.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

He walked until he reached the bridge that connected to the brackish sea.

Wooden tower

We then walked back to the car.

The last stop of today's trip is Krung Wiman Beach, "the scenic viewpoint of Nang Phaya Hill".

In fact, there are stone bridges on the side for taking pictures, but I was afraid that I would not be in time for the 6:00 p.m. van, so I asked Uncle Chaow to take me to the van station in the city center. TYT

Note: See you again on the next trip!!! I hope we have the chance to travel together again.

The following is a summary of the expenses:

1. The fare for a van from Mo Chit to Chanthaburi-Khlung (one way) is 230 baht per person.

2. The fare for a three-wheeled vehicle from Tha Rot Tu Khlung to the pier is 25 baht per person.

3. Van fare from Mo Chit to Chanthaburi (return trip) = 200 baht/person (because it starts in the city center).

4. The cost of staying at the Homestay Talay Dao is 1,800 baht per person (including 3 meals and a raft trip). The service is excellent (phone number 083-589-8009, 088-214-4424).

5. The cost of food for morning alms offering is 50 baht per set (optional and at the discretion of the individual).

Boat transfer to the accommodation: 70 Baht/person (change to a long-tail boat provided by the accommodation)

7. Boat fare from the accommodation in the morning = 100 baht/person (chartering a small long-tail boat, which locals call "reua broo" or sometimes "reua waen" because it departs late).

8. Mazda Taxi Service with Uncle Chaow

Rental fee: 400 baht/person (2,000 baht/total for car, driver, and fuel)

Highly recommended! (Phone number: 085-277-0960)

Excellent service:

• Recommends tourist attractions
• Acts as a guide
• Takes photos for you
• Willing to take you anywhere you want to go

Overall, a fantastic experience!

9. Entrance fee to Pliew Waterfall National Park = 40 baht/person (foreigners will be charged a different price).

10. Miscellaneous expenses = 300 baht/person

Total amount: 3,215 Baht/person.