One Trip, Two Cities: Chanthaburi and Rayong

This season, there's no place hotter than the "must-visit cities" of Chanthaburi and Rayong. But this review won't take you to eat endless crab or gorge on durian buffets like everyone else. We'll show you: "Where are the best views and hidden gems in Chanthaburi and Rayong in 48 hours?"

Swimming with the Pla Pluang at Pliew Waterfall

Many of you may have seen pictures on the internet, Facebook, or Instagram of this place, Pliew Waterfall, a waterfall teeming with black fish. At first, we were a little scared to dip our feet in the water, but the Pla Pluang fish don't bite or bother you at all. They just float around in schools, staying in the water without following you anywhere. It's as if they're just hanging out together, chilling in the water like it's a spa day.

Crystal-clear water flows, allowing you to see the fish. This is the scene at Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi. There are pools above the waterfall where you can swim. Namtok Phlio has water all year round, so you don't have to worry about it drying up. During the rainy season, there is a lot of water, and on some days, the water may flow strongly. Be careful to avoid accidents if you are swimming.

Entry Fee: Adults 40 Baht / Children 4-14 Years 20 Baht

Parking fee: 30 baht/car

Open: 06:00 - 17:00 hrs.

Note: Feeding fish in the waterfall is now prohibited in the park. Please refrain from feeding them, regardless of the type of food, such as long beans. Let's all follow the rules.

Breathtaking Views from Khao Nang Phaya Viewpoint

The first sight that greets you upon reaching Khao Nang Phaya Viewpoint is a breathtaking panorama of the endless sea and the vast horizon. The vibrant blue sky contrasts beautifully with the azure waters, creating a scene that instantly invigorates the senses. There's nothing quite like cruising along a road flanked by mountains on one side and the ocean on the other.

Adding to the charm of this viewpoint are the numerous love locks adorning the railings, reminiscent of romantic Korean dramas. The atmosphere is undeniably sweet and whimsical, making it a perfect spot for couples to express their affection.

On weekends and holidays, the number of tourists increases significantly, making it difficult to find a good spot for photos or parking. As shown in the picture below, when we visited on a Saturday, cars were parked along the roadside.

Soft-shell crab, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside

At the Nang Phaya Viewpoint, there is a restaurant called Gin Bon Noen. At first, we were hesitant about whether to have lunch here after enjoying the view or to find something to eat later. We were worried that it might be expensive or not delicious. We have had bad experiences with eating at restaurants near tourist attractions before, so we were a little suspicious. 555

But with our hunger pangs calling, our stomachs rumbling, we decided to trust this restaurant. Here we go, we will be the brave ones to try it out and tell you all about it.

The restaurant has around 20 tables. We arrived around 1 pm, and it wasn't too crowded. The menu starts at around 100 baht. Today, we ordered soft-shell crab with garlic, seafood tom yum, and stir-fried scallops with chili paste. The food arrived about 15-20 minutes after we ordered.

We have to give a special shout-out to the soft-shell crab with garlic. It was incredibly fresh, not fishy at all, and perfectly cooked. The outside was crispy, while the inside was soft and tender. It wasn't oily at all. If we weren't already full, we would have definitely ordered another one.

Tom Yum Talay, a spicy and sour seafood soup, is often considered a benchmark dish for restaurants. While seemingly simple to prepare, achieving the perfect balance of flavors and using fresh seafood is crucial for success. This restaurant's rendition did not disappoint. The broth was intensely flavorful, with a prominent sourness followed by subtle salty and spicy notes. The generous portion of fresh shrimp, squid, and fish complemented the broth perfectly, making for a truly satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.

Another dish is stir-fried scallops with chili paste. This dish is also delicious and spicy. The scallops are fresh and bouncy, and there are so many of them that they almost overflow the plate. We didn't leave a single one behind!

In conclusion, every dish we ordered was delicious. The total cost of the meal was around 400 baht, which is not expensive for a restaurant in a tourist spot. If you are passing by, be sure to stop by and try it out!

Immerse Yourself in Coastal Luxury at Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel

Escape to a private beachfront villa at Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel, where the allure of the ocean awaits. Indulge in the ultimate seaside experience, where the gentle rhythm of the waves and breathtaking views become your constant companions.

For those seeking a truly immersive coastal retreat, a Beach Front Villa offers unparalleled proximity to the water's edge. Imagine waking up to the mesmerizing panorama of the ocean, its turquoise hues stretching as far as the eye can see. The sound of crashing waves serves as a soothing soundtrack to your morning, inviting you to step outside and embrace the invigorating sea breeze.

Contrary to popular belief, a luxurious beachfront experience doesn't have to break the bank. Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel offers a range of accommodation options to suit diverse budgets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the privilege of waking up to paradise.

However, before we proceed, let's take a moment to introduce you to the Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel, a beachfront villa that offers an exceptional experience at an affordable price of just over 2,000 baht. Its proximity to the beach is unparalleled, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to breathtaking ocean views. Moreover, the hotel's location provides an ideal setting for romantic evening strolls along the shore, where you can witness the mesmerizing sunset.

Chao Lao Tosang Beach Hotel

Address: 44/4 Moo 5, Khlong Khut Subdistrict, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province 22120

Phone: +66 (39) 433-191-7

Website: http://www.tosangbeach.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaolaotosang/

Indulge in the Exquisite Flavors of Stir-Fried Crab with Chanthaburi Noodles

Embark on a culinary adventure to Chanthaburi, where the tantalizing dish of stir-fried crab with Chanthaburi noodles awaits your palate. Nestled within the Sea Thru Restaurant at the Chaolao To Sang Beach Hotel, this delectable creation promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether you are a guest of the hotel or simply passing through, the restaurant welcomes you to savor its culinary delights. Prepare to be captivated by the symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

The restaurant's menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from 1xx to 3xx baht. We have included a few photos of the menu for your reference. One of our highly recommended dishes is the "Chan noodles stir-fried with crab," which is priced at 129 baht for a small portion and 250 baht for a large portion. This was our first time trying this dish, and we were pleasantly surprised. The noodles were chewy and flavorful, with a hint of coconut milk. The crab was fresh and complemented the noodles perfectly. We highly recommend trying this dish if you visit the restaurant.

Sea Thru Restaurant

Open daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Coordinates: Inside the Chaolao Tosang Beach Hotel, 44/4 Moo 5, Khlong Khut Subdistrict, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province 22120

Phone: +66 (39) 433-191-7

Visit the Landmark Church of Chanthaburi: The Immaculate Conception Church

The Immaculate Conception Church, also known as the Chanthaburi Christ Church, is the largest Catholic church in Thailand. Located on the same grounds as the St. Mary's School, this magnificent Gothic-style church stands tall and serene on the banks of the Chanthaburi River. A visit to this landmark is a must for anyone exploring the city.

Spicy and Sour Crayfish Noodle Soup: A Must-Try in Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi is renowned for its delicious seafood, and one of the must-try dishes is the spicy and sour crayfish noodle soup. We visited Jeh Pen Yen Ta Fo Restaurant, a long-established eatery famous for its authentic version of this dish. Many reviews mentioned long queues, but we arrived around 10 am and were pleasantly surprised to find the place empty.

The restaurant offers a variety of options, including fish ball noodles in both tom yum and clear broth. They also serve fish dumplings (which we didn't try this time). The signature dish, however, is the crayfish noodle soup, a popular choice among visitors.

Cold crab noodle soup (100 baht) - If you're at this restaurant, you have to try the cold crab noodle soup. The crab used is not very big and has been pre-cooked, so the meat is a bit tough. The broth is well-seasoned, but it's not particularly impressive or exciting.

The crab tom yum vermicelli (100 baht) is a must-try dish. The broth is perfectly balanced with a tangy and spicy flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. We highly recommend ordering this dish if you visit this restaurant.

Auntie Pen Yen Ta Fo (Wat Phai Lom)

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Call 039-325340

Take a deep breath of fresh air at Thung Prong Thong, Pak Nam Prasae, Rayong

If you're passing through Rayong, don't miss Thung Prong Thong, Pak Nam Prasae, Rayong.

We followed the GPS on Google Maps and there were signs all the way. From the main road, it's about 1 kilometer to the parking lot. There's a parking lot where locals charge 20 baht per car. The community has arranged for three-wheeled carts to take you to the entrance of the Thung Prong Thong, which is about 200 meters from the parking lot. The fare is 5 baht per person. Once you arrive, you can walk into the Thung Prong Thong for free. No entrance fee.

A short walk from the entrance, you will be greeted by a golden field of pothong trees stretching for over 1 km along a wooden bridge walkway. This pristine natural area is enveloped in tranquility. When the sun shines, the leaves of the pothong trees shimmer with a golden hue, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The beauty of this place has made it a popular choice for pre-wedding photoshoots.

Upon entering, you will find a path that allows you to explore the mangrove forest. There is also a long-tailed boat service that takes you around the mangrove forest (we did not try it).

A Stop for Hipster Coffee in Rayong

On our way back to Bangkok, we stopped to buy souvenirs at a rest stop in Rayong province and stumbled upon a coffee shop called PASSIONE DEL CAFFE x RAYONG. It's a small coffee shop nestled among a market selling fruits and souvenirs, including durian, mangosteen, and rambutan, along Highway 344 between Chonburi and Klaeng. We must say, we proudly present this coffee shop...

The price of coffee here is between 45-65 baht. We tried the latte, and just from the first sip, we knew they used high-quality coffee beans. It was incredibly rich and flavorful, like something you'd find in a high-end coffee shop abroad. We couldn't believe we stumbled upon this place, and even more unbelievable is that it's so delicious and affordable! We wish they had a branch in Bangkok.

PASSIONE DEL CAFFE x RAYONG

The shop is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Coordinates: Embedded within the fruit and souvenir market, on the side of Road 344, Chonburi-Klaeng route.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views at Rayong's Top Five-Star Hotel

Nestled in the Klaeng district of Rayong, approximately 38 kilometers from the city center, lies the Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa. This idyllic retreat offers the perfect escape for weekend getaways or special occasions, catering to families, couples, and groups alike. With its diverse range of activities and stylish accommodations, the resort boasts 205 rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. During promotional periods, room rates can be as low as 2,000-3,000 baht.

However, today's agenda doesn't involve an overnight stay. Instead, we'll be indulging in a delightful culinary experience at the resort's beachfront restaurant, FISH BAR.

The restaurant features an open-air atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy the natural breeze. Fans are available in some areas, but there is no air conditioning. From 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, a Happy Hour promotion offers "buy one, get one free" on cocktails. Food prices range from approximately 2xx to 9xx, with a limited menu. A sample of the menu is provided below.

After a satisfying meal, we relaxed by the pool or strolled along the beach. The weather was perfect on the day we visited, with clear skies and bright sunshine, making it an ideal day for a trip to the beach. The beautiful weather allowed the ladies to take stunning photos.

Guests are welcome to dine at the hotel's restaurant and bar, even if they are not staying overnight.

Fish Bar Restaurant, Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa

Address: 99/5 Moo 2, Pae-Klaeng-Kram Road, Chakpong Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, 21190

Tel: 03 899 8000

Website: http://www.rayongmarriottresort.co.th/

---

Stay tuned for our next adventure, #GlobetrottingBuddies, coming soon!

Follow other reviews and watch travel videos from the two best friends on the channels below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestiewanderer/