The Past of Chanthaburi Revealed through Ancient Communities along the Chanthaburi River

The Past of Chanthaburi Revealed through Ancient Communities along the Chanthaburi River

11 years of occupation..

Chanthaburi, a place that is definitely not Kanchanaburi or Ratchaburi. Of course, many people would not be confused by the names of these three provinces. But for those whose memory of such things is not as good as those who cannot remember which is Samut Sakhon and which is Samut Songkhram, like us, it can be quite confusing. However, I have wanted to talk about this place for a long time, a place that made me exclaim "Oh!" from the first step. Okay, Korea is Korea, but in the old days, the French were also masters of exporting culture through colonialism, just like anyone else.

The French invaded Siam, the Land of Smiles, during a time when "smile" only meant a facial expression. They attempted to claim territory along the Mekong River. However, King Rama V, with his strategic brilliance, chose to cede a small portion to preserve the majority. Thus, Chanthaburi was relinquished to the French. For eleven years, Chanthaburi remained under French rule, a period that witnessed significant transformations. Notably, wherever the French established themselves, whether for settlement or military purposes, they invariably left their mark through architecture and churches that mimicked their homeland. These influences are evident in Vietnam as well. While these structures may be described as drawing inspiration from France, historical accounts suggest a more direct connection.

House...

Is this what makes even when fighting to the death..

Despite this, they still strive to recreate the environment of their home country.

However, is a house in a foreign land truly as warm and comforting as a real home?

Leaving the Capital for Chanthaburi

A weekend morning with a single bag, heading towards the city of Chanthaburi…

The scorching sun at Mo Chit 2 could not deter us.

Confused, I walked into Terminal 3 of Mo Chit, which is a bus station, not a BTS station.

Determined to purchase a van ticket from Bangkok to Chanthaburi.

The journey was a blur of dozing and waking, punctuated by occasional aches and hunger pangs. After a little over four hours, we arrived at Chanthaburi Transport Terminal, a place with few tourists but a variety of vans. Upon disembarking, I immediately inquired at the counter about the last bus timings, only to be informed that the last bus had already departed, sometime after 8 pm.

Alright.

Today will likely be another day to watch the sunset here...

Finally, grab your hat, tie your shoelaces tight, and let's explore the old community along the Chanthaburi River! As always, we'll use Google Maps to guide us.

As I walked, I couldn't help but think that the riverside community and the church we were headed to didn't seem that far from the transportation hub. We had been walking for a while, but we still hadn't arrived. I thought to myself that maybe we should have taken a motorbike taxi.

Within 30 minutes, our feet carried us to the old community by the Chanthaburi River.

Waterfront Communities: A Glimpse of the Remaining Laid-Back Lifestyle

“A small community of only 1 kilometer with houses built in the gingerbread style, dating back to the Rattanakosin period.”

This sentence describes the historical character of a community, noting its French colonial influences.

Here's the translation:

This aptly captures the essence of this community. Upon entering, one is immediately struck by its historical character. The houses, with their French-inspired architecture, hark back to a time when Chanthaburi was under French rule.

“Must-visit attractions” is true, but in reality, there is no need to wake up early and arrive early in the morning, because it is only one kilometer long. It is so short that it is not even a village. But if you put that aside, this place is beautiful. It is a cool city with very uncool weather. It is so hot that you can practice going to hell. But believe me, this place will allow you to take photos to change your profile all year round!

Like a French village left to the dust and the passage of time, its patina of antiquity clinging to it...

In the past, this area must have been bustling with people walking around.

Amidst flourishing trade,

From the riverbank where goods from various countries were exchanged.

With smiles and a way of life towards each other…

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Christ Church Chanthaburi

It is said, though the source of this claim remains unclear, that this church is the most beautiful in Thailand. Upon visiting, it becomes evident that this claim may hold merit. The church evokes a strong sense of Notre Dame, offering a striking visual experience.

"The French have a tendency to build Notre Dame-like churches wherever they go."

(As we have seen with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam, read Ho Chi Minh City and the truth of Vietnam that needs to be discovered )

Why is that?

This is cultural export.

Or perhaps, in reality...

Homesickness is a universal human experience.

As you stroll through the riverside community of Chanthaburi, you will encounter narrow alleys leading to the Immaculate Conception Church. As you navigate through these small pathways, you will come across a quaint bridge that grants you access to the church.

The world is truly vast, and we are but specks of dust within it. Venturing out to explore its wonders is a rewarding experience, revealing the beauty that exists even within a single country.

Where we learn that...

Time is of the essence, it can truly change many things.

Some things should be protected from the ravages of time.

Let it go.

As it is

With love.

Where have I been?

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