[Chanthaburi] Visit the Most Beautiful Road in Thailand with the PCX Hybrid.

A Coastal Paradise: Exploring Chanthaburi's Enchanting Shores

Chanthaburi, a captivating coastal town, beckons with its mesmerizing charm and breathtaking beachfront roads. This alluring destination compels us to return, eager to explore its hidden gems. On this journey, we embark on a 700-kilometer adventure aboard the PCX Hybrid, traversing the scenic landscapes and uncovering the essence of this enchanting locale.

We started our journey from Bangkok around 6 pm, braving the heavy traffic to reach the Phra Pradaeng Pier. We took a ferry across the river to the Pu Chao Saming Phrai route, then cut onto the riverside road heading towards Chonburi city. We drove along Highway 344 until we reached our accommodation.

We traveled for approximately 5 hours, including rest stops, before arriving at our accommodation and unpacking. We then took a nighttime stroll along the beachfront road, known as "Chalermprakiet Chaloem Thip Road," which was deserted and illuminated by streetlights. We planned to return to this location in the morning.

The morning atmosphere here is just as charming as the evening. This coastal road is considered to be "the most beautiful in the Eastern region," earning it the nickname "Scenic Route" or "the beautiful scenic route."

The highlight of this road is the path that runs along the mountains and the sea, dividing the views on both sides, creating a beautiful landscape and scenery.

As you drive straight ahead, you will find the Nang Phaya Viewpoint, a small hill where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the curved bay separating the Ao Kung Wiman Sea and the mountains.

The Scenic Viewpoint of Nang Phaya Hill

This viewpoint is a must-visit for anyone passing by. The route is not only suitable for scenic drives but is also popular with cyclists, who have a dedicated lane on the shoulder of the road. The lane is clearly marked with barriers and red paint.

Just a stone's throw away from the Nang Phaya Viewpoint, you'll find a new landmark that many may not have visited yet.

"Panoramic Viewpoint of Chedi Ban Huai Laem"

This viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Chanthaburi coastline. A wooden bridge stretches across the rocky outcrops, extending towards the sea.

The "Chedi Ban Hu Laem" Viewpoint: A Historic Landmark Overlooking the Sea

The "Chedi Ban Hu Laem" viewpoint boasts a history spanning over 200 years. Perched atop a rocky outcrop amidst the sea, it stands as a prominent landmark at the mouth of Ao Kung Kraben Bay, directly opposite Laem Sadet.

The innermost area houses a sacred Buddha statue that visitors can pay respects to and pray for a safe journey before embarking on their boat trip.

A short distance from the Nang Phaya Viewpoint, there is another scenic spot called Khao Wimarn Beach Viewpoint or Luang Pho Phra Yuen Viewpoint, located just 3 kilometers away.

The best time to visit is around 4-5 pm, when the sun is not as strong. From this vantage point, you can see the sea stretching as far as the eye can see, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the sunset.

Visit the "Khung Kraben Bay Development Study Center," a "sustainable" mangrove forest project. The project utilizes an ecological wastewater treatment system that does not rely on chemicals. Instead, it uses mangrove forests to clean the water.

The original entrance is currently undergoing repairs, so the entrance has been temporarily relocated to another location.

The walkway is a wooden bridge approximately 1 kilometer long.

The water level was extremely low on the day of the visit, possibly due to bridge repairs, making the area appear rather dry during this period.

Next, we traveled to Haad Chao Lao, taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

We will be staying at Boon Nam Fa Resort tonight.

Location and Amenities:

• Prime location: Close to convenience stores, gas stations, and markets.
• Free bicycle rentals: Explore the surroundings with ease.
• Complete BBQ equipment: Enjoy outdoor grilling with provided tools.

Staff and Service:

• Exceptional staff: Friendly, helpful, and attentive to guests' needs.
• Outstanding hospitality: Going above and beyond to fulfill requests.

While the bed was a bit firm and two more pillows would have been ideal, overall I was very satisfied with my stay.

The next morning, we set off along the coast, heading towards the Red Building, the Chicken Cage Prison, and into the city center of Chanthaburi.

The Red Building, located at Laem Sing Pier, was constructed by the French in 1893. It originally served as a guardhouse and accommodation for soldiers stationed at Laem Sing.

Inside, there is a history of the past and the Chanthaburi cannon.

A short distance away is the "Chicken Dung Prison," a historical site where prisoners were punished by being subjected to chicken droppings. The prison consisted of a wooden slatted floor above which chickens were kept. Below the floor, prisoners were confined, enduring the torment of the falling droppings. This served the dual purpose of raising chickens and punishing offenders.

We then set off for the city center of Chanthaburi, where our next destination was the "Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception".

The Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chanthaburi, situated on the banks of the Chanthaburi River, stands in close proximity to the riverside community of Chanthaburi.

The interior is open for visits from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, except on days when ceremonies are held. Visitors are not allowed to enter during these times. The exterior is open for photography at all times.

After visiting the church, we crossed the bridge to the other side, where the riverside community of Chanthaburi is located.

The ambiance of this area is characterized by its historical charm, with a majority of the buildings serving as residences and community shops that have stood for nearly a century.

Some areas have been renovated and now offer a variety of cafes with a relaxed atmosphere to choose from.

Street art is prevalent along the roadside walls.

We spent quite a while walking here. It is recommended for those who come by motorbike to ride in and stop wherever they find a beautiful spot to take pictures. It is more convenient.

So this is what they call "talent scout".

After walking in the sun for a long time, we started to feel tired and hungry. We stopped by a 9 baht noodle shop near the entrance.

One bowl is never enough.
So delicious that you have to ask for more?
No... they give you a small portion (of course, it's only 9 baht a bowl).

There is a nearby ice cream shop called "Rocket Ice Cream" that sells ice cream bars for 12 baht each. The ice cream is quite delicious.

Before our departure, we paid our respects at the City Pillar Shrine to ensure a safe journey.

No text provided for translation.

Nearby is the shrine of King Taksin.

For details of the car, please read at the end of this link.
http://freemansrider.blogspot.com/2018/08/pcx-hybr...