Chanthaboon Riverside Community

Chanthaboon Riverside Community in Chanthaburi Province is a historic settlement with a history of over 300 years, dating back to the reign of King Narai the Great. Its riverside location and convenient transportation routes have made it an attractive settlement for people of various ethnicities, including Thais, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Officials, merchants, and wealthy families established themselves here, creating a rich blend of cultures and religions. Around 100 years ago, this riverside neighborhood thrived as a commercial and cultural hub.

 

The first road in the province, originally called Liap Natee Road, was later renamed Sukhaphiban Road. The head of the road, Tha Luang area, served as the main commercial and transportation center and housed government offices. The northern section was known as the upper market, the central section as the central market, functioning as both wholesale and retail hubs, and the southern section, called the lower market, had multiple piers for water transportation.

 

Chanthaboon Riverside Community was also a center for handicrafts and small-scale trade, including mat weaving, gem cutting, metalworking, and the production of local foods and traditional desserts. Most residents were Catholic Vietnamese and Chinese families. During the reign of King Rama V (1899–1900), Chanthaburi was established as a provincial region, and Tha Luang became the district center.

 

King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited Chanthaburi several times, notably in 1876 and 1907, and each visit included beautifully decorated ceremonial piers adorned with flags and lanterns. The riverside has since remained a thriving and vibrant community.

 

Walking along Sukhaphiban Road, visitors can admire the rich architectural details on both sides, featuring French, Chinese, Thai, and hybrid styles. Decorative elements include gingerbread-style wooden eaves, floral-patterned ventilated panels, ornate iron balcony railings, large Thai-style corrugated metal eaves, and Chinese-patterned wooden window grilles. These architectural details reflect the cultural blend and aesthetic tastes of the community.

 

Beyond its architecture, the riverside exudes the charm of a peaceful and friendly local lifestyle. Shops along the road sell local products, souvenirs, and traditional foods, offering visitors an authentic taste of the community's culinary heritage.

 

Opposite the community stands the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a historic building recognized as one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic cathedrals in Thailand. The community also features the prominent Chinese temple, Chao Mae Guan Yin, and the historic Chanthaburi Gem Market nearby.

 

The pedestrian street is lined with restaurants, dessert shops, antique stores, cafes, traditional pharmacies, and some residential houses. Colorful graffiti on certain walls provides popular photo spots for tourists.

 

Travelers can reach the Chanthaboon Riverside Community via Highway 3. At Khao Rai Ya Intersection, turn right onto Highway 316 and continue for about 6 kilometers. At Phaya Trang Intersection, turn left onto Tha Luang Road, then turn right at the police station intersection. Proceed until you see Khet Na Boon Ya Ram Temple on the left, where parking is available, and the community is a short walk away.

 

Chanthaboon Riverside Community is not only a historical and cultural destination but also a place where Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cultures coexist harmoniously. Visitors can experience both the beauty of its architecture and the enduring charm of riverside community life.