Chantaburi
One of my favourite spots in Thailand - quiet, green, and a nice break from the hustle. It’s a great place to live if you’re after peace and nature. Teaching-wise, it’s a bit quieter, but if you don’t mind taking it slow, it could be just what you need.
The Lonely Planet guidebook says......?
Chanthaburi is a surprisingly diverse town, known for its bustling gem trade, rich multicultural history, and charming riverside old quarter. Highlights include the weekend gem market, the French-influenced Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and nearby waterfalls in lush national parks.
In general, what are the pickings like for an EFL teacher?
Pickings for an EFL teacher in Chanthaburi are modest but steady. There aren’t loads of schools hiring foreigners, but the ones that do - mostly government or Catholic schools - tend to be decent gigs with respectful students and low drama. Jobs aren’t usually advertised online, so it’s very much a “walk in and ask” kind of place. Pay won’t blow your socks off, but the cost of living is low enough to live comfortably.
How far from Bangkok or civilization?
Chanthaburi is around 250 kilometres from Bangkok - about a three to four-hour minivan ride, traffic depending. For weekend escapes, you're just a couple of hours from the white sands of Koh Samet in Rayong or the lush jungles of Koh Chang. The city itself is lively enough for teaching and day-to-day life, but one of its best perks is location - with Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Chang, and Koh Samet all within easy reach, you're never too far from civilisation or a beach.
Transport is fairly straightforward, with buses from the main station and regular minivan services operating near Tesco Lotus and Robinsons.
What's the place like for nightlife, eating out etc?
Chanthaburi’s nightlife is lively in a very Thai kind of way. Expect Thai music, Thai bands, and Thai crowds - but that’s part of the charm. A few places do throw in the occasional English cover (sometimes hilariously off-key), which somehow makes it even better. Orbit Pub is one of the town’s mainstays for a night out, often packed with live music and students. Nearby, The Craze House is known for solid Thai and Western food - and yes, it's still open most nights.
There are other bars worth exploring, but don’t expect anything too wild - it’s more low-key fun than full-blown party scene. Karaoke bars are popular and always good for a laugh.
On the food front, Chanthaburi does very well. The riverside old town (Chantaboon Waterfront Community) is full of charming local restaurants and hidden cafés. Western options are limited but not non-existent - breakfast spots and burger joints do pop up, though some come and go. There’s also a great little Vietnamese place near the cathedral serving cheap, tasty dishes (just get there before midday).
Overall, Chan’s got enough going on to keep things interesting. It’s not Bangkok, but it’s not a ghost town either. A good mix of local colour, live music, and decent places to eat - especially if you don’t mind doing a bit of exploring.
How much to rent a house or basic apartment?
In Chanthaburi, renting a basic apartment or small house is a bargain compared to Bangkok or tourist hotspots. You can expect to pay around 3,000 to 5,000 baht per month for a simple, clean place - usually with basic furniture and air-con. If you want something a bit nicer or bigger, maybe 6,000 to 8,000 baht. Expect local-style buildings, sometimes with a touch of “character” (read: occasional plumbing quirks), but generally comfortable enough for most teachers on a budget.
Shopping malls, department stores?
Chanthaburi isn’t exactly a shopping paradise, but it has a few decent spots for everyday needs and some retail therapy. The biggest mall in town is Central Chanthaburi, which has a good mix of local and international shops, a cinema, and a food court. Right next door is Robinson Department Store, offering fashion, beauty products, and some home goods.
For groceries and essentials, Tesco Lotus and Big C are your go-to supermarkets, both with plenty of fresh produce and household items. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart are scattered throughout the city, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute buys.
If you want something more local and atmospheric, the Chantaboon Riverside Community has small markets and charming shops where you can browse unique crafts and try street food. Opening hours for malls are generally 10 am to 9 pm, so plan your shopping trips accordingly.
How is mobile / internet coverage?
Unless you're living in the mountains, the internet courage is perfectly fine. I have the 399 unlimited internet package and have never been without a signal. There isn't a shortage of coffee shops in Chanthaburi either, all with accessible wi-fi.
Will you be stared at? and what's the likelihood of a good beating?
Will you be stared at? Yes you will, but it's mainly inquisitive stares. If you go out looking for trouble, the result is you'll most likely find it. No matter where you are, right? You're not going to get a good beating just because you're a foreigner if that's what you're wondering. There are plenty of foreigners living in Chanthaburi now and they include teachers, gem dealers / middlemen, semi-pro footballers, long-term expats, etc.
Taxis, buses....or horse and cart?
Getting around Chanthaburi is pretty straightforward but low-key. The city’s small enough that motorbikes and bicycles are popular - easy to rent and perfect for zipping through narrow streets. If you don’t ride, tuk-tuks exist but aren’t super common, so don’t expect to hail one on every corner.
For longer trips or airport runs, minivans and local buses operate regularly from the main bus station and spots near Tesco Lotus and Robinsons. Grab is available but less reliable than in Bangkok - sometimes a wait, sometimes a bargain. Overall, a motorbike is your best bet if you want freedom and speed. Otherwise, taxis and tuk-tuks can get you around but may need some negotiation.
Main advantages of living there?
Living in Chanthaburi won’t drain your wallet. Rent’s cheap, food’s cheap, and even getting around won’t blow your budget. If you’re tired of Bangkok prices, this place feels like a breath of fresh (and affordable) air. Life moves at a slower, more relaxed pace here. No crazy traffic jams or noisy nightlife smashing your eardrums every night. It’s the kind of place where you can actually chill and not feel guilty about doing very little.
If you’re into nature, you’re spoiled rotten. Beaches, waterfalls, jungle hikes - all just a short ride away. It’s easy to disappear into the countryside when the city gets dull. What’s cool too is the mix of cultures - Thai, Vietnamese, French - giving the town some proper character. Plus, you’re close enough to Bangkok and the islands to nip over for a weekend without it turning into a full-blown expedition.
And what are the downsides?
I would say the majority of people here don't speak English enough to get an order correct or even have a small talk conversation. Learning Thai helps a lot, even if you just speak the bare minimum. Brush up on your Thai and it will go along way with the locals.
There aren't many foreigners considering the size of the city and considering how many schools there are in Chan as well, which is a shame as it's hard meeting new people. A bigger expat community would be nice (depending on your outlook)
Getting to Bangkok can be a bit of a bind if you need to go (a round-trip can take eight hours depending on the traffic) and there isn't much to do in Chantaburi if you are not willing to get out and meet people.
Any local attractions?
Yes there are! Nam Tok Phlio National Park is a short drive not far from the centre. Home to waterfalls and forests, the park is also the site of a stupa and chedi from the reign of King Rama V.
If architecture is your thing then this French-style cathedral, across a footbridge from Th Sukhaphiban, is the town's architectural highlight. A small missionary chapel was built here in 1711, when Vietnamese Catholics and a French priest arrived. The original has undergone four reconstructions between 1712 and 1906 and is now the largest building of its kind in Thailand.
On weekends, the streets and side streets near Th Si Chan (or ‘Gem Rd') overflow with the banter and intrigue of the hard sell of gem dealers. Gem Market is worth checking out if you find yourself passing through. Pull over and take a look at what Chanthaburi is famous for.
There are some nice national parks nearby and they make an excellent half day trip.
Where's the best place to meet other farangs or are they best avoided?
The best spots to bump into fellow farangs are usually the few bars and cafés around the Chantaboon Waterfront area - places like Orbit Pub tend to attract the occasional expat, especially on weekends. You might also find a few in some of the more Western-style cafés or restaurants that serve up burgers or brunch.
That said, most farangs here tend to keep a low profile or blend into the local scene. So unless you really want to make a point of hanging with fellow foreigners, you’re probably better off embracing the local vibe and making Thai friends instead. More interesting, less awkward small talk.
Further Information
A long weekend in Chantaburi - A trip to one of Thailand's best kept secrets (travel blog by Bangkok Phil)
