Chanthaburi Province Guide: History, Towns and Local Products
Chanthaburi smells of durian in May and of cut stone all year round. It grows more of Thailand's durian than any other province, and its gem market has drawn dealers from across Asia for generations.
In this guide: the city's role in 1767 and under French occupation, the districts from the coast to the mountains, the fruit season and festivals, and the products that make the province famous. And if you make something in Chanthaburi, the last part shows how to reach buyers far beyond the province.
Chanthaburi
Fruit, Gems and a King's Last Stand
An eastern province of orchards and gem dealers, where King Taksin gathered the army that rebuilt Siam.
By the SnapSellGo Thailand Desk · Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
Made in Chanthaburi
What the province is known for. Local producers are joining SnapSellGo now.
Cards marked "Known for" describe local specialities, not live listings. Real products appear here automatically once Chanthaburi producers publish them.
Why Chanthaburi is Thailand's fruit and gem capital
In 2000, Chanthaburi produced almost 380,000 tonnes of durian, about 46% of Thailand's total, along with mangosteen, rambutan and longkong. Its provincial slogan still celebrates waterfalls, fruit and jewels.
History runs deep here too. Sanskrit inscriptions from the 7th century already mention Candhrapura, and after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 King Taksin gathered his forces in Chanthaburi before retaking the kingdom. From 1893 to 1905 the town was occupied by France.
The durian capital
About 46% of Thailand's durian came from Chanthaburi in 2000.
A gem market
Dealers trade sapphires and rubies in the city's gem quarter.
King Taksin's base
Taksin gathered his army here in 1767, after the fall of Ayutthaya.
A French chapter
France occupied the town from 1893 to 1905; its cathedral stands on the river.
A short history of Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi appears in inscriptions more than 1,300 years old. Its modern story is marked by a king's campaign and a French occupation.
- 600sSanskrit inscriptions mention Candhrapura, the ancient name of the city.
- 1600sThe Chanthaboon waterfront community grows during the reign of King Narai.
- 1767After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin assembles his forces in Chanthaburi.
- 1893–1905French troops occupy the town after the Paknam crisis.
- 1944The Catholic Diocese of Chanthaburi is established.
The main districts, and what each one is for
Chanthaburi has 10 districts and about 536,000 residents (2024), from a mangrove coast to mountains that rise to 1,675 metres at Khao Soi Dao Tai.
| District | What you find there |
|---|---|
| Mueang Chanthaburi | The gem quarter, the riverside cathedral and the Chanthaboon waterfront. |
| Tha Mai | Orchards and the coastline towards the mangroves. |
| Laem Sing | A small coast of beaches and fishing villages at the river mouth. |
| Khao Khitchakut | The national park and its mountain shrine, one of the province's busiest sites. |
| Pong Nam Ron and Soi Dao | Hill country near the Cambodian border and Khao Soi Dao. |
Chanthaburi's festival calendar
In Chanthaburi, the calendar follows the fruit. Here is when the province is at its best.
Made in Chanthaburi: OTOP and local specialities
OTOP ties each product to the sub-district that makes it, and in Chanthaburi that means fruit first. Durian, mangosteen and rambutan are sold fresh in season and turned into chips, pastes and preserves the rest of the year.
The gem trade adds a second speciality: stone cutting and jewellery-making, with sapphires and rubies traded in the city's gem quarter.
As Chanthaburi producers join SnapSellGo, their products show up in the carousel above. There is no commission to pay, just an annual fee for the shop.
Short on time? The Chanthaboon waterfront and the cathedral. Into history? The sites of King Taksin's campaign. Visiting in May? The fruit season, and bring an appetite. Buying local? Durian chips and a gem from the weekend market.
Questions people ask about Chanthaburi
What is Chanthaburi famous for?
Its fruit, especially durian and mangosteen, its gem market, King Taksin's campaign of 1767, the French occupation of 1893 to 1905 and the Chanthaboon waterfront.
When is the best time to eat durian in Chanthaburi?
The main fruit season runs from about May to June, when the province celebrates with its fruit fair.
When is the Chanthaburi gem market open?
The gem quarter is busiest from Friday to Sunday, when dealers trade sapphires, rubies and other stones.
Why did France occupy Chanthaburi?
French troops occupied Chanthaburi from 1893 to 1905, following the Paknam crisis between Siam and France.
Sources: Wikipedia entries for Chanthaburi province and the Chanthaboon waterfront. Population: 2024 registration data. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year. Cover photo: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Narongchaiv, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.