Translating as “City of the Moon”, Chanthaburi draws its share of Thai tourists but most foreigners overlook it—and they’re missing out. The provincial capital’s cultural mix always leaves us intrigued, and the eponymous province boasts gorgeous scenery from the seacoast to mountains that reach above 1,500 metres. Chan, to use the shortened name, is also easy to reach from tourist hotspots like Ko Chang, Ko Samet and Bangkok.

From the faces of inhabitants to the buildings lining the streets you’ll see influences from the Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Chong (Mon/Khmer), Shan and even the French, who ruled the province from 1893 to 1905. A handful of expats from Africa, the West and elsewhere in Asia have also settled here, often to chase fortunes in the gem trade that sparkles ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 800 words.)