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CHANTHABURI: - 23 to 29 June 2016

Cannon at Pairi Phinat Fort, Leam Sing, Chanthaburi


Day 4 - Monday 27 June 2016

Chao Lao exit........With no rain in the offing at dawn the day’s set fair. Again there’s no need to venture out for breakfast apart from collecting two fried eggs from the restaurant next door. Nevertheless after a lie-in we go through the motions of packing with a marked lack of urgency. It’s almost midday before departure. The question of whether we should move at all is still there since wherever we end up it won’t be more than an hours’ drive away if that. Nevertheless we’re on our way east and soon stop at the only ocean viewpoint from the road on Chao Lao Beach.

Chao Lao Beach, Chanthaburi Province Google Map

Krung Kraben Forest Park........From Chao Lao Beach the road swings south along the headland before turning back along the eastern side of the peninsula. Before that there is a turning to Ba Krung Kraben, a forest park. This protected area charges for admission; a mere 20 baht for locals but when they see me they ask 200 baht. I’m about to turn the car around when Katoon seems to get a discount for me. Once inside there is a forest trail but I decline that when I’m not convinced there is too much more to see other than the curious pink rock formations. I’m no geologist and there’s nothing in English that guide me. So this site unfortunately charges for looking at pink stone. I don’t think I spend more than 10 minites here. It’s the first time I’ve been charged so far on this tour when really there was no need.


Krung Kraben Forest Park, Chanthaburi Province Google Map

Wang Ta Not........The Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit scenic routes now run north towards the mouth of the Wang Ta Not then crossing it on a concrete bridge. We park up on the other side to take photographs but the rain which has held off all morning starts again. With little to see it's time to head further along the Chaloem Burapha Chonlathit in the direction of Leam Sing. Initially there are resorts but these soon fizzle out.


Wang Ta Not River Google Map and bridge Google Map, Chanthaburi Province

Leam Sing........Leam Sing is another rocky peninsular but this time the scenic route cuts straight across it revealing yet another river. This time it’s the Chanthaburi River which runs though the city of the same name (see yesterday’s tour). Since its well past lunch time we stop here at the western end of a larger concrete bridge. Now after 2pm and with the rain still falling we have to consider abandoning the day and look for accommodation but as we’re so close to the Leam Sing peninsula we decide to head for a significant site overlooking the estuary, another site of military interest.
Pairi Phinat Fort........The Pairi Phinat Fort is located on high ground on the eastern edge of the peninsular. Strategists will no doubt confirm that this is located here overlooking the mouth of the Chanthaburi River precisely to deter invaders. The fort was constructed by King Rama III towards the end of the 19th Century and there’s no doubt its aim was to deter the French. It didn’t work as the French ultimately occupied it. Unfortunately there’s no English signboard here but this fort is worth a visit despite looking forlorn and almost lost to the elements. Within the perimeter there is a chedi, and two heavy caliber cannon sit proudly on their mountings. Finally the tour is virtually abandoned as the rain continues. It has been an effort to reach the fort in the rainy conditions and the swarms of mosquitoes that came out to greet us. The tour of Leam Sing is incomplete so finding accommodation now seems the best option.


Pairi Phinat Fort and views over the Chanthanaburi River, Leam Sing, Chanthaburi Province Google Map

Introducing the locals........Returning back towards the Taksin Bridge we're suddenly confronted by a monkey troop. Over to the right near the shoreline is a Chinese temple. I would say it's a shrine rather than a functional religious site but the resident monkeys seem to regard it as home. They play about in the puddles and scavage through piles of refuse. The place otherwise is no attraction apart perhaps for some locals who are doing a bit if fishing.


Leam Sing, Chanthaburi Province Google Map

Leam Sing Beach........Google Map. Crossing the road bridge we arrive at Leam Sing Town. Here the scenic route continues along the coast with plenty of resort options. We get straight onto it but it soon becomes clear that rooms are quite a lot more expensive here than at Chao Lao. The rooms really have to be a bit special for me to pay the extra but as the number of inspections increase then the feeling that we should return to Chao Lao also increases. Either way we need some provisions and find the 7Eleven store then head back to the bridge. Two tourist locations are near here and again they relate to French occupation. We clearly haven’t finished the tour and by now the rain is quite light.
Tuek Daeng........Tuek Daeng, near the river was built by the French in 1893 as their headquarters during the occupation. It is a single storey red building with red-tile roof, 7-metres-wide and 32-metres-long. The structure was made of brick and painted in red.
Khuk Khi Kai........Just a bit further on along the highway is the notorious prison Khuk Khi Ka. It was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 meters.

Tuek Daeng Google Map and Khuk Khi Kai Google Map, Leam Sing Beach, Chanthaburi Province

Sangthong Beach Resort........The continuation of this tour doesn’t do anything to solve the accommodation problem but there is a ray of hope. Just opposite Khuk Khi Kai on Highway 3149 is a resort. When we check it out it is similarly priced as other we inspected but with everything in place including proximity to convenience shops and restaurants. We soon settle in having booked for two nights. Then there is an added bonus: the restuarant on site is just a bit different. My eyes spring out on stalks at the sight of beefsteak and chips on the menu. Before I turn in for the night there is a decision to make; whether to set the alarm for the England v Iceland game. If I stay up for it that’s likely to compromise tomorrow's itinerary. Next Page.

Sangthong Beach Resort, Leam Sing Beach, Chanthaburi Province Google Map.