Trip to Chanthaburi for the Christmas celebrations
When many tourists talk about Thailand they mention the Buddhist temples and monks as being among the highlights. But what many of them don’t realize is that there are also Thai Christians in the country with a number of large and beautiful churches and cathedrals. Not everyone in Thailand is a Buddhist. There are small communities scattered around the country, many of Vietnamese descent. One of these communities can be found in Chanthaburi around the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. I visited this city at the weekend to take part in their annual celebrations for Christmas. The following are the photos that I tweeted live during the trip.
DAY ONE:
This morning I’m driving down to Chanthaburi, about 240 km southeast of Bangkok. I will be there this weekend for the Christmas celebrations #Thailand pic.twitter.com/9sYfTKNfUu
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 21, 2017
Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint in Chanthaburi province. Great weather today for a coastal drive. Beautiful scenery too. Map: https://t.co/7G580oepPP #Thailand pic.twitter.com/80osBES30B
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Drone photos of the coastal road in Na Yai Am district in Chanthaburi province. Taken from Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint
Sanamchai #Thailand pic.twitter.com/ynogd3QALJ— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
KKB Aquarium in Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi. Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm. Not really a lot to see, but the kids might enjoy if you’re in the area. Free entrance. Map: https://t.co/cL2usw2Rg4 pic.twitter.com/GRFGACD3WH
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Drone photos of Khung Kraben Bay in Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi. The coastal side of the bay is protected by a mangrove forest. Map: https://t.co/YkCiS1seqw #Thailand pic.twitter.com/RTX8KpCv82
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
I had a very enjoyable 90 minute walk through the mangrove forest at the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center in Chanthaburi. You can also rent kayaks for 50B/person. Entry is free. Open daily from 6:30am-6:30pm. Map: https://t.co/tWcKSoOMm5 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/PiwX6BHW3W
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
I was planning on taking a picture of an attraction called Pink Stone along the Chanthaburi coast even though Thais gave it mixed reviews saying 20B not worth it. When I got there I saw it was 200B for foreigners + 60B for my car, and so I left straight away #Thailand pic.twitter.com/2qM1QlIR6I
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Drone view of the bridge at Paknam Khaem Nu in Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi. Map: https://t.co/tmpTlh6Aav #Thailand pic.twitter.com/FC3SKwGBVv
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Lighthouse at Laem Sing in Chanthaburi. It is a steep climb up here. It does have some nice views. But the best pictures are with my drone as it can go higher than the trees. Good exercise. Fresh air. That’s it really. Map: https://t.co/Z1tOmvy7x4 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/XCayoNkT7Q
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
The Chicken Dung Cell in Laem Sing district of Chanthaburi was built by the French in 1893. It was so called because there was a chicken coop on the roof as a kind of torture for the Thai prisoners. Map: https://t.co/lUqLbn3Oas #Thailand pic.twitter.com/pdV3txYA68
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Tuek Daeng, the Red Building, in Laem Sing District of Chanthaburi, was built by the French in 1893. They used it as their HQ during the conflict with the Siamese. Map: https://t.co/vhhQNVUAvg #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Pp67Fh83Jf
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
The evening Walking Street along the waterfront in Chanthaburi city. Map: https://t.co/CPgGh8iZlr #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Z9UInllIyw
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
Preparations are being made this evening at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi for this weekend’s Christmas celebrations. There will be a light show here on Saturday and Sunday nights. Map: https://t.co/AOeETnXmdI #Thailand pic.twitter.com/mlUJH4heQn
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 22, 2017
DAY TWO:
Good morning from Chanthaburi. I’m staying in a hotel along the river in the old quarter. I’m looking forward to the Christmas celebrations this evening at the cathedral. It’s only a short walk from here. #Thailand pic.twitter.com/kl3CVnBE4z
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Guay Jub Nam Kon (Rolled Noodles in Five Spice Broth) for breakfast in an old wooden house on the Chanthaburi waterfront. 30 Baht. Map: https://t.co/Kql9cGTa9a #ThaiFood #Thailand pic.twitter.com/vbr0n89mSZ
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
This weekend I’m exploring Chanthaburi province, about three hours or so to the southeast of Bangkok. If you have any tips, then please let me know. My map list so far is here: https://t.co/8LJcVz455w #Thailand pic.twitter.com/WScYeS0Udq
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi dates back to 1909. However, there has been Catholics based here for three hundred years. Map: https://t.co/X9BQiuds8E #Thailand pic.twitter.com/2lQI45dU0m
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
The gothic style cathedral in Chanthaburi was partly built by the French during their occupation of the city from 1893–1904. The cathedral is open for free as it is a place of worship. #Thailand pic.twitter.com/AaKGPpY1dp
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Drone photos of The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi. Map: https://t.co/X9BQiuds8E #Thailand pic.twitter.com/4PStwjvAig
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
The giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Phai Lom in Chanthaburi is 18 meters long. Map: https://t.co/i3Tsts5nLa #Thailand #Travel pic.twitter.com/3hcA0sDoOq
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
For a light lunch I had Pak Moh Kai and Pak Moh Boran (ปากหม้อ), Steamed Rice Skin Dumplings. 35/30 Baht along the waterfront in Chanthaburi #Thailand #ThaiFood pic.twitter.com/KgsAM98nCo
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Today, I’ve been exploring the old quarter along the riverfront in Chanthaburi. A lot of the architecture here is influenced by the French colonists who occupied the city at the end of the 19th Century. More pictures: https://t.co/UmZvQc9KA3 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/E4zaTxRPss
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Some of the street graffiti that can be seen in Chanthaburi’s old quarter along the river https://t.co/UmZvQc9KA3 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/vaoj1VdPrI
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Drone photos along the waterfront in Chanthaburi city #Thailand pic.twitter.com/zMwcghCrzl
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi #Thailand pic.twitter.com/E7jlkk0iEG
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
Merry Christmas from the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Chanthaburi #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Ra1xwDx5Rk
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
3D light show on the side of the cathedral in Chanthaburi #Thailand #Christmas pic.twitter.com/Ai5t2eYHAS
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 23, 2017
DAY THREE:
Good morning from Chanthaburi. This is my third and last day exploring this province. I’ll be back for sure as there is more to see. #Thailand pic.twitter.com/9vUMD3KZFi
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Guay Jub Nam Kon again for breakfast. This time with a hard boiled egg. This is a famous food shop along the waterfront in Chanthaburi. 30 Baht. Map: https://t.co/Kql9cGTa9a #ThaiFood #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Vxzv2zYq59
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
This morning I’m exploring Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi. It’s famous for the many fish, a pagoda and the waterfall. I’m doing the 1.2km nature trail first. Map: https://t.co/kKCLwyMq0A #Thailand pic.twitter.com/7UC1F3D8VV
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
The nature trail at Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi Is really worth exploring. It takes you up and around the waterfall. It takes about 45 minutes. There is some hard climbing which is probably why I didn’t meet anyone on the trail #Thailand pic.twitter.com/N48i6VRqHL
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
The moss covered pagoda in Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi. It was built by King Rama V who visited the waterfall a number of times. There’s also a statue for his Queen Consort Princess Sunanta Kumarirat #Thailand pic.twitter.com/f8DitG9kkz
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Video clip of Phlio Waterfall in Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi #Thailand pic.twitter.com/ptCtEEyoDc
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
The waterfall at Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi. Entry to the park is 200B for foreigners & 40B for Thais. I spent about two and a half hours here and enjoyed it. Map: https://t.co/kKCLwyMq0A #Thailand pic.twitter.com/trcakAjn58
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Wat Chak Yai (Wat Buddha Park) in Laem Sing District of Chanthaburi province. It’s an interesting temple to wander around to see statues depicting moments in the life of the Lord Buddha. Map: https://t.co/c0U68lckf3 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/Lubww4tGUw
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Drone photos of the Buddha Park at Wat Chak Yai give a much better viewpoint of the disciples who came to hear the Buddha’s first sermon. Map: https://t.co/c0U68lckf3 #Thailand pic.twitter.com/nKRHXZ98xd
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Taksin Monument in Somdej Phra Chao Taksin Maharat Public Park in Chanthaburi. Map: https://t.co/d2kZ62PAHO #Thailand pic.twitter.com/nJxBzLXtdh
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Chanthaburi City Pillar Shrine. Map: https://t.co/HJHGXsExCg #Thailand pic.twitter.com/s1XyvPZLHi
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Taksin Camp in Chanthaburi. You can read more about King Taksin here: https://t.co/Hepc8H15lF #Thailand pic.twitter.com/uFDz1qfk5i
— Richard Barrow in Thailand (@RichardBarrow) December 24, 2017
Thats great, but if I wanted to see Churches and that stuff I could just stayed at back home and forget about another great Asian Culture, why would anyone really want to see a foreign Church in Thailand, does anyone visit A Buddhist Temple back in the USA to see their culture, its just about spreading a foreign culture down others throats.