The tourism industry is considered as an important mechanism driving Thai economy.
Aside from increasing Thailand's sources of income, the tourism industry also increases opportunities for other industries, which leads to increasing employment and better income distribution through emphasizing on the importance of tourism with the goal of distributing income towards locals in their areas by promoting more travel secondary city tourism.
Thailand has always been a tourist attraction and an important destination in the ASEAN region. Tourists are immensely attracted to visit Thailand due to the variety of destinations, which are available for people of every gender and age, with a reasonable price per person, contributing to job creation and create long term economic growth.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sees the importance of tourism and encourages the promotion of story-driven tourism, creating new tourism products for foreign visitors by focusing on each region's values, providing a unique eye-opening experience and inspires foreign tourist market to encounter Thai local way of life. Visitors are able to choose and design their own happiness from traveling around Thailand in order to deeply experience Thai local values, increasing the value of Thai ways of living, allowing people to know Thailand as they have never known before.
Aside from increasing Thailand's sources of income, the tourism industry also increases opportunities for other industries, which leads to increasing employment and better income distribution through emphasizing on the importance of tourism with the goal of distributing income towards locals in their areas by promoting more travel secondary city tourism.
Thailand has always been a tourist attraction and an important destination in the ASEAN region. Tourists are immensely attracted to visit Thailand due to the variety of destinations, which are available for people of every gender and age, with a reasonable price per person, contributing to job creation and create long term economic growth.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) sees the importance of tourism and encourages the promotion of story-driven tourism, creating new tourism products for foreign visitors by focusing on each region's values, providing a unique eye-opening experience and inspires foreign tourist market to encounter Thai local way of life. Visitors are able to choose and design their own happiness from traveling around Thailand in order to deeply experience Thai local values, increasing the value of Thai ways of living, allowing people to know Thailand as they have never known before.
8 Must-Visit Attractions in “The Legend of Eastern Gems” Route
 |  |
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (The Catholic Church Chanthaburi)
The construction of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Chanthaburi took over 300 years to complete. Formerly built on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River in 1711 by Father Heutte Tolentino and Christian Vietnamese immigrants, the church was later relocated to the east side of the river, its current location, in 1834. Subsequently in 1903, the old church was replaced by the present bigger Gothic style building because of the growing Christian community in the area. It is one of the biggest Catholic churches in Thailand and represents the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chanthaburi. During World War II in 1940, the two spires of the chapel were taken down to make it less obvious to the allied bombers. Apart from its long history, this classic church also holds significance in terms of art. All of the chapel’s windows were elaborately decorated by colorful stained glasses, which have exhibited its priceless elegance for over a hundred years. Situated inside the chapel is a statue of the Virgin Mary, the center piece of the church, together with statues of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary.
You can visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Chanthaburi during the Missa ceremony two times a day from Monday to Saturday (6.00 - 7.00 am and 6.00 – 7.45 pm) and three times a day on Sunday (6.15 am, 8.30 am, and 7.00 pm). Please dress properly. There are also light decorations at night on important days of the year.
The construction of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Chanthaburi took over 300 years to complete. Formerly built on the west bank of the Chanthaburi River in 1711 by Father Heutte Tolentino and Christian Vietnamese immigrants, the church was later relocated to the east side of the river, its current location, in 1834. Subsequently in 1903, the old church was replaced by the present bigger Gothic style building because of the growing Christian community in the area. It is one of the biggest Catholic churches in Thailand and represents the Roman Catholic Diocese of Chanthaburi. During World War II in 1940, the two spires of the chapel were taken down to make it less obvious to the allied bombers. Apart from its long history, this classic church also holds significance in terms of art. All of the chapel’s windows were elaborately decorated by colorful stained glasses, which have exhibited its priceless elegance for over a hundred years. Situated inside the chapel is a statue of the Virgin Mary, the center piece of the church, together with statues of Saints Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary.
You can visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Chanthaburi during the Missa ceremony two times a day from Monday to Saturday (6.00 - 7.00 am and 6.00 – 7.45 pm) and three times a day on Sunday (6.15 am, 8.30 am, and 7.00 pm). Please dress properly. There are also light decorations at night on important days of the year.
 |  |
Chantabun Waterfront Community (or Chantabun Old Town)
Chantabun Waterfront Community was founded in the reign of King Narai the Great. During his reign, the area was a center of trade as it has a beach along the side of Chantabun River, suitable for commodity transportation. Today old buildings along the Chantabun River are carefully preserved, including Baan LuangPrakobNitisarn, Baan LuangRajamitri, Shino-Portuguese buildings, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and different shrines. Some of the houses have turned into gift shops, restaurants, riverside coffee shops or even boutique hotels and hostels.
CHANTHABURI GEM AND JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (GEM & JEWELRY CENTER)
Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association (Gem & Jewelry Center) was established in 2003 as trade and information center of Thai gemstones and jewelry. From the origin of gemstones to jewel production process such as heat treatment, polishing, jewel processing and jewelry design. With constant quality development to match international standards and dedication, this gem and jewelry center became Thailand’s center of gem and jewelry trade.
The Gem & Jewelry center area consists beautiful landscape, filled with different types of flowers and sculptures, waiting to greet visiting tourists and provide a leisure area for visitors.The museum has a Live Museum exhibition showing exciting gemstone manufacture and polishing processes. 3D video presentation tells a story of gemstone mining, from digging, heat treatment and polishing. There are also a Gem Bank, a quality control center and other interesting exhibitions.
Chantabun Waterfront Community was founded in the reign of King Narai the Great. During his reign, the area was a center of trade as it has a beach along the side of Chantabun River, suitable for commodity transportation. Today old buildings along the Chantabun River are carefully preserved, including Baan LuangPrakobNitisarn, Baan LuangRajamitri, Shino-Portuguese buildings, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and different shrines. Some of the houses have turned into gift shops, restaurants, riverside coffee shops or even boutique hotels and hostels.
CHANTHABURI GEM AND JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (GEM & JEWELRY CENTER)
Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Manufacturers Association (Gem & Jewelry Center) was established in 2003 as trade and information center of Thai gemstones and jewelry. From the origin of gemstones to jewel production process such as heat treatment, polishing, jewel processing and jewelry design. With constant quality development to match international standards and dedication, this gem and jewelry center became Thailand’s center of gem and jewelry trade.
The Gem & Jewelry center area consists beautiful landscape, filled with different types of flowers and sculptures, waiting to greet visiting tourists and provide a leisure area for visitors.The museum has a Live Museum exhibition showing exciting gemstone manufacture and polishing processes. 3D video presentation tells a story of gemstone mining, from digging, heat treatment and polishing. There are also a Gem Bank, a quality control center and other interesting exhibitions.
Bo Ploy Lek Petch Community Learning Center
“Bo Ploy Lek Petch” is located between Tumbon Bang Kaja and TumbonSiphaya, which has famous gemstone sources. This center is opened for tourists to learn more about ancient gemstone mining, or to shop for gemstones in a fair price.
“Bo” or holes in Bo Ploy Lek Petch is where tourists can experience ancient gemstone mining by themselves. The depth of the holes are varied from 1 to 10 meters deep. Tourists can dig the gemstones and pass it up before they sift for gemstones by themselves. Bo Ploy Lek Petch is the only community learning center in Thailand that shows how to do ancient gemstone mining for visitors.Moreover, visitors can also visit the fruit garden and harvest fruit in Chanthaburi style.
Koh Mak
Experience the charm of Koh Mak from the sight of coconut trees standing tall along the white sandy beach reaching out to a clear blue sea that you can safely enjoy, no matter if it is at AoNid, Ao Pai, Ao Pong, Ao Pad or AoDaeng. Moreover, the locals on Koh Mak enjoy a very simple and easy life, working in agriculture such as rubber farming and fishing. The visitors can also enjoy the coral reefs surrounding the island.
The Koh Mak community has great awareness and considered natural preservation with importance. The locals came together and created “8 Rules of Koh Mak”, which is an agreement between the locals, business owners and tourists to adhere. The rules focused on eco-tourism under the “Koh Mak Low Carbon Destination” initiative.
8 Rules of Koh Mak
Ferries are encouraged not to bring tourist vehicles from the shore. The amount of motorcycle for rent must not exceed 70 percent of hotel/ partment rooms on the island. Utensils made from foam are not encouraged. No litter in the public area. No food waste in the public area and waterways. The use of chemicals with high residue is not encouraged. No loud noises or actions that caused disturbance from 22.00 – 07.00 Sea and land sports that used engines are not encouraged. Selling and using all illegal substances are prohibited.
Koh Mak Museum
On the southern part of Koh Mak near the AoNid Pier you will find the Koh Mak Museum. It is a white building facing the beach and was turned into a museum by the Sutthithankul family who owns the house. This museum is filled with maps and images that tell visitors the story of Koh Mak. It is a nice way to learn about the history and takes you back to the time when the island was first settled by the Siamese at the beginning of the twentieth century.
“Bo Ploy Lek Petch” is located between Tumbon Bang Kaja and TumbonSiphaya, which has famous gemstone sources. This center is opened for tourists to learn more about ancient gemstone mining, or to shop for gemstones in a fair price.
“Bo” or holes in Bo Ploy Lek Petch is where tourists can experience ancient gemstone mining by themselves. The depth of the holes are varied from 1 to 10 meters deep. Tourists can dig the gemstones and pass it up before they sift for gemstones by themselves. Bo Ploy Lek Petch is the only community learning center in Thailand that shows how to do ancient gemstone mining for visitors.Moreover, visitors can also visit the fruit garden and harvest fruit in Chanthaburi style.
Koh Mak
Experience the charm of Koh Mak from the sight of coconut trees standing tall along the white sandy beach reaching out to a clear blue sea that you can safely enjoy, no matter if it is at AoNid, Ao Pai, Ao Pong, Ao Pad or AoDaeng. Moreover, the locals on Koh Mak enjoy a very simple and easy life, working in agriculture such as rubber farming and fishing. The visitors can also enjoy the coral reefs surrounding the island.
The Koh Mak community has great awareness and considered natural preservation with importance. The locals came together and created “8 Rules of Koh Mak”, which is an agreement between the locals, business owners and tourists to adhere. The rules focused on eco-tourism under the “Koh Mak Low Carbon Destination” initiative.
8 Rules of Koh Mak
Ferries are encouraged not to bring tourist vehicles from the shore. The amount of motorcycle for rent must not exceed 70 percent of hotel/ partment rooms on the island. Utensils made from foam are not encouraged. No litter in the public area. No food waste in the public area and waterways. The use of chemicals with high residue is not encouraged. No loud noises or actions that caused disturbance from 22.00 – 07.00 Sea and land sports that used engines are not encouraged. Selling and using all illegal substances are prohibited.
Koh Mak Museum
On the southern part of Koh Mak near the AoNid Pier you will find the Koh Mak Museum. It is a white building facing the beach and was turned into a museum by the Sutthithankul family who owns the house. This museum is filled with maps and images that tell visitors the story of Koh Mak. It is a nice way to learn about the history and takes you back to the time when the island was first settled by the Siamese at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Trat National museum
The town of Trat National museum was established to be a learning resource of history, culture, and lifestyle of Trat local people, and to be the official museum of town. The building was a former Trat town hall since King Rama VI, a colony architecture style built with wood and concrete pile, raised up the floor Thai-style hip roof in 2004. The permanent exhibition divided into 6 topics.
1)Trat Natural heritage and national culture, displays geology weather, natural resources, and cultural of Trat province.
2) Trat local people, exhibits different races in Trat, i.e. Thai Chinese Khmer Vietnamese and Song.
3) Chorological order of archeology and historic of Trat province, exhibits history of Trat since the pre-historic period, Ayuhdhaya, Sukhothai, and Rattanakosin (King Rama I - IV)
4) Major events of the King Rama IV period, exhibits the story when Trat was returned to Thailand, the ceremony for the town weapon, and the visiting Trat of the King Rama V
5) Naval Battle of Koh Chang – displays the history in chronological order of the battle by simulate the room to be a battleship.
6) Muang Trat Market – exhibits story of the old time and current situation of Trat market
Tha Ranae Community
Baan Tha Ranae was located in Tumbon Laem Hin. The area contains a small bay, which offers a good protection from strong waves for fishing and trading boats from other towns. Some of the boats are in need of repair, some stayed so long that there was only the bilge left, (Ranae means bilge) hence the name Tha Ranae.
It is now an eco-tourism sport that implements a new management system that focus on the locals’ sustainable well-being. There are many local activities for tourists to experience such as, making tie-dyed cloth using local ingredients, mangrove forest sightseeing, cooking local cuisine and desserts.
The town of Trat National museum was established to be a learning resource of history, culture, and lifestyle of Trat local people, and to be the official museum of town. The building was a former Trat town hall since King Rama VI, a colony architecture style built with wood and concrete pile, raised up the floor Thai-style hip roof in 2004. The permanent exhibition divided into 6 topics.
1)Trat Natural heritage and national culture, displays geology weather, natural resources, and cultural of Trat province.
2) Trat local people, exhibits different races in Trat, i.e. Thai Chinese Khmer Vietnamese and Song.
3) Chorological order of archeology and historic of Trat province, exhibits history of Trat since the pre-historic period, Ayuhdhaya, Sukhothai, and Rattanakosin (King Rama I - IV)
4) Major events of the King Rama IV period, exhibits the story when Trat was returned to Thailand, the ceremony for the town weapon, and the visiting Trat of the King Rama V
5) Naval Battle of Koh Chang – displays the history in chronological order of the battle by simulate the room to be a battleship.
6) Muang Trat Market – exhibits story of the old time and current situation of Trat market
Tha Ranae Community
Baan Tha Ranae was located in Tumbon Laem Hin. The area contains a small bay, which offers a good protection from strong waves for fishing and trading boats from other towns. Some of the boats are in need of repair, some stayed so long that there was only the bilge left, (Ranae means bilge) hence the name Tha Ranae.
It is now an eco-tourism sport that implements a new management system that focus on the locals’ sustainable well-being. There are many local activities for tourists to experience such as, making tie-dyed cloth using local ingredients, mangrove forest sightseeing, cooking local cuisine and desserts.
