We were originally thinking of a couple of days in Chiang Rai, but due to the flooding, we opted for Chanthaburi, in the South East of Thailand towards the Cambodia border. It’s famous for its fruit production, particularly Durian, gem stones, it’s beaches and nearby Koh Chang.

We had to stop on the way to investigate a noise from underneath the car at the rear, a local B-Quik garage, found a section of trim was slightly loose, secured it and there was no charge!

Checked in our lovely hotel, on the river, only £45 a night inc breakfast. Evening meal, further up the river with live music.V

isits included:

– Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, founded by Vietnamese immigrants in 1730, the current building was built in 1909. Some lovely stained glass windows, altar wall painting, a roof shaped like Noahs Ark and a statue of the Virgin Mary containing over 200,000 sapphires, which are mined locally.

– Chanthaboon Waterfront Community – full of souvenir shops and cafes now.

– Wat Phai Lom – Royal Monastery – with buildings over 200 years old, large seated Buddha at the entrance, monks quarters and a reclining Buddha, to which we made our wish, lit a candle, incense sticks, gave flowers and placed a number of small gold leaf squares on the many statues, for a small donation of 20p, which we added to.

– Maritime Museum – setting out the history of warfare in Thailand using boats, under the command of King Taksin, who reigned in the late 1700s. Large replica of a Thai Junk inside, along with small models of the many different types of boats through history. Nearby is the old gatehouse to the Noen Wong Fort.

– Wat Yothanminit – which is inside the old fort walls, ancient chedi, a Buddha statue of Luang Pho Yau in a temple containing highly painted walls. A further building with unusual animal and fauna decoration, including pillars in the shape of trees.

– Artists Cafe, for drinks and a bite to eat, with views across the fruit farms towards the ocean.

– Laem Sing Beach – on the way we stopped to view a white coloured temple, squid fishing boats (lots of lights), the local fishing community and the Khuk Khi Kai prison (bird drop prison). Built in the 1800s to contain Thai rebels against French occupation, it’s name came from the chickens that were kept on the roof, whose droppings went into the prison below, as a form of torture. Took a short walk to the edge of the water, as the tide was in, for a very quick view, as unfortunately the rain arrived in torrents, so a very wet drive back to our hotel.

Spent the evening at the same restaurant, for food and the odd drink or two and listened to the band.