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extras

I was basically being dragged down to Chantaburi for the weekend to check out some business opportunity there, so I didn't plan anything at all. Was told it was all organised and that we would be looked after by a local family.

So, off we went. Took a Cherdchai bus from Ekamai.



It took about 4 and half hours to get there. we were then taken to a noodles place called Phraya Trang (on the way to Jao Lao Beach) for lunch.



When we were done with business talking, we were taken to the World's Durian Festival 2008.



And first thing we saw was.. papaya...



... stuff



... they seem to eat this stuff down here also (Yuck!!)



... err.... wine (so they say)



... Phad Thai



... Isaan sausage



... clothes



... plastic flowers



... durian? no, not yet.



... ah finally!!! World's Durain Festival indeed!!



All the shops were round this big pond. Quite a long walk. It's about 2km I was told.



... Jewelry shops



... beer, of course



... seafood



... fruit juice



... more fruit



... the locals (pissed) singing karaoke



... more squid. From the amount of squid I saw, it should have been called Squids Festival, really.



... fishball



... somtam!



Not a lot of Durians that I saw there. After dinner, we were taken to a fruit market. They were making Fried Durian.

Before..



The guy put those things in the machine...



And After...



Another department will then fry them.



Put some salt and stuff in. And it's now on the shelf.



It costs about 450 - 480 bht per kilo.

Didn't get to do or see much on Sunday as it was pissing down all day. Got only two Thai men coming round with some gemstones, though. Sorry for the poor quality, as I took the pics from my phone. Didn't think they would like me taking pics left right and centre.





I was told these stones cost about 150,000 bht. The black blokes who showed us their stones on Saturday got four small ones that cost about 6 million bht. They hadn't told us the prices until they put those stones back in their bag!

I will very likely have to go down there on a regular basis. Should be able to update this thread with more stuff later on.

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El Gibbon

If your into the gem market stay at the Riverside. Not bad for the price and your right in the middle of the gem market....

Be VERY careful when buying.... slight of hand is more than an art form there. Unless you really are cognizant of gem quality your best bet is to take a Thai that is knowledgeable. Seen lots of rip offs and underhand stuff going on.

There are some really excellent beach eateries there, excellent food and no tourist prices.

E. G.

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extras

haven't got the chance to check out the gem market last weekend cos weather was absolute shite. it was pouring on Sunday all day. but will definitely go down there soon. cheers for the tips. will watch out for those tricks.

Norton

Now that's one tough pin placement.

Good post!!

El Gibbon

Flock me, you weren't in the gem market and some black guy showing you stones/???

Be extra careful, the honest traders (At least those with a reasonable reputation) trade from the small store fronts and tables in the market area.

Ermmmmmmmmm lots of Nigerians in Chantaburi.....

South of town a few clicks there is a signposted resort area, don't recall the name, its past the orchids displays etc. Few clicks to the beach and some really great seafood. Crowded on the weekends.

E. G.

extras

Those black blokes came to our place with loads of stones. The local family we know are in the business and they know one Thai guy who looks rather good at this stuff. Still don't trust anyone completely really.

Yeah, loads of africans there. The local family drove us round their area.

Planning to go down some beach and stay a night, all of us and the local family. Cooking our own seadfood and all. Hope it's soon!

Loombucket

Nice post Extras and some good photos. It's a good job Mrs LoonB wasn't with you, she would have stopped at every one of those stalls.

extras

Cheers, Loom. Yeah, bet Mrs Loom would have enjoyed the festival very much.

hillbilly

I enjoyed reading your trip report. Maybe in the future you could do a thread on gems.

navynine

Nice place to stay in town is the "New travel lodge", just a few blocks from the gem area with pool and breakfast for around 800bt. Chao Lao beach is about 15min. from town and has a wide range of hotels and great beach's , food ect. the wife and I pay 500-600bt for a room with tv-aircon-, stay a bit and look around Chanthaburi is a great place..............Good Luck

Thetyim

Can you give more details please

extras

Cheers. That's a good idea.

Cheers. That's the impression we've got too. Still a lot to see there.