Khao Laem Sing Forest Park

Khao Laem Sing Forest Park protects a 172-metre hill on a cape east of the Chanthaburi River mouth, in Chanthaburi’s Laem Sing district — the headland’s shape, jutting into the sea, gives the hill its name (Laem Sing means “lion cape”). Entry is free for foreign visitors; Thai nationals pay a 40 THB fee, and the park is open daily, roughly 06:00-17:30.

The main historical feature is Pom Phairi Phinat, a fort built in 1834 under Rama III to guard against a feared naval attack from Vietnamese (Annamese) forces during a period of regional tension. It got its name — meaning roughly “fort that vanquishes enemies” — later, when Rama IV visited the site. Near the fort stands a chedi built in 1904 by Chanthaburi residents to mark the withdrawal of French troops, who had occupied the town for over a decade after the 1893 Franco-Siamese crisis. Both structures sit within easy walking distance of the park headquarters at the top of the hill.

Watch out: The fort and chedi are weathered brick-and-masonry structures rather than restored monuments — expect exposed foundations and eroded walls, not a polished heritage site. Sturdy shoes help on the uneven paths around them.

From the summit, the coastline opens out in both directions, and it’s a well-known sunset spot for photographers based in Chanthaburi. Camping is allowed with advance arrangement, though there’s no formal accommodation inside the park — a private resort and restaurant at nearby Ao Yang cover that instead.

Insider Tip: Skip the 25 km drive from Tha Mai and take the water route instead — a short boat charter from Laem Sing beach crosses to Ao Krathing Beach, from where it’s a roughly 400-metre walk up to the park. It’s a more memorable approach than the road, and often quicker if you’re already based near Ao Krathing.

By road, the Tha Mai-Bang Kachai route is the standard way in, passing Wat Khao Laem Sing on the way up to the headquarters. Either way, this isn’t a half-day national park circuit — it’s a short, self-contained hill visit best paired with time at Chao Lao Beach or elsewhere along the Laem Sing coast.