**Heading to Chanthaburi, Chanthaburi's Story** This time, I'm aiming to visit during the Vegetarian Festival, hoping to experience a vegetarian meal. This year, Chanthaburi Province is holding the Vegetarian Festival from September 28th to October 9th. There will be activities, ceremonies, and vegetarian food stalls at the Benchamarachuthit area in front of Wat Khet Na Bunyaram and on Si Chan Road in front of the Sawang Kattanyoo Thammatham Association (Meng Ngi Tua).

The journey began on Friday evening, October 7th. The route, a 250-kilometer stretch of motorway from Bangkok to Ban Bueng, Klaeng, and Chanthaburi, took approximately 3 hours at a leisurely pace. Despite the rain encountered along the way, the aim was to reach Chanthaburi in time for the Loy Krathong ceremony and animal release at the Chanthaburi River. However, upon arrival, the ceremony had already concluded.

The journey continued to the accommodation, Baan Luang Rajamitri, situated by the Chanthaburi River and conveniently close to the Vegetarian Festival at Wat Khet.

As I started my walk, a light rain began to fall.

The riverside road in Chanthaburi is called Sukhapiban Road, where Luang Rajamaitri House is located. From Luang Rajamaitri House, walk left into Phokha Alley to reach the Vegetarian Festival at Wat Khet. Locals come to worship, perform ceremonies, and buy vegetarian food.

Inside, the ceremony was underway. Officials invited us to join, offering white robes to change into.

There is also a Chinese opera to watch.

The opera performers are taking a break to eat.

After the rain stopped, we moved to another nearby location, Srichan Road in front of the Sawang Kattanyoo Dharma Center (Meng Ngi Tua).

There is a wide variety of vegetarian food available.

You can try it. Some things we have never seen before.

The familiar quail egg or turtle egg dessert is vegan. :) With such a sweet smile from the vendor, I have to support her.

After a day of exploring and enjoying delicious food, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventures.

As you walk back, a light drizzle begins to fall. The guesthouse closes promptly at 10 pm. Please refrain from knocking on the door, as it may disturb other guests. A sign with a phone number will be posted outside the house. Please call the staff to open the door for you.

We'll have to wait until morning to see if the rain stops. It appears that there is still a light drizzle.

Wake up early and have breakfast together. Breakfast is important. The staff will ask you what kind of breakfast you would like. There is kway chap or American breakfast. The rest will be a buffet with a chill atmosphere by the Chanthaburi River.

In Chanthaburi province, Pa Thong Ko is uniquely served with a clear dipping sauce.

Piak doesn't really like American breakfasts. She prefers local food, like kway chap, followed by sweet coconut milk pudding and hot soybean milk. She orders her kway chap from a shop opposite her accommodation, which is delicious.

After enjoying a delicious meal, take a leisurely stroll through the house to soak in the atmosphere. If you're curious about the history and origins of the house, feel free to ask our friendly staff. They have a wealth of fascinating stories to share. Alternatively, you can delve into the details on our website: www.baanluangrajamaitri.com.

"The water will flow backwards at this house of Luang Ratchamai."

Historical Inn, or Baan Luang Rajamaitri, is a historical residence with an estimated age of 130-150 years. It belonged to Luang Rajamaitri, who made significant contributions to the people of Chanthaburi. Today, the inn is a result of a collaboration between the Chanthaburi Riverside Community, the descendants of Luang Rajamaitri, and the Arts Ashram Institute. Together, they established the Chanthaburi Rak Dee Company Limited to sustainably preserve the community's way of life and its ancient architecture. The inn features 12 rooms, each representing a different chapter in Luang Rajamaitri's life, offering a glimpse into his historical journey. Located by the Chanthaburi River, the inn provides modern amenities while maintaining its unique character, allowing guests to discover and learn about Luang Rajamaitri's history through the artifacts and furnishings within each room.

One of the things that feels good is the saying that "The lease agreement is drafted from value, not value." The homeowner, who is the heir of Luang Ratchamitri, has granted this house to be operated under a 30-year lease agreement, charging a rent of only 1 baht per month.

If you are interested in history, you can book a room. You can visit Chanthaburi in any season and it is not far from Bangkok. Even I was impressed by the stories told by the staff, which made me think back to the atmosphere. I remember some things and some things I don't. I'll come back to read the website later. ^_^

House number 252

This person is the one who took us on a tour of the Luang Rajamaitri House.

The ground floor consists of a large hall showcasing household items and four guest rooms. The second floor houses eight guest rooms, each named after an event in Luang Rajamaitri's life.

Breakfast corner

The boys' dormitory has bunk beds.

Master bedroom

The balcony of the parents' room

An old image carved in plaster.

This area is designated as a quiet zone. Please refrain from making loud noises and walk softly to avoid disturbing others. The wooden floor amplifies footsteps, so please be mindful of your movements.

The room name is displayed on the door like this.

Some things remain the same.

A collection of magazines from Chanthaburi

A picture that every house has.

Go to the rooftop.

The room contains instructions for guests and a flashlight for emergencies.

This is our room. It's called the East Asiatique.

River view

Bathroom, haha.

A view of the balcony of another room

Riverside Community of Chanthaburi

Reference books

I went to check out another room while the customer was checking out.

Riverside room facing the Chanthaburi community

The Luang Rajamaitri House has been open to the public for two years.

Front of the house

The house across the street.

Embark on a stroll to the vegetarian festival at Wat Khet once more.

Noodle shop opposite Luang Ratchamairi House

Found a cozy cafe to hang out at.

Slightly artistic.

Map of tourist attractions, restaurants, cafes in the riverside community of Chanthaburi (Someone vandalized it with this phrase T_T)

Upon arriving at Wat Khet, a chanting ceremony was in progress.

Think well, speak well, do well, associate with good people.

Stir-fried noodles of all kinds

Roughly translated, the text reads: "Here are some photos I took of vegetarian food."

For Pearl, eating vegetarian meals occasionally ends in two ways. ^_^

Come and visit us! Experience the unique and authentic Thai way of life. By supporting local communities, we can help them thrive and preserve their cultural heritage. The Chanthaburi community is a shining example of unity and dedication to preserving their traditions, ancient architecture, and sustainable way of life. Remember, the quality of life is measured by the quality of our hearts.

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