Noen Wong Fortress Museum | Chanthaburi

Noen Wong Fortress Museum | Chanthaburi Province
Noen Wong Fortress was constructed during the reign of King Rama III. Its origins trace back to the rebellion of Chao Anuwong of Vientiane, who led an army to attack northeastern towns, reaching as far as Nakhon Ratchasima—where the heroic deeds of Thao Suranari took place. Bangkok dispatched forces to suppress the rebellion, eventually driving Chao Anuwong to seek refuge in Vietnam. This event caused a rift that led to war between Thailand and Vietnam; consequently, the fortress was built in preparation for a potential Vietnamese invasion.
Chanthaburi is a coastal town; originally, it was situated at Ban Lum on the western bank of the Chanthaburi River.
However, the terrain there was unsuitable for a military base. Fearing a Vietnamese takeover, King Rama III commissioned Somdet Phraya Borom Maha Prayurawong (Dit Bunnag) to select a strategic location. He chose Ban Noen Wong, a small, elevated hill offering a vantage point that allowed for the observation of enemy movements as far as the mouth of the Chanthaburi River—making it an ideal defensive position. Construction began in 1834, adhering to strategic military principles. The fortress was built as a fortified town in a rectangular shape covering approximately 270 *rai* (approx. 107 acres). It was enclosed by a 6-meter-high wall featuring bastions, a moat, and gates facing the four cardinal directions. Cannons were positioned along the walls between the battlements, standing ready for combat; these were large-caliber cannons, with bore diameters likely exceeding 155 mm.
Noen Wong Fortress is a historical site located near the town center of Mueang Chanthaburi District. It is an integral part of Chanthaburi’s history and an archaeological site that also encompasses local orchards—specifically, the *sala* (snake fruit) orchards for which Chanthaburi is renowned. Known as "Sala Noen Wong"
After visiting Noen Wong Fort, one should also visit the National Maritime Museum, which showcases underwater history—a field of study as significant as the history found on land. Chanthaburi has a long-standing maritime heritage, and various archaeological artifacts discovered beneath the sea have been gathered and displayed here.
Chanthaburi National Maritime Museum (Noen Wong Fort)
Chanthaburi National Maritime Museum, 80 Moo 8, Noen Wong Fort, Bang Kacha Subdistrict, Chanthaburi Province 22000
Admission Fees
Thais: 20 Baht
Foreigners: 100 - 120 Baht
Free Admission
Students in uniform; Buddhist monks and novices; Seniors (aged 60 and over)
Opening Days: Wednesday - Sunday
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays
Opening Hours: 09:00 - 16:00