Thailand Guides - Chonburi

Besides Phuket, Chonburi is the most well known seaside destination in Thailand for both among Thais and foreign visitors. This is mainly because of its famous beach town of Pattaya. Located only 81 kilometers or around one-a-half hour drive from Bangkok, ones could easily have a weekend respite in no rush.

Overview

The coast of Chonburi is as long as 160 kilometres; its most popular beaches are Bang Saen, Pattaya, Jomtien, and some beaches in Sattahip district. Perhaps unknown to many visitors, Chonburi has as many as 46 islands in its precinct. Although only a handful of islands are open to tourism, they all have abundant natural resources and distinct characteristics.

Chonburi offers a myriad of fun activities such as a tiger and crocodile farm, an elephant village, an Amusement Park, submarine tour, aquarium, after-dark entertainments and to name a few. With a new international airport, express way, motor ways and railways, for first time visitors, it's hard to resist the temptation to find out about this province.

Attractions

Bang Saen Beach
Along with Pattaya, Bang Saen Beach has been a popular beach town, especially among local tourists. Approximately one hour drive from Bangkok, Bang Saen is only 13 kilometres from Chonburi Town.

The beach is colourful with beach chairs and umbrellas. Food and drink stalls are ubiquitous. It is generally clean but not very white due to the sediment from Bang Pakong River. Yet the gradual slope makes it a nice and safe spot for swimming.

About 4 kilometres north of Bang Saen is Khao Sam Muk or Sam Muk Hill. Equally popular to Bang Saen, it is famous for a revered religious shrine and seafood restaurants. People drive along a scenic hillside road to the hilltop to pay respect to the shrine that overlooks the sea.

Along the road down to Hat Bang Saen is the Marine Science Institution. The institution is a part of Burapa University. It hosts an exhibition of marine lives such as planktons, corals, turtles, sharks, rays, and even whales. Moreover, it also displays collections of fishery tools and oceanic survey equipments.

Koh Si Chang
The most well known and biggest island in Chonburi, Koh Si Chang covers an area of 8 square kilometers and is surrounded by small islets. The island welcomes more tourists during weekend as passenger boats from Charin pier in Sriracha District disembarks at Tewawong pier.

About 800 metres northeast of Koh Si Chang is a peaceful island of Koh Kham. Only around 30 minutes from Charin pier in Koh Si Chang, you will find peace amidst the blue sea and sandy beach. This is an island with a community of approximately 40 families.

From Charin pier, you can walk to Ao Sapparod, which is a clean sandy beach suitable for swimming. From the beach, there is a small walking path leading to the viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of sunset.

Koh Kang Kao is a small island located in the southeast of Koh Si Chang. This peaceful and evergreen island is a popular place for snorkeling. Situated just 2 kilometres from Koh Si Chang, it has been unveiled to tourists recently. The sea around the island is ideal for leisure fishing, camping and snorkeling.

Pattaya
Perhaps the first beach destination in Thailand to enjoy international recognition, Pattaya is a beach town unlike others. The town has gone through rises and slumps and recently reinvented itself as a city of fun.

The beach of Pattaya stretches 3 kilometres long and is divided into 3 parts; North Pattaya (Pattaya Neau), Middle Pattaya (Pattaya Klang) and South Pattaya (Pattaya Tai). Each part has different characteristics and serves different kinds of travelers.