Chonburi has a long coastline clotted with many beautiful beaches

Less than one hundred kilometers from Bangkok on Bang Na-Trat Highway, Chonburi is not only a well-known seaside destination, it is also major agricultural and industrial producer, with extensive sugar-cane, tapioca and coconut plantations, shallow and deep water fishery, as well as manufacturing plants.

How to get there

There are several buses both air and non air-conditioned leaving from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai), Sukhumvit Road.

Non air-conditioned buses leave every 15 minutes, starting from 05.30-20.00 hrs. Fare is 22 baht. (Tel. 3912504)

Air conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes from 6.00-21.00 hrs. Fare is 40 bath. (Tel. 3919829)

Attractions

Ang Sila ( อ่างศิลา ) a small fishing village about five kilometers from Chonburi Town, has been one of the oldest seaside vacation spots noted for its products in stone mortars.

Sam Muk Hill ( เขาสามมุก ) is situated mid-way between Ang Sila and the Bangsaen Beach. The Chao Mae Sam Muk Shrine atop the hill is widely revered by the local people.

Hat Bangsaen ( หาดบางแสน ) is a well-known beach only 10 kilometers from Chonburi on a right-turn at km. 104, Highly popular with local tourists, a part of the beach front area is set aside for venders of local foods and snacks. Canvas chairs and inner tire tubes are available for rent, as well as shower room facilities. Eminently suitable for a one-day outing from Bangkok. Accommodation can be reserved at Bangsaen Beach Resort Tel : (038) 381675-7, Bangsaen Villa Tel : (038) 382088, Saensuk Resort Tel : (038) 381009, Seaside Palace Tel : (038) 381117, S.S. Bangsaen Beach Tel : (038) 381670.

Marine Science Institute ( สถาบันวิจัยทางทะเล )

located on the campus of Burapha University at the entrance to the Bangsaen Beach, is divided into three components : Marine Aquarium, Marine Science Museum and Marine Science Laboratories. The Aquarium has a large selection of fish and other marine animals which are to be found in the waters around Thailand. The museum is devoted to fish and fishing in Thailand. Open daily from 8.30-16.00 hrs. on weekdays, 8.30-17.30 hrs. on public holidays and closed on Monday.Admission fee is 20 baht per person.

Nong Mon ( หนองมน ) is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fine rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Phanatnikhom.

Bangphra International Golf Club ( สนามกอล์ฟบางพระ ) A left turn almost right opposite the Bangphra market place leads to the 18-hole golf courses which is about 7 kilometers further on. An international standard and public course, it offers accommodation facilities as well as a well-run club house with tasty food. Further information please contact Tel. 2850670-2

Khao Khieo Open Zoo ( สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว ) is about 11 kilometers from the Bangphra market. Operated by the Zoo Organization, it covers an area of some 2,000 acres, with more than 100 species of wild life roaming freely in its compound. Tourists can walk and have a close look of monkeys,gibbon, elephants, deers, birds etc. The zoo is open everyday from 8.00-18.00 hrs. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.

Nam Tok Chan Ta Then ( น้ำตกชันตาเถร ) Located 15 kms. off Sukhumvit Road at Km. 110 in the same direction of Khao Khieo Open Zoo. The fall is in the Wild Life Conservation area and is very beautiful shortly after the rainy season, enables the swimming and leisurely walking

possible. Placid surrounding nature added the area even more attractive and ideal for relaxation.

Siracha ( ศรีราชา ) is a seaside district 24 kilometers from town. It used to be one of the most popular resorts and still attracts considerable number of tourists who make frequent stops to buy sea food and fresh-fruits, particularly pine-apples.

Siracha Farm ( ศรีราชาฟาร์ม ) located some 8 kilo­meters from Siracha on the road to Siracha International Golf Course, is a mini-zoo with crocodiles, camels, tigers and many birds. Tourists can feed a camel or have your photograph taken with a tiger. The farm is open everyday from 9.00-18.00 hrs. Amission fee is 30 baht per person.

Ko Sichang ( เกาะสีชัง ) about 12 kilometers off the Siracha shore, is a substantial island with peaceful atmosphere and fresh, clean air. The only transports available are motorized tricycles as the ring-road around the island is only a little over one meter wide. The major structure ashore is an extensive former palace built by King Rama V used for recuperation. Two temples were also constructed during his reign one of which, Wat Atsadang Nimit, has a chapel and a pagoda in European architectural style. A Chinese pavilion, with dragon and peacock designs, is also worth visiting. Nearby is The Chakrapong Cave within which is a chimney-like access to the top of the hill affording a grand view of the island. On the other side is a beach called Hat Hin Klom (round stones) as they have been exposed to the strong winds of the Westerly causing them to rub against one another until they become smooth and round.

As places of interest are somewhat far from one another, it is advisable to hire a tricycle from the pier for the tour, which should not take more than one hour.

Ferry service is operated from Siracha ( ท่าเกาะลอยและท่าจรินทร์ ) at 25 Baht per person beginning from 07.00 hrs. Last return trip from Ko Sichang is at 15.00 hrs.

There are many accommodations on the Island such as Benz Bungalow Tel : (038) 216091, Champ Bungalow Tel : (038) 216105 and Thiu Phai Tel : (038) 216084.

Chonburi Buffalo Races ( ประเพณีวิ่งควาย ) is held during October every year. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.