CHONBURI
Location : Eastern, Thailand
Area : 4,363.0 sq. km
Population : 1,209,290
Distance from Bangkok : 80 Kilometers
Transportation
Travelling to Chon Buri
By Car
Chon Buri is a one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, taking the Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route) will reduce travel time.
By Bus
The 1.5-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
www.transport.co.th
Travelling to Pattaya
By car
Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.
By bus
Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
By train
The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.
By Air
Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).
About Chonburi and Pattaya
Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok.
Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear.
Place attraction
Amphoe Ko Si Chang
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine is situated on a northern hill on the island. The shrine is a natural architectural masterpiece, highly respected by both Thai and Chinese. The place offers a scenic, breathtaking front view of the island, coupled with a panoramic view of Si Chang community.
Hat Tham Phang
Hat Tham Phang and Khao Tham Phang are located towards the back of the island. The sloping beach is located on the leeward side of the island. It is a perfect spot for swimming as the sea is clear and somewhat calm or relaxing on the beach to admire the sunset.
Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom
The name "Hat Hin Klom" originated from the rounded rocks on the beach which have been naturally "rounded" by the westerly wind that flows from March to September. The white sand gives the beach a clean and clear look. Khao Khat Pass on the other side of the island is a fascinating and romantic point from which to watch the sunset.
Ko Si Chang
Si Chang island is a perfect getaway for travelers addicted to history and having fun. This tiny island has a population of only 500 people, mostly fishermen who practice the old way of life.
Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan
Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan, which was named after Prince Chuthathut who was born here, is the only palace located in the sea. King Rama V had it built in 1892 as a holiday retreat and a convalescence home for his wives and children. The funds for the construction of this palace came from his private treasury.
Si Chang Palace
Si Chang Palace was built during the reign of King Rama V as a summer palace. The landscaping of the palace compound was carefully planned with residential quarters, lawns, pools, and swamps designed and located in ascending tiers from the beach up to the top of the hill, alternated with frangipani trees (Plumeria acuminata) of different colors.
Amphoe Si Racha
The Khao Khiao Open Zoo
Covering a vast tract of forest land, the zoo is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Chon Buri from Sukhumvit Road. To get there, take a left turn at Bang Phra, and follow the clearly posted signs. Operated by the Zoological Garden Organization, the zoo has more than 200 species of domestic and imported wildlife living in their natural habitat. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., the zoo also puts on shows of well-trained animals and birds.
The Si Racha Tiger Farm
The farm, which is situated at Km. 20 marker on highway No. 36, raises a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will be amazed to witness tigers, pigs and dogs living together in the same quarters. The farm opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Pattaya
Baan Sukhawadee
A European style mansion by the sea houses a statue of Kuan Yin and other sculptures that express the philosophy of living. Buildings in the compound include The Buddha Dome, a restuarant and sourvenir shop.
Website: http://www.sukhawadee.net
Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat
This is a small hill to the south of Pattaya Beach. It is accessible by an asphalt road, which leads up to the hilltop. Khao Pattaya is now the site of the Naval Radio Station where the monument of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy, is situated. A sacred Buddha image is also enshrined on the hilltop. The viewpoint on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay.
Ko Lan
Lying about 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya by a 45-minute ferry or 15 minutes by speed boat ride, the island measures 2 kilometers by 5 kilometers and offers several white sandy beaches, notably Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Long, the latter facing coral reefs. Visitors can choose either snorkeling or viewing the coral from glass bottom boats. Ferries to the island leave South Pattaya pier daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Cruises by sailing junks, with lunch provided are also available.
Mini Siam
Located at Km. 143 on Highway No. 3 is a wonderland of miniature replicas of such outstanding architectural works as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, the Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, etc. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the miniworld area. These include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. Admission fee is 200 bahts.
The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm, which is located approximately 9 kilometers from Pattaya City, has beautifully landscaped grounds with elaborate flower and rock gardens. In addition, the farm has hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses. Crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows run 6 times a day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the admission fee is 300 baht.
Underwater World Pattaya
A new tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100-meter-long, 6.4-centimeter-thick acrylic pedestrian tunnel through an underwater environment filled with dozens of marine species.
Located just 200 meters south of Tesco Lotus in South Pattaya, the new theme park covers a total area of 12-rai and is housed in a structure similar to a large circus tent.
The aquarium itself houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas. Top in the Visitors must-see list is the rare shovelnose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray.
Admission fee for adults is 500 baht and children is 300 baht. Open from 9.00 a.m. 6.00 p.m.
Wong Phrachan beach
Situated on the northern side of Pattaya Bay, this 1-kilometer beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amart Hotel. It is a quiet spot, good for swimming and relaxation.
More information visit : www.tourismthailand.org
Map Of Chonburi provinces
