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. (Tel. 391-2504)
Air conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes from 6.00-21.00 hrs. (Tel. 391-9829).
Festival and Celebrations Manual in Chonburi Province.
Chonburi Buffalo Races
Chonburi Buffalo Races
Chonburi Buffalo Races 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. Baeuty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resort.
Pattaya Festival
Thailand's world-famous seaside resort puts on its most festival face for this annual event, held in April at the height of the summer season. Food and floral floats, beauty contests, stalls selling local delicacies, and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach are only a few of the highlights that attract merry-makers.
For a number of years now Pattaya's annual Marathons runs have attracted top class runners
from all over the world. But you don't have to be a famous champion to complete; all you need is
a reasonably fit body, lots of energy and an official serial number.ATTRACTION
Pattaya City' located in the east 149 km. from Bangkok, and is the chief city of the Province of Chonburi. Today Pattaya is Thailand's premeir beach resort and attracts
annually more than a million tourists form all over the world. Pattaya provides high standard hotel, restaurant, sport, entertainment and shopping facilities. The resort is Thailand's most important diving center and the east coast is also a paradise for golfers.
Ko Sichang
Ko Sichang about 12 kilome-ters 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 (Ko Loi pier and Tha Charin pier) at 25 Bath per person beginning from 7.00 hrs. Last return trip from Ko Sichang is at 15.00 hrs.
There are many accommoda-tions on the Island such as Benz Bungalow Tel. (038) 216091, Champ Bungalow Tel. (038) 216105 and Thiu Phai Tel. (038) 216084.
Ko lan
Ko Lan 45 minutes offshoreby tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya's archipelago. Major attractions include viewing coral reefs from glassbottomed boats, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind-surfing, skiing and parasailimg. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Lan's neighbouring island such as Ko Khrok and Ko Sak.
Beyond Ko Lan another 40 minutes sail is Ko Phai an island currently under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open during the day.
All the nearby islands are easy to get to and charters can be arranged through the hotel tour desk or by negotiating a price direct with the boat owners.
Bang Saray
Bang Saray a fishing village located 2 kilometers off the main highway at Km. 164, offers deep-sea fishing opportunities. There are also other recreational facilities at Bangsaray Fishing Inn (Tel. 038-436095), Bangsaray Fishing Lodge (Tel. 038-436757) and Sea Sand Club (Tel. 2555960, 038-435171).
Panarak Park
Panarak Park 5 kms. off Pattaya City on the road to Siam Country Club Golf course, offers a tropical garden setting. The park equip with fishing gears for a well-stocked fishing pond. The place also facilitate with bungalow accommodations, restaurant, jogging and cycling paths, boating and water-cycling. It gives up-country experience for staying overnight there. Further information please contact Tel. 5210763, 5211665.
Wat Yansangwararam
A temple under the King's patronage is unique for it's modem Thai architecture. Here meditation course is offering for common men at 6.00 and 18.00 hrs. The temple is 12 kilometers south of Pattaya and only 3 kilometers from Nong Nooch Village. Call (038) 237642 for further information.
Nearby is a chinese-stlye building called "Wihan Sian" housing antiques and art objects from China.
Khao Khieo Open Zoo
Khao Khieo Open Zoo 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.
Suan Nong Nooch
Suan Nong Nooch about 15 kilometers from South Pattaya, is a Thai-village-style recreation-cum-vacation park. The entire area of some 500 acres is beautifully landscaped, with orchid nursery and other botanical gardens. There are also cultural and traditional performances and an elephant show. Accommodation in the park is available. Calling 2521786 (Bangkok) or (038) 238158-9 (Pattaya).
Hat Bangsaen
Hat Bangsaen 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.
Mini Siam & Mini Europe
Located near Pattaya Klang, is Thailand's first wonder displaying Thai and European heritage on a miniature scale. This is the third miniature town in the world after the Netherlands and Taiwan that brings together models of important objects and historical sites of different culture, and civilizations of various periods from the ancient time till present. More than 100 models, each on a scale of 1: 25, are displays in an area of 29 rai, surrounded by natural scenaries blended with different types of well selected trees. Open from 7.00- 22.00 hrs. Tel. (038) 421628 for more details.
Marine Science Institute
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 watera around Thailand. The museum is devoted to fish and fishing in Thailand. Open daily from 8.30-16.00 hrs. on weekd ays, 8.30-17.30 hrs. on public holidays and closed on Monday. Admission fee is 20 baht per person.
Ang Sila 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
Sam Muk Hill 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.
Nong Mon
Nong Mon 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 fruit rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Panat Nikhom.
Bangphra International Golf Club
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.
Siracha
Siracha 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-fruit, particularly pine-apples.
Bottle Meseum is situated on Sukhumvit Road. Here, famous architecture of the world as well as boats finely crafted in miniature in glass bottles by a Dutch craftsman, Mr. Pieter, are put on display. The museum is open daily during 10.00-21.00 hrs. Admission fee 100 baht each.
Festival and Celebrations Manual in Chonburi Province.
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