Chonburi
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Chonburi General Information
Chon Buri The Nearest Seaside Retreat
Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colors, traditions, delicacies and fresh seafood. This is a popular resort among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules as Chon Buri has something for everyone. In addition, Chon Buri is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
Pattaya
Pattaya A Travelers Paradise
Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.
Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.
The Past
Pattaya's name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.
When Phraya Tak's army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.
The Present
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. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.
Pattaya Facts
This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.
Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.
Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.
Chonburi Festival Information
- Chon Buri Buffalo Race
Chon Buri Buffalo Race is a long-established celebration of this most useful animal of Thai farmers. A fun-filled event, it is held not only in Chon Buri itself but also in Ban Bung and Nong Yai districts. The beasts of burden are dressed outragerously or with admirable creativity by owners depending on their imagination. Assembled in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or take part in physical fitness and fashion contests.
- Chon Buri Red Cross Fair
Chon Buri Red Cross Fair is held about mid-April. There is a Phra Phutthasihing Procession. Also organized are cultural shows, exhibitions and stalls offering various type of products.
Chonburi Attactions Information
- Ang Phak Nam waterfall
Ang Phak Nam waterfall is a big 5-level waterfall situated on the Khao Yai range. Visitors can walk along the 1.5 km. path through the forest to reach the waterfall. On the way, visitors can stroll and relax in the fresh forest atmosphere and look out for evidence of wild animals, and many kinds of birds.
- Khao Cha-Ang
Khao Cha-Ang is a stone mountain situated in the middle of a plain in Bo Thong District. It has gold, minerals and semi-precious stones and is approximately 30 km. away from the district center, Khao Cha-Ang also features a cave; home of over one hundred thousand fruit bats and 5 levels of Khao Cha-Ang features the natural wonders of stalactites and stalagmites.
Khao Cha-Ang is also a religious place where monks can a religious place where monks can observe Buddhist principles, known as Dharma. The mountain caves are classified as the Water Cave, Bat Cave, Laplae Cave, and te Dragon Cave. After visiting all these caves tourists can continue to the Ang Phak Nam waterfall.
- 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.
The king loved to visit Ko Si Chang to admire its magnificent scenery and tranquil atmosphere. However, in the later years, the island served as a big cargo station where numerous transactions with foreign ships took place.
- 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.
Each building was named after the Kings consorts who supervised its decoration, for example, Watthana Mansion, Phongsi Mansion, and Aphirom Mansion. On the beach there is a green house made of wood decorated with gingerbread patterns.
The palace was abandoned when the French occupied the island in 1894. Thus, the construction of the main throne hall called "Man-That Phairot" was unfortunately stopped. In 1910 the king ordered the removal of the incomplete hall to Dusit Palace in Bangkok, where construction was finally completed and was later granted with the name "Vimanmek". The place is now a museum and is open to the public.
The white Chedi that overlooks Hat Tha Wang, is definitely part of a temple called Wat Atsadang Nimit". Built near the palace, the temple was the place where King Rama V meditated. The temple, which was a mix of western and eastern architectural styles, houses an outstanding Buddha image.
Adventure lovers should not miss the opportunity to explore Tham Saowapha, located not far from Wat Atsadang Nimit. This relatively large limestone cave plunges deep into the island.
- Ang Sila
A seaside-fishing village situated approximately 5 kilometers from town, Ang Sila is well known for its granite products. The fishermen are not only skilful in catching fish, but also in making implements from granite and have passed on their craftsmanship from generation to generation. Their most renown products are the mortar and pestle which are widely used in Thai households, and decorative items such as figurines of animals i.e. lions, elephants and horses.
- Bang Saen
This ever popular seaside town is situated approximately 14 kilometers from the city. To get to Bang Saen from Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed for another 3 kilometers. Bang Saen is especially popular amongst Thai visitors who enjoy strolling along the long white sandy beach and tasting the delicious seafood available from vendors along the pavement. Unlike weekdays, weekends are always particularly crowded. A wide range of hotels and bungalows are located by the sea and recreational gear and bicycles for rent are available in shops nearby. For budget travelers, several buses depart daily from Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. In addition, there are local ''Song taew'' or local transport services connecting Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.
- Nong Mon Market
This market is located on Sukhumvit Road along the way to Bang Saen and has gained popularity over the years. Nong Mon Market offers a vast variety of locally produced seafood products such as fish, squid, and shrimp, both fresh and preserved. In addition, sweets and other local sweetmeats are also popular with the most popular item being Khao Larm a traditional thai-style dessert cooked and served in a bamboo tube.
The old town at Khai Noen Wong was square-shaped with extensive laterite walls mounted with large cannons. Each side had its own ramparts and defensive moats. It was regarded as a powerful military camp of the time. The towns principal temple was Wat Yothanimit
- Wat Yai Inthraram
Located on Chetchamnong Road, the temple, which is believed to have been built in the Ayutthaya period, clearly shows the influence of Ayutthaya-style architecture. The Ubosot and Vihan were built in their distinctive Gunwale Curve base and the Mondop were built over the Holy Footprints.
The Ubosot itself was renovated during the reign of King Rama lll using glassware to decorate the gables and windows. Within the Ubosot are murals covering the entire four walls, which have been continuously restored over the years. In front of the temple stands a statue of King Taksin the Great who according to legends once stopped his troops here while on the way to set up his base in Chanthaburi during the Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.
- Ao Dong Tan
Next to Sattahip Market is the curved bay lined with fan palms called "tan" trees from which the name of the bay is derived. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the bay attracts local regulars who enjoy tranquility in the sun.
- Chong Samae San
This village offers good fishing opportunities and is located approximately 17 kilometers further from the Sattahip deep-water port. Bungalows are available for serious fishing visitors and boats can be chartered to go fishing in the nearby islands. All these small islands are under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai navy.
- Khao Chi Chan
Khao Chi Chan features a sculptural image erected to honor His Majesty King erected to honor is Majesty King Bhumibol on te occasion of te 50th anniversary of his enthronenment. The image is a sitting figure called Pang Man Wichai and copied from Phra Phuttawarachabopit which combines both Sukhothai and Lanna arts. The images is 109 meters in eight and 70 meters and the figure is named Phra Phuttamaha Wachirauttamapat Satsada that means the Buddha who has brightness and sublimity like Mahawachira. There are many kinds of plant surrounding and huts for the visitors.
- Ko Kham Undersea
It's a small island situated in the south of Sattahip District approximately 9 kilometers from land, and 45 minutes by boat. It has an approximate area of 61 rai under the responsibility of the Naval Coast Guard. The northern part of the island if full of caral and aquatic animals.
- Suan Nong Nooch (Nong Nooch Garden)
Located approximately 18 kilometers south of Pattaya, the Garden can be reached by taking a left turn from Sukhumvit Road at the Km. 163 marker. The Garden is a sprawling recreation park in a typical Thai setting. A group of traditional Thai pavilions and gardens of different flowering plants are positioned around the beautifully landscaped site.
- Wihan Sian
A Chinese-style structure called Wihan Sian which was built by Thais of Chinese descendants. Within the beautiful structure Chinese antiquities and an exhibition of Chinese religious beliefs are housed. The place is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht.
- Saithip Butterfly Garden
The garden is located at Km. 10 marker off of Highway No.36. Covering an area of 15 acres, the garden is recognized as Asia's largest butterfly garden. A bee museum and an orchid farm, which is located next to the butterfly garden, are also worth visiting.
- 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.
- Alangkarn Theatre
Located at Km. 155 marker on Sukhumvit Road Chomthian, Pattaya. With an area of 80 rais, the entire project includes a prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant. ALANGKARN is aiming towards a new concept of presenting Thai Culture to tourists from all walks of life, instead of the standard Thai traditional dances that could easily be founded elsewhere.
- 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.
- Cabaret Shows
Alcazar on Pattaya II Road offers three shows daily at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. with an extra show on Saturdays at 11 p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht. Call (038) 410225 for more information.
- Hat Chomthian
The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Chomthian is highly recommended to those who seek a quieter resort. The 6-kilometer long, largely straight beach is popular with windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts. It is also quieter and more relaxing than Pattaya Beach. Hotels and other accommodation facilities are available along the road that runs parallel to the shore.
- Hat Pattaya
The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is 4 kilometers long with a road running parallel to the beach. From the mid-section to the southern end of the area, there is a vast array of restaurants, bars, department stores, souvenir stores, as well as other places of entertainment. To the north of the beach are various mini-resorts and hotels in a quieter atmosphere.
It's actually free to stroll along the beaches, but operators will charge you for the services they provide, i.e. the beach chair. A price is roughly $0.5 per chair, though bargaining is rather customary in Thailand.
- 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.
- Paintball
Paintball ground is located on Thep Prasit Road, about 20 minutes drive from Pattaya city. Paintball is a game played in a model battlefield in an enclosed spacious area to create the atmosphere of a real fight. All players are provided with safety dresses and masks for protection from any bodily harm. Air guns filled with plastic shots driven by the pressure of carbon dioxide inside are used as weapons. A shot will burst into color water when hitting a victim. The players are divided into two teams, each trying to seize the flag of the other team and bringing it back safely to their base first. The game never fails to offer excitement.
- Pattaya at Night
The variety of nighttime activities continuing until dawn is so diverse that every person would easily find diversions appealing to individual tastes and moods. Most likely any fantasy can be fulfilled, especially after sunset. After dark, the extension of Beach road in South Pattaya turns into a promenade (disallowed only for public transport), transformed into one of the hottest nightspot. A hunting ground beaming with neon lights and music, where fellow holiday-makers youths & aged alike, find an endless array of dining, shopping or entertainment establishments.
Worthy of notice is the disco in Pattaya. A disco is not just a dance palace, but more of a hi-tech extravaganza filled with flashing lights, trendy music, and fun loving crowds. Pattaya is famous for its incredible nightlife activities, and South Pattaya is the jewel in its crown outshining the rest with an incredible array of things to see and do. One can enjoy Thai-boxing or some glaring erotic shows, a wide variety of fascinating shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, discos and other pleasurable establishments, side-by-side with all kinds of shopping. The only required skill is that of time management, so one can experience all the wonders and be on time for what is next.
- Pattaya Elephant Village
Located on Phonpraphanimit Road, which is off of Highway No.3 at Km. 145, the Pattaya Elephant Village showcases daily life of elephants and their masters. It also offers stage shows, which demonstrate how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football, a grand war, and elephants' parades. Elephant rides around the village are recommended. The one-hour-long elephant shows are held at 14.30 hrs.
- Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham)
The compound, which covers an area of more than two rais, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North Pattaya. Within the compound is a gigantic temple-like structure entirely made of wood that is 105 meters high at the highest point which was constructed to withstand wind and sunshine on the seashore. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths.
- The Bhira International Circuit
The compound is located approximately 15 kilometers from Pattaya on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway No. 36). The Bhira International Circuit periodically holds international motor and motorcycle races, while there are daily opportunities for speed enthusiasts to drive their own two or four-wheeled vehicles around the challenging track.
- 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. Call (038) 249347-9 or (02) 579 4008, 579 5033 for more information.
- The Monkey Training Centre
Located in Soi Chaiyaphruk, off of Highway No. 3 at Km. 151, the centre brings the best out of the monkeys. Visitors can admire the intelligence of monkeys, which are trained to harvest coconuts and to perform other various activities. Additional performances include cock fighting and a snake show.
- The Ripleys believe It or Not Odditorium
This is situated in the Royal Garden Plaza on Beach Road. The odditorium has a large collection of stories of oddities from every corner of the globe.
- 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.
- 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.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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