A large agricultural province, Chon Buri
is rapidly industrialising thanks to the government's Eastern
Seaboard Development Project. However, the province is more famous
for its coastal attractions, having the closest beaches to Bangkok.
Pattaya is Thailand's
busiest beach resort, with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants
and shopping centres lining Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, as well
as a very lively nightlife. It is also one of the country's biggest
diving centres, with high quality dive shops taking clients to
offshore wrecks and coral beds at the nearby islands. There are
close to 20 golf courses throughout the province, and you can
also go sailing, windsurfing, go-karting, play tennis, ride elephants
or try all manner of activities on land and sea.
Popular attractions around Pattaya include the offshore islands,
particularly Larn island with its clear waters and coral beds;
Khao Khieo Open Zoo with a wide range of wildlife wandering its
2,000 acres; Si Racha Tiger Farm combines the sights of a tiger-breeding
facility, crocodile farm, scorpion farm and daily performances.
To the south is Nong Nooch Village, a botanical gardens famous
for its orchids and palms, which also puts on daily cultural and
elephant show. Wat Yansangawaram is a royal sponsored temple with
numerous pavilions of different national designs. Highly popular
is the Chinese Pavilion housing antiques and art objects Bang
Saray, a fishing village with numerous good seafood restaurants
around its pier, is the centre of the province's sports fishing
activities.
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.
Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every
30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.
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. Call: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
In addition, Si Racha Tour, Tel: 0 2936 4029 operates air-conditioned
bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.
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 townhall, 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,
exhibitons and stalls offering various types of products.
