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A bustling busy province that stretches along the east coast of the Gulf
of Thailand all the way to the Royal Thai Navy base at Sattahip, Chon
Buri is a major agricultural province with extensive sugarcane,
tapioca and coconut plantations. Its proximity to Bangkok, linked by
fast highways, and the construction of a deep-sea port at Laem
Chabang has led to a rapid industrialisation around Chon Buri, and
along the coast in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Zone.
However, the province is better known to tourists through its popular
resorts and beaches, particularly the international resort at Pattaya and
its offshore islands, among them Larn and Pai islands. Bang Saen and
Jomthien beaches are less developed than Pattaya. Many provincial
attractions are centred around Pattaya: water sports, car and go-kart
racing, cultural shows, elephants shows and crocodile farms. The hilly
terrain has also led to the development of world-class golf courses
(15 at the last count) along the coast, designed by players such as Jack
Nicklaus and Nick Faldo. Don't forget to try the wide variety of fresh
seafood or a favourite provincial snack of khao lam (sticky rice
cooked in a bamboo stem). |
Location & Access
Chon Buri is 81 kms south-east
of Bangkok, easily accessible via
fast, major routes: the
Bangna-Trat Highway and a new
expressway linking Bangkok's
northern suburbs with Chon Buri
and the Eastern Seaboard.
Geography
As a coastal province, Chon Buri
has a wide flat plain leading into
the sea, backed by a hilly, ridged
interior. 46 islands of various
sizes stretch along the coast.
Borders
North : Chachoengsao and Samut
Prakan
South : Rayong and the Gulf of
Thailand
East : Rayong and Chachoengsao
West : The Gulf of Thailand
Highlights
Attractions: Pattaya Beach
Resort, Bang Saen Beach, Khao
Khiew Open Zoo, Si Chang
Island, Larn Island, Wat Yana
Sangworaram, Nong Nooch
Village
Souvenirs: Khao lam (sticky rice
cooked in bamboo), coconuts, hoi
jor (fried crab ball), dried seafood
and Plananikom's Thai
handicrafts.
Festivals: Annual Buffalo Races
(October 4), Pattaya Festival
(April 17-19), Pattaya Marathon
(July 19). |
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