Chonburi Sightseeing

Amphoe Muang

Ang Sila

This is a seaside fishing village, some 5 kilometres from town. Most villagers are skilled in making implements from granite. Items made are mainly mortar and pestle widely used in Thai households in the olden times and figurines of animals such as lion, elephant and horse as decorative items.

Near the market are two European-style building in the reign of King Rama IV served as a convalescence home and a retreat for the royal household and foreign high-ranking officials. The buildings are considered the country's very first seaside residence.

Bang Saen

A well-known holiday beach, Bang Saen is only 14 kilometres from the provincial town. From Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed on for another 3 kilometres to get there. Bang Saen is widely popular with Thai holiday-makers who happily romp along the long beach and partake in the tasty food available. Weekends are particularly crowded while it is relatively quiet during weekdays. Fronting the beach are hotels, bungalows, foodshops as well as recreational gears and bicycles for rent.

Getting There: Bus services are available from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. There are also local 'Song Thaeo' transports serving Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.

Khao Sam Muk


Khao Sam Muk is a low hillock situated between Ang Sila and Bang Saen along the road facing the seashore. A habitat of scores of wild monkeys, the hill-top affords a panoramic view of the Bang Saen beach. At the foot of the hill are Thai and Chinese shrines highly respected by visitors. Legend has it that the cliff-top was where two lovers jumped to their death because of parental objection.

Nong Mon Market

On Sukhumvit Road near the entrance road to Bang Saen is the widely popular Nong Mon Market .It offers a vast range of local products but mostly foodstuffs, both fresh and preserved. Among its well-known buys are different types of dried seafoods, Khao Lam or gluttonous rice baked in bamboo, Ho Mok or spicy steamed fish cakes, Hoi Cho or deep fried shrimp cakes, sweetened banana and taro chips, sweetened fruit preserves as well as rattan and bamboo basketware from Phanat Nikhom.

Phra Phutthasihing Shrine

Phra Phutthasihing Shrine Situated on Wachiraprakan Road about 500 metres from the city hall. The shrine houses a replica of the Phra Phutthasihing cast in pure silver. An extremely beautiful icon, it is highly revered by townpeople.

The Marine Scientific Institute of the Burapha University


The Marine Scientific Institute of the Burapha University Situated in the Burapha University at Bang Saen. It is a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment. There is a marine science museum which is open daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. For more information, call 0 3839 1671-3.

Wat Yai Inthraram

Located on Chetchamnong Road in town, Wat Yai Inthraram is an old temple built since the times of Ayutthaya with Ayutthaya-style architectural influence. This is evident from the Ubosot (ordination hall)and Vihan (image hall) with their distinctive Gunwale Curve base, are from the carved wooden door panels at the Mondop (square building with a pyramidal roof) over the Holy Footprints.

The Ubosot itself has been renovated during the reign of King Rama III using glass-ware to adorn the gables and windows. Within the Ubosot are murals covering the entire four walls which have been continuous restored over the years. In front of the temple stands a statue of King Taksin the Great. It is said that the king used to stop here on the way to set up his base in Chanthaburi during the Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

Amphoe Bang Lamung & Pattaya

Alangkarn Theatre


is located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit Road Jomtien, Pattaya with an area of 80 rais. The entire project includes prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant. ALANGKARN is aiming towards a new concept of presenting the Thai Culture to our clienteles, instead of the standard Thai traditional dancing that could easily be founded elsewhere.For more information , call 0 3825 6000 (Pattaya) or 0 2216 1949 (Bangkok Office).

Bamrung Sport Club

On the bank of the Huai Sak Nok reservoir off Sukhumvit Highway at Km. 150, the Bamrung Sport Club offers instructions and facilities for water sports such as wind-surfing, Sailing, para-motor and para-gliding. There are also facilities for horse-riding and canoeing, catamaraning and kayaking. Tel: 0 3824 9841

Cabaret Shows

Alcazar on Pattaya II Road with three shows daily at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Extra show on Saturday at 11 p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht Call (038) 410225 for more information.

Tiffany on Pattaya II Road with three shows daily at 7 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10.00p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht. Call (038) 429642, 421700-5 for more information.

Hat Chomthian (Jomtien)


Hat Chomthian (Jomtien) is a km.-long beach and only 4 kilometres from Pattaya. A beach road runs parallel to the shore along which are hotels and other accommodation facilities. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.

Khao Pattaya


Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat is a small hill to the south of Pattaya Beach. An asphalt road 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 view point on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay.

Koh Khrok


Some 8 kilometres off Pattaya Beach is Ko Khrok an isle almost totally surrounded by rock formations. A gap of 100 metres to the east is a stretch of sandy beach from which visitors can go and enjoy viewing underwater coral reefs. This island can be reached by chartered boat from South Pattaya. (this private island is not allowed to enter)

Koh Lan

Koh Lan is some 7.5 kilometres or 45 minutes by ferry from Pattaya. The 2 km. x 5 km. land area offers several white, sandy beaches such as Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Lang. Most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage of the foodshops and stalls along these beaches. Facing Hat Thong Lang are coral ranges. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving. Hat Samae is located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island.

Getting There: A ferry leaves South Pattaya pier daily from 10 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. One-way fare is 20 baht. On return, the ferry leaves Ko Lan™s Na Ban Beach at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Speed boats are also available along Pattaya beach.

Ko Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klungbadan


Two hours, 23 kilometers from Pattaya are the Ko Phai Islands, the largest of which is Ko Phai. Others include Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam and Ko Klungbadan. The area is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. However, visitors are allowed for swimming, relaxation or diving but only during daytime. Overnight stays are not permitted.

Ko Sak


Some six hundred metres further from Ko Lan, or about 10 kilometres from Pattaya is Ko Sak a small island shaped like an upturn horse-shoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Ko Sak can be reached by chartered boat from South Pattaya.

Mini Siam

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, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, etc. Replicals 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 baht. Call (038) 421628, 424232 or (02) 271 1896, 616 1533 for more information.

Panarak Park


Five kilometres on Phonprapha Nimit Road off Highway No. 3 at Km. 145, the Panarak Park is a nature-based recreation facility. With fishing gears for rent, visitors can relax in a game of fishing. Tel: 0 3824 9605-6.



Pattaya Beach

The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is about 4 kilometres long with a road running parallel to the beach. From mid-section to the southern end of the area are 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 more quiet atmosphere. For local transportation, the 'Song Thaeo' mini-buses ply the routes along the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road.

Pattaya Elephant Village

Located on Phonpraphanimit Road which is off Highway No.3 at Km.145, the Pattaya Elephant Village focuses on daily life of elephants and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand war elephants parade. Elephant rides around the village. The one-hour-long elephant shows are held at 14.30 hrs. Contact counter in Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 249145-7, 249818.

Elephant shows are also operated in other places. Most of them are located on Sukhumvit Road. These include Ban Chang Thai Tel: (038) 70628-91, Utthayan Chang Tel: (038) 716379, Thin Chang Thai Tel: (038) 756516, 756577, Suan Chang Tel: (038) 756517 and Farm Chang Thai Tel: (038) 237825.

Sanctuary of Truth


Sanctuary of Truth a gigantic temple-like structure entirely made of wood, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North Pattaya. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht. Tel: 0 3822 5407

Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)

Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park) is at foot of Pattaya hill on Phratamnak Road. This small park, covering a large area, was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. On any given day, a large number of people will relax, jog, exercise or simple enjoy the scenery of Pattaya in this park.

The Bira International Circuit


The Bira International Circuit, about 15 kilometres from Pattaya on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway No. 36), organises motor and/or motorcycle races regularly over the weekends. For more information, call 0 2280 3547, 0 2522 1731-8.

The Bottle Museum


The Bottle Museum is located at Km.145 of Highway No. 3. As its name implies, it specializes in glass bottle containing elaborately crafted creations, including the usual vessels. The exhibits are the works of the Dutch master Peter Bedelais. Open daily from 10.a.m. until 10 p.m. Admission fee is 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Call (038) 422957.

The Horseshoe Point

The Horseshoe Point is a horse-riding training center.

The Lakeland Water Cable Ski

The Lakeland Water Cable Ski, at Km. 150.5 on Highway No. 3, is about 5 kilometres from Pattaya. Cable ski equipment are available for use at its large fresh-water lake. Open daily 10 a.m.-9.00 p.m. Tel: 0 3823 2690-2

The million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

The million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm located some 9 kilometres from Pattaya City. Its grounds are beautifully landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows 6 times a day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The compound is open daily from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht. Call (038) 249347-9 or (02) 579 4008, 579 5033 for more information.

Getting there: Drive along Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit) until you come to Km. 140 near Sawangfa Temple, then turn into Chaiyaphonwithi (Route No.3024) and continue for 5 kilometres.

The Monkey Training Centre

The Monkey Training Centre located in Soi Chaiyaphruk off Highway No. 3 at Km. 151, displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to climbs and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities. There is also cock-fighting, with is a traditional pasttime of rural Thailand. A snake show is also staged. There are five shows daily at 9 am., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Admission fee is 250 baht. Call 0 3875 6367, 0 3875 6570 for more information.

The Motion Master Moving Theatre

The Motion Master Moving Theatre also in the Royal Garden Plaza, offers hi-tech screening of motions and movements as experienced in real life. Open daily from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tel: 0 3871 0294-8.

The Pattaya Cart Speedway

The Pattaya Cart Speedway is a small racing track about 5 kilometres south of Pattaya on Thep Prasit Road. Open for both professional and amateur drivers, it is open daily from 9.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Tel: 0 3842 2044.

The Pattaya Horse-riding Training Center

The Pattaya Horse-riding Training Center, at Km. 11 on Highway No. 36, has horses for hire. Tel: 0 3822 5149.

The Pattaya Park


The Pattaya Park at Chomthian features a large water park with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant which offers a panoramic view of Pattaya. Visitors can enjoy many toys which offer excitement and a great fun. Tel: 0 3825 1201-8 or 0 2579 9612-4, 0 2941 2056.

The Ripley's believe It or Not Odditorium

The Ripley's believe It or Not Odditorium situated in the Royal Garden Plaza on Beach Road, has a large collection of stories of oddities from every corner of the globe. Admission fee is 280 baht for adults and 230 baht for children.

The World Dog Centre

A little under 3 kilometres on Phonpraphanimit Road off Sukhumvit is a canine training facility. The World Dog Centre has more than 250 different species of dogs and stages daily shows by well-trained police dogs four times daily. Admission fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Call 0 3873 1275-6 for information. (close up the business 2/5/02)

Wong Phrachan Beach


Wong Phrachan Beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The 1 kilometre beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. A quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation.

Amphoe Koh Si Chang

Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine

Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine Situated on a northern hill of the island, the shrine is a natural architecture masterpiece, revered by both the Thai and Chinese worshippers. From here the front side of the island with a panoramic view of Sichang community can be clearly seen.

Hat Tham Phang

Hat Tham Phang Khao Tham Phang at the back of the island surrounds this white sandy beach. The sloping beach is thus on the unwindy side. The sea is clear and not too wavy. It is a good spot for swimming and lazing on the beach to admire the sunset.

Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom

Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom The name of " Hat Hin Klom" comes from the rounded rocks on the beach which have been "rounded" by the westerly wind that normally comes from March to September. The white sand makes the beach look clean and clear. There pass on the back side of the island is also another vantage point to watch the sunset.

Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint King Rama V

Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint King Rama V had this footprint replica installed on top of Khaya Sira Hill. It is another vantage point to admire Ko Sichang and its surrounding.

Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan

Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan The only palace amidst the sea. King Rama V had it built in 1892 as a holiday retreat and a convalescence home for his wives and children. The king loved to visit Sichang Island because of the beautiful scenery and the tranquil atmospere it offered. It was also a big cargo station with lively transactions with foreign ships. For the construction, the king spent the money from his private treasury. He named the palace after the name of Prince Chuthathut who was born here.

The landscaping of the palace compound has carefully planned. Residential quarters, lawns,pools, and swamps are designed and located in ascending tiers from the beach up to the top of the hill, alternated with frangipani trees (Plumeria acuminata) of different colours.

Each building was named after the queen who sponsored its decoration, for example, Watthana Mansion, Phongsi Mansion, and Aphirom Mansion. On the beach there is a green house made of wood decorated with ginger-bread patterns.

A building called " Man-that Phairot" was unfortunately stopped by the Thai-Franco disturbance in 1894. In 1899 the king had it moved to Dusit Palace in Bangkok and had the construction completed. He named it " Vimanmek" which is now opened as a museum. A temple called " Wat Atsadang Nimit " was also built on a hill near the palace. Western architectural style was adapted and applied to the construction of the temple.

Amphoe Phanat Nikhon

The Promotion Centre for Bamboo Basketry Skills

Long known for its fine basketry products, Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use. The products were gradually developed into more elaborate and marketable hand-crafted items. The major market is on Ko Kaeo Road behind the Municipal Market I. To view the production process and higher quality items, pay a visit to the Promotion Centre for Bamboo Basketry Skills on Intha-asa Road near the district office, which is a royally-initiated project of Her Majesty the Queen.

Amphoe Sattahip

Ao Dong Tan

Ao Dong Tan Next to Sattahip Market is the curvy bay with lines of fan-palms called " tan " trees from which the name of the by is derived. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the bay attracts local regulars who would like to take a rest.

Bang Saray


Bang Sa-re or Bang Saray is a fishing village some 16 kilometres south of Pattaya, with a right turn at Km. 164. South of Bang Saray is a deep bay suitable for angling. To the north are accommodation and dining facilities along the beach.

Chong Samae San


Another village offering good fishing opportunities is Chong Samae San, located some 17 kilometres further from the Sattahip deep-water port. There are bungalow-type accommodations and tourists can charter boats to enjoy fishing around the nearby islands. All these small island are under the jurisdiction of the navy.

Hat Nang Ram



Hat Nang Ram Situated close to the Sattahip deep-water port, Nang Ram beach is about 200 metres long. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy. The atmosphere is very peaceful with shadowy pine trees and lines of frangipani trees.

Hat Toei Ngam


Hat Toei Ngam Lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200 metre crescent beach add to the tranquillity of the atmosphere. The northern side of the beach is located a naval museum and monument. Toei Ngam Beach is under the navy's supervision. It is, however, open to the general public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Nong Nooch Garden


About 18 kilometres south of Pattaya, with a left turn from Sukhumvit Road at Km. 163, is Nong Nooch Garden a sprawling recreation park in typical Thai settings. Groups of traditional Thai houses and gardens of different flowering plants are dotted around the beautifully landscaped site. There are daily cultural and elephant shows attracting crowds of delighted visitors. Show times are 10.15 a.m. and 3.45 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht. Tel: 0 3842 9321, 0 3842 9958, 0 3870 9358-62 or Bangkok Office Tel: 0 2252 1786

Viharnra Sien


One kilometre from the temple is a Chinese-style structure called Viharnra Sien built by Thais of Chinese descendants. Within the beautiful structure are housed Chinese antiquities and exhibition of Chinese religious belief. It is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission : 50 baht.

Wat Yansangwararam

This temple is 15 kilometres south of Pattaya City, turning left from Sukhumvit Highway at Km.160. The temple was dedicated to Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Pariarch in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple ground, a total area of 146 acres, comprises a mondop (four gable pavilion) which enshrines a replica of the Buddha's footprints, a large stupa where the relics of the Lord Buddha and those of the Lord Buddha's disciples are enshrined. There are Phra Yanaretwihan and international pavilion representing several countries throughout the ground.

Amphoe Si Racha

CMT Flying Club

CMT Flying Club This is a world-class sports flying complex at Km.10 of Highway No.36 on the way to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The CMT Flying Club provides a manicured turf runway for use by both light and ultralight aircraft and has designated flying areas for radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft flying. The club also provides comprehensive facilities for its members and visitors, including a government certified flying school, aircraft maintenance centre and RC model shop. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minite fly on a light aircraft with skilled instructor, which costs 1,300 baht per person. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 0 3827 3250-7 for more information

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Khao Kheow Open Zoo covers a vast tract of forestland and is operated by the Zoological Garden Organization. It is located 19 kilometres after a left turn at Bang Phra, about 20 kilometres south of Chon Buri on Sukhumvit Road. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living in their natural habitat. They include both domestic and imported types. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., the zoo is also put on shows of well-trained animals and birds. Admission fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. A new feature is the Night Safari Tour by auto-trams. Call 0 38 29 8188, 0 3829 8270 ext 19

Ko Loi


Ko Loi is a small islet near the northern shore of Si Racha. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is a popular location for recreation by the local people. A flight of stairs leads up to the breezy hill-top which offers a delightful view of the sea.

Namtok Chan Ta Then


About 15 kilometres from Sukhumvit Road on the same route to the Khao Khieo Open Zoo is Namtok Chan Ta Then. The section of the road close to the fall is quite steep. With five secondary levels, it can be reached on foot along the path running along side the stream. The best time to visit is between August-November when the water is clear and still plentiful.

Saithip Butterfly Garden


Saithip Butterfly Garden Situated at Km. 10 of Highway No.36, this butterfly garden covers an area of 15 acres, regarded as the largest in Asia. There are also a bee museum and an orchid farm in the area. The garden is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Admission: 80 baht for adults and 40 baht for children. Call 0 3829 8330 for more information

Siracha Tiger Zoo




Siracha Tiger Zoo At Km. 20 on Highway No. 36 between Pattaya and Bang Saen or 10 kilometres from Si Racha, keeps a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as crocodiles and other animals. There are shows involving trainers with tigers and crocodiles. Visitors will thrill to see how friendship can be possible among tigers, pigs and dogs who live together. The park is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission fee is 250 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Call 0 3829 6556-8 or 0 2530 7412-3