Chonburi is a province on the Eastern Gulf of Thailand that receives millions of foreign visitors each year. With just over one hour from Bangkok’s international airport, the province houses the nearest beach resorts to Bangkok.
Chonburi is one of the most industrialized provinces of Thailand and houses Thailand’s largest seaport, Laem Chabang. The province’s capital is Chonburi town, its main destination is Pattaya, one of the most visited beach resorts in South East Asia.
To do & see in Chonburi
Known for its beaches and nightlife centered around Pattaya, Chonburi has plenty of other places to go and things to do including amusement parks, golf courses, theme parks, water sports, museums and temples as the Wat Yansangwararam.
Beaches & islands
Chonburi province houses a great number of beaches and islands, of which the best known are Pattaya, Jomtien and Koh Larn island.
Koh Sichang a little over 10 kilometers off Si Racha is one of the larger islands with beautiful sandy beaches and a mountainous, forested interior. Vimanmek Mansion, the Royal Summer Palace that was built on Koh Sichang in the 19thcentury, was moved to Bangkok in the year 1900. Koh Sichang island is reached by ferry from the town of Si Racha, North of Pattaya.
Samae beach on Koh Larn island is a 500 meter long white sandy beach with clear waters. Beach chairs are for rent at between 50 to 100 Thai Baht per day. Restaurants on the beach serve seafood and Thai food. Although well visited, Samae beach is quieter than Pattaya beach. To get there, take a ferry (40 Baht) from Pattaya to Na Ban pier on Koh Larn, from there take a songthaew to Samae beach.
Sai Kaew beach is located on the area of the Sattahip Naval School, South of Pattaya. Kayaks are for hire a the one kilometer long sandy beach with warm, clear waters. Visitors can enjoy a Thai massage right on the beach. Entrance fee is 80 Baht, showers and toilet facilities available.
Sports
Chonburi province is well known for its golf courses, some of the best known being the Laem Chabang international country club designed by Jack Nicklaus, Siam country club and the Khao Kheow country club.
Nightlife
The province’s center for nightlife is Pattaya with its countless restaurants, discothèques, night clubs, beer bars and cabaret shows like Tiffany’s, Colosseumand Alcazar, where “ladyboys” perform in energetic shows.
Sailing in Chonburi