Chonburi located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand only 80 kilometers from Bangkok, probably the nearest seaside town from Bangkok. The province has many attractions and is a major weekend retreat for those who want to escape their hectic weekly schedules in the city.

The province covers an area of 4,363 square kilometers and is divided in 11 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Chonburi, Ban Bueng, Nong Yai, Bang Lamung, Phan Thong, Phanat Nikhom, Si Racha, Ko Sichang, Sattahip, Bo Thong and Ko Chan. These are further divided into sub districts (tambon) and villages (muban). There is one special administrative area, Pattaya.

Chonburi province is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism and manufacturing industries. Its second only to Bangkok in economic output.

Mueang Chon Buri has been settled since the Ayutthaya period. Originally, it comprised of many small towns such as Mueang Bang Sai, Mueang Bang Pla Soi and Mueang Bang Phra. Later, King Rama V combined these towns together into the Chon Buri province.

The word Chon originates from the Sanskrit word Jala meaning water and the word buri from Sanskrit Puri meaning town or city. Hence the name of the province literally means City of Water.

Chon Buri Buffalo Race is a long established celebration of this most useful animal by the Thai farmers. A fun filled event, it is held not only in Chon Buri itself but also in Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts.

The beasts of burden are dressed outrageously or with admirable creativity by owners depending on their imagination. They assemble in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or in physical fitness and fashion contests.

Koh Si Chang in the Chonburi province is well worth a visit, the island can be reached by ferry the trip takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending where leave from, when arriving from Si Racha you will notice a Chinese Temple called San Jan Pho Khao which attracts many Chinese descents.

Si Racha in the Chonburi province is about another 20-25 kilometers further down the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand the home of the famous spicy sauce Naam Phrik Sii Raachaa. Si Racha Tiger Farm said to be the largest tiger farm in the world.

Koh Loi is a small island close to Si Racha beach linked to the mainland by a bridge, you will find a public park set in lush grounds. The islands, Sea Turtle Garden with its natural beauty is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenic views.

There are no national parks in Chonburi province. Neighboring provinces (from north clockwise) Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. Have together a total of five National parks.

National Parks Thailand

The easiest way to travel to Chonburi from Bangkok is by car, taxi, minibus or bus. The journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok takes about an hour. Chonburi can also be reached from most of Bangkok's city hotels to a hotel or resort in Chonburi. In most cases under 2 hours with out the need of any other transport options.

Air conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) Bangkok and the Northern Bus Terminal Bangkok (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air con) depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5:00 am. to 10:00 pm.

Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) Bangkok from 5:00 am. to 7:00 pm. For further details Tel: Eastern Bus Terminal, +66 (0) 2 391  2504, 2 391 8097. The Northern Bus Terminal. Tel: +66 (0) 2 936 2852-66.

Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok at 06:55 am. The journey takes about 5 hours to Siam Country Club station and really is not an option unless you want to wast time. Tel +66 (0) 2 621 8701.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Chonburi City is often bypassed by tourists in Thailand on there way to destinations on the eastern sea board. Such as Pattaya, Koh Samet and Koh Chang and those who are visiting Cambodia.

Chonburi province has many attractions good shopping with several department stores, shopping malls and saver centers, plus markets. The city has excellent sea food restaurants and good western cuisine.

The Major Hotels operate gourmet restaurants, cocktail lounges, discotheques, nightclubs and supper clubs. Which offer excellent food, drinks, music and international entertainment. The establishments are ideally suited to families.

Chonburi province has beautiful beaches with plenty of water sports available. Fitness centers can be found in the resorts and city hotels. Not forgetting the many international standard golf courses and country clubs there is in the province.

Chonburi is home to many luxury Spa hotel resorts and good quality mid range hotels with all the modern amenities and leisure facilities. The city often forgot about by visitors to Thailand is worth 2 or 3 days exploration.