Chonburi

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

Chonburi is the Eastern region province closest to Bangkok, stretching along the upper Gulf of Thailand with the capital's favorite quick beach escapes. Pattaya is its famous resort city, with the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and lively nightlife, while Bang Saen beach near Chonburi town draws Thai families and university students. Offshore sit the easygoing islands of Ko Lan and Ko Si Chang. The province is also an industrial powerhouse at the heart of Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor, so resort strips and port towns sit side by side.

The cool, dry months from November to February are the most pleasant for Chonburi's beaches, with lighter humidity and calm seas. March to May turns hot, though sea breezes take the edge off along the coast. Rain falls mainly from June to October, typically in short, heavy bursts with the wettest spells toward September and October, and beach trips remain workable between showers. Chonburi is close enough to Bangkok that many visitors simply come whenever they have a free weekend, which is exactly when Bang Saen is busiest.

Driving from Bangkok takes roughly one and a half to two hours via the Motorway 7 toll road, one of Thailand's smoothest intercity routes. Frequent buses and minivans leave Bangkok's Ekkamai and Mo Chit terminals for Chonburi town, Si Racha and Pattaya. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most convenient international gateway, while U-Tapao airport across the Rayong border serves the Pattaya area with a smaller schedule. Ferries link Si Racha to Ko Si Chang and Pattaya's Bali Hai pier to Ko Lan.

Songthaews, locally called baht buses, run fixed loop routes around Pattaya and are the cheapest way to move along the beachfront. Motorbike taxis and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps in Pattaya, Si Racha and Chonburi town. Agree on a price first if you charter a songthaew off its normal route. Renting a car or motorbike works well for reaching Bang Saen, Ang Sila and the quieter southern beaches, and passenger boats handle the island crossings.

Seafood rules in Chonburi, from the oyster and mussel farms of the Ang Sila fishing community to grilled prawns and crab at beachfront restaurants. Nong Mon market near Bang Saen is famous for khao lam, sticky rice roasted in bamboo, along with dried seafood snacks. The town of Si Racha lent its name to the now world-famous chili sauce, and a local version still accompanies seafood here. Pattaya adds a huge international dining scene, so you can follow som tam with almost any cuisine on earth.

Chonburi's signature event is the annual Buffalo Racing Festival in Chonburi town, a tradition more than a century old held around October, with races, parades and fairs. Bang Saen celebrates Wan Lai in mid-to-late April, extending Songkran with water play and elaborate sand pagodas on the beach. Pattaya typically stages large music and fireworks festivals during the year; dates vary, so check locally. Loy Krathong in November is celebrated along the shore, with floats released onto the sea and ponds.

Visit Bang Saen on a weekday if you want space, because Bangkok day-trippers pack it on weekends. Check which loop a Pattaya baht bus is running before hopping on, and carry small change for the fare. Dress modestly away from the beach, especially at temples and the Sanctuary of Truth, and note that swimwear belongs on the sand only. Book island boats earlier in the day, since afternoon seas can pick up and the last ferries back leave before evening.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.