The coastal town just 80 kilometers (49 miles) from Bangkok is often overlooked for its glitzy counterpart - Pattaya. However, it serves as the perfect base for enjoying a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet close enough for a quick visit to the capital. A popular choice for the local travelers, one can see why they flock to this charming place where fishing boats dot the sea, freshly caught seafood gets turned into mouth-watering dishes, and dolphins are seen playing about on the Bang Pakong River. If not anything else, Chonburi is a great escape off the beaten path that comes with an authentic Thai experience.
Here are the top things you must do when in Chonburi. While some of the places require a short drive, they are definitely worth exploring.
1. Buddha Mountain
The most prominent landmark, Budhha Mountain is also the most beautiful religious symbol in the area, and can be seen from miles away. The 130-meter (426 feet) high mountain got engraved with the image back in 1996, to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign in Thailand for 50 years. With beautifully landscaped gardens, a temple and lotus ponds, Khao Chee Chan (as the local name goes) exudes a certain calm and tranquility that makes this place a very pleasant visit.
Buddha Mountain
Address: Na Jomtien Km 163, Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian Subdistrict, Sattahip 20250, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Duration: around 2 hours required
Access: 500 meters (1,640 feet) from Wat Yansangwararam and then a 6 km (3.7 miles) straight drive
2. Cartoon Network Amazone Park
CNAmazone WaterparkVideo Source: CNAmazone Waterpark (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=yFyZngmyHlI)
Posted by Travelog.com on Sunday, 28 May 2017
The world’s first cartoon-network-themed amusement park is one of its kind, with 10 entertainment zones belting out spectacular shows, a huge aquatic zone with 30 amazing water rides and slides, a mega food court, Disney mascots and characters from popular Cartoon Network shows like Ben 10, Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls and more.
The park is nicely categorized into zones meant for small children, adolescents, and entire families. While the Adventure Zone, Cartoonival Area, and the Waterpark are more than what you can handle in a day’s time, there are also lounging areas around pools and rides to rest your tired, aching bodies. Visit their Foodville that has an array of cuisines - Korean, Indian, Japanese, Italian - to take care of monster appetites.
Cartoon Network Amazone Park
Address: 888 Moo 8 Najomtien, Najomtien, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Price: from 38 USD
Opening Hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Duration: around 6 hours required
Access: 15 km (9.3 miles) from South Pattaya
Contact: +66 33004999
Near by Food: Foodville
Website: Cartoon Network Amazone Park
3. Walking Street
#Pattaya #Walking #Street
Posted by Walking Street on Monday, 5 August 2013
Now let’s talk about some entertainment for the adults. All roads invariably lead to the famous Walking Street in the evenings - the red-light district of Pattaya and a major tourist attraction. From 6pm to 2am, every night, the street is off-limits to all vehicles and gets transformed into a thumping night scene, with brightly-lit bars, strip joints (locally known as Agogo Bars), massage parlors and nightclubs. If you’ve never been to an Agogo Bar before, this is a great place to start. Friendly Thai girls will be vying for your attention the moment you get on the street. But it’s best to stroll down the entire stretch (1 km/0.6 miles) first instead of heading into the first club that catches your fancy.
The street has some great eating joints too, and equally good beer bars to simply sit back and take in the truly incredible sights. All in all, a walk down Walking Street is something you won’t forget in a hurry!
Walking Street
Address: Walking Street Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Opening Hours: 6pm - 2am (daily)
Duration: around 1-2 hours
Access: around 1 hour drive from Chonburi
Near by Food: Pattaya Beer Garden, Casa Fellini, Zaika Indian Restaurant
4. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Thailand.
Posted by Villa Jähn - Garten Shop on Friday, 3 March 2017
A visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is like stepping back in time. Unlike a typical ‘botanical garden,’ this one is a vast landscaped park housing the likes of a European Renaissance garden, Stonehenge and a 17th-century French garden. And since covering the entire space on foot is no mean feat, it’s best to rent a bicycle if you want to plan out the day at your own pace and see their species-specific gardens, touch upon the orchid nurseries, visit the skywalk and enjoy the cultural performances at The Thai Cultural Hall. While there’s lots more to do and see, you could always take a break from the gardens and enjoy an elephant ride or a paddle boat.
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
Address: Na Jomtien 6 Tambon Na Chom Thian, Amphoe Sattahip, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Duration: around 2.5 hours required
Access: around 1 hour drive from Chonburi
Contact: +66 38709360
Website: Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
5. Koh Lan (coral island)
Enjoy your day tour at the nearby island Koh Larn were you have possibility to those ocean activities. You can reach this island with a ship from Pattaya City Thailand. Fantastic!!
Posted by HIDE AWAY on Tuesday, 17 January 2017
The beautiful Koh Lan (or Koh Larn) Island is only around 7.5 km (4.7 miles) from Pattaya city and home to some of the stunning beaches in and around the province. A 45-minute ferry ride will land you on white sandy beaches descending into crystal-clear waters that nurture a rich marine life, including a host of attractive and colorful corals. Tourists usually flock to this island to enjoy beach life, alongside activities like water-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and, of course, snorkeling. This tropical haven has some great food options too, and attracts a lot of footfall during the peak season.
Koh Lan Island
Duration: around 3 hours required
Access: 15 minutes by speedboat/45 minutes by ferry from Pattaya city
Near by Food: Ma Ha Rank Cafe, Pizza Mania
6. Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem (Chinese temple)
Posted by Natewong Khwansuda on Saturday, 19 September 2015
About 50 km (31 miles) north of Pattaya city, the Ang Sila village houses the visually stunning Chinese temple - Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem. Built in 1991, in honor of His Majesty’s 72nd anniversary, the elaborate temple complex houses a four-story building and several structures, including a gorgeous fountain, that enshrine the Chinese deities. But what catches your eye are the countless dragon sculptures - 2,840 to be exact, with the 36-meter-(118 feet)-long pole of nine dragons representing the nine planets being most prominent. And once you’ve explored the temple, head down to the Ang Sila market for some Thai desserts, fresh seafood and souvenirs.
Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem
Address: 1/13 M.5, Ang Sila subdistrict, Chonburi 20000, Thailand
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm Mon-Fri; 8am - 6pm Sat; 8am - 8pm Sun
Access: just minutes from Old Market-Ang Sila intersection
Contact: +66 0383983814
7. Nong Mon Market (food market)
This busy marketplace stretching over several blocks is well-known not just in Chonburi but throughout Thailand, possibly because it sells the hugest variety of dried-food products, including popular items like dried squids, dried shrimp, salty fish, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. And some delicious Thai desserts, of which their “Khao Lam” is not to be missed. It’s basically sweet sticky rice served in bamboo. Located next to Sukhumvit Road, the Nong Mon Market offers an ideal halt for tourists arriving at Bangsaen or traveling to the east of the country. And since most shops sell almost similar things, it’s a great place for bargaining too!
Nong Mon Market
Address: 166 Sukhumvit Rd, Tambon Saen Suk, Amphoe Mueang Chon Buri, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20130, Thailand
Opening Hours: 5am - 8pm (daily)
Duration: around 30 min to 1 hour
Contact: +66 868216652
8. Sanctuary of Truth
Posted by The Sanctuary of Truth - Indonesia on Tuesday, 30 May 2017
Built entirely of wood, this architectural wonder is more than 100 meters (328 feet) high and pays ode to Chinese, Khmer, Indian and Thai religious iconography. Aptly named the Sanctuary of Truth, the honest structure showcases the brilliant hand carvings of highly-skilled wood carvers. In fact, you’ll still see a band of local men carving various figures every day.
Located in North Pattaya and commanding a stunning view of the sea, this visually-stimulating attraction is not actually a temple, but a sincere dedication to Thai culture and history, by Khun Lek Viriyaphant - the Thai millionaire who also built the Ancient City and Erawan Museum.
Sanctuary of Truth
Address: 206/2 M., Soi Na Klua 5, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
Price: from 15 USD
Opening Hours: 8am - 5pm Mon-Fri; 8am - 6pm Sat-Sun
Access: around 1 hour drive from Chonburi
Contact: +66 38367815
Near by Food: Tinnies Thailand, Caravan, Baba Eating House
Discover Chonburi like never before
As you embark on your Southeast Asian journey this year (or next), make sure it includes this fascinating province. An apt setting for your ‘eat pray love’ adventure, this all-inclusive package called Chonburi is definitely worth a few days of your itinerary. Are you ready to tread the unbeaten paths and be transported to an exotic world of beautiful temples, buzzing markets, an unrivaled night scene, stunning beaches, and tranquil gardens?
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