Chonburi Province trip planner

Chonburi Province Holiday Planning Guide

Featuring a lengthy coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, Chonburi Province unfolds in a varied landscape that includes mountain ranges and fertile plains. Most visitors start their Chonburi Province vacation in the coastal city of Pattaya, about 100 km (60 mi) southeast of Bangkok and featuring beaches, golf courses, sacred sites, zoos, and theme parks. With a reputation long built around beer and go-go bars, today the area offers a range of family-friendly attractions, allowing tourists to create a holiday in Chonburi Province around activities like jet skiing, diving, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Places to Visit in Chonburi Province

Destinations in Chonburi Province

Pattaya: Known as the wildest all-night party destination in Chonburi Province, the curving beachfront of this coastal city abounds with bars and nightclubs, with crowds of tourists taking full advantage of the cheap drinks on offer.

Chonburi: Lending its name to the province, this port city is close to the national capital but feels a world away, with its verdant hills and nearby fishing villages serving as some of the best attractions in Chonburi Province.

Sattahip: Easily accessible from Bangkok but without the raucous nightlife of the more popular destinations, the coastal resort of Sattahip offers a chance to appreciate some of Thailand's most pleasant natural and cultural attractions.

Si Racha: Expanding and modernizing, this coastal destination retains much of its old-world charm thanks to its iconic wooden boats floating just offshore.

Popular Chonburi Province Tourist Attractions

Walking Street Pattaya: The heart of the city's hectic nightlife scene, with bars, nightclubs, and a red light district vibe, this hedonistic party street makes for a wild stop on any Chonburi Province itinerary.

Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Sut Ja-Tum): You might be surprised to learn that construction on this ornate Buddhist temple, which has all the air and grandeur of a historical complex, only commenced in 1981 and remains a work in progress.

Pattaya Beach: Decades of year-round tourism and partying have taken their toll on this beach, which remains one of the most popular attractions in Chonburi Province.

Big Buddha: You can't miss this monumental golden statue of Buddha, which reaches a height of 18 m (59 ft) as it surveys the surrounds from its spiritual hilltop.

Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm: The array of stone sculptures catches the eye, but it's the resident crocodiles who really steal the show at this quirky tourist park, founded by a local businessman with a love of nature.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden: Nature lovers will appreciate these extensive gardens, which feature a range of areas themed according to different continents and climatic zones from around the world.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo: With more than 400 tigers and a prolific breeding program, this combination of zoo and circus stands out as one of the highlights of Chonburi Province tourism, allowing visitors a chance to bottle-feed adorable tiger cubs.

Mimosa Pattaya: There's no better place to find mementos of a Chonburi Province vacation than this colorful wooden boutique, which offers live performances to spice up the shopping experience.

Underwater World Pattaya: At this exciting aquarium, you can not only admire some of the world's most colorful marine animals, but also feel them in the multi-sensory touch tank.

Bang Saen Beach: Without the overly touristy vibe of many of the other beaches in the area, this expanse of sand abounds with sun chairs and stalls offering fresh seafood.

Planning a Chonburi Province Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Chonburi Province with Kids

Most family vacations in Chonburi Province begin in Pattaya, a coastal city offering an abundance of tourist attractions for visitors of all ages.

While the kids will have plenty to do there, remember that the city's reputation for out-of-control nightlife can make it seedy and inappropriate after dark.

For beaches and nature in a quieter setting, consider heading farther south to Sattahip, or add a touch of history to your family trip to Chonburi Province by visiting Si Racha.

Things to Do in Chonburi Province with Kids

There's no shortage of things to do in Chonburi Province for the little ones. They can get up close and personal with some cuddly tiger cubs at Sriracha Tiger Zoo, or admire some snappier customers at Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm.

You can continue the nature theme at Underwater World Pattaya, where the kids can touch some of the slithery, slimy sea creatures at the feeling pool.

Add some culture and spirituality to your family itinerary in Chonburi Province by visiting Big Buddha, giving the kids a chance to admire the massive golden monument.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Chonburi Province

The ever-increasing popularity of Chonburi Province tourism has created a raucous nightlife, which might disturb the little ones.

Be aware of this when planning your Chonburi Province itinerary, and remember to look for family-friendly accommodations in quieter areas, away from the throb of nightclubs.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Chonburi Province

Cuisine of Chonburi Province

Many major beachfront resorts in coastal destinations like Sattahip and Pattaya offer a combination of Thai and Western foods, so you can always find something to suit every member of the family.

In smaller local restaurants you'll enjoy traditional Thai recipes, with an emphasis on freshly caught seafood among the coastal destinations of Chonburi Province.

Shopping in Chonburi Province

You can enjoy a blend of traditional open-air markets, designated souvenir shops, and modern malls during a shopping vacation in Chonburi Province.

Many of the best options abound in Pattaya, with central areas like Walking Street Pattaya offering an array of shopping options.

To pick up some traditional Thai souvenirs while also getting the chance to catch a live performance, visit Mimosa Pattaya.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Chonburi Province

Interesting Facts About Chonburi Province

* The most popular destination in Chonburi Province, Pattaya was basically just a fishing village and deserted beach until the tourism boom in the 1960s

* Excellent diving off the coast has been one of the major reasons for the growing popularity of Chonburi Province tourism

* The world-famous Sriracha chili sauce takes its name from the traditional fishing village of Si Racha

Holidays & Festivals in Chonburi Province

No matter what time of year you visit Chonburi Province, you'll have a chance to dip into the local culture by witnessing or taking part in a festival.

Most revolve around Buddhist traditions, including Chonburi Annual Festival in mid-April, and Wai Lan festival over the Thai New Year.

For an unforgettable spectacle you're not likely to witness anywhere else, add Chonburi to your itinerary in October, when you can catch the Chonburi Buffalo Race.

Useful Chonburi Province Travel Tips

Climate of Chonburi Province

As with many regions of Thailand, the weather in Chonburi Province is typically hot and humid, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

If you holiday in Chonburi Province between May and October, expect plenty of rainfall. Taking a trip between November and April guarantees relatively dry, pleasant conditions.

As most major Chonburi Province destinations lie on the region's relatively short coastline, they tend to experience similar weather conditions.

Transportation in Chonburi Province

The region's relatively compact size and proximity to the national capital means you can make the most of good transportation connections during your Chonburi Province vacation.

A well-maintained if not rapid network of buses, trains, and airlines mean you can easily navigate your way between major destinations in Chonburi Province. If you're planning to explore the region's natural attractions independently, consider renting a car with a driver.