Chonburi

Chonburi is on Thailand’s eastern coast and as it is the nearest beach destination to Bangkok one of the main weekend ‘getaways’ for city dwellers. The province features excellent beaches and is also home to Pattaya – probably Thailand’s most famous beach destinations. Pattaya is a significant draw for foreign tourists keen to sample its nightlife, golf courses, water sports and diving around Jomtien and Naklua beaches. The area also boasts numerous restaurants, cabaret, shows, zoos – everything in fact you could possibly wish for on a holiday. A little over two hours from Bangkok, Chonburi/Pattaya can be approached as a daytrip or an extended stay.

Attractions:

Alcazar Cabaret,Although a visit here is very much dependent on whether this is your cup of tea or not, places like Alcazar Cabaret have become tourist attractions in their own right. At Alcazar it’s a straight forward theme – men dressed as women, or as they are known in the trade, ‘female impersonation artists’. Impersonate them well they do – only careful attention to fine details such as Adam’s Apples expose these artists as being male. Known in Thai as ‘Katoeys’, the performers are almost invariably transsexuals who have had ‘gender reassignment’. The entertainment provided includes full cabaret performances featuring countless performers wearing some of the most extravagant evening wear you are ever likely to see. And this is no low-key event either. The hall housing Alcazar Cabaret Show seats 1,200 people and employs state-of-the-art light and sound technology. In addition, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to enjoy before and after the shows. To push the envelope further, Alcazar Theatre proudly presents an annual "Greatest Lady-man Pageant in the World" – a full fledged beauty contest for transsexuals.Whatever your thoughts on this type of entertainment, a visit to Alcazar will be an unforgettable experience!

Jomtien Beach,Featuring a long straight coastline and long white sand beach, Jomtien Beach is located around 2 kilometers from its less salubrious neighbour – Pattaya Beach. Whereas Pattaya Beach is more geared for the party animal, Jomtien Beach has carved a niche as a more ‘family-friendly’ environment. Like its neighbour, Jomtien Beach is popular for water sports such as jet skiing, but with water that is considerably less murky, it is also a much more attractive location for swimming. Given its natural wind conditions and calm sea, Jomtien Beach is also a destination of choice for wind surfers, and a number of instructors work from the area. Jomtien features every conceivable type of accommodation available to those who want to stay in the area. Like Pattaya Beach, Jomtien hosts an expatriate community but doesn’t have the edge Pattaya Beach does. It does though have just as many great restaurants offering cuisine from every corner of the globe. It also has as many hawkers, plying anything from peanuts and fruit to pictures of the king and massages. They can prove annoying when you are trying to relax, but again, on Jomtien even this is not as hardcore as Pattaya Beach.

Naklua Beach,There are three main areas in Pattaya. Pattaya Beach is the central stretch of coastline that supports some of ‘raunchier’ aspects of local tourism; bars, restaurants, go-go – pretty much a hedonist’s paradise! Jomtien Beach is much more laid back, offering family friendly establishments and excellent windsurfing. Naklua Beach is the most northerly of the bays and by far the quietest. Naklua is much smaller than its neighbours and it does not suffer from the mass development Pattaya Beach has experienced. Like Jomtien it is more family friendly. The Pattaya municipality spent 1.8 million Baht on cleaning up the waters around Pattaya, and in Nakula it is now possible to see fish in the water. This makes bathing in the sea a genuine pleasure. Nakula is also a centre for windsurfers and windsurfing equipment can be hired from the beach.

Pattaya,Pattaya Beach is at the centre of the half moon crescent that makes up the Pattaya coastline with Nakula Beach to the north and Jomtien Beach to the south. This part of Pattaya is famous (infamous?) for its nightlife. Very much a hedonist’s paradise, Pattaya Beach is littered with go-go bars and swamped with people employed in the sex industry; both genders (and some of nondescript gender!) and a variety of nationalities including Russians and others from former Eastern Bloc countries. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. In the last few years though there has been a drive to make Pattaya more appealing to families by restricting some of the less salubrious activities. This has been successful to an extent but the area still maintains its go-go, discos and nightclubs. By day the area is somewhat different – the water is packed with jet-skiers, water skiers, powerboats and the sky is full of parasails! It is also a centre for scuba divers. Although as a dive site it might not meet the excellence of other places in Thailand, Pattaya is convenient for Bangkok and those with limited time who want to experience diving might well benefit from taking a course at one of Pattaya’s numerous and inexpensive dive shops. Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Man Wichai, and Ko Rin are all in easy reach of Pattaya as is a major shipwreck where more advanced divers visit. Pattaya Beach itself has its appeal, but the numerous hawkers walking up and down the beach make it a difficult place to just sit and relax – you are offered everything from food to high technology with annoying regularity. There’s no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. Pattaya has its appeal, but perhaps it might not appeal to you or your situation.

Tiffany's Show,The ‘Tiffany's Show’ is Southeast Asia’s first truly transvestite cabaret show. In operation for nearly 30 years, Tiffany's Show has become a tourist attraction in its own right. The format is cabaret performed by men who bear indistinguishable resemblances to women. Many people say these men are more beautiful than real women, probably true. But what gives them away is the fact that they are femininity incarnate – no woman is THAT feminine!!! Big numbers (Barbara Strisand, Donna Summer), big dresses, big hair! The 1,000-seat capacity theatre hosts the most modern light and sound stage equipment to support over 100 professional performers. This is a huge show, very well done, and well worth a vist.

Ko Lan,Ko Lan lies 7.7 km from Pattaya and is one of the largest islands in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the largest of a group of three islands, the others being Ko Sak and Ko Khrok. Ferries leave from South Pattaya and take about 40 minutes to reach the island. The fare is about 100 baht. Longtail speedboats can make the trip in about 15 minutes, but cost a lot more. Ko Lan is the only island near Pattaya with accomodations for tourists. A resort on the southern part of the island, near Nuan beach, is the most comfortable lodging, but there are bungalows on the western part near Ta Pan beach. One of the most pristine beaches is Laem Thian to the southwest. Most of the many boats transporting day trippers dock in the bay of Ta Waen beach in the northern part of the island.

Small glass bottom boats are an easy way to view the plentiful coral formations, and equipment is available on the island for those who prefer snorkeling, para-sailing, water skiing or scampering about on jet skis. Deep sea fishing expeditions can also be arranged from several sources on the island. From Ko Lan another 40 minute trip by boat will take you to the secluded beaches on Ko Phai (Bamboo Island) which are open for day trips only.

Ko Si Chang,Si Chang island is a perfect getaway for travelers addicted to history and having fun. This tiny island has a population of only 500 people, mostly fishermen who practice the old way of life.

Travelling to Ko Si Chang

There are boats departing to Ko Si Chang daily, on an hourly basis from the Pier in Si Racha. The first boat leaves at 6.00 a.m. and the last departs at 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts/person. (one-way). If you dont plan to stay overnight on the island, try catching the last boat which leaves at 6.00 p.m. from the island back to Si Racha.

Ang Sila,A seaside-fishing village situated approximately 5 kilometers from town, Ang Sila is well known for its granite products. The fishermen are not only skilful in catching fish, but also in making implements from granite and have passed on their craftsmanship from generation to generation. Their most renown products are the mortar and pestle which are widely used in Thai households, and decorative items such as figurines of animals i.e. lions, elephants and horses.

Bang Saen,This ever popular seaside town is situated approximately 14 kilometers from the city. To get to Bang Saen from Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed for another 3 kilometers. Bang Saen is especially popular amongst Thai visitors who enjoy strolling along the long white sandy beach and tasting the delicious seafood available from vendors along the pavement. Unlike weekdays, weekends are always particularly crowded. A wide range of hotels and bungalows are located by the sea and recreational gear and bicycles for rent are available in shops nearby. For budget travelers, several buses depart daily from Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. In addition, there are local ''Song taew'' or local transport services connecting Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.

Khao Sam Muk,A low hillock situated between Ang Sila and Bang Saen on the road that runs along the seashore is Khao Sam Muk a place known by most Thais for its tragic love story. According to the legend, two lovers jumped off of the cliff to declare their eternal love after facing parental objection to their marriage. A panoramic view of Bang Saen beach can be seen from the hilltop. Good quality Thai and Chinese seafood restaurants are located at the foot of the hills providing reasonably priced sumptuous dishes.

Nong Mon Market,This market is located on Sukhumvit Road along the way to Bang Saen and has gained popularity over the years. Nong Mon Market offers a vast variety of locally produced seafood products such as fish, squid, and shrimp, both fresh and preserved. In addition, sweets and other local sweetmeats are also popular with the most popular item being Khao Larm a traditional thai-style dessert cooked and served in a bamboo tube.

Chong Samae San,This village offers good fishing opportunities and is located approximately 17 kilometers further from the Sattahip deep-water port. Bungalows are available for serious fishing visitors and boats can be chartered to go fishing in the nearby islands. All these small islands are under the jurisdiction of the Royal Thai navy.

Wihan Sian,A Chinese-style structure called Wihan Sian which was built by Thais of Chinese descendants. Within the beautiful structure Chinese antiquities and an exhibition of Chinese religious beliefs are housed. The place is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission fee is 50 baht.

The Khao Khiao Open Zoo,Covering a vast tract of forest land, the zoo is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Chon Buri from Sukhumvit Road. To get there, take a left turn at Bang Phra, and follow the clearly posted signs. Operated by the Zoological Garden Organization, the zoo has more than 200 species of domestic and imported wildlife living in their natural habitat. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., the zoo also puts on shows of well-trained animals and birds. A new feature is the Night Safari Tour by auto-trams.

The Si Racha Tiger Farm,The farm, which is situated at Km. 20 marker on highway No. 36, raises a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will be amazed to witness tigers, pigs and dogs living together in the same quarters. The farm opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Mini Siam,Located at Km. 143 on Highway No. 3 is a wonderland of miniature replicas of such outstanding architectural works as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, the Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, etc. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the miniworld area. These include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Paintball,Paintball ground is located on Thep Prasit Road, about 20 minutes drive from Pattaya city. Paintball is a game played in a model battlefield in an enclosed spacious area to create the atmosphere of a real fight. All players are provided with safety dresses and masks for protection from any bodily harm. Air guns filled with plastic shots driven by the pressure of carbon dioxide inside are used as weapons. A shot will burst into color water when hitting a victim. The players are divided into two teams, each trying to seize the flag of the other team and bringing it back safely to their base first. The game never fails to offer excitement.

Underwater World Pattaya,A new tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100-meter-long, 6.4-centimeter-thick acrylic pedestrian tunnel through an underwater environment filled with dozens of marine species.

Located just 200 meters south of Tesco Lotus in South Pattaya, the new theme park covers a total area of 12-rai and is housed in a structure similar to a large circus tent.

The aquarium itself houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas. Top in the Visitors must-see list is the rare shovelnose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray.