The sister city to Bangkok in Thailand and its metropolitan twin is Chon Buri. It’s so named due to its nearness to the capital of Thailand and the many perks of living in the area.
Compared to other cities, Chon Buri is alive and bubbly and has many fun places that help assuage workers of stress.
More so, some fabulous places are family-friendly, and plenty of clubs and events entertain adults. In this article, we’ll explore the most famous sites of Chon Buri for visitors.
At A Glance
Popular Relaxation Spots in Chon Buri for Expats
The eastern Gulf of Thailand coast of Thailand is home to the province of Chon Buri. Famous beaches can be found all along the coastline south of the province capital, which is also known as Chon Buri.
One of these is Pattaya, a well-known resort city with a promenade along the sea, restaurants, shopping centres, and a bustling, neon-lit nightlife district with cabaret bars and clubs.
Size: 4,363 km2; Height: 50 m
2018 population: 1.535 million
038 Area Code
Here are some of the locations that Chon Buri is famous for.
Khao Sam Muk
Khao Sam Muk is the Chinese relic area of the fishermen in the Chon Buri.
Consisting of the Chinese shrine of Mazu, many cultural artefacts, a hillside forest of monkeys, and the Cactus Garden, the gods are believed to protect fishermen from Khao Sam Muk such that respects and festivals are held at intervals in the area.
Koh Larn (Coral Island)
Some of the most stunning shorelines may be seen on the picturesque Koh Lan Island. You can travel on white sand beaches for 45 minutes by ferry. You may see a variety of beautiful and vibrant corals while diving in the beach’s crystal-clear waters, where there is a variety of diverse marine life.
The majority of the time, travellers flock to this island to partake in beach activities like parasailing, water skiing, banana boat excursions, and, of course, snorkelling. There are some fantastic culinary options in this tropical harbour as well.
Legends of Khao Sam Muk
The legend of the area is that in the 18th century, a woman waited for her lost husband at sea and offered prayers until his return. It’s also told that a particular Chinese bride and her lover jumped into the ocean from the hillside and became a deity after her parents refused their marriage.
Khao Sam Muk is so significant that it appears on the Chon Buri seal. The area can be found between two beaches, namely the Ang Sila and the Bang Saen watersides.
Bang Saen Beach
About 100 kilometres east of Bangkok is the beautiful Bang Saen Beach, which lies just before the famous Pattaya Beach.
Bang Saen is singled out for its vastness and opportunities to plunge into the ocean. Although quite popular, Bang Saen Beach has fewer crowds than Pattaya Beach and may be a viable alternative for people who love more personal space at the beach.
Nevertheless, it has cool spots where you can eat ice cream, and enjoy many family-friendly activities.
You can buy a villa in Chonburi and enjoy strategic placement between the city, where many expats and visitors frequent. Many seaside and beach properties and between sophisticated areas have become recently more available.
Sunrise Beach, Ko Lipe
The 2 km long, white-sand Sunrise Beach, or Hat Chao Ley as the locals refer to it, is a stunning beach with some of Thailand’s most spectacular sunrises.
It’s situated on the west side of Koh Lipe. The Koh Lipe beach closest to the tiny settlement of Chao Ley is called Sunrise Beach. To avoid missing the breathtaking sunrise which occurs every morning, get up early. It’s a great way to start the day.
Sunrise Shore is the greatest place on Koh Lipe for snorkelling directly off the shore; you can find a wide variety of aquatic life there that will astound you.
Sunrise Beach, like the rest of Thailand, receives far fewer visitors during the low season (May to October), but once peak season (November to April) arrives, you can expect to see a large number of foreign visitors and like-minded individuals.
Pattaya Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Thailand is the Pattaya Beach.
Loved by some for how packed it is and the many opportunities for mingling, while others complain that the beach is too crowded.
Pattaya Beach has all of the beach life enablers present from music bars to barbecue joints, foods, and drinks and if you’d rather be on your own, it’s fine too.
The most attractive factor about Pattaya Beach is the many options and social networking capabilities. Additionally, it has some lovely buildings in the least expected places and they often sell out due to its proximity and the liveliness of the area.
Chon Buri Nong Mon Market
The Nong Mon is a cultural market in Chon Buri. Nicknamed the fishers market, it’s a great place to shop for fresh seafood which is sold as they are harvested from the Ocean.
You can also find processed sea animals that may have been dried, canned, or preserved in various methods by local farmers. It’s also a great place to get street food and seafood desserts made right at the spot. Visiting Nong Mon Market is an exhilarating experience in itself.
Wat Phra Yai Temple
Between Pattaya and Jomtien Beach on Pratumnak Hill’s summit, you cannot miss the gigantic 18-metre-tall Buddha that emerges from the foliage.
In the 1940s, when Pattaya was merely a fishing village, this temple was constructed. The Big Buddha is highly regarded by locals who visit the temple to worship, as well as by tour groups who enjoy viewing the elaborate design of the statue and the temple complex. The temple offers free admission.
Highlights: At the summit of the hill, there are numerous Buddha statues in various poses, each of which represents a different day of the week. Hundreds of sellers selling caged birds will attract your attention before you reach the top of the hill. In Thailand, freeing caged birds is a sign that you have gained good karma.
Location: Pattaya’s Pratumnak Hill
Sriracha Tiger Zoo
Lastly, you can stop by the Sriracha Tiger Zoo to see the wild animals that are tamed and well-fed. The Thai government invests a lot to ensure that these locations are well attended to, and there are many more options that you can explore once there.
Flight of the Gibbon Chonburi
Wonder is seen swaying from limb to branch as she flies far over the Thai forest. Visitors can travel the 3-kilometre course by zip lines to 24 different floors while flying through a jungle canopy. Feeling a burst of adrenaline? Obviously, it is!
The longest zipline here measures 300 metres long! The route should also include 2 rappels and 2 swinging sky bridge slopes.
Even the local guides on the way will teach you about the local flora and fauna.
Location: Chon Buri 2011, Thailand, Bang Phra, Si Racha District
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
The beautifully constructed Nong Nooch Garden is a park that would be perfect for an all-day visit. The entire site is laid out like a theme park, complete with dining establishments, frequent cultural performances, and a sizable area showcasing elaborately themed gardens. The Skywalk, a shaded elevated walkway that leads you into several parks, is a striking feature here.
Enjoy the area’s many well-known gardens, such as the French, Stonehenge, and 17th-century European Renaissance gardens.
Location: Chon Buri, Thailand, Sattahip District, 34 Na Chom Thian
Frequently Asked Questions About Chonburi’s Tourist Attractions
Is Chonburi an ideal destination for family travellers?
Yes, Chonburi is the ideal holiday spot for people who are taking their families. They may make the most of their getaway and forge happy memories at a number of Chonburi attractions. Saithip Butterfly Gardens, Grand Canyon Chonburi, Nong Nooch Garden, and many more are a few of these attractions.
Which are the top restaurants in Chonburi?
In Chonburi, there are several restaurants where one may eat delectable food. The following are a few of the best:
1. The Orchard Restaurant Pupen Seafood
2. Mum Aroi Dining Room
3. The eatery California Steak ShabuShi
4. Pooky & Erik Dining Room
5. Indian By Nature Dining
How long is required to fully tour Chonburi?
Travellers should stay for at least 3 days if they want to experience Chonburi to the fullest. Vacationers can visit popular tourist attractions during this period, sample cuisine at the best restaurants, and go on a shopping binge at a variety of flea markets and upscale shops.
From the buzzing nightlife of Koh Samui to the laid-back charm of Koh Yao Yai, every island has its own personality and magic. If you’re planning your route, don’t miss my guide: Island Hopping In Thailand – 12 Must-See Islands to help you map out the best spots!
Make time for Koh Klang – a lesser-known island near Krabi that’s full of local culture, traditional crafts, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the crowds. And if you’re heading up north, be sure to check out my First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a complete change of scenery with temples, night markets, and mountain air.
Chon Buri is a favourable investment option for all who want to invest in real estate in Thailand. It promises good returns and constant patronage from customers and people who frequent the area while patronizing any of the many attraction sites there.
