Chonburi Province Totally Explained

Everything about Chonburi Province totally explained

Chonburi is a province (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. It is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism, and manufacturing industries, and second to only Bangkok in economic output. Beautiful Beaches, Delicious Khao Lam, Sweet Sugar Cane, Delicate Basketry Products and Buffalo Racing

History

From historical evidence, Mueang Chon Buri has been settled since the Ayutthaya period. Originally, it comprised of many small towns such as Mueang Bang Sai, Mueang Bang Pla Soi, and Mueang Bang Phra. Later, King Rama V combined these towns together into Chon Buri province.

Etymology

The word Chon originates from the Sanskrit word Jala meaning water, and the word buri from Sanskrit Puri meaning town or city. Hence the name of the province literally means City of Water.

Geography

The province is located at the Bay of Bangkok, the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand. A mountain range stretches from the north-west to the south-east of the province, while the fertile plains of the north were long used for farming. In Laem Chabang in the south of the province is one of the few deep-water harbours of Thailand.

Miscellaneous

Until the 1960s Pattaya was a small fishing village, but during the Vietnam war the American troops had a base nearby, and Pattaya became a popular R&R location. The city grew quickly and became the prime tourist location in Thailand.
The 20th World Scout Jamboree, put on by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, drew 30,000 teenaged Boy Scouts to a naval base near the village of Sattahip, where activities included world issue awareness, a showcase of Thai science & technology, obstacle course-style competitions between nations, and an epic game of "Ashes" Cricket (the Aussies won).

Symbols

Provincial tree as well as flower is the Burmese Rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus, local name Pradu).

Administrative divisions

The province is subdivided in 11 districts (Amphoe). These are further subdivided into 92 subdistricts (tambon) and 691 villages (muban), and one special administrative area, Pattaya.

Tourism

Sights

Wat Khao Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai (วัดเขาพระพุทธบาทบางทราย) is located on the left side of Sukhumvit Road a slightly prior to Mueang Chon Buri. Originally, there was an ancient Ayutthayan temple at the foot of the hill but it was later ruined. Later, Phraya Phichitchonlakhet, the administrator of Mueang Chon Buri had Wat Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai re-constructed during the reign of King Rama V. Inside the Mondop–a square building with a crown-like cupola- resides the Buddha’s footprint. Moreover, there's a small building on the summit of the mountain housing a Buddha image in the reclining posture. At the foot of the hill, there are many constructions in European style of the King Rama V period. From the end of the fourth lunar month to the second day of the fifth month during the period of the waxing moon, there's a tradition that people will proceed up the hill to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint. Moreover, there's a Takbat Thewo, alms-giving ceremony at the end of the Buddhist Lent. Wat Yai Inthraram (วัดใหญ่อินทราราม) Located on Chet Chamnong Road, Mueang Chon Buri, it's an ancient and significant temple of Mueang Chon Buri, influenced by the late Ayutthayan architectural style. The Ubosot was built in its Gunwale Curve base and inside displays very beautiful mural paintings. Above the windows’ edge are the pictures of the gathering of angels. On both of the side walls are paintings depicting the Thotsachat, or the Ten Births (Jatakas) of the Lord Buddha, and the story of Prince Vessantara. Phra Phutthasihing Shrine (หอพระพุทธสิหิงค์) Situated on Wachiraprakan Road, about 500 metres from the city hall. The shrine houses a replica of the Phra Phutthasihing cast in pure silver. An extremely beautiful icon, it's highly revered by townspeople. Wat Thammanimit (วัดธรรมนิมิตต์) is located in Tambon Ban Suan, on the Chon Buri-Phanat Nikhom Road, 1 kilometre from the town. It was constructed in 1941 and is a place where the Phra Phutthamongkhon Nimit Buddha image resides. It is a concrete Buddha image decorated with mosaic tiles in the Boarding a Boat posture (The image sits in the European style on the throne. The left hand is placed on his lap, while the right one is hanging by his side.) It is 34 metres high and is situated at the foot of the hill. Along the path to the summit, the scenery of Mueang Chon Buri can be viewed. Ang Sila (อ่างศิลา) is a seaside fishing village, some 5 kilometres from Chon Buri. Most villagers are skilled in making implements from granite. Items made are mainly mortar and pestle widely used in Thai households in the olden times and figurines of animals such as lion, elephant and horse as decorative items. Near the market are two European-style building in the reign of King Rama IV served as a convalescence home and a retreat for the royal household and foreign high-ranking officials.
    Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem or Nacha Sa Thai Chue Shrine (วิหารเทพสถิตพระกิติเฉลิม หรือ ศาลเจ้าหน่าจาซาไท้จื้อ) is located in Ang Sila sub-district, covering an area of 4 rai. It is a Chinese shrine, beautifully and gigantically constructed by the Dharma Rasami Maneerat Foundation along the seaside road from Ang Sila to Khao Sam Muk. It is a 4-storey building decorated in the extraordinary Chinese architectural art and housing various Chinese deity images such as Nacha Sa Thai Chue God and 1000-handed Bodhisattva Kwan Yin image, etc Khao Sam Muk (เขาสามมุข) is a low hillock situated between Ang Sila and Bang Saen Beach, along the Road, facing the seashore. A habitat of scores of wild monkeys, the hill-top affords a panoramic view of the Bang Saen Beach. The Marine Scientific Institute (สถาบันวิทยาศาสตร์ทางทะเล) Situated in the Burapha University at Bang Saen Beach,. It is a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment. Bang Saen Beach, (หาดบางแสน) is a well-known holiday beach only 14 kilometres from the provincial town. In 1943, the government built the first holiday resort in the country here. It is now under the supervision of Saen Suk Municipal Administration. Laem Thaen (แหลมแท่น) is in the area of Bang Saen Beach near Khao Sam Muk. It is a cape reaching out to the sea where pavilions for relaxation and restaurants are situated. There are a lot of people coming to do fishing in the area. Nong Mon Market (ตลาดหนองมน) On Sukhumvit Road, near the entrance Road, to Bang Saen Beach, is the widely popular Nong Mon Market. Ko Loi (เกาะลอย) This is a small islet near the northern shore of Si Racha. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it's a popular location for recreation by the local people. Sriracha Tiger Zoo (สวนเสือศรีราชา) At Km 20 on Highway No. 3241 between Pattaya and Bang Saen Beach, or 10 kilometres from Si Racha District, this is a well-maintained zoo with hoards of crocodiles, Bengal tigers, camel, deer, scorpions and more. Khao Kheow Open Zoo (สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว) Local in Tambon Bang Phra This famous zoo operated by the Zoological Garden Organization and covers a vast tract of forestland. It is located about 20 kilometres south of Chon Buri on Sukhumvit Road. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living in their natural habitual. They include both domestic and imported types. Ko Sichang (เกาะสีชัง) Twelve kilometers off the shore of Si Racha is the large island of Sichang offering pleasant and quiet mountain and sea views. Ko Sichang has served as a cargo station since the early days of the country’s trading history. It is also the site of a summer palace built during the reign of King Rama V. Although abandon for over a century, several sections of the palace have been restored. Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเขาใหญ่) Situated on a northern hill of the island, the shrine is a natural architecture masterpiece, revered by both the Thai and Chinese worshippers. From here the front side of the island with a panoramic view of Sichang community can be clearly seen. Mondop atop Buddha’s Footprint (มณฑปรอยพระพุทธบาท) King Rama V had this footprint replica installed on top of Khaya Sira Hill. It is another vantage point to admire Ko Sichang and its surrounding. Hat Tham Khao Phang (หาดถ้ำเขาพัง) Hat Tham Khao Phang at the back of the island surrounds this white sandy beach. The sloping beach is thus on the un-windy side. Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom (ช่องเขาขาดและหาดหินกลม) The name of “Hat Hin Klom” comes from the rounded rocks on the beach which have been “rounded” by the westerly wind that normally comes from March to September. The white sand makes the beach look clean and clear. Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan (พระจุฑาธุชราชฐาน) The only palace amidst the sea, King Rama V had it built in 1892 as a holiday retreat and a convalescence home for his wives and children. The king loved to visit Sichang Island because of the beautiful scenery and the tranquil atmosphere it offered. It was also a big cargo station with lively transactions with foreign ships. For the construction, the king spent the money from his private treasury. He named the palace after the name of Prince Chuthathut who was born here. The landscaping of the palace compound has carefully planned. Residential quarters, lawns, pools, and swamps are designed and located in ascending tiers from the beach up to the top of the hill, alternated with frangipani trees (Plumeria acuminata) of different colours. Each building was named after the queen who sponsored its decoration, for example, Watthana Mansion, Phongsi Mansion, and Aphirom Mansion. On the beach there's a green house made of wood decorated with ginger-bread patterns. A building called “Man-that Phairot” was unfortunately stopped by the Thai-Franco disturbance in 1894. In 1899 the king had it moved to Dusit Palace in Bangkok and had the construction completed. He named it “Vimanmek,” which is now opened as a museum. A temple called “Wat Atsadang Nimit” was also built on a hill near the palace. Western architectural style was adapted and applied to the construction of the temple. Ko Thai Khangkhao (เกาะท้ายค้างคาว) is a small island on the southern side of Ko Sichang where there's a sandy beach and coral. Amphoe Bang Lamung and Mueang Pattaya Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์) is located on the Sukhumvit–Nong Prue Road and is an aquarium where there's a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones; the first zone where there are beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse and butterflyfish, the second zone displays soft-bone ones such as sharks, stingrays, while those in the third zone are the economic ones such as the Napoleonfish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck; the fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River and the biggest ones are on display. Moreover, there are marine lives feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone.
    Ban Sukhawadee (บ้านสุขาวดี) is located at 219 Mu 2, Sukhumvit Road. It is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan
   Mueang Pattaya Hat Pattaya (หาดพัทยา) The half-moon-shaped Pattaya beach is about 4 kilometres long with Road, running parallel to the beach. North Pattaya and Central Pattaya are not as bustling as the south beach. In the old days, many first class hotels are located in this area. Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat (เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท) This small hill is located between South Pattaya and Chom Thian. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Suan Chaloemphrakiat (สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ) Khao Phra Tam Nak Road, This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres, the park was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King’s sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. Hat Chom Thian (หาดจอมเทียน) This 6- kilometre-long beach is only 4 kilometre from Pattaya. A beach Road, runs parallel to the shore along which are hotels and restaurants.
    Hat Wong Phra Chan (หาดวงพระจันทร์) This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here's attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy. Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Na Kluea Road, The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) This popular attraction is 9 kilometres from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at Km 140. Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at Km. 143 on Sukhumbit Road., Highway No. 3, North Pattaya, Mini Siam is one of famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Minature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”. Pattaya Elephant Village (หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา) is Located at km. 146, 7 kilometres from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road., this elephant camp focuses on daily life of elephants and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand war elephants parade. Siriphon Orchid Farm (สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร) is situated at 235/14 Mu 5, Noen Phlap Wan Road, Tambon Nong Prue. Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya. Monkey Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึก-สอนลิงพัทยา) Located in Soi Chaiyaphruek off Highway No. 3 at Km 151, the centre displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to climb and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities. The Three Kingdoms Park (อุทยานสามก๊ก) is a beautiful attraction full of the Sino-Thai architectural style, covering an area of 36 rai. It was originated from the idea of Khun Kiarti Srifuengfung, a leading Chinese businessman of Thailand. The art objects in this place is in accordance with the Chinese Fengshui, comprising of a 5-storey building, displaying oil paintings of the life story of Kong Ming, as well as, Jiangxi sculptures of leading characters from the chronicle in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The uppermost storey is the Buddha image hall and a sightseeing spot. Moreover, there's another building where there's a 4 metre-marble-engraved Bodhisattva Kwan Yin sculpture, Kuan Yu God, as well as, a fine art corridor where there are paintings on tiles depicting the major episode of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Bottle Art Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปในขวดแก้ว) This small museum is located at Km 145 on Sukhumvit Road., of Highway No. 3. As its name implies, it specialises in glass bottle containing elaborately crafted creations, including the usual vessels. Ripley’s World of Entertainment (ริบลีส์ เวิล์ด ออฟ เอนเตอร์เทนเม้นท์) is located on the 3rd floor of the Royal Garden Plaza Department Store, on Pattaya Beach Road. Activities are as follows:

The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium (พิพิธภัณฑ์ริบลีส์ (เชื่อหรือไม่!)) is a museum of a large collection of more than 300 stories and pieces of oddities and amazements from all over the world, owned by Mr. Robert Ripley, an American man. Examples of the pieces are a three-legged horse, a four-eyed man, a miniature of a human’s head and a shark museum.
Four-Dimensional Cinema (โรงภาพยนตร์ 4 มิติ) is a cinema of the future with a special system, creating a feeling of being in an actual situation among the viewers.
The Miracle Labyrinth (มหัศจรรย์เขาวงกต) Witness the modern special effects of lights, colours and sounds in the 16 rooms, as well as, admire the beauty of the mysterious dimensions and illusions.
The Haunting Warehouse (โกดังผีสิง) Take an adventure in one of the 5 biggest coffin warehouses of the world.

Cabaret Shows (คาบาเร่ต์โชว์) There are two venues of transvestite cabarets in Pattaya. Tuxedo Magic Castle (ปราสาทเวทมนต์ ทักซิโด) is located at 78/16-17, on Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. It is a magical theater in the form of a split-level restaurant. There are series of shows such as making an umbrella out of cards. Open Eyes Show (เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์) is located on Pattaya 2 Road, opposite the Tiffany Show. It is a magic performance in various styles such as Aladdin, the Mermaid, Invisible Woman, the Wonderland, etc. Pattaya Park and Tower (สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค) Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Tower at Chom Thian features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Ko Lan (เกาะล้าน) This island is 7.5 kilometres from South Pattaya. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the island. Hat Thonglang and Hat Ta Waen are popular beaches for its bustling atmosphere, aquatic sport gear, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samae offer a more restful atmosphere. Ko Sak (เกาะสาก) Six hundred metres north of Ko Lan is Ko Sak, a small island shaped like an upturn horseshoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Mu Ko Phai (หมู่เกาะไผ่) is 23 kilometres from Pattaya beach comprising Ko Phai, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Lueam and Ko Klueng Badan. Ko Phai is the biggest one and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) (เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน)) whose entrance is a bit prior to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) covers an area of 366 rai. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. Alangkarn Theater (โรงละครอลังการ) Located at Km. 155 on Sukhumvit Road, it's a unique Thai performing art collection area which can be divided into 3 parts. The Laser Beams Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan (พระพุทธรูปแกะสลักเขาชีจรรย์) is located on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6 kilometres from Km. 160 of Sukhumvit Road., The image is in the subduing Mara posture, cast by laser beams on the Khao Chi Chan cliff. It is a combination of Sukhothai and Lanna arts with a height of 130 metres and width of 70 metres at the lap of the image. The image called “Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada” was constructed in 1996 to honour His Majesty the King. Inside the chest of the image resides the Lord Buddha’s relic. Bang Sa-re (บางเสร่) This is a fishing village some 16 kilometres south of Pattaya. Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I ((วัดสัตหีบ หรือ วัดหลวงพ่ออี๋) is located in Sattahip Sub-district. Its back side is next to the sea. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama V by Luangpho I or Phrakhru Worawet Muni who possessed knowledge of meditation and was the comforter for local in their difficult times. Therefore, the monk was highly respected among the locals. They, therefore, cast an actual-size statue of him residing inside the Ubosot. Hat Toei Ngam (หาดเตยงาม) Lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200 metre crescent beach add to the tranquillity of the atmosphere. The northern side of the beach is located a naval museum and monument. Toei Ngam Beach is under the navy’s supervision. Hat Dong Tan (หาดดงตาล) Next to Sattahip Market is the curvy bay with lines of fan-palms called “tan” trees from which the name of the bay is derived. Hat Sai Kaeo (หาดทรายแก้ว) is a beautiful beach under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy and is near the Naval Rating School. Hat Nang Ram (หาดนางรำ) Situated close to the Sattahip deep-water port, Nang Ram beach is about 200 metres long. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy. Hat Nang Rong (หาดนางรอง) is a little beyond Hat Nang Ram. It is a 200- metre beach with pine trees. Hat Thian Tale (หาดเทียนทะเล) It is a sandy beach alternating with rocks, covering an area of 900 metres. It is a panoramic sightseeing point, with a bizarre shape of cliffs where a view of the sunset. HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. His Majesty the King named the ship “Chakri Naruebet” meaning the Sovereign of the Chakri Dynasty. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width. It is equipped with modern weapons, as well as, long-range surveillance radar. The important missions during wartime are the Flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet in the sea, as well as the aircraft carrier and air defence mission Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy (ศูนย์อนุรักษ์พันธุ์เต่าทะเล กองทัพเรือ) The center also provides a lecture for the public and youth, VDO presentation and exhibitions. Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles. Chong Samaesan Village (หมู่บ้านช่องแสมสาร) Chong Samaesan is another village offering good fishing opportunities. It is located some 17 kilometres further from the Sattahip deep-water port. Suan Chunlakan Sathit Sathan Banphachon Siam (สวนจุลการสถิตสถานบรรพชนสยาม) is a park built for Admiral Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak in 1995. It is situated at Mu 1, Tambon Phlu Ta Luang where a shrine and statues of Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak and significant persons in Thai history as well as revered Buddhist monks in the past are situated. Phra Phuttha Ming Mueang (พระพุทธมิ่งเมือง) is an engraved Buddha image out of Padauk wood in the posture of subduing Mara. It is the Laotian art, constructed in 1828 by the Laotians who immigrated into this area. Originally, the image was enshrined in an abandoned temple, called “Wat Pha Khao Yai”, which is assumed to be an ancient temple, the first to be constructed in the Phanat Nikhom area. Later, Phanat Nikhom Municipality Office renovated the temple and its compound, as well as, built a Wihan as a residence of the wooden Buddha image at the location where the original Ubosot had been. At present, it's near the community centre of the Phanat Nikhom Municipality Office. Ho Phra Phanatbodi (หอพระพนัสบดี) is situated in the middle of a pond, opposite the Phanat Nikhom Municipality Office, Mueang Kao Road, Soi 1. It is a place where a replica of Phra Phanatbodi (Vanaspati) is enshrined. It is a dignified standing Buddha image in the blessing posture of the Dvaravati period, whose age is approximately 1,200-1,300 years. It was elaborately engraved out of a delicate black stone. The image is standing on a mythical creature whose characteristics are a mixture of a garuda, a bull and a swan. Wat Chum Saeng Si Wanaram (วัดชุมแสงศรีวนาราม) is located at Mu 1, Tambon Nong Nang, 13 kilometres from Phanat Nikhom Market. This temple was originally called “Wat Mai Yang Ngam”. The distinguishing point of this temple is Sala Kan Parian–a temple hall for the Buddhist monks’ meeting and religious ceremony, constructed of terra-cotta into modern architecture. It is called Mabunkhrong Building Luangpho Tio, Wat Hua Thanon (หลวงพ่อติ้ว วัดหัวถนน) is 10 kilometres from the centre of the district. Luangpho Tio is a Buddha image in subduing Mara posture. It is an engraved image of Taeo wood (called Tio wood by the Laotians). During the Songkran period, on 19 April every year, there's a procession carrying the image around the village. It is believed that the image would make all the wishes and success come true. Sa Siliam (สระสี่เหลี่ยม) is situated at Mu 6, Tambon Sa Siliam. According to legend, it's the pond where Phra Rot in the folk story “Phra Rot-Meri”, brought his cock to drink water in this area when he ran a cock fight to make a living for the 12 ladies. Wat Luang Phrommawat (วัดหลวงพรหมวาส) is situated at Ban Khlong Luang, Tambon Wat Luang on the Phanat Nikhom-Chachoengsao Road. This temple was once a place where the ceremony of drinking an oath of allegiance was conducted. The temple’s compound is large and abundant. Moreover, there are a large number of flying foxes in the trees. Wat Tai Ton Lan (วัดใต้ต้นลาน) is located at Rai Lak Thong Sub-district on the Phanat Nikhom–Chachoengsao Road. It was constructed in 1905, representing the interesting architecture of the local skilled craftsmen such as the old wooden Sala Kan Parian–a preaching hall, a pair of swan columns, the cement giant sculpture in front of the Ubosot, the ancient Jiangxi Chinese tiles layering the floor of the Ubosot, and the scripture hall or library made of teakwood surrounded by water. The Basketry Village (หมู่บ้านจักสาน) is located at Mu 1-11, Rai Lak Thong Sub-district. However, the area where the basketwork is widely made is at Mu 10, in the area of Wat Ko Kaeo Khlong Luang, 4 kilometres from the district along the Phanat Nikhom-Chachoengsao Road. Bamboo will be woven into purses, baskets, betel sets, etc. in colourful, beautiful and modern patterns.
Khao Cha-ang (เขาชะอางค์) is 30 kilometres from the centre of the district. It is an isolated limestone mountain standing on a plain and an important source of gold and antimony. Khao Cha-ang comprises of Khao Cha-ang Song Khrueang, Khao Cha-ang Ha Yot and Khao Cha-ang On. Inside each mountain are various beautiful caves such as Tham Nam, Tham Khangkhao, Tham Laplae and Tham Mangkon. Tham Khao Cha-ang Song Khrueang (ถ้ำเขาชะอางค์ทรงเครื่อง) is 19 kilometres from Bo Thong District in the east. It is a large cave with a carrying capacity of thousands of people and a location of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, as well as, a habitat of a large number of bats. Tham Khao Cha-ang Ha Yot (ถ้ำเขาชะอางค์ห้ายอด) is 7 kilometres further from Khao Cha-ang Song Khrueng. It is also a big cave of stalagmites and stalactites. Moreover, inside is divided into many small chambers. *Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden

Entertaiment

Nightlife Major Hotel operates gourmet restaurant, cocktail lounges, discotheques, nightclubs and supper clubs which offer excellent food, drinks, music and international entertainment. Such establishments are ideally suited to family entertainment. Nightlife beyond Pattaya’s hotels is more liberated and exciting. Discotheques, transvestite cabarets, nightclubs, coffee shop, karaoke bars, open-air bars and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention.

Activities

Agro-tourism Attractions Silver Lake Vineyard (ไร่องุ่นซิลเวอร์เลก) is located at Mu 7, Tambon Na Jomtien, Sattahip District, covering an area of 400 rai with 12 kinds of grapes, 11 of which are for fresh consumption and the other one is for making wine. Ecotourism Attractions Ko Kham Underwater Park (อุทยานใต้ทะเลเกาะขาม) is an ecotourism attraction within the compound of the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip. There are many Chan Pha (Dracaena loureiri Gagnep.) trees. It looks like two islands connecting each other with extending land. Snorkelling can be done at the island. Coral Reef Submarine Tours In Pattaya, there are both submarines and semi-submarines to admire the beauty of the coral reefs underwater in the areas of Ko Lan and Ko Sak.

Local Products

Famous handicrafts of Chon Buri include Ang Sila’s granite mortars and Phanat Nikhom’s basketry. Chon Buri is also abundant in fresh and dried seafood. A vast variety of seafood . Chaeng Lon (แจงลอน) This is Chon Buri’s special delicacy which uses the same ingredients as Ho Mok (ห่อหมก) with coconut shreds to replace coconut milk. The mixture is hand-molded into small buns on a stick, and charcoal-grilled until cooked. Hoi Cho (หอยจ้อ) This Chinese delicacy is Chon Buri’s famous dish because a special kind of sea crabs is used as the main ingredient. Khao Lam (ข้าวหลาม) This specialty is made with sticky rice, sugar and coconut cream cooked in specially-prepared bamboo rods. Stone Products (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากหิน) such as a mortar, whetstone, engraved stone into animal shapes such as lions, elephants, horses and others are widely offered at Ang Sila, on the way from Chon Buri to Bang Saen. Products from Pineapple Paper (ผลิตภัณฑ์จากกระดาษใยสับปะรด) are produced in Tambon Nong Kham, Si Racha District. Examples of the products include wine boxes and bags, boxes of tissue paper, perfume boxes, photo albums, folders, sets of envelopes and boxes of paper note. Basketry Market (ตลาดจักสาน) Long known for its fine basketry products, Amphoe Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use. The products were gradually developed into more elaborate and marketable hand-crafted items Artificial Fruits Made of Clay (ผลไม้ดินปั้น). Various kinds of artificial fruits made of clay in miniature size are made, dried by sunlight and painted in actual colours. Then, they're wind dried again.

Culture

Festivals

Chon Buri Annual Festival (งานนมัสการพระพุทธสิหิงค์และงานกาชาดประจำปีจังหวัดชลบุรี) This fair is held about mid-April during the Songkran Festival. Phra Phutthasihing, Chon Buri’s principle Buddha image, is put in a procession around the city. Wan Lai Festival (ประเพณีวันไหล) is a Chon Buri merit making day of the seamen on the Thai New Year during the Songkran Festival, organized during 13-20 April every year. There is alms-offering to the monks, ceremony of pouring water onto the Buddha’s image, sand pagoda making, splashing water and local games and sports in Chon Buri. The areas where the Wan Lai Festival is organized are as follows:
Pattaya–Na Kluea Wan Lai Festival and Na Kluea Kong Khao Fair (งานประเพณีวันไหล พัทยา- นาเกลือ และงานกองข้าวนาเกลือ) are organized on 18-20 April every year at Lan Pho Public Park, Na Kluea and Wat Chai Mongkhon in South Pattaya. Songkran Si Maha Racha Festival and Kong Khao Tradition (งานประเพณีสงกรานต์ศรีมหาราชาและงานประเพณีกองข้าว) is an ancient festival of the Chon Buri locals. At present, Si Racha District still preserves this tradition and organizes it every year, during 19-21 April, to worship the gods who have been protecting them throughout the year. Activities comprise of the procession led by the elderly and various organizations in traditional Thai costume, a worship ceremony, spirit offering ceremony, Kong Khao tradition demonstration, local games, demonstrations, and sales of traditional desserts and local food. Ko Phra Sai Wan Lai Festival, Bang Saen (งานประเพณีก่อพระทรายวันไหล บางแสน) is the festival which has been conducted by the Saen Suk people from the past. Originally, it was called “Ngan Thambun Wan Lai”, a gathering of people from various villages to do the merit making in the Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year Day, taking place on 16-17 April, every year. Monks from every temple in Saen Suk Sub-district are invited to perform the religious ceremony. There is merit making, food offering and bahting ceremony. Later, there are activities of sand pagoda making, water splashing, local games and sports, etc. Ngan Bun Klang Ban and Phanat Nikhom Basketwork (งานบุญกลางบ้าน และเครื่องจักสานพนัสนิคม) are traditions that have been passed on for a long period of time of the Phanat Nikhom people. They are organized on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the first week of May or the Thai 6th lunar month. The locals will bring food, offer them to the monks, and dedicate the merit to the guardian spirits, enemies from a former life, the deceased relatives, as well as, to drive out bad things, to ask for rain during the season and to wish for abundant food and plants. After the religious ceremony, there's lunch, local games and a demonstration of Phanat Nikhom basketry making. Chon Buri Buffalo Race (งานประเพณีวิ่งควาย) This is a long-established celebration of this most useful animal of Thai farmers. A fun-filled event, it's held not only in Chon Buri itself but also in Ban Bueng and Nong Yai districts. The beasts of burden are dressed outrageously or with admirable creativity by owners depending on their imagination. Assembled in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or take part in physical fitness and “fashion” contests.

Further Information

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