CHON BURI

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

Chon Buri

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Geography

The province is located at the Bight 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 Sattahip in the south of the province is one of the few deep-water harbours of Thailand.

Miscellaneous

Until the 1950s 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 International Scout Jamboree, put on by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, drew 30,000 teenaged 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 cricket (the Aussies won).

Attractions

The Ho Phra gallery on Wachiraprakan Road about 500 metres from the town hall houses a replica of the Phra Phutthasihing cast in pure silver. An extremely beautiful icon, it is highly revered by townspeople. A seaside fishing village, Ang Sila is about 5 kilometres from town. 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.

Khao Sam Muk is a low hillock situated between Ang Silk and Bang Saen 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. At the foot of the hill are Thai and Chinese shrines highly respected by visitors. Legend has it that the cliff-top was where two lovers jumped to their death because of parental objection.

Bang Saen is only 14 kilometres from the provincial town. From Sukhumwit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed on for another 3 Kilometres to get there. Bang Saen is widely popular with Thai holiday-makers who happily romp along the long beach and partake in the tasty food available. Weekends are particularly crowded while it is relatively quite during weekdays. Fronting the beach are hotels, bungalows, food shops as well as recreational gears and bicycles for rent. Bus services are available from Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. There are also local ''Songtaew'' transport serving Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.

The Marine Scientific lnstitute of the Burapha University operates a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment. There is also a marine science museum which is open daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 a.m.until 4.30 p.m. for more information, call (308) 391671-4.

Ko Loi is a small islet near the northern shore of Si Racha. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is a popular location for recreation by the local people. A flight of stairs leads up to the breezy hill-top which offers a delightful view of the sea.

The Si Racha Tiger Farm at Km. 20 on Highway No.36, keeps a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will thrill to see how friendship can be possible among tiger, pigs and dogs who live together. The farm is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Call 530-7412-3 or (038) 296556-8 for more information.

The Khao Khiew Open Zoo covers a vast tract of forest land and is operated by the Zoological Garden Organization. It is located 19 kilometres after a left turn at Bang Phra, about 20 kilometres south of Chon Buri on Sukhumwit Road. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living in their natural habitat. They include both domestic and imported types. 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. Advance booking at Tel: (038) 331485 and 330763.

Chan Ta Then Waterfall. The section of the road close to the fall is quite steep. With five secondary levels, it can be reached on foot along the path running alongside the stream. The best time to visit is between October-November when the water is clear and still plentiful.

Ko Si Chang Districts

Twelve kilometres off the shore of Si Racha is the large island of Si Chang offering pleasant and quite mountain and sea views. It is the site of a summer palace built during the reign of King Rama V. Named Phra Chuthathut Rachathan, the palace is made up of several buildings including halls, villas and a temple, all constructed in Thai-European architectural style. Although abandoned for over a century, several sections have been restored.

Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine which attracts devotees during the Chinese New Year period. Uphill from the shrine is a Holy Footprint and a Chedi (pagoda) housing a holy Relic. From the summit of the hill spreads a panoramic view of the Si Chang Community and a beautiful view of sunrise. Another viewing point is at Tham Chakkraphong where a large Buddha statue is enshrined. If you opt for a sunset view, go to Chong Khao Khat and Hin Phang beach to west of the island.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS:

The Annual Chon Buri Red Cross Fair is held about mid-April. There is a Phra Phutthasihing Procession. Also organised are cultural shows, exhibitons and stalls offering various types of products.

The Buffalo Day is a long-established celebration of this most useful animal of Thai farmers. A fun-filled event, it is held not only in Chonburi itself but also in Ban Bung and Nong Yai districts. The beasts of burden are dressed outrageously or with admirable creativity by owners depending on their imagination. Assembled in the courtryard in front of the townhall, the buffaloes partake in racing, or take part in physical fitness and fashion contests.