Chonburi Province Tourism

Sights

Wat Khao Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai 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 is 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 is a tradition that people will proceed up the hill to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint. Moreover, there is a Takbat Thewo, alms-giving ceremony at the end of the Buddhist Lent.

Wat Yai Inthraram Located on Chet Chamnong Road, Mueang Chon Buri, it is 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 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 is highly revered by townspeople.

Wat Thammanimit 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 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 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 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 Situated in the Burapha University at Bang Saen Beach,. It is a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment.

Bang Saen Beach 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 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 On Sukhumvit Road, near the entrance Road, to Bang Saen Beach, is the widely popular Nong Mon Market.

Ko Loi This 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.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 is 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 is a small island on the southern side of Ko Sichang where there is a sandy beach and coral. Amphoe Bang Lamung and Mueang Pattaya

Underwater World is located on the Sukhumvit–Nong Prue Road and is an aquarium where there is 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 is located at 219 Mu 2, Sukhumvit Road. It is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan

Mueang Pattaya

          Hat Pattaya 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 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 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 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 This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

Sanctuary of Truth 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 is another building where there is 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 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 is located on the 3rd floor of the Royal Garden Plaza Department Store, on Pattaya Beach Road. Activities are as follows:

1. The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium 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.

2. Four-Dimensional Cinema is a cinema of the future with a special system, creating a feeling of being in an actual situation among the viewers.

3. The Miracle Labyrinth 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.

4. The Haunting Warehouse Take an adventure in one of the 5 biggest coffin warehouses of the world.

Cabaret Shows  There are two venues of transvestite cabarets in Pattaya.

Tuxedo Magic Castle 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 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 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 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 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 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) 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 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 Located at Km. 155 on Sukhumvit Road, it is 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 This is a fishing village some 16 kilometres south of Pattaya.

Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I 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 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 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 is a beautiful beach under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy and is near the Naval Rating School.

Hat Nang Ram 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 is a little beyond Hat Nang Ram. It is a 200- metre beach with pine trees.

Hat Thian Tale 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 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 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 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 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 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 is near the community centre of the Phanat Nikhom Municipality Office.

Ho Phra Phanatbodi 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 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 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 is 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 is situated at Mu 6, Tambon Sa Siliam. According to legend, it is 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Refer :

Chonburi Province. (2008, May 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:10, May 17, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chonburi_Province&oldid=211429993