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Chonburi - Just about everything!


Contents
Chonburi (Thai: ชลบุรี) 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.

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.

Symbols

The provincial seal shows the hill Khao Sam Muk, on which a holy joss-house is located. The local people believe that the spirit of that mountain protects the fishermen from harm. 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.

1.  Mueang Chonburi 2.  Ban Bueng 3.  Nong Yai 4.  Bang Lamung 5.  Phan Thong 6.  Phanat Nikhom

7.    Si Racha 8.    Ko Sichang 9.    Sattahip 10.  Bo Thong 11.  Ko Chan

Tourism

Sights

Wat Khao Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai (วัดเขาพระพุทธบาทบางทราย) Inside the Mondop–a square building with a crown-like cupola- resides the Buddha’s footprint. 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.

Phra Phutthasihing Shrine (หอพระพุทธสิหิงค์) 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 >  (วัดธรรมนิมิตต์) 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.


Ang Sila (อ่างศิลา) is a seaside fishing village. 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.

Wihan Thep Sathit Phra Kitti Chaloem or Nacha Sa Thai Chue Shrine (วิหารเทพสถิตพระกิติเฉลิม หรือ ศาลเจ้าหน่าจาซาไท้จื้อ) It is a Chinese shrine. It is a 4-storey building decorated in the extraordinary Chinese architectural art and housing various Chinese deity images.

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.

Ko Loi (เกาะลอย) 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 (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) This famous zoo operated by the Zoological Garden Organization and covers a vast tract of forestland. 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.

Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเขาใหญ่) 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.

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. 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.

Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์) 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. Moreover, there are marine lives feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone.

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.

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.

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 is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) 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 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.

Pattaya Elephant Village (หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา) 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) 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) 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. 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.

Bottle Art Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปในขวดแก้ว) 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Open Eyes Show (เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์) 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.

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.

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)) 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.

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) At the entrance are situated international pavilions. 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.

Bang Sa-re (บางเสร่) This is a fishing village some 16 kilometres south of Pattaya.


Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I ((วัดสัตหีบ หรือ วัดหลวงพ่ออี๋) 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.

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.

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) 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. 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) Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles.

Ho Phra Phanatbodi (หอพระพนัสบดี) It is a place where a replica of Phra Phanatbodi (Vanaspati) is enshrined. It is a dignified standing Buddha image whose age is approximately 1,200-1,300 years. It was elaborately engraved out of a delicate black stone.

Sa Siliam (สระสี่เหลี่ยม) 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.

The Basketry Village (หมู่บ้านจักสาน) is located at Mu 1-11, Rai Lak Thong Sub-district. Bamboo will be woven into purses, baskets, betel sets, etc. in colourful, beautiful and modern patterns.

Khao Cha-ang (เขาชะอางค์) It is an isolated limestone mountain standing on a plain and an important source of gold and antimony. 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) 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.

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.

Agro-tourism
Attractions Silver Lake Vineyard 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

Ko Kham Underwater Park >  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 under-water 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 This is Chon Buri’s special delicacy which uses the same ingredients as Ho Mok 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 This Chinese delicacy is Chon Buri’s famous dish because a special kind of sea crabs is used as the main ingredient.

Khao Lam This specialty is made with sticky rice, sugar and coconut cream cooked in specially-prepared bamboo rods.

Stone Products 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 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 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. Various kinds of artificial fruits made of clay in miniature size are made, dried by sunlight and painted in actual colours. Then, they are wind dried again.


Festivals

Wan Lai Festival 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 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 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 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.

Chon Buri Buffalo Race
This is a long-established celebration of this most useful animal of Thai farmers. A fun-filled event, it is 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.