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Our Guide to Chonburi How This Seaside City Makes You Want to Come Back Over and Over Again

Our Guide to Chonburi: How This Seaside City Makes You Want to Come Back Over and Over Again!

| Last Updated: June 2024

Sometimes when your workweek is up to the neck, a quick respite is what you need to get back in form. And that’s how I came to value Chonburi when working in Bangkok—two hours on the steering wheel and you’re there. 

I especially fell for Pattaya. Even when my car navigated Pattaya Beach Road, I was already in awe—amazed by the breathtaking backdrop of the deep blue sea against the rows of modern buildings and lines of beautiful coconut trees.

Well, that was just the start of my love affair with Chonburi and I’ve been smitten ever since. Here, we’ll let you in on all the wonderful things you need to know to make you want to keep coming back to this side of Eastern Thailand! Let’s go!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Chonburi, Thailand

Best Time to Visit Chonburi

The best time to visit Chonburi is during the cool and dry season from November to February. During this time, the province will have bright, sunny days with little to no chance of rainfall which is perfect for sightseeing and beach activities.

Moreover, the cool temperature means you can explore Chonburi to the fullest at any time of the day.

How to Get to Chonburi

Rental Car: Driving a rental car from Bangkok is the fastest way to get to Chonburi. After all, it only takes approximately 1 hour to complete the 100-kilometer drive.

The drive is also straightforward since you only need to use the Bang Na – Chonburi Expressway and follow the exit to Debaratna Road. Keep driving via this road and switch to Chonburi Bypass until you reach the city center.

Tourists must present a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bangkok.

Taxi: If you can’t drive or rent a car in Bangkok, you can also hire a taxi to Chonburi. This should only take the same time as driving a rental car.

Train: For budget travelers, the train at Bangkok’s Hua Lampung Station is a solid option to get to Chonburi. Train tickets are cheap but expect the ride to Chonburi to take up to 3 hours.

Where to Stay in Chonburi

Novotel Marina Sri Racha

Media from novotel.sriracha

Address: 339 Jerm Jom Phon Road, Sri Racha District

Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 33 265 888

Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/9775/index.en.shtml

Pricing: ฿฿

Novotel Marina Sri Racha is an upscale seaside hotel in Chonburi set in an excellent and strategic location. Aside from its modern polished rooms with dramatic ocean views, it’s close to some of the most popular attractions in the province.

This includes Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and Space Inspirium. That makes it ideal for tourists who want quick access to the best family vacation spots in Chonburi. 

This hotel also has some chic private pool villas which are a great option for couples. These provide a sizable sitting area and balcony overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien

Media from oceanmarinapattaya

Address: 274/1-9 Sukhumvit Road, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 38 255 888

Website: https://www.oceanmarinaresort.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

This upscale resort south of Jomtien Beach is a solid option for families looking for a mid-range option with plenty of great facilities and services. Think fitness center, exercise room, kid’s club, kiddie water playground, outdoor pool, and yacht charter.

Ocean Marina Resort Pattaya Jomtien is also next to a quiet bay which lets you escape the more hectic beach spots in Pattaya City. That’s why it’s popular among vacationing families who want to give their kids a wholesome and safe beach experience.

They also have furnished nautical-themed rooms that boat and sailing enthusiasts will definitely love.

Royal Wing Suites & Spa Pattaya

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Address: 353 Phra Tamnak, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 38 250 424

Website: https://www.royalwingsuites.com/

Pricing: ฿฿฿

If you prefer a luxury hotel with top-of-the-line facilities, services, and a superb ocean view, there’s Royal Wing Suites & Spa Pattaya. It’s one of the best hotels in Chonburi, so expect lavish suites with an exclusive beachfront and top-tier amenities fit for a king.

In fact, the king of Thailand officially opened this hotel which is why it’s a popular choice among celebrities and other royalties. That makes it ideal for travelers who want to experience the ultimate VIP treatment you can get out of Chonburi Province.

They also offer special packages for traveling couples and families who want to visit the nearby Pattaya Dinosaur Kingdom. Or, you can let your kids have fun at the hotel’s 200-square-meter indoor play zone with fun slides, a maze, a wave cave, and more.

Where to Eat in Chonburi

Khao Soi Chiang Mai Kru Aor

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Address: 315/12 Pattaya 3rd Road, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Wednesday – Monday)

Contact Number: +66 81 530 5995

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083131040849

Pricing: ฿

The place to go if you crave affordable and traditional northern Thai food like khao soi, chao kuai, and khao khluk kapi. Going here gives you the best chance to try authentic dishes from the northern regions even though you’re far back in Chonburi.

Our favorite item from their menu is the khao soi. It’s a spicy chicken curry noodle dish with a creamy coconut broth seasoned with turmeric, Thai peppercorns, and white cardamom.

Aside from that, don’t forget to try their other food offerings. They have a small menu of affordable northern delicacies, so you won’t break the bank sampling these exquisite dishes.

Media from theskygallerypattaya

Address: 400 Village 12, Phra Tamnak, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 2 114 3014

Website: https://www.facebook.com/theskygallerypattaya/

Pricing: ฿฿

The Sky Gallery is the top pick if you’re looking for a romantic date spot for your boo. Its alfresco beachfront dining area is a wooden sun deck with a breathtaking ocean view and plenty of chic round seating options.

These seats are made with woven bamboo, giving it a stylish tropical vibe. This place also doesn’t mess around when it comes to food since it has a massive menu consisting of Thai and Western cuisines, from grilled lobsters to Italian pasta and risotto.

However, our top picks are the “for share” options: pulled pork nacho guacamole, french fries, sweet potato fries, baked spinach, fried calamari, buffalo wings, and more. They’re perfect for couples who want to get the best value for their money.

Krua Rom Mai Thai

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Address: 35 Village 9, Sukhumvit Road, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 700 8176

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006317650931

Pricing: ฿-฿฿

If you’re looking for halal-certified food in Chonburi, go to Krua Rom Mai Thai. This restaurant is a big hit with the local Islamic community, so we think it’s definitely worth checking out while you’re in Pattaya City.

They even have a sizable menu, so there are plenty of options to go for. But the dish to look out for the most is the seafood tom yum with squid, shrimp, and a lot of veggies.

It has small and large serving options, so it’s perfect for solo or group tourists. Aside from that, the foodies on our team swear by their succulent blue crab and sweet mango sticky rice, so every tourist should try them as well.

What to See and Do in Chonburi

Visit the Sanctuary of Truth

Media from sotm_thailand

Address: 206, 2 Pattaya-Na Kluea Road, Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 

  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
  • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 38 110 654

Website: https://sanctuaryoftruthmuseum.com/

Admission Costs: 500 baht

The Sanctuary of Truth, also known as Prasat Satchatham, is a unique and popular attraction tourists shouldn’t miss during their Chonburi trip. It’s made from handmade wood carvings with a lot of intricate designs, so it’s definitely worth seeing at least once.

In fact, the builders put so much effort into creating every part of the temple with so much detail it’s still unfinished to this day. That also means you can get a close look at the temple’s incredible wooden constructions.

But its interiors are mostly complete, so you can already admire the intricate designs on its carved walls, ceilings, and Buddha images. That makes it ideal for fans of wooden architecture.

Take a boat trip to Chonburi’s Coral Island

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Address: Koh Lan, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Koh Larn or Koh Lan, also known as Coral Island, is a fan favorite in Chonburi. It’s a paradise island off the coast of Pattaya City which offers plenty of pristine beaches, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails.

That’s why it’s popular among local and foreign nature lovers who frequent Chonburi. Moreover, the island’s beautiful coastlines have numerous snorkeling and diving spots where tourists can observe scores of bright corals and other marine life.

Soak in the stunning scenery at the Grand Canyon Chonburi

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Address: 20000 Chon Buri Bypass, Huai Kapi, Chon Buri District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Grand Canyon Chonburi is an abandoned mine that became one of the province’s most picturesque attractions. Here, you can find a dedicated viewing area where visitors can admire its emerald-green lake surrounded by a massive gray stone cliff.

The lake looks particularly vibrant during sunny days, so it’s definitely best to visit during the dry season. Otherwise, it turns dark during the monsoon season which gives the place a gloomier vibe.

There’s also a quarry where you can take plenty of excellent photos with the mine’s leftover stones and gravel.

Explore the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden

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Address: 34 Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 919 2153

Website: https://www.nongnoochpattaya.com/th/

Admission Costs: 600 baht (Adults), 400 baht (Kids)

The place to go for weekend family outings in Chonburi. Nong Nooch Botanical Garden is a vast themed park with stunning landscaped gardens, massive dinosaur statues, temple structures, and a Stonehenge-like megalithic display at the center.

That means you’ll find numerous interesting sights and photo opportunities during your visit. Aside from that, they also have car exhibits, fun rides, and elephant shows, so you’re also covered for entertainment.

Moreover, they have an animal sanctuary where you can meet elephants, tigers, and giraffes.

Experience the bustling atmosphere at Pattaya Beach

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Address: Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Pattaya City is arguably the most popular tourist destination in Chonburi and its bustling beach is definitely the biggest highlight. It’s a place where visitors can laze under the sun, enjoy numerous watersports, and join electrifying night parties.

That’s why going here is the best way to experience Pattaya to the fullest. The popular activities you can try here include parasailing, jet skiing, sunbathing, getting a beach massage, and bar hopping.

Enjoy a more relaxed vibes at Jomtien Beach

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Address: Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Jomtien Beach is a beautiful beach that every tourist in Pattaya City should visit. This underrated beach is dotted with tall palm trees and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, so it’s the perfect spot if your goal is to escape huge tourist crowds.

That makes it ideal for tourists who want to enjoy beach activities and watersports in peace. Plus, this is a long beach, so you won’t have any issues finding a good restaurant, bar, or street food stall for your food and drink needs.

You’ll even find shops selling essential beach items: floaters, swimwear, sand toys, and more.

Admire the giant Buddha carving in Khao Chi Chan

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Address: Soi Khao Chi Chan, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)

This Buddhist attraction in Chonburi is unique. Instead of a giant golden statue, it has a massive Buddha image carved on a mountain’s rock wall which is a one-of-a-kind sight that every tourist should definitely check out.

That’s why it’s a popular tour destination that attracts huge crowds of local and foreign visitors who like to witness and photograph its unique carved Buddha. It’s also a great place to visit for a day since local vendors sell food and drinks here.

Tour Viharn Sien

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Address: 1000 Village No. 11 Bang Lamung District

Operating Hours: 

  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Weekdays)
  • 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Weekends)

Contact Number: +66 38 343 555

Website: https://www.facebook.com/viharnrasien

Admission Costs: 50 baht

Viharn Sien is a Chinese-style temple and museum in Chonburi perfect for fans of arts and antiques. Moreover, this place has multiple exhibits featuring figures of popular Chinese and Buddhist deities, so you get plenty of great photo subjects.

It also has historical information about Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China which makes it a must-visit for history buffs. However, our team’s favorite was the museum’s incredible display of the emperor’s famous terracotta army.

FAQs about Chonburi

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