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Chon Buri

Chonburi, Bangkoks nearest seaside town, is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from the capital. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local traditions, regional delicacies, and fresh seafood. This is a popular coastal province among Bangkokians who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules, escaping particularly frequently to the seaside resort of Pattaya, though Chonburis smaller, quieter seaside towns are also quite popular with foreigners and Thais alike. In addition to tourism, Chonburi is the center of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.


Chonburi is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, only 80 kilometers from Bangkok. Chonburi is a popular coastal province for weekend warriors from Bangkok who seek the nearest escape; Chonburi, which has something for everyone, rarely fails to disappoint.

The most famous beach town in Chonburi province is Pattaya, one of Asia's premier beach resorts, which caters equally to families, couples, and single visitors. Both Pattaya and Chonburis other coastal towns feature a variety of accommodation ranging from luxurious beachside resorts to simple guesthouses. Dining on seafood is one of the regions top activities, although sports enthusiasts will find numerous golf courses and the full spectrum of beach activities to participate in.

Transport

As a province along one of the most traveled Bangkok weekend getaway routes, Chonburi is easily reached via train, private car, and public bus, including direct services from the airport to Pattaya. It is even possible to fly to nearby U-Tapao from Samui and Phuket on Bangkok Airways. Once in one of Chonburis coastal towns, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaews, motorbike taxis, tuk tuks, and public busses. Its easy to arrange transportation in and around Pattaya.

Getting to and from Chon Buri

  • By Train:
    The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lumphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel: 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.
  • By Car:
    It is a relatively short drive from Bangkok to Chonburi or Pattaya that is easily navigable by visitors in a rental car. It is also possible to hire a taxi to take you to or from Chonburi/Pattaya and Bangkok. These prices are negotiable and highly variable, but you should not pay more than 1200 for the taxi ride in either direction (inclusive of tolls) and can arguably get a cheaper fare back to Bangkok if you can find a Bangkok taxi that needs to return to the capital after dropping someone off at the coast and hanging around for the weekend looking for a return fare.

    To Chonburi:
    Chonburi is a one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, you can take the Motorway (new Bangkok-Chonburi Route), which may even be a faster route.

    To Pattaya:

    Pattaya can be reached in about 2.5-hours along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chonburi and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chonburi by opting for Highway 36, the new Chonburi - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the Motorway from Rama 9 Road.
  • By Bus:


    To Chonburi:
    The 1.5-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular busses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned busses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned busses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

    There are also air-conditioned busses leaving Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Call: 0 2936 2852 for more information. In addition, Si Racha Tour, Tel: 0 2936 4029 operates air-conditioned bus services to Chonburi and Bang Saen.

    To Pattaya:
    Air-conditioned and regular busses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Busses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and from Mo Chit 2 (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel: 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel: 0 2936 2852-66.

    There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel: 0 2535 1111. In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.
  • By Air:
    Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting U-Tapao Airport (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya) to Koh Samui and Phuket (www.Bangkokair.com).

Getting Around Chon Buri

As in most Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the Chonburi beaches and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and some form of tuk tuk are usually available for private charter as well. If you want to travel further afield ask your hotel if they can arrange a car and driver for the day or direct you to the local bus services


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