Exploring Thailand's East Coast
- S. Priyanka
- May 3, 2018
- 6 min read
Plan your holiday and indulge in a delightful combination of the sun, sand and sea. Explore the many undiscovered wonders of eastern Thailand, while enjoying the visually endless scenic sights!
Thailand's eastern coastal strip encompasses the coastal provinces of Chonburi, Rayong and Trat. This coastal region runs from the east of Bangkok all the way down to the Cambodian frontier at Hat Lek. There are many pleasurable adventures that one can indulge in—a fun time enjoying all the delights of the city, lazing on a quiet beach, a tropical island escape, a sporting vacation with scuba diving, snorkeling or sailing as the top selections or just plain sight seeing!
CHONBURI
The nearest seaside town of Bangkok (80 kilometres), it is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is a popular coastal province among Bangkok residents who seek the nearest escape from hectic weekly schedules, escaping particularly frequently to the seaside resort of Pattaya. Chonburi is also the centre of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project with many industrial parks and fishing villages.
Pattaya
Pattaya is always the hub of electric, young energy. This coastal beauty has always been irresistible to vacation-ers world over, its beaches perpetually bursting with water sports lovers and sun worshippers, sunup to sunset. The nightlife springs out of the streets, where the next party begins – music, drinks and merriment in equal measures for everyone! Only 147km from Bangkok, it is the closest of Thailand's major beach resorts to the capital city.
How to get there?
By car
The best route is to take Highway no.304, Bangkok-Min Buri, passing Chachoengsao province-Bang Pakong into Chonburi.
By bus
From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), there is an air-conditioned bus that operates every hour between 5:40am and 9:00pm.
By train
Every day, from Hua Lamphong Railway Station, there is one train that departs to Phlu Ta Luang Railway Station in Chonburi.
Where to stay?
A One Hotel
Address: 500-501 Pattaya Beach Road
(Sol 3), Banglamung, Pattaya City
Chonburi – 20150
Tel: +(66) 27181030
Website: a-onehotel.com
Tourist attractions
The Laser Beam Carved Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan
A combination of Sukhothai and Lanna arts, this laser beam carved Buddha in Mara posture is 130 metres in height and 70 metres in width on the Khao Chi Chan cliff. This image is called “Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada” and was constructed in 1996 to honour His Majesty, the King. Buddha’s relic is placed within the chest of this image.
Thai Thani: Thai Arts & Culture Village
A new and unique tourist attraction, this arts and culture village simulates the age old traditions of Thailand. The village reproduces a bygone era of the country, preserving what it means to be truly Thai, including culture, traditions, arts and crafts, Thai style activities and performances. Tourists encounter and experience the old Thai way of life and learn to appreciate the beauty of age old architecture, arts and crafts of our country. Guests can also participate in a variety of activities like umbrella painting, pottery making, banana-leaf folding and even take up Thai dancing lessons.
Cartoon Network Amazone Theme Park
Enjoy a world of animated fun at the Cartoon Network Amazone Theme Park. The best feature about this adventure land is that it is not only for children, even adults can have a blast on most rides. It is Asia’s largest aqua playground with curly slides, a giant tipping bucket and other exciting water sports. At the Amazone Theme Park there are more than 150 water adventures to discover.
The Sanctuary of Truth
It is not only a replica of an ancient art, but also intensity of contemporary creation. Inspired from different religions and cultures from world over, the objective of this sanctuary was to preserve and revive ancient knowledge. The Sanctuary of Truth depicts the amalgamation of different religions as a unified aesthetic representation as opposed to sacramental relic. Each wooden carving reflects the thoughts and spirits of different cultures, that the relationship between human beings and the universe. Though building this magnificent structure commenced in the year 1981, the structure is still not complete as the artisans look for perfection in each block of wood.
Walking Street
Most of the nightlife action geared towards tourists is found in the south of Pattaya. Their street has the densest concentration of Go-Go bars, clubs, massage parlours and discotheques along the famous neon-drenched strip known as the ‘Walking Street’. Distinct by nature, it is shut off to traffic during the evening and becomes one huge party zone. With racy shows, bar games, competing boom boxes and lots liquor the entire street is vying to please the crowd at night!
Recommended Restaurant
Suttangrak Restaurant at Jomtien Beach
Address: 99 Moo, 1 Jomtien Beach Na Jomtien
Sattahip, Chonburi - 20250
Tel: +(66) 038232222
RAYONG
Another delightful seaside province located on the east coast of Thailand is Rayong, 179 kilometres from Bangkok. Most of this province is surrounded by mountains that are interspersed with flat plains and large tracts of fruit plantations and forests; however, it is better known for its pristine beaches stretching along its coastline and its scenic waterfalls set amidst exotic surroundings. Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces.
Ko Samet
Ko Samet is a small island in Rayong province that is a popular getaway for Thais and tourists. With its dozens of beach resorts, bars and restaurants on nearly every beach, there is even provision for camping if people want to do so. This island derives its name from the Cajeput trees that grow on the island called “Samet” in Thai. Tourists who visit this island are looking for unspoiled beauty that has plagued other often-visited islands.
How to get there?
By car
Take Highway 344 from Chonburi and drive through Ban Bueng, Nong Yai, Wang Chan to Klaeng district of Rayong. From there you can either take a ferry or drive down to Ko Samet.
By bus
You can opt for the hourly ordinary of second-calss air-conditioned bus from the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road to Rayong anytime between 4:30am to 4:30pm. From there you can drive down to Ko Samet.
Where to stay?
Sae Kaew Resort
Address: 8/1 Moo 4,
Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng,
Rayong 21160
Tel : +(66) 038644195
Website: samedresorts.com/saikaew/
Tourist attractions
Island hopping
When you are on a holiday, island hopping is must! Rayong is made up of many small islands that are inaccessible on foot; it is advisable to take a speedboat to cover all these untouched islands that are close to each other. The islands that can be covered are Ko Talu, Ko Kudee and Ko Man Nork – surprisingly, these three islands are the it-places for snorkeling.
Snorkeling
An excellent pastime, snorkeling is one of those activities that can be enjoyed by almost anyone who has access to the ocean or the sea. Admire the underwater marine life wearing the snorkeling gear! The three uninhabited wild islands are perfect for this activity.
Recommended Restaurant
The Zea Restaurant
Sae Kaew Resort
Address: 8/1 Moo 4,
Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng,
Rayong 21160
Tel : +(66) 038644195
TRAT
Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, located 315 kilometres from Bangkok, bordering Cambodia along the Khao Banthat mountain range, forming a natural boundary between the two countries. With many small and large islands with white, sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, this province offers delightful scenery and a number of tranquil hideouts for beach and nature-lovers.
Ko Chang
Ko Chang, also known as the elephant island is the second largest island of Thailand after Phuket. The island is a dream destination for budget travellers and families with a wide variety of affordable accommodation options and numerous gorgeous and tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear water. In addition to natural beauty, the island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including native birds, snakes, deer, and even a number of elephants. The primary attractions on the island are the beaches, waterfalls, and other close neighbouring islands.
How to get there?
By car
Take Highway 344 and enjoy the scenic drive through Bang Na, Chonburi, Klaeng, Chanthaburi and Trat.
By bus
Take an air-conditioned bus, First Class (Po.1), the journey take approximately 5 hours.
Where to stay?
AWA Hotels & Resorts
6/5/1 Moo 4, Kai Bae Beach
Koh Chang
Trat – 23170
Tel:+ (66) 22616364
Website: awakohchang.com
Tourist attractions
The Spa Ko Chang Resort
The first and finest health destination of Ko Chang, this resort offers the ultimate luxury fasting program. The main objective of this spa is to relieve people who stay here of the stress and strain of Every day life and to provide a therapeutic cocoon for them to recuperate in the most tranquil, peaceful and idyllic paradise possible.
Ban Salak Khok Village
The largest and the oldest community, this fishing village is located on the southern most part of this island. The villagers’ main occupation is coastal fishery in a prime area that is sheltered from winds and storms by islands and mountains. There is also an old temple in front of the village known as Wat Salak Phet built during the reign of King Rama V on his visit to the island.
Elephant Camp at Hat Klong Phraw
Don’t miss out on elephant trekking on this island! A chair is tied on to the body of the elephant, which can comfortably seat two persons at a time. It is the best way to admire the scenic view from this land and also view the inlands, which is not possible on a vehicle. The elephant trek takes tourists through the forest, guided by the locals.
Snorkeling
The best way to admire and appreciate the underwater marine life of Rang and Ko Mak islands is snorkelling. The schools of fish that are underwater are beautiful and it is the best way to explore their natural abode.
Recommended Restaurant
Rimtalay Seafood Restaurant
Address: 199/9 Moo.1, Laem Ngop
Tel: +(66) 081636 8137
Phu Talay Restaurant
Address: Klong Prao Beach, Ko Chang
Tel: +(66) 039551300
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