Others Areas

AMPHOE SATTAHIP

Wat Yan Sangwararam
This is a Royal Temple, 15 kilometres south of Pattaya City, turning left from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometre 160. The temple was dedicated to Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple ground comprises a mondop (religious building with rectangular roof) which enshrines a replica of the Buddha's footprints, a large Pagoda where the relics of the Lord Buddha and those of the Lord Buddha's disciple are enshrined. There are international pavilions representing several countries that dot the grounds, such as Switzerland. There is also the Vihan Sian, a grand and exquisite showcase of Chinese architecture, located at bottom of the hill. For all other attractions, turn left.

Bang Saraye
This is a fishing village about 16 kilometres away from Pattaya City, turning left off Sukhumvit Highway at kilometre 165 for about 2 kilometers. A deep-water bay lies on the southern part of Bang Saray, and is an ideal place for fishing, especially for Pakarang fish. Towards the north, is a park with a beautiful beach perfect for swimming. Boats may be rented for fishing or diving for coral viewing. Bang Saray offers a number of excellent restaurants. It has become a popular place for relaxation and for renting boats for excursions around the vicinity.

Chong Samaesan Village
This is a tiny fishing village along the Sattahip-Tha Rua Phanit Sattahip route, turning left just before one reaches the Sattahip commercial pier. There is a small beach with crystal clear waters. Accommodation is available. Chong Samaesan is another ideal place for diving and fishing. Several islands dot the area, such as Ko Samaesan, Ko Raet, Ko Chuang, and Ko Chan, which all come under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Daytime sightseeing is permitted but overnight lodging is prohibited.

AMPHOE MUANG CHON BURI

Ang Sila
This is a fishing village about 5 kilometres away from Chonburi. Ang Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The village is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone mortars and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and tigers. Ang Sila also boasts a number of seafood restaurants. On the beach, one can find villagers shelling fresh oysters. A wide array of local handicraft is also available for sale to tourists.

Bang Saen Beach
This is a famous beach that has enjoyed lasting popularity. Approximately 13 kilometres from the city of Chon Buri, it branches off to the right-hand side from Sukhumvit Highway, at kilometres 104, for a distance of 3 kilometres. Stretching along the beachfront, it is a 2.5 kilometre Road. Along the beach, one finds vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale. One can rent deck chairs and rubber rings for swimming. Fresh water bathing facilities are also available. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen is ideal for visitors with limited time who wish to relax with their family and friends. It also offers several hotels and bungalows for overnight lodging.

Khao Sam Muk
This is a small hill inbetween Ang Sila village and Bang Saen Beach, along the beachside road from Ang Sila that winds up Sam Muk Hill. At the foot of the hill lies Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk) who is widely revered by the public. The cliff overlooking the sea has become a tourist spot where legend has it that a couple tragically ended their lives together after having vowed their eternal love for each other. The Sam Muk Hill area is inhabited by a larger number of wild monkeys and a beautiful cactus garden.

The Institute of Marine Science
This institute is situated on the campus of Burapha University. The institute evolved from the Aquarium and Museum of Salt Water Animals through the financial assistance received from the Government of Japan. It aims to be the centre of studies on Marine Science, consisting of three parts: the Marine Science Museum, Marine Animal Rearing Center and Marine Ocean Research Laboratory.
The public will be admitted on the following days and times; Weekdays 8.30 a.m.-4 p.m. Government holidays 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays). Call (038)391671-3 for more information.

Nong Mon Market
A market famous for Chonburi's local handicraft and souvenirs about 1 kilometre from the junction leading to Bang Saen. Among its well-known buys are different types of dried seafood, Khao Lam or gluttonous rice baked in bamboo, hor-mok (spicy steamed fish cakes), hoi-jor (deep fried shrimp cakes), sweetened-banana and taro chips, and sweetened fruit preserves.

AMPHOE PHANAT NIKHOM

Basketware Village
Situated at Mu 1-11, Tambon Railakthong, but mostly situated at Mu 10 in the vicinity of Wat Ko Kaeo Khiong Luang, about 4 kilometres from the district along the Phanat Nikhum-Chachoengsao Road and continuing right for a distance of another 4 kilometres. Bamboo is woven into such objects as ladies handbags, baskets, betel nut sets, in various colours and designs. They can be purchased at stalls situated behind the Municipal Daily Market (Talat Kao).

AMPHOE SI RACHA

Ko Loi Si Racha
Located on Thesaban Road, north of Si Racha Market, Ko Loi is a tiny island close to Si Racha Beach, linked to the land by a bridge. On the island is a public park and a Sea Turtle Garden, on lush grounds covering an area of around 1 acre. On the southern side is a small hill with a temple on it. The island is a superb place for relaxation where one can enjoy the natural atmosphere and breathe the fresh sea air while appreciating the scenic view. There is also a pier from which one can board a boat to Ko Sichang as well.

Khao Khieo Open Zoo
Located at Tambon Bang Phra. The zoo can be reached by either one of two ways: First from Sukhumvit, one can follow the Bang Phra Reservoir route passing the Bang Phra Golf Course for another 19 kilometres, or second, follow the new State Highway 36 (Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong) following direction signs. The open zoo, operated by the Dusit Zoo Authority (Khao Din Wana) in Bangkok, has a large number of animals such as deer, bulls, monkeys, gibbons, hippopotami, bears, kangaroos, elephants and peacocks. Visitors can stroll around the grounds and observe the animals closely. There is also a large aviary with hundreds of varieties of birds. The zoo is open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (038) 298187-8 for more information.

Si Racha Tiger Zoo and Resort
Situated at 336 Mu 6, Tambon Surasak, Si Racha District. It is accessible either from Sukhumvit Highway, turning at Si Racha District and following the route pass Assurnplion Si Racha School for around 7.5 kilometres. You can also take State Highway 36 at Kilometre 21, turn left and continue for another 1.5 kilometres. It boasts Thailand's largest number of Bengal tigers, bred successfully by the farm itself. There is also large number of other animals such as crocodiles, ostriches, single hump camels, kangaroos and an aviary of exotic birds.
The farm is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (038) 296556-8 for additional information.

Chantathen Waterfall
Follow the same route leading to Khao Khieo Open Zoo diverging left at the entrance to Wat Khao Mai Daeng. A sign indicates the way to the waterfall, and you then drive down an asphalt road for another 7 kilometres. A car park masks the entrance and there is a 2 kilometre pathway leading to the waterfall lined on both sides by refreshing greenery.

Chantathen Waterfall has 5 levels in height with a distance totaling 1 kilometre. There are two pathways leading up and down: the first path follows along the waterfall itself and the second path along the various levels of rocks, a route that is very popular with visitors who wish to view the waterfall very closely. The best time to visit is right after the end of the rainy season whereas in the dry season water may be less abundant though visitors are able to track up and down the rocks. Chan Ta Then Waterfall is under the supervision of Kho Khieo - Khao Chomplui Wildlife Conservation District District and Khao Khieo Nature and Wildlife Study Station. The station offers camping activities for youths interested in learning more about nature and wildlife.

Persons interested in the Youth Camp for Nature Conservation my write to the Station Chief, P.O. Box 10, Tambon Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha, Chonburi 20210

Ko Sichang
This is a large island in the middle of the sea about 12 kilometres from the Si Racha shore. What attract visitors to the island is its beautiful natural surroundings, tranquil atmosphere and fresh air that have long made the island popular. Circling the island is a narrow road, only a little over 1 metre in width, wide enough only for a motorized tricycle. Chinese pavilion is an ancient pavilion with dragon and peacock motifs. The pavilion was used as a temporary place of lodging when his Majesty King Rama the fifth visited the island.

Chakkraphong Cave
This cave is close to the Chinese Pavilion. A Buddha image is enshrined inside this cave. There is also a duct from which one can climb up to the hilltop to view the scenery of the island.

Chong Khao Khat
Located on the south western side of the island. Villagers call this area the "rear end" of the island. A white sandy beach is found at Chong Khao Khat.

Chao Pho Khao Yai Cave
This cave is on a hill close to Thewawong pier. The large structure is Chinese in design. Inside the cave are monuments devoted to Chinese deities such as Heng Jia, the Goddess Kuan Im's Shrine and the Sakajayana Temple.

The Old Palace Grounds
Situated in a verdant area by the sea. Built during the reign of King Rama the fifth, the palace was once a hospice of royal princes and princesses to recuperate after their illnesses. Several ponds, which are still in good condition, are found in the palace garden. These ponds were bestowed with beautiful names, such as Atsadang and Phirphlen ponds. There are also two temples built at the behest of King Rama the Fifth: Wat Atsadang Nimit with a European style ordinal 'on hall and pagoda, situated on the topmost part of the hill and Wat Chuthathip Rajathammasupha situated in the Bhanuransi Village area in the northern part of the island.

The tourist attractions on Ko Sichang are quite distant from each other. It is more convenient to rent a motorized tricycle from the pier to visit those places. It takes a little over an hour to cover the entire island. The rental should cost around 250 Baht or whatever price you can negotiate.

Travelling to Ko Sichang can be done by a ferry boat which operates daily from Si Racha. Crossing is made every two hours starting from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Ferries leave from piers at Ko Loi Si Racha or at Choem Chomphon pier (Tha Charin) within the town of Si Racha. The fare is 20 Baht per way.