"Chonburi" is a word you've probably seen on street signs in the greater Bangkok area, but it might be a place you've never heard of. That's no problem: Chonburi isn't generally a typical tourist destination for foreigners.

You've probably heard of Pattaya, the absolute highlight of Chonburi. And let me tell you: Pattaya is – whether you love it or hate it – the star of the region, but definitely not the only thing this province on the outskirts of Bangkok has to offer.

This doesn't mean my Chonburi travel guide is complete, although I hope it will become more comprehensive over time. But it offers a better starting point than pretty much any other source on the internet!

Where to stay in Chonburi

It will come as no surprise that many of the best hotels in Chonburi are located in Pattaya, be it the Hilton Pattaya, the Dusit Thani Pattaya, or a smaller boutique hotel. Or in the Pattaya area, such as the Sala Pattaya on the popular Jomtien Beach or the luxurious Yizen Beachfront Seaview Villa near the (in my opinion, overrated) Sanctuary of Truth.

However, this doesn't mean these are the only accommodations in Chonburi. For example, you could choose the Xanadu Beach Resort on Koh Larn, but the surrounding area is difficult to explore from there. Better options are accommodations on the mainland, such as the Novotel Marina in Si Racha or the Akard Private Villas in Sattahip, a beach resort that few non-Thais know about.

The best sights in Chonburi

Pattaya

What has already been written about Pattaya (let alone on this website) that I could add here? To summarize my previous points: I think that Pattaya – at least parts of Pattaya – has left the darkest chapters of its past behind, whether you're shopping in Central Pattaya, visiting the Sanctuary of Truth, or enjoying the view from Pattaya Hill.

Koh Larn

Another way to spice up your Chonburi trip? Take a speedboat or ferry from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya to Koh Larn. While not quite as idyllic as Koh Lipe or Koh Samui, the island offers breathtaking viewpoints, beautiful beaches, and excellent snorkeling – no wonder, since "larn" is the Thai word for "coral".

Si Racha

I might be a little biased, as my husband is from Si Racha. While no one has yet built a kitschy tourist attraction there (I personally would love to build a giant bottle of the city's namesake sauce), there is plenty to see and do, whether on the mainland at the Wat Khao Phra Kru temple or off the coast on the island of Koh Loi.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past twelve months, you've probably heard of Moo Deng, the most famous resident of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi Province. The zoo's general condition is sorry—and let's face it, that's true of most zoos in Asia—but hey, when do you ever get the chance to see a world-famous star (even if she's asleep)?

Day trips from Chonburi

In the next paragraph, I'll discuss whether Chonburi is suitable for a day trip from Bangkok (spoiler alert: yes!). However, if you'd like to plan an overnight stay – which I highly recommend – there are numerous day trips available from Chonburi. These include Chachoengsao, an underrated province north of Chonburi characterized by the Bang Pakong River, and the coastal paradise of Rayong with the island of Koh Samet.

Is it possible to visit Chonburi as part of a day trip from Bangkok?

From Bangkok, numerous day trips to Chonburi are easily accessible. Pattaya is particularly recommended, but I've even visited Koh Larn and Si Racha under certain circumstances. The distance and travel time are so short that an overnight stay isn't necessary for logistical reasons, except in absolute emergencies. There are many options for a day trip to Chonburi!

However, I would like to point out that there are situations where an overnight stay makes sense – and not just to experience the sunset or sunrise the next morning. In particular, if your trip to Chonburi takes you to several destinations, it makes little sense to return to Bangkok in between. Furthermore, I generally believe that spending the night and waking up in a particular place deepens your connection to that location.

Other frequently asked questions about visiting the Thai province of Chonburi

Is Chonburi near Bangkok?

Depending on your exact destination in Chonburi and your starting point in Bangkok, your travel time can range from one to three hours. Generally speaking, however, Chonburi is one of the provinces closest to Bangkok, right after the suburban provinces of Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi.

What is there to do in Chonburi?

Chonburi offers countless leisure activities, whether you want to enjoy the beaches and beer (and maybe the ladies) in Pattaya, visit the morning market in Si Racha, take a boat trip to Koh Larn island, or visit the world-famous Moo Deng at her zoo. Not to mention the fantastic food there!

How much does a taxi cost from Bangkok to Chonburi?

Depending on how unscrupulous your taxi driver is (and whether he even accepts the fare), you can expect to pay around 1,000 THB for a one-way trip from Bangkok to most places in Chonburi province. However, this price can be significantly higher if you book a private car through your hotel, use the Grab app, or simply fall victim to a scammer and don't realize how much money they're trying to rip you off.

Conclusion

I hope my Chonburi travel guide is helpful, whether you're only visiting Pattaya or also want to explore other destinations like Si Racha and Koh Larn. Although Chonburi is often overshadowed by Bangkok, it's a diverse and interesting place well worth visiting, especially with your own car. This can be particularly motivating if you don't have enough time for long-haul flights in Thailand or simply don't want to cover too much ground. Need help planning your Thailand trip and want to include charming Chonburi in your itinerary? Then create your personalized itinerary today!