Chonburi lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The destination has several distinct sides: wildlife takes center stage at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, views and history meet on Ko Si Chang, and at Nong Mon Market you can find local souvenirs and regional dishes. These themes offer concrete starting points for planning your trip, without letting any single way of exploring define the place.
Wildlife and contrasts at Khao Sam Muk
At Khao Kheow Open Zoo, visitors can explore the Eld’s Deer Park, among other areas. The zoo is located in Sriracha, Chonburi. Its collection includes more than 250 animal species and around 3,000 animals. The scale of the collection and the specifically named Eld’s Deer Park offer two different perspectives: one on the diversity of animal species and another on a particular area of the zoo. If you are interested in wildlife, the park can be a focus in its own right.
Khao Sam Muk also offers a contrast between different attractions. A Chinese shrine and cactus gardens are located at its summit, while numerous wild monkeys live on its slopes. The shrine, gardens and animals are distinct features of the hill. This contrast shows that nature and culture can be seen as different aspects of the place without combining them into a single attraction.
Ko Si Chang: Views and Palace History
At Chong Khao Khat on Ko Si Chang, visitors walk along a scenic promenade and watch the sunset in the evening. The view and time of day give this activity a clear focus. It differs from wildlife exploration at Khao Kheow Open Zoo: here, the evening view takes center stage, while there, the focus is on visiting an area of the zoo and its wildlife.
The Phra Chuthathut Palace Museum is also located on the same island. It was established in a former palace, the only old palace on an island in Thailand. During the reign of Rama V, the former palace served as a residence for King Chulalongkorn and the royal family. The museum’s present-day designation and the palace’s former function thus represent two different chapters of its history: its conversion into a museum and its historical use as a royal residence.
Another historical thread leads to Burapha University’s Institute of Marine Science. It developed from the “Museum of Marine Animals and Brine Aquaculture,” which was founded in September 1969. This institutional history adds a different point in time to the palace’s history: the founding of the former museum and the development of today’s institute.
Local Products and Dishes at Nong Mon Market
Nong Mon Market offers local souvenirs, including handmade products. Two dishes also give the market a culinary dimension: Ho Mok is a Thai steamed fish curry, and Khao Lam is sweet sticky rice cooked in bamboo. Souvenirs and food showcase different aspects of the local offerings. If you enjoy looking for keepsakes or discovering regional dishes, the market offers both as concrete starting points for your explorations in Chonburi.
Chonburi brings together a range of different interests: wildlife, an evening view on Ko Si Chang, historical sites and local products. You can choose which of these will shape your trip according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Amphoe Sattahip, Bang Lamung, Na Kluea, Phanat Nikhom, Si Racha, Ang Sila, Nong Ri, Laem Chabang, Nong Khang Khok, Bo Win, Khlong Kiu, Saen Suk, Ban Bueng, Bang Sa-Re, Pong, Na Chom Thian, Khao Sok, Tha Thewawong, Ban Kao, Wat Luang, Khao Khan Song, Thung Khwang, Nong Yai, Pluang Thong, Chon Buri District, Ban Bueng District, Nong Yai District, Phan Thong District, Ban Suan, Nong Sua Chang, Nong Prue, Bang Pla Soi, Nong Samsak, Nong Bon Daeng
For the main travel overview: Thailand.
