Chon Buri, meaning 'City of Water', is Thailand's seventh-largest city and the capital of Chon Buri Province. Located approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand coast, it forms a major conurbation with Si Racha and Pattaya, boasting a metropolitan population nearing one million. While its historic town center holds administrative significance since 1935, the broader urban landscape serves as a strategic gateway for frequent travelers. For hotel guests, Chon Buri offers a blend of local culture and convenient access to the region's famous beach destinations, making it an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Seaboard without the intense crowds of Pattaya itself.
🕐 Asia/Bangkok · 💱 THB
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For hotel stays, the Mueang Chonburi district offers a glimpse into the city's historic core, while areas closer to Si Racha provide easier access to coastal attractions. Most accommodations are situated in the central urban zones, offering convenient connectivity to both the local town center and the broader Pattaya-Chonburi metropolitan area.
Chon Buri does not have its own airport but is well-connected by road, located about 100 km from Bangkok. Travelers typically use buses, trains, or private cars to reach the city. Within the urban area, local transport options like songthaews and taxis are available for navigating the district and connecting to nearby tourist hubs like Pattaya.
The best time to visit Chon Buri is during the cool and dry season from November to February, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season from June to October sees more precipitation but fewer crowds, offering a quieter experience for travelers comfortable with occasional showers.
seaside resort
multi-use stadium in Chonburi Province, Thailand
Buddhist temple in Chonburi province, Thailand
Buddhist temple located in Bang Saen city, Chonburi province, Thailand
mountain in Thailand
Buddhist temple in Chonburi province, Thailand
For over 60 years, this dessert stall has served classic sweetened sticky rice in the traditional way – cooked in bamboo with fresh coconut milk. Choose from original white or aromatic black sticky rice, garnished with taro, black beans, or ginkgo nuts; available in three portion sizes.
This place near Bang Saen beach has been popular with tourists for decades. The signature is, of course, pla tu (Thai mackerel), but the menu extends from seafood options such as sillago, sea bass and local scallops – all cooked in classic Thai style – to crispy deep-fried mackerel cheek with a chilli-garlic aroma that's addictive. If you prefer a milder taste, the staff are happy to adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
Attracting younger diners, this eatery has a reputation for fresh, affordable Thai seafood of uncompromising quality. The generous portions with sweet seasonings are good for sharing; the deep-fried mackerel with fish sauce is a must for its crispy skin and tender meat.
This local kitchen serves bold Thai flavours with fresh seafood and some wild meats in generous portions. The menu is based on the day's catch supplied by local fishers. Expect spicy, good-quality and honestly executed dishes, with curry pastes pounded by hand. They are renowned for their jungle curry soups: choose from a selection of wild meats and then sit back and embrace the intensity of the dark aromatic broth with ginger roots and Thai aubergines.
With its wooden furniture and rustic charm, this is a delightful spot for an early breakfast or lunch. The real star here is the soup with aromatic dried squid and pork ribs imparting rich flavour. Each tasty spoonful is testament to the traditional recipe.
This unassuming noodle joint in a quiet alley offers a different take on yen ta fo with squid egg. The well-seasoned dry kao lao also impresses. The menu is short (and only in Thai) but the cooking is heartfelt, portions are honest, and prices fair. A favourite among locals.
Still drawing crowds 70 years on, Apollo Pork Satay is known for its tender pork, liver and intestine skewers – grilled to perfection and served with sweet satay and fresh Acar cucumber. The house-made crab rolls are a crisp, flavoursome bonus, to try with plum or seafood sauce.
Known for traditional Thai cooking, this long-established institution in Chon Buri serves royal-style dishes and classic local recipes that are hard to find nowadays. After starting with Thai royal snacks, try the crisp catfish with curry paste, or one of the rich lon relishes with your choice of protein. Cooked to order, some plates take a while. The décor reflects its long history, while the food continues to draw locals and tourists alike. Vegetarian options are available.
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