Chonburi, meaning 'City of Water', is the capital of Chonburi Province and Thailand's seventh-largest city. Located approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand coast, it serves as a vital gateway to the eastern seaboard. Alongside Si Racha and Pattaya, it forms the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, home to nearly one million residents. While the historic town center retains its local charm since gaining municipal status in 1935, the broader urban landscape offers convenient access to both business hubs and coastal leisure destinations. For frequent travelers, Chonburi provides a strategic base with easy connectivity to major regional attractions.
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For authentic local experiences, base yourself in the Mueang Chonburi district, which houses the historic town center. However, many travelers prefer staying in neighboring Si Racha or Pattaya within the same metropolitan area for easier access to beaches and nightlife, while still enjoying Chonburi's central location.
Located about 100 km from Bangkok, Chonburi is easily accessible by road. Within the city and to nearby areas like Pattaya, transportation relies heavily on taxis and songthaews (shared pickup trucks). Public transit options are limited, so planning your routes in advance is recommended for efficient travel.
Chonburi is visitable year-round. The rainy season from June to October brings lush greenery but occasional showers. The cool, dry season between November and February offers the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city's cultural sites.
multi-use stadium in Chonburi Province, Thailand
seaside resort
mountain in Thailand
Buddhist temple located in Bang Saen city, Chonburi province, Thailand
Buddhist temple in Chonburi province, Thailand
zoo in Thailand
Buddhist temple in Chonburi province, Thailand
Chonburi Province
sports stadium in Mueang Chonburi, Thailand
stadium
former zoo in Chonburi, Thailand
multi-purpose stadium
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 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.
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 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.
For a taste of long-established local fare, this eight-decade-old gem that holds itself to exacting standards of cleanliness is a must. Tender braised duck meat with savoury gravy is the signature, best enjoyed with rice; fans of spicy food will relish the house-made dipping condiments.
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