Thailand Chon Buri Tours

Chon Buri province sits on the Gulf of Thailand coast southeast of Bangkok, and within the broader Thailand Tours lineup it is most closely associated with Pattaya, a beach resort city that grew from a fishing village into one of the country's largest coastal destinations. The drive from Bangkok takes roughly two hours, making it a common weekend or short-break option for travelers based in the capital.

Pattaya's tourism industry took shape in the 1960s and 1970s, when it grew as a rest and recreation stop, before developing into the large-scale resort city now lined with hotels, restaurants and nightlife along Beach Road and Walking Street. Beyond the city beach itself, the coastline includes quieter stretches such as Jomtien Beach to the south and Wong Amat Beach to the north, along with day-trip islands a short boat ride offshore.

Koh Larn and the Islands

Koh Larn, often called Coral Island, sits about 30 to 45 minutes offshore by speedboat or ferry and is the most common island day trip from Pattaya, with several beaches offering clearer water than the mainland shoreline. Tawaen Beach on the island's west side is the main arrival point and busiest stretch of sand, while smaller beaches such as Samae offer a quieter alternative a short ride away. Boat trips typically combine island time with watersports such as parasailing or snorkeling, with departures running throughout the day from Bali Hai Pier.

Nong Nooch and Family Attractions

South of the city, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden has operated since 1980 and covers a large landscaped site with themed garden areas, a cactus collection and daily cultural shows featuring Thai dance and elephant performances. The Nong Nooch Garden Pattaya Tour Cultural Show and Nature Experience typically bundles admission, transport and lunch with the scheduled show times, making it a straightforward half-day trip from Pattaya hotels. Families visiting Chon Buri also head to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Si Racha, a large open-range zoo roughly 40 minutes from Pattaya.

Bang Saen and Other Escapes

North of Pattaya, Bang Saen draws a largely domestic crowd of visitors from Bangkok and nearby provinces, with a calmer beach atmosphere and seafood restaurants along the shorefront. Pattaya itself also holds sites away from the beach, including the Sanctuary of Truth, an all-wood temple structure on the northern coast that has been under construction using traditional Thai joinery techniques since 1981. Together, these options give visitors an alternative to Pattaya's denser hotel strip and nightlife district for at least part of a stay.