The Eastern Region of Thailand

Pattaya

Eastern Region

Eastern Region

The Eastern Region of Thailand is home to some truly interesting and popular seaside destinations, with the benefit of being so close to Bangkok. The best months to visit the region is between November to March, the rainy months start around May up to October and the hottest months being March and April. Both local and international tourists enjoy vacationing here because it takes only 2 to 4 hours to reach by car and there is so much to see and do. Here, you can find a wide range of accommodation from gorgeous 5 star resorts to the more basic hotels. The provinces that make up this region include Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Rayong, and Trad.

Pattaya, in Chon Buri province, is a name almost as famous as Bangkok. During the day time, visitors can enjoy all sorts of water sports like sailing, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and so much more. The nearby island called Koh Lan takes only 15 minutes to reach by speedboat from Jomtien Beach. During the day time, all sorts of water sport activities can be found on the town’s various beaches, while at night, South Pattaya is lit up with neon signs as there are countless international restaurants, pubs and bars to choose from.

Chantaburi has always been known for its abundance in rare natural resources of precious-semi precious stones, making the province very popular for gem lovers. Having been inhabited by the French in the early 20^th century, it is also home to the largest Catholic Cathedral in Thailand.

Rayong province has many beautiful islands that can be reached by boat in half an hour from the Ban Phe Pier. The most well-known is Samet Island with it powdery white beaches. Here Haad Saikaew and Ao Vongduem are considered two of the most popular public beaches where their powdery sands are always occupied by sun-bathers during the day and romantic candle lit tables at night. There are also many private beaches like Ao Prao where its serene beach is accessible only by hotel guests. Another “must do” around here is to hire a speedboat going around the main islands and go island hopping to explore the smaller surrounding islands like Ko Mun Nai which is a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty The Queen. The nearby Ko Mun Klang and Ko Mun Nok are worth visiting as well.

Trad province is home to the country’s second largest island, Ko Chang (Elephant Island). Visitors can take their cars over to this huge island on a ferry which leaves the pier every hour. Like most large islands, there are different beaches with different atmosphere and several types of hotels to choose from depending on tourists’ preference. There are also smaller, more exclusive islands nearby ideal for snorkeling or just relaxing. The smaller surrounding islands include Ko Chang Noi, Ko Klum, Ko Ngam, Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya, and Ko Rung.