Chonburi: Wildlife, Island History and Local Cuisine

Chonburi lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. There are many different themes to choose from when planning a trip: wildlife at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, views and royal history on Ko Si Chang, and crafts and regional dishes at Nong Mon Market. This variety can be viewed as a selection of different interests rather than a single sightseeing itinerary. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider which of these themes you want to shape your travel plans.

Wildlife and marine history

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is in Sriracha, Chonburi. Visitors can explore areas including Eld’s Deer Park. The zoo is home to more than 250 animal species and around 3,000 animals; these population figures may change over time. The two figures convey the scale from different perspectives: the number of species describes the variety, while the approximate number of animals indicates the total population. Visitors especially interested in animals can find a specifically named area in Eld’s Deer Park, while the figures show the zoo’s broader scale.

Another way to explore the marine theme is through the history of Burapha University’s Institute of Marine Science in Chonburi. It developed from the “Museum of Marine Animals and Brine Aquaculture,” founded in September 1969. The founding date refers to this earlier museum, not to the Institute that later developed from it. Alongside visits to natural sites and markets, there is also an institutional history with a clearly identified starting point.

Ko Si Chang: Views and palace history

The Phra Chuthathut Palace Museum is on Ko Si Chang in Chonburi Province. It was established in an old 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 site’s history is therefore closely connected to its former function. For trip planning, it offers a historical focus that goes beyond simply being a museum.

At Chong Khao Khat on Ko Si Chang, visitors walk along a scenic promenade and watch the sunset in the evening. The island thus offers two distinct perspectives: the history of the former palace and an evening view. If you plan your trip around your interests, Ko Si Chang can offer both a historical and a scenic highlight.

Khao Sam Muk and Nong Mon Market

A Chinese shrine and cactus gardens are located at the summit of Khao Sam Muk. Many wild monkeys live on its slopes. The distinction between the summit and the slopes helps identify the site’s features: the shrine and gardens are at the top, while the animals are on the slopes. This offers different points of interest for visitors interested in culture or nature, without combining them into a single experience.

Nong Mon Market sells local souvenirs, including handmade products. The selection also includes Ho Mok, a Thai steamed fish curry, and Khao Lam, sweet sticky rice cooked in bamboo. The two dishes offer different culinary highlights: Ho Mok is a curry, while Khao Lam combines sticky rice with bamboo. Along with handicrafts, the market offers a guide to souvenirs and regional foods.

Plan your hotel stay around your interests

You can use the experiences described as a starting point when choosing a hotel. If wildlife is important to your trip, make the zoo a focus of your plans; for palace history and a sunset, consider the different experiences on Ko Si Chang. Khao Sam Muk offers highlights including a shrine, gardens and monkeys on the slopes, while Nong Mon Market is known for handmade souvenirs and regional dishes.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Nong Sua Chang, Nong Prue, Chon Buri District, Nong Yai, Pluang Thong, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Amphoe Sattahip, Bang Lamung, Na Kluea, Phanat Nikhom, Si Racha, 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, Bo Win, Ban Bueng District, Nong Yai District, Phan Thong District, Ban Suan, Bang Pla Soi, Nong Samsak, Nong Bon Daeng, Ang Sila, Nong Ri, Laem Chabang, Nong Khang Khok.

For the main travel overview: Thailand.