Провинция Чонбури (Chon Buri) в Тайланде.

Overview:
Only 80 s from Bangkok. Chon Buri is its nearest seaside province on the eastern coast. The area is rich in natural resources, complete with pretty beaches and clean air. It is a popular resort among local regulars who seek a brief recluse form weekly strain and stress. A gateway ot the East Coast, Chon Buri is also a centre of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages. Its local colours, delicacies, and traditions are its additional charms.

Attractions:
Muang District
Located on Chetchamnong Road in town, Wat Yai Inthraram is an old temple built since the times of Ayutthaya with Ayutthaya-style architectural influence. This is evident from the Ubosot (ordination hall) and Wihan (image hall) with their distinctive Gunwale Curve base, are from the carved wooden door panels at the Mondop (square building with a pyramidal roof) over the Holy Footprints. The Ubosot itself has been renovated during the reign of King Rama lll using glass-ware to adorn the gables and windows. Within the Ubosot are murals covering the entire four walls which have been continuously restored over the years. In front of the temple stands a statue of King Taksin the Great. It is said that the king used to stop here on the way to set up his base in Chanthaburi during the Fall of Ayutthaya in 1767.

The Ho Phra gallery on Wachiraprakan Road about 500 metres from the town hall houses a replica of the Phra Phutthasihing cast in pure silver. An extremely beautiful icon, it is highly revered by townspeople.

A seaside fishing village, Ang Sila is about 5 kilometres from town. Most villagers are skilled in making implements from granite. Items made are mainly mortar and pestle widely used in Thai households in the olden times and figurines of animals such as lion, elephant and horse as decorative items.

Khao Sam Muk is a low hillock situated between Ang Silk and Bang Saen along the road facing the seashore. A habitat of scores of wild monkeys, the hill-top affords a panoramic view of the Bang Saen beach. At the foot of the hill are Thai and Chinese shrines highly respected by visitors. Legend has it that the cliff-top was where two lovers jumped to their death because of parental objection.

A well-known holiday beach, Bang Saen is only 14 kilometres from the provincial town. From Sukhumwit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed on for another 3 Kilometres to get there. Bang Saen is widely popular with Thai holiday-makers who happily romp along the long beach and partake in the tasty food available. Weekends are particularly crowded while it is relatively quite during weekdays. Fronting the beach are hotels, bungalows, food shops as well as recreational gears and bicycles for rent. Bus services are available from Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. There are also local ''Songtaew'' transport serving Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.

The Marine Scientific lnstitute of the Burapha University operates a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment. There is also a marine science museum which is open daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 a.m.until 4.30 p.m. for more information, call (308) 391671-4.

On Sukhumvit Road to Bang Saen is the widely popular Nong Mon Market. It offers a vast range of local products but mostly foodstuffs, both fresh and preserved. Sweets and other local sweetmeats are also popular.

Phanhjat Nikhom District
Long Known for its fine basketry products, Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use. The products were gradually developed into more elaborate and marketable hand-crafted items. The major market is at Talat Chaksan behind the Municipa Market I.To view the production process and higher quality items pay a visit to the Promotion Center Bamboo Basketry Skills on Intha-asa Road near the district office, which is a royally-initiated project of Her Majesty the Queen.

Si Racha District
Ko Loi is a small islet near the northern shore of Si Racha. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, it is a popular location for recreation by the local people. A flight of stairs leads up to the breezy hill-top which offers a delightful view of the sea.

The Si Racha Tiger Farm at Km. 20 on Highway No.36, keeps a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will thrill to see how friendship can be possible among tiger, pigs and dogs who live together. The farm is open daily from 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Call 530-7412-3 or (038) 296556-8 for more information.

The Khao Khiew Open Zoo covers a vast tract of forest land and is operated by the Zoological Garden Organization. It is located 19 kilometres after a left turn at Bang Phra, about 20 kilometres south of Chon Buri on Sukhumwit Road. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living in their natural habitat. They include both domestic and imported types. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., the zoo also puts on shows of well-trained animals and birds. A new feature is the Night Safari Tour by auto-trams. Advance booking at Tel: (038) 331485 and 330763.

About 15 kilometres from Sukhumwit Road on the same route to the Khao Khiew Open Zoo is the Chan Ta Then Waterfall. The section of the road close to the fall is quite steep. With five secondary levels, it can be reached on foot along the path running alongside the stream. The best time to visit is between October-November when the water is clear and still plentiful.

Koh Si Chang Districts
Twelve kilometres off the shore of Si Racha is the large island of Si Chang offering pleasant and quite mountain and sea views. It is the site of a summer palace built during the reign of King Rama V. Named Phra Chuthathut Rachathan, the palace is made up of several buildings including halls, villas and a temple, all constructed in Thai-European architectural style. Although abandoned for over a century, several sections have been restored.

Another popular point for visitors is the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine which attracts devotees during the Chinese New Year period. Uphill from the shrine is a Holy Footprint and a Chedi (pagoda) housing a holy Relic. From the summit of the hill spreads a panoramic view of the Si Chang Community and a beautiful view of sunrise. Another viewing point is at Tham Chakkraphong where a large Buddha statue is enshrined. If you opt for a sunset view, go to Chong Khao Khat and Hin Phang beach to west of the island.

There are daily ferry services between Si Racha and Si Chang. They operate between six in the morning until eight at night. Traveling time is about 30 minutes. On the island are hotels and bungalows. For local transport, motorised tricycles are best, although fares should be settled beforehand.

Festivals:
Chonburi Red Cross Fair is held about mid-April. There is a Phra Phutthasihing Procession. Also organized are cultural shows, exhibitons and stalls offering various types of products.

Chonburi Buffalo Race annually takes place on a day before the full moon of the 11th lunar month (October or November), concurrently with the end of the 3-month Buddhist Lent.

In the festival, water buffaloes and the jockeys will be decorated with colorful cloth bands, flower garlands and other ornaments before vying to win the race. Along side with the buffalo race are the buffalo fancy dressing contest, the healthy buffalo contest and Miss Farmer Pageant. The festival really makes the visitors sense of the indigenous culture of the region.

The origin of the festival was the farmers' idea to seek pleasure during the buffalo trade in the past that took place in Chonburi, the trade center of Thailand's East. Coming with the merchants were the water buffalos used for pulling cargo-carts. The buffalo race was then initiated for fun and friendship before the merchants departed back to their hometowns.

How to get there:
Distances from Amphoe Muang or Chon Buri Town to other districts:

By Car
Chon Buri is one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, a faster trip can be made by taking Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route).

By Bus
The 1.30-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Call : 0 2936 2852-66 for more information. Si Racha Tour Tel: 0 2936 4029 also operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.

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