Eastern Thailand. Exploring the East Coast

The Thai Kingdom is one of the most hospitable countries in the world. Having been here once, you want to come back again and again. Eastern Thailand is considered one of the smallest regions of the country. In addition to being rich in natural resources, it also offers good conditions for tourism. Within its borders are the best bays and beaches where you can safely spend a single day.

There are many resorts within eastern Thailand that can be considered even for an extended holiday. Each of them has certain features, some will be an excellent option for youth recreation, while others are suitable for a secluded pastime. Let's take a closer look at the resorts on the east coast.

Pattaya

The most famous resort is Pattaya, which is 150 kilometers away from Bangkok. Many people dream of coming here. In Pattaya you can find beaches, hotels to suit every taste and budget, a wide variety of entertainment, excellent shopping centers for shopping, interesting places and attractions that can diversify any vacation. The resort will also be appreciated by lovers of active pastime; almost all types of water sports are represented here. Nightlife is also rich and varied. Fishing connoisseurs will be able to visit the village of Bang Sare, where hunting for various inhabitants of the Gulf of Thailand is organized.

Rayong

Rayong Resort is also located close to Bangkok, making it quick and inexpensive to get to. The entire province consists of 7 districts, the capital in the city of the same name - Rayong. In terms of tourism, the resort has been developing since the 80s of the twentieth century. The province is proud of its sandy beaches, which stretch for 100 kilometers along the Gulf of Thailand.

Within Rayong there are valuable thermal springs, the waters of which are used for spa treatments. Due to the fact that there is a coral reef near the coast, the resort is considered an excellent place for diving.

Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang is one of the largest islands in Thailand, where untouched nature is still preserved. The name of the island translates as “elephant,” which in turn is considered the country’s sacred animal. Most of Koh Chang is covered by tropical jungle, and some of the beaches remain wild. Only 20% of the entire island area has been developed. There are quite comfortable hotels, excellent restaurants, bars and discos. Despite this, Koh Chang is great for a relaxing family holiday.

Samet Island

Also, the Rayong resort is not deprived of attractions, but there are much fewer of them here than in Pattaya and its environs. Read about it in my separate article.

Of the islands in the eastern part of the Thai Kingdom, only Koh Chang has attractions. There are not very many of them there, but there is something to see. I described it in a separate article. The remaining islands are more suitable for a beach holiday; there are practically no interesting places there.

Sea and beaches

The eastern part of Thailand is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, which in turn belongs to the South China Sea. As for the beaches, they differ significantly depending on the resort. The coastline of Pattaya is long, but the sea is not very transparent and clean.

If you want to find azure seas and white beaches, then you should go to the islands. The most famous in this part are Ko Samet, Ko Chang, Ko Kood and Ko Mak. They are ready to offer you the best beaches.

The water temperature in the Gulf of Thailand allows you to swim in it throughout the year. During the high season, the sea often warms up to +30 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, the temperature drops slightly and the sea waves rise. Water clarity also varies depending on seasonality. During the rainy season, the water in the bay becomes cloudy due to constant waves and winds.

Airports

There are only two airports in the eastern part of Thailand. U-Tapao is located on a naval base between Pattaya and Rayong. It has international status and works with airlines such as Bangkok Airways and Air Asia. From the airport you can fly to China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Among domestic destinations, Phuket, Samui, and Chiang Mai are especially popular. During the high season, the airport receives flights from some Russian cities, in particular from Siberia. The infrastructure of the complex is not very developed, however, there are cafes, shops, and a duty-free shopping area on its territory.

The second airport in the east of the country is located near the city of Trat. It is small and began operating only in 2002. It works with the airline Bangkok Airways, which operates flights to the capital. The flight is no more than one hour. The airport is convenient for those planning to visit islands such as Koh Chang, Kood, Mak or Wai. Next to it there is a pier, from where ferries depart in the desired direction.

Eastern Thailand on the map

On this map I have marked the main resorts in the eastern part of the Kingdom.

Eastern Thailand is an interesting place in terms of tourism. Due to the abundance of different resorts, absolutely everyone will find something to their liking here. The most important advantage is that all the tourist spots are located relatively close to Bangkok. Prices for tourist services in the eastern part of the country are much lower, especially when compared with the south of the Kingdom.

The resorts and islands of Thailand's East Coast, within easy reach of Bangkok, attract a diverse crowd of weekenders, adventure seekers and pampered tourists. Transport links are good, prices tend to be more reasonable than the southern resorts, and if you're heading to Cambodia overland, the eastern beaches provide a great opportunity to pamper yourself on the way there before venturing into the more challenging conditions of the border area.

You will find the whitest sand on those islands that are located at some distance from the mainland; its 500-kilometer strip looks sadly gray. The hotels here cater more to groups of Thai tourists than to single foreigners admiring the skyline. In addition, the discovery of oil and natural gas deposits in coastal waters has turned the first 100 kilometers of coastline into an unsightly industrial area with landscape features such as oil refineries and warehouses, sometimes called the "Eastern Coast".

However, things are different away from the coast, and the islands' beaches are just as stunning as the famous southern resorts. The first place to stop is a city 100 kilometers from Bangkok called Si Racha, from where you can get to the small island of Koh Si Chang. Its picturesque rugged coastline and tranquil atmosphere make the island a great holiday destination. The complete opposite is (Pattaya), located just half an hour south.

A prime destination for package tours, visitors here are predominantly middle-aged Chinese and Western men lured by the resort's unconventional industry. They are not embarrassed by unattractive beaches. The situation improves when the coast turns east and reveals the island of Koh Samet. This is one of the most beautiful resorts in Thailand, which can be easily reached from Bangkok.

East of Ban Phe the landscape becomes more mountainous and the vegetation thicker as you approach Chanthaburi, the center of the gem trade and one of the two regional centers worth visiting. Another good island is Trat, located 68 kilometers along the highway. From here you can get to Koh Chang - a large, tourist-oriented island with excellent long beaches and wonderful hotels.

A cluster of smaller islands with less developed infrastructure forms (Koh Chang), where there are the beautiful islands of Koh Whai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Located east of Koh Chang, the Cambodian border post at Hat Lek is one of two main points in the area (the other being Aranyaprathet, slightly further north) where you can officially cross the Cambodian land border.

Highway 3 runs along almost the entire East Coast of Thailand, starting in Bangkok on Thanon Sukhumvit Street and known by the same name in the cities it cuts through. Hundreds of buses ply along the road, connecting all major settlements on the mainland. You can travel between the East Coast and the Northeast without having to return to the capital. Most direct flights to Isan depart from Pattaya, Rayong and .

There are two airports on the East Coast. U-Tapao Naval Base, halfway between Pattaya and Rayong, hosts Bangkok Airways flights to and from Phuket. From an airport near Trat, Bangkok Airways flies to and from Koh Samui. Although Bangkok is connected by train to Si Racha and Pattaya, the line only carries a very slow train once a day. The train runs twice a day to Aranyaprathet near the Cambodian border.

Top attractions on the East Coast

1). (Koh Si Chang) – A small, exclusively tourist-inhabited island with rocky shores, stunning scenery and an attractive, relaxing atmosphere;

There are several provinces on the East Coast: Trat, Chantburi and Rayong. Along the entire coast, we will see the amazing beauty of snow-white beaches, which harmoniously coexist with rocky islands near the border with Cambodia. What is important and interesting is that the export industry is quite widely developed in this region, because such world giants as Michelin, General Motors, Mitsubishi and Ford have located their production facilities in the region. But it is also worth noting that this does not in any way affect the nature and worldview of this region. Of course, the main tourism point on the East Coast is the famous city of Pattaya, but this is not the only place where you can wonderfully relax and gain strength in Thailand. We decided to introduce you to all the interesting resorts on the East Coast of Thailand.

Pattaya.

Many will agree with the opinion that one can talk about it endlessly, because this particular corner of the earth is for many tourists one of the most mysterious places on earth. After all, this small town miraculously combines on its territory the pristine beauty of the surrounding nature and all the modern benefits of civilization. You will be offered everything that is available in modern and developed resorts in the world, for example, you can easily rent a car and will be able to move from one beach to another without any inconvenience. And the service in the hotels of the town will pleasantly surprise you with its variety of prices and levels of service. Even holding a business meeting or conference in Pattaya will not be at all difficult for you, because most hotels have everything necessary for this.

One of the main features is that this resort is happy to welcome everyone all year round, because its offers are so diverse that there is sure to be something for every tourist. The resort will invite you to enjoy all the delights of water sports. You will get tremendous pleasure from deep-sea fishing, diving, water skiing and much more. You can also play badminton, tennis, billiards and, of course, golf. It is not for nothing that this resort has recently been steadily gaining popularity among golf lovers around the globe. After all, just imagine the combination of modern golf courses, equipped with all the necessary amenities and gorgeous landscapes that will open before you during the game. You will also have the opportunity to get your dose of adrenaline by racing motorcycles, go-karts and shooting at the local shooting range. But that’s not all, because you can try yourself in such entertaining entertainment as discovering islands. By renting a boat with a Thai guide, you will immerse yourself in the contemplation of the luxurious nature of the coast and the surrounding islands. At your request, the boat will moor to any chosen shore, and then only your imagination will guide you. Whether you will dive into the turquoise sea waters, sunbathe on the beach, get acquainted with the landscape features and representatives of the flora and fauna of this island depends only on you.

Undoubtedly, he gained most of his popularity among young people. After all, the fame of its luxurious “nightlife” is resounding all over the world. They say that Pattaya begins to live in full force only at night. On every corner you can dine in a wonderful restaurant, each of which will amaze you with its variety of dishes and drinks. Then everything is again up to your choice; you will be offered entertainment in various clubs, strip bars, and other entertainment venues. Representatives of the fair sex should note that shopping in Pattaya is no less common than in Europe. And products made from Thai silk and their costume jewelry will delight you with their quality and unique design. The roar of Pattaya at night subsides only in the late morning, and the city returns to its measured course.

But do not forget that it does not specialize only in the entertainment field. Tourists who love to explore local attractions will also be offered a lot of interesting things.

One of the most visited places in Pattaya is the Nong Nooch Tropical Park. This chic place includes a considerable number of unique gardens, in each of which you will get acquainted with amazing wonders of nature and architecture that will not leave even the most discerning tourist indifferent.

The park includes:

• Orchid garden. This place contains all the most beautiful representatives of these plants from all over the globe, which together will create an environment indescribable in its beauty and aroma, which has no equal in the whole world.
• Cactus garden. This garden will change your understanding of these thorny plants. Its territory contains completely different representatives of cacti from all corners of our planet, from its giant representatives to the tiniest plants
• French park. The garden is made in a traditional French style; its distinctive feature is that Thai temples were built on its territory, which gives this place an unforgettable flavor.
• Butterfly garden. A truly unique place. In this garden you can meet completely different representatives of these wonderful creatures. What will amaze you more is the fact that butterflies of completely different species are collected in one place. You will be able to admire both its smallest representatives and Attacus Atlas, the largest butterfly in the world.
• Elephant farm. On this farm you will have a unique opportunity to observe these leisurely animals in a completely familiar environment, and even study many of their habits in a given situation and at different stages of life.
• Bird garden. Here you will also observe the real life of representatives of different species of birds, and discover many unknown facts from their lives.
• Aquatic plant garden. In this unique garden, you will explore all possible types of underwater plants and enjoy their beauty and the distinctive characteristics of each representative.
• Bonsai garden. A variety of products of this type of art will be presented to your attention.
• Garden of pots. In this place you will get a lot of impressions from getting acquainted with various types of sculptures, which are based on ordinary, unremarkable at first glance, flower pots.
• Blue Garden. A wonderful place with a collection of palms and ferns from almost all species existing today. Some types of palm trees grow only in the territory of this garden and are unique specimens listed in the Red Book.
• Car park. Since the owner of the Nong Nooch Tropical Park is an avid racer Kampon Tansaka, he did not deny himself the pleasure of organizing his personal museum of racing cars, and not only them, on the territory of the park. Its fleet includes about 40 exclusive collectible models of world automobile brands.
• Stonehenge. It is a model of the famous megalithic structure located in England.

Also one of the most visited places among the attractions in Pattaya is “Mini Siam”. It is a complex of mini-copies of all the attractions of the city of Pattaya. Officially, Mini Siam is divided into 2 thematic zones: Mini Siam and Mini Europe. This attraction was built in 1986, by decision of the city government, since they believed that the attractions of Pattaya were not located too conveniently for tourists to visit them.

Also, when visiting the East Coast, it is recommended to visit the Temple of Truth. The attraction is nothing more than a wooden temple in the park. Its construction began in 1981 and remains unfinished to this day. A distinctive feature of the temple is its walls, which are decorated with countless wooden sculptures and compositions on religious and mythological themes.

Bang Saen.

If you want to take a break from the noise of the bustling life of Pattaya, then welcome to Bang Saen. This calm town will distract you from the omnipresent bustle of the resort and take you to a more measured and harmonious life of the provincial town. Bang Saen is generally very popular, especially among the residents of Bangkok. They love to spend their free time there, indulging in simple entertainment. Among the advantages of the town, it is worth noting that on its territory there are quite decent hotels that are not intimidating with their prices, excellent beaches with clean water and beautiful surrounding nature, and quiet, calm restaurants that will delight you with their delicious and inexpensive cuisine.

Rayong.

Rayong has all the qualities to be called an exclusive resort. Just one moment, that untouched beaches stretch across its territory for many kilometers, speaks volumes. Rayong will delight you with many quiet fishing villages and calm, incredibly beautiful coves. We advise you to definitely visit traditional Thai markets, where you will find a lot of souvenirs that are unique in their beauty and craftsmanship, fresh seafood and much more.

This area will pleasantly surprise you with its uncrowded beaches with the purest white sand and azure waters. Scuba diving enthusiasts will also find something to do, as Rayong's coral reefs are endlessly beautiful and varied. Among the attractions you can visit Samet Island. It is not for nothing that Samet is called the most beautiful island in all of Thailand, because its 15 bays with stunning nature and excellent beaches will not leave indifferent any person who has visited its open spaces.

Koh Chang Island.

The island is located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the second largest island in Thailand, after . The island has not yet been overrun by tourists, so its nature can be called virgin and untouched by man. Many tourists who visited this island gave it the name “The Last Paradise Island”. It really lacks many of the delights of modern civilization, but if you come on vacation with the goal of relaxing not only your body, but also your soul, then you definitely need to visit Chang. On its territory there are huge beaches with untouched clean sand, which is gently touched by beautiful blue sea waters. The diversity of the island's flora and fauna will also delight you. There are many activities on the island: scuba diving, elephant rides, visits to Buddha temples and much more. You will also be offered cozy and inexpensive restaurants that are located throughout the island, next to cute fishing villages. The whole atmosphere of the island will plunge you headlong into an ocean of serenity, and will bring you closer to the state of nirvana, which is talked about so much in these places.

Koh Chang.

Chang's "neighbor" is more modest in size. It is popular among avid tourists who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the world and the splendor of modern resorts. The unique feature of the island is not only that it is simply immersed in the luxury of virgin jungle, and boasts a variety of birds and animals that live on it. There are many hotels on this island where you can fully appreciate the wellness treatments of the Thai people. Residents of Thailand call this island their health resort.

So we have completed our journey through such a mysterious region of Thailand as the East Coast. Indeed, it is not for nothing that this country is called full of mysteries and a place of harmony and incompatibility. After all, how do noisy Pattaya and measured, mystical Koh Chang coexist perfectly on its territory? It is absolutely true that Asian countries have a unique worldview that European countries cannot embody on their territory.

In addition to the variety of beaches, the advantage of the East Coast is its proximity to Bangkok. Pattaya is less than two hours from Bangkok on a modern highway. It is easy to get to other resorts. But it’s not just the beaches that have made this place popular. The East Coast boasts several excellent international-class golf courses, making the area a desirable destination for golfers and sun, sea and sandy beach lovers alike.

East Coast Jewel

Vibrant and cheerful, Pattaya is unrivaled among Southeast Asian resorts. Day and night, she brings you an ever-changing kaleidoscope of fun and excitement.

Overlooking a wide bay and endless beaches, Pattaya, gentrified over the past three decades, boasts the unique title of Resort City. Pattaya has something for everyone. While most resorts exploit the charm of the natural surroundings, Pattaya tries to bring together all the possibilities to achieve the ultimate goal. The main thing, however, remains its wonderful geographical location on the coast, plus everything that together makes up an ideal holiday - entertainment, attractions and fun.

In fact, Pattaya can be exactly what you want it to be. It is so rich and varied that it is an ideal destination for a variety of visitors. Here you can find a lot of interesting things for children, there is also everything necessary for sports and active recreation lovers and for people of all ages who prefer a relaxing holiday on the beach.

It's easy to get here

Getting to Pattaya is very easy. City buses depart from Bangkok Ekamai Station several times a day to Pattaya, and private buses can pick you up directly from your hotel. You can also go to Pattaya directly from Don Muang Airport by taxi or limousine. If you drive from Bangkok along the fast Bang Na Trat highway, the road to Pattaya will take only two hours, or even less.

Since U-Tapau Airport is located next to Pattaya, you can fly here by plane from Europe and from countries in the region. Already in Pattaya, you can ride mini buses from one beach to another, the drivers will drop you off at any place you wish. There are also many places where you can rent a jeep or motorcycle. Most hotels have their own taxis and special counters where you can book excursions to the suburbs of Pattaya and the islands.

Hotel selection

In addition to magnificent rooms, luxury hotels also provide a wide selection of restaurants where you can taste traditional Thai dishes, seafood, European and other cuisines. Cocktail bars, discos and nightclubs will not let you get bored in the evenings.

Almost all hotels have swimming pools, and the main resorts and beaches also have tennis courts, gyms, saunas and other entertainment.

Proving by example that business can be successfully combined with pleasure, Pattaya is an ideal location for international conventions, conferences and seminars. Some large hotels are fully equipped to host meetings and receptions for a thousand or more people; and even in small hotels you can find conditions for business meetings. Also worthy of praise is not only their luxurious decoration, but also the high quality of equipment for audio-video presentations and other events such as conferences.

All the joys under the sun

For sports, there is not only the necessary equipment and conditions, but also instructors. For example, for beginner scuba divers there is a special one-week course, after which you will be given a special certificate. There are also instructors always nearby, ready to teach you the art of windsurfing.

A golfer's paradise

Traveling golfers are sure to have a blast playing at all of these world-class courses; here you can enjoy not only the game, but also the magnificent nature. On top of that, there is excellent staff and excellent club service.

Discovery of the islands

Sailing further out to sea, you will discover new islands, for example Koh Samet, which can be reached from both Rayong and Pattaya. Not as well explored as Pattaya, they still offer you idyllic beautiful natural landscapes. Rayong Province also contains the islands of Ko Man Nok, Ko Kai and Ko Man Wichai; which can be reached from Pattaya. They will attract the attention of those who like to walk on the beaten path.

Attractions around Pattaya

Botanical Gardens, Luna Water Parks, an open-air museum and colorful walkways are the visual contrasts and appeal of Pattaya.

Among other attractions, I would like to draw your attention to those where there is something to see and where to have fun. These are the Elephant Village and Mini Siam (with “Mini Europe”) - parks where you will see models of famous architectural monuments; Park of Stones; Crocodile farm; water sports and entertainment center - Ocean Park; and Chom Tien Fish Park; and the folk village of Nong Nooch - nowhere will you or your family members get bored.

In addition to something you can enjoy all year round, Pattaya also has seasonal festivals. The annual festival, held in April and lasting a whole week, is a vibrant kaleidoscope of impressions and entertainment that immerses you in the atmosphere of a fun carnival.

After dark

Great restaurants can be found all over Pattaya; they are also varied in design and menu. The most beloved, of course, are fresh and juicy seafood, although visitors can taste here everything their heart desires: from Thai and classic Chinese cuisine to various European dishes.

After dinner, you can go to an open-air bar, nightclub, cabaret or disco. The center of nightlife is South Pattaya, known as "The Strip"; but if this place is too open and noisy for one's tastes, then there are always places where you can have fun and relax.

In the evening you can also go shopping, most of which close quite late. Here, we can advise those who love shopping to pay attention to traditionally Thai things, such as silk, precious stones, jewelry, ready-made clothing, handicrafts and much, much more.

Exploring the East Coast

To the north is the old resort town of Bang Saen, very popular with Bangkok residents. Here, not far from the beach, is the magnificent aquarium of the Marine Science Center. Nearby is the Ocean Ward water park; A few kilometers away from this park, you can admire wild animals at the Khao Kyu Open Zoo. Both places attract the attention of visitors with children and provide excellent opportunities for family holidays outside of Pattaya.

To the south is Rayong, where several magnificent hotels have recently been built on the most picturesque seashore. In the same area there are many small quiet bays and fishing villages with picturesque markets that are a must-see. This place is not as well equipped as Pattaya, so it is better to relax here for those who like a quiet holiday on the seashore.

Continuing southeast, you will come to the provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, famous for their green hills and fertile valleys where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown. The most famous fruits of Thailand - Datura, mangosteen and rambutan - also grow in this picturesque place from May to September. For this reason, the province of Chanthaburi is also called the “province of gardens”, where tourists tired of the beach can come on an excursion.

And now we need to say a few words about the second largest island of Thailand, after Phuket, Koh Chang, which is famous for its forested hills and wonderful beaches of the islands. Koh Chash, together with its surrounding islands, has only recently begun to attract the attention of tourists. Here you can stay in cozy and comfortable bungalows to enjoy the perfection of tropical nature.

Planning your trip

Although the East Coast can be visited on a day trip from Bangkok, it is still better to leave at least one week for this place to get the impressions and joy of one of the most intriguing corners of Thailand.

Thailand. Pattaya and the east coast.