Muang Chon Buri, Nong Yai, Phanat Nikhom, Ban Bung, Phan Thong, Bo Thong, Si Racha, Bang Lamung, Sattahip and Ko Si Chang
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Long known for its fine basketry products, Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use.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 Municipal 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 that 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 kilometers after a left turn at Bang Phra, about 20 kilometers south of Chonburi 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 kilometers 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.
Ko Si Chang Districts
Twelve kilometers 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, motorized tricycles are best, although fares should be settled beforehand.
