Muang Chon Buri, Nong Yai, Phanat Nikhom, Ban Bung, Phan Thong, Bo Thong, Si Racha, Bang Lamung, Sattahip and Ko Si Chang

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 III 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 meters 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 kilometers 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 kilometers from the provincial town. From Sukhumwit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed on for another 3 Kilometers 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 AM until 4.30 PM for more information, call 038 391671-4.