Chonburi: Wildlife, Island History and Cuisine

Chonburi lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Those planning a trip here can explore a range of interests: wildlife at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, nature at Khao Sam Muk, cultural history on Ko Si Chang and local specialties at Nong Mon Market. This variety offers opportunities for shared discoveries without every trip needing to have the same focus. As you plan, consider which places and topics matter most to you—this can also help you tailor your search for a holiday rental to your preferred location.

Experience wildlife and nature

At Khao Kheow Open Zoo, visitors can explore places such as Eld’s Deer Park. The zoo is home to more than 250 animal species and around 3,000 animals. For families who want animal watching to be an important part of their trip, this provides a concrete starting point: you can make the zoo a focus of its own and take the variety of species into account as you plan. The figures are deliberately not stated with the same degree of precision—there are more than 250 species and around 3,000 animals.

Khao Sam Muk offers a different natural setting. Its summit is home to both a Chinese shrine and cactus gardens; numerous wild monkeys live on its slopes. The summit and slopes therefore each have their own distinct features. If you are interested in the mountain’s natural surroundings and cultural sites, you can include these different aspects separately in your travel plans rather than combining them into a single activity.

On Ko Si Chang, another experience awaits at Chong Khao Khat: visitors walk along a scenic promenade and watch the sunset in the evening. This means you can also plan a visit to the island around the time of day: the view described is specifically associated with the evening. Together with Khao Sam Muk, this place shows how varied nature experiences in Chonburi can be—here, a promenade with sunset views; there, a shrine, cactus gardens and monkeys on the slopes.

Island history and marine science

Ko Si Chang is part of Chonburi Province and offers a cultural and historical highlight in the Phra Chuthathut Palace Museum. The museum 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. This gives you a specific historical thread to follow as you plan your trip: the site connects the history of a palace with its former use by the king and his family. When choosing places to visit, you can therefore consider the history of Ko Si Chang alongside nature and wildlife.

Another way to explore the history of science is a visit to the Institute of Marine Science at Burapha University. It grew out of the “Museum of Marine Animals and Brine Aquaculture,” founded in September 1969. The institute’s origins are thus clearly defined by name and date. Those interested in marine science will find a different point of reference here than in the history of the palace: one focuses on the development of a scientific institute from a museum, the other on the former residence on Ko Si Chang. Both can add a cultural dimension to your trip.

Specialties and souvenirs

Local souvenirs, including handmade products, are available at Nong Mon Market. Two Thai specialties are also associated with the market: Ho Mok is a steamed fish curry, while Khao Lam is sweet sticky rice cooked in bamboo. The two dishes differ in both their description and preparation. If you enjoy discovering local food while travelling or are looking for handmade souvenirs, the market offers a specific place to do so. This gives Chonburi a culinary side alongside its wildlife and history.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation

When searching for a holiday rental in Chonburi, it is worth identifying your preferred focus first. If palace history and the scenic promenade are priorities, Ko Si Chang and Chong Khao Khat are the specific place names to use as you plan further. If you are interested in wildlife, nature or what Nong Mon Market has to offer, the respective names can help you make your search for a suitable location more precise. When choosing accommodation, check how close it is to the specific places that matter to you; the region name alone does not tell you whether a location suits your travel plans.

More places

For further reference, you can also visit the pages for Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Amphoe Sattahip, Bang Lamung, Na Kluea, Phanat Nikhom, Si Racha, Ang Sila, Nong Ri, Laem Chabang, Nong Khang Khok, Bo Win, 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, Nong Yai, Pluang Thong, Chon Buri District, Ban Bueng District, Nong Yai District, Phan Thong District, Ban Suan, Nong Sua Chang, Nong Prue, Bang Pla Soi, Nong Samsak and Nong Bon Daeng.

For the main travel overview: Thailand.