The Greater Pattaya area is made up of Pattaya City, the actual site of Pattaya which is a special administrative district, and the various sub-counties of Chon Buri Province surrounding Pattaya City. In term of tourism, people always refer to Pattaya as the Greater Pattaya area. The northern section of Greater Pattaya takes up to Banglamung, Na Klua, Bang Saen and Ang Sila, while the southern part ends at Na Jomtien Sub-county of Sattahip. If you depart from Bangkok by road, you can choose to stop at many interesting places located in the Greater Pattaya area before you actually arrive in the city. All the following spots are in the Greater Pattaya area, so they are also suitable for a one-day outing in case you are already in Pattaya City. If time is available, add some of the places into your itinerary.

Located only 14 km. from Chon Buri town, this is among the oldest beach resorts of Thailand.

Bang Saen Beach

This small hill just a short distance from Bang Saen beach features a shrine of the Goddess of Sammuk Hill which is worshipped by local people. There are also cactus gardens and lots of monkeys on the hill.

For taxi : เขาสามมุข

Located on the campus of Burapa University at the entrance to Bang Saen Beach, it is divided into three components: Marine Aquarium, Marine Science Museum and Marine Science Laboratories. The aquarium has a large selection of fishes and other marine animals which are to be found in the waters around Thailand.

Bangphra International Golf Club is about 7 km. off Sukhumwit Highway at km. 113. This 18-hole international standard course offers accommodation facilities as well as a well-run club house with tasty food.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is about 19 km. from Bangphra Golf Club. Covering an area of some 2,000 acres, the zoo is a habitat for more than 100 species of wild life and also contains a spectacular aviary.

Visitors are allowed to get close to animals which are not kept in cages. Some kinds of animals are allowed to be fed by visitors. Night Safari available here is fast becoming popular with tourists.
Contact tel: 0 3829 8195, 3829 8270 fax: 0 3829 8272 for further information.

Ko Si Chang is a big island off Si Racha county which is 24 km. from Chon Buri town. This scenic island is located 12 km. away from the coast. Its attractions are the remains of an old palace and some other residential buildings constructed by order of King Rama V (1868-1910) for use by himself and his royal children. Two temples were erected by the King on the island; one of which, Wat Atsadang Nimit on the top of the hill has its main temple and pagoda built in European style. The artistic Chinese Pavilion built as a shelter for the King is also interesting to visit. Chakkraphong Cave which houses a Buddha image has a chimney rising to the top of a mountain where one can overlook the scenery of the island. Hin Klom Beach or the Round Stone Beach is another attractive spot which is covered by innumerable pebbles resulting from long years of exposure to the strong waves caused by the southwest wind from February to September. Motorized tricycles and bicycles are two means of transport on the island. A few accommodations are available on the island.

Ko Si Chang

To get to Ko Sichang, there are ferry services from Ko Loi pier and Tha Charin pier in Si Racha town providing a total of 10 trips a day. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
For taxi : เกาะสีชัง

Located on Sukhumvit Road, about 1 km from the entrance to Bang Saen Beach, Nong Mon Market is a great stop for all kinds of souvenirs from the Eastern Seaboard. A large selection of fresh and dried seafood, local food and Thai desserts are sold in the market.
For taxi: ตลาดหนองมน ถ.สุขุมวิท อ.เมือง ชลบุรี

Located on Thetsaban Road, this is a small islet connected with the shore by a concrete bridge. It is accessible by car. Covering an area of about 1.2 acres, the islet comprises a public park, a sea turtle garden and a temple at the top of the islet.
For taxi: เกาะลอยศรีราชา ถ.เทศบาล อ.ศรีราชา

A fishing village situated about 5 km from Chon Buri Provincial Town, Ang Sila is famous for its oyster and mussel farming and stone mortars. Seafood restaurants and souvenir shops are also available in the area.
For taxi: อ่างศิลา

Now being reintroduced and promoted as a cultural and historical attraction, the 133- year-old seaside market, located in Chon Buri Provincial Town, is packed with stalls selling various kinds of delicious food including Thai desserts and fresh seafood. It consists of old style 2-storey wooden shophouses featuring a relaxing shopping atmosphere.

Information:      Tel. 0 3839 8497
Open:               Sat, Sun, Public Holidays (10.00-18.00 hrs)
Location:          Ang Sila, Chon Buri
For taxi:            ตลาดเก่าอ่างศิลา