Capital: Rayong Location: Eastern Area: 3,552.0 km2
Population: 522,133 Density: 147/km2
Calling code
Town and Districts
Rayong, Ban Chang, Klaeng, Wang Chan, Ban Khai, Pluak Daeng, Khao Chamao, Nikhom Patthana
General Information
The province of Chon Buri is on Thailand's eastern coast and shares borders with Chachoengsao Province, Chanthaburi Province, Rayong Province and the Gulf of Thailand. There is a mountain range stretching from the north-west to the south-east of the province, while the fertile plains of the north were long used for farming. In Laem Chabang in the south of the province is one of the few deep-water harbours of Thailand. This province is also the nearest beach destination to Bangkok, one of the main weekend getaways for city dwellers. The province features excellent beaches and is also the gate to world's famous Pattaya - Thailand's most famous beach destinations. Pattaya is a significant draw for foreign tourists keen to sample its nightlife, golf courses, water sports and diving around Jomtien and Naklua beaches. The area also boasts numerous restaurants, cabaret, shows, zoos- everything in fact you could possibly wish for on a holiday. A little over two hours from Bangkok, Chonburi and Pattaya can be approached as a day trip or an extended stay. The area boasts abundant natural resources, which are highlighted by delightful beaches, local colours, delicacies and fresh seafood. In addition, Chon Buri is the Centre of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project, with its industrial parks and fishing villages.
History During the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was being razed to the ground by the invading Burmese, Phaya Tak led a troop of patriots, broke through the cordon of besieging troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chanthaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the soldiers and local population anointed him as "King" in Rayong. Once he had built up sufficient troop strength, Phaya Tak who later became King Taksin of the Kingdom of Thonburi returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi.
