Stretching nearly 500 kilometers along the coast from Pattaya to Trat, Eastern Thailand is truly beautiful. Lush, tropical gardens and numerous long, white sandy beaches have made Eastern Thailand a very popular place. The fact that you can travel here from Bangkok in less than two hours means that for both tourists and Thai holiday makers the region is an irresistible choice.
With its ability to combine a relaxing stay on the beach with the more vibrant atmosphere of a modern city, the cosmopolitan beach resort of Pattaya is probably Eastern Thailand's most popular destination. Another hotspot in the area is the island of Koh Chang. Characterized by densely forested hills surrounded by fine, white sandy beaches, Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island (after Phuket).
Approximately 2km south of Hat Pattaya lies the beautiful sandy beach of Hat Jomtien. Hat Jomtien’s 6km long shoreline offers a quieter alternative to the frenetic pace of its more noisy neighbor, making it an ideal spot for family vacations. A haven for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, here you can wind surf, water ski or parasail in relatively uncrowded waters... READ MORE
The Viharnra Sien Museum (also spelled Wiharn Xian) is a museum which began in 1987 with a dream of harmoniously demonstrating the mixing Chinese and Thai Cultures which is quite representative of Thailand today. This museum got its start with a donation from the Chinese government of 328 rare, historical and valuable works of art. The museum is located just south of Pattaya, another popular tourist destination. While this museum is a little out of the way I highly suggest visiting this destination for it provides you with insight into the intertwining of the Chinese and Thai cultures that has existed over the centuries... READ MORE
Koh Larn (also spelled "Laan" and "Lan") is a wonderful little island in the Gulf of Thailand, located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach of which is about two hours drive south of Bangkok. Getting there is fun… You have to begin at Southern Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier and you contract with one of the ferry services, most of which are only 20 baht (or about 70 cents USD). The trip lasts less than an hour and on a calm day it can be quite relaxing. The ferry will take you pass the southern Pattaya light house, then straight to the island.... READ MORE
Pattaya is a popular resort town on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, approximately 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Pattaya also offers an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see. Pattaya attracts local Thai and tourists from around the world who are just there with their families for a fun time. Pattaya beach is three kilometers long and runs from north to south following the city contour. The beach is full of life with children playing and many activities like speed boats, parasailing, jet skis; all of which can be rented or contracted at water edge... READ MORE
Wat Yansangwararam or Wat Yan, as the locals like to call this temple area, is a beautifully maintained garden is a temple under the king's patronage and meditation courses for common men. The temple is located about 12 kilometers south of Pattaya and only 3 kilometers from Nong Nooch Garden. Also nearby is a chinese-style building called "Wiharn Xian Museum" housing antiques and art objects from China. This temple is fairly unique for it's modern Thai architecture... READ MORE
Koh Si Chang is a beautiful island, located only an hour (two hours by bus) south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Pattaya (click here to go to Google Maps). It is not a major tourist destination because, just off the island's coast, is a deep water port that harbors large cargo ships and barges waiting either to sail up the Chao Phraya River or on to ports throughout the world. Despite this, a trip to Koh Si Chang makes for a great day out, full of wonderful views and rich Thai history. The ferry to and from Koh Si Chang leaves from a pier on Koh Loi, a small island off of the industrialized city of Siracha... READ MORE
Koh Samet is another of the larger islands in the Thai Gulf. It is easier to get to than Koh Chang. Only being 2 to three hours driving time from Bangkok, depending on whether you drive or take a taxi or take a bus. The island lies off the coast of Rayong, where you can catch a ferry out to the island. However you arrive at the pier, you have to leave the vehicle behind for the amount of cars on the island is strictly controlled ... READ MORE
Koh Chang is the biggest island of Thailand and is located in the Thai Gulf off the coast of Trat and not very far from Cambodia. From Bangkok the drive to ferry near Trat is about 4 hours by bus or car. You will need another hour for the ferry ride from Trat ...READ MORE
