East Coast
From the estuary of the Chao Phaya River to the Thai-Cambodian border, the East Coast unfolds in a series of cliffs, bays and palm-fringed beaches. Many popular resorts, including the well-established Pattaya and the increasingly popular Jomtien occupy the coast, together with innumerable fishing communities. In the largely tranquil waters of the Gulf of Thailand are many lovely offshore islands, many of them uninhabited. Most have been declared national parks to avoid tourist infrastructure at the expense of natural beauty.
Economy
The eastern region is abundant with agricultural products including rice, sugar cane, tapioca, rubber, fruits and fast-growing trees. Furthermore, livestock raising and fishery are well established. As a result, numerous agro-industries based on these resources have developed over the years.
However, the major feature in the economic development of the eastern region has been the government initiative to take advantage of the natural gas deposits in the Gulf of Thailand and to promote a regional growth center to the southeast of Bangkok. The so-called Eastern Seaboard Development Program had and has important implications for the development of Thailand’s industrial sector, particularly for export-oriented activities and the production of petrochemicals and related products.
The development program involved the construction of two major industrial complexes at Laem Chabang and Maptahut. In addition to the industrial and port facilities, both areas are provided with a comprehensive communications and utility infrastructure as well as social facilities.
The Laem Chabang development included the construction of a deep-sea port, capable of handling large container ships and break-bulk cargo vessels of up to 120,000 tons, coupled with a sizeable general industrial estate and export processing zone. The types of activities that are designated for the Laem Chabang industrial estate and export processing zone are light, non polluting, labor-intensive, export-oriented industries.
The Maptahut complex will, when construction is completed, also include a deep-sea port, in addition to industrial estate facilities. However, in contrast to Laem Chabang, the place is designated for chemical industries related to the use of natural gas as well as other heavy industries.
The Maptahut site is already the location of a natural gas separation plant which has the capacity to process daily 350 million cubic feet of natural gas into LPG/propane, ethane, gasoline, and methane. An expansion project is presently underway to expand this capacity by a further 200 million cubic feet per day.
In addition to the comprehensive transportation and telecommunication network that has been developed by the government to support the Eastern Seaboard Development Program, a number of private sector industrial estates are springing up in the region, especially around Chonburi.
Last not least, tourism plays a major role in the economy of the East Coast; Pattaya is considered the largest resort town, or rather resort city, in all of Asia.
Chonburi
Chonburi, less than 100km (63mi) from Bangkok on the excellent Bangna - Trat Highway (Bangna is an eastern district of Bangkok), is the capital of Chonburi Province. Pattaya (see above) administratively is part of Chonburi Province. However, the province is not only big in the tourist trade but is also a major agricultural and industrial center, with extensive sugar cane, tapioca and coconut plantations, shallow and deep water fishing, as well as manufacturing plants.
Transportation
Bangkok - Chonburi
Buses from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Road; 80km, non-aircon 18 Baht new route, 6:40 and every 15min until 20:50, 18 Baht, old route 5:30 - 20:30 every 40min; aircon 35 Baht, 6:20 and every 40min until 21:00
Bangsaen Beach
Bangsaen Beach, 10km (6mi) from the town of Chonburi, is popular chiefly with Thai tourists, especially as the place is suitable for a one-day outing from Bangkok. A part of the shore is set aside for vendors of local foods and snacks. Canvas chairs are available for rent, as well as shower room facilities.
Places of Interest
Ang Sila
Ang Sila, 5km (3mi) south of the town of Chonburi, is a small fishing village noted also for its products of stone mortars and woven cloth, and aside from that one of the oldest Thai seaside vacation spots. The place is also known by the name Ang Hin.
Sam Muk Hill
The Chao Mae Shrine atop Sam Muk Hill, mid-way between Ang Sila and Bangsaen Beach, is highly revered by the locals.
Sinakarinwirot Univ. Bangsaen Campus
A marine aquarium showing varieties of sea life is part of the Scientific Marine Center of the university. It is open daily except on Mondays from 8:30 to 16:00. Admission fee is 10 Baht for adults and 5 Baht for children.
Nong Mon
Fresh, dried and preserved seafood, local sweets and fruits as well as fine rattanware from the nearby town of Panat Nikhom are sold on this central market, 1km (0.6mi) south of Bangsaen Beach.
Bangphra Golf Course
A left turn almost directly opposite the Nong Mon market place leads to the 18-hole Bangphra Golf Course (Tel 240-9170 to 2), which is about 7km (4mi) further on. An international standard public course, it offers accommodation facilities as well as a well-run club house. (For details, please see the chapter on Sports in/around Pattaya and Jomtien, earlier in this section on the East Coast.)
Khao Khieo Open Zoo
More than 50 species of wildlife roam freely in the unfenced compound of 480 hectares (1,200 acres), about 11km (7mi) beyond Bangphra. Accommodation is also available and reservations can be made at the Dusit Zoo in Bangkok, Tel 281-0000.
Chan Ta Then Waterfall
This beautiful waterfall near Khao Khieo Open Zoo is in a wildlife conservation area. The placid surroundings add to the waterfall’s attractiveness.
Si Racha
Si Racha is a town in Chonburi Province, some 24km (15mi) south of the town of Chonburi. Before the times of Pattaya, it was one of the most popular resort towns in the region. It’s a good place to buy seafood and fresh fruits, especially pineapples.
Ko Sichang
Ko Sichang is an island with a peaceful atmosphere and fresh clean air, about 12km (8mi) off the shore of Si Racha. The only transportation is bicycles and motorized tricycles as the ring-road around the island is only a little over 1m wide.
The major structure is an extensive former palace built by King Rama V which he used for recuperation. Two temples were also constructed during his reign one of which, Wat Asdang Nimitr, has a chapel and a pagoda in European architectural style. A Chinese pavilion, with dragon and peacock designs, is also worth visiting. Nearby is the Chakrapong Cave in which is a chimney-like access to the top of the hill which gives a grand view of the island.
On the other side is the Hin Klom (round stones) Beach. According to a claim of the Tourist Authority of Thailand, stones there have been exposed to the strong winds blowing from the west causing them to rub one against another until they have become smooth and round.
As places of interest are somewhat far from each other, it is advisable to hire a tricycle from the pier for the tour, which should not take more than one hour. The fare should not be more than 100 Baht.
A ferry service is operated between Ko Sichang and Si Racha (Ko Loi Pier and Choem Chumphon Pier) at 25 Baht per person daily from 8:30. Last return trip from Ko Sichang is at 15:00. An extra 10 Baht is charged for all ferries operating after noon.
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