Pattaya
The new and faster road to Pattaya passes through
Chonburi, a charmless but prosperous provincial capital; Si Racha, noted for
a locally made chilli pepper sauce that bears its name; and Bang Saen, a
seaside resort popular with Thai families, before reaching the world-famous
string of beaches further down the eastern coast. Pattaya began attracting
visitors from Bangkok in the 1950's, thanks to the relative ease with which
its long stretches of whites-sand beach could be reached from the capital.
The only form of accommodation in those days consisted of a few simple
bungalow complexes, and the first hotel did not open until 1965. Development
began to accelerate at a feverish pace during the Vietnam War, when
thousands of American soldiers came there on leave, and by the mid-1970's it
had become a major resort, with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs extending
the entire length of the main beach . Many visitors enjoy its rowdy,
laid-back atmosphere, however, and continue to come in large numbers. Those
who prefer a quieter atmosphere and more privacy, at least after nightfall,
can go further down the coast to less developed beaches or to offshore
islands such as Kho Larn and Kho Sak. There are several good golf courses in
the area, as well as shooting ranges and other land-based sports facilities.
Chanthaburi
Known in old travel accounts as Chantaboon, Chanthaburi
has been a famous center of gem-mining since the early 15th century. The two
main stones found in the area are sapphires and rubies, mostly mined in
privately owned pits in the surrounding countryside. Gem trading is
concentrated in a few blocks of the downtown area, where nearly all the
shops are devoted to the business, particularly on weekends when traders
come from Bangkok to make their selection. Chanthaburi-the name mean "city
of the moon" is also noted for the high quality of its tropical fruits.
Rayong
Rayong, about 133 miles southeast of Bangkok, is a busy
fishing port known for the high-quality fish sauce, nam pla, which is
produced in many small local factories and sold throughout Thailand. Along
the coast east of the town are several peaceful resorts. Boats from Rayong
can be hired for visits to the various scenic offshore islands.
Kho Samet
A long, narrow island, Kho Samet lies about 45 minutes by
boat off the coast near Rayong. Since 1981, it has been part of a national
park that also includes Khao Laem Ya on the mainland, a move that has
limited, but buy no means removed, the tourist facilities overlooking the
beautiful beaches on its eastern side.
Kho Chang
Kho Chang, the second largest Thai island after Phuket,
lies off the coast of Trat province, near the Cambodian border. Along with
fifty other nearby islands, Kho Chang comprises a beautiful marine national
park, with numerous beaches and coral reefs. Ferries leave several times
daily for the island from Laem Ngob on mainland.
East
