Eastern Thailand Tourist Info

Eastern Thailand Contents

Overview | Location | Destinations | Activities | Accommodation | Further Info

Overview

Thailand is a hotspot for touring, and a favorite the world over. However, Eastern Thailand is a little less crowded, and that’s a good thing for me. It’s a tropical paradise, an oasis in the desert, a vast expanse of rugged natural beauty, and it was once my home! I love the tropical forests, waterfalls, offshore islands, coastal sunsets, rural roads, and sandy beaches. I also love the Asian Thai culture, and it has all you’d expect from an exotic holiday destination. Having lived and traveled there extensively, I’ve compiled a tourist info pack that has all you need to know.

Location

Seven provinces east of Bangkok make up the region of Eastern Thailand. Cambodia forms a border to the east, North Eastern Thailand to the north, and Central Thailand to the west. While the four coastal provinces of Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat form a boundary with the Gulf of Thailand. Collectively these four are also referred to as East Coast Thailand. A short 2 ½ hour drive southeast of Bangkok will have you on the coast.

From an economic standpoint, Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces have a “key role” in Thailand’s economy. Moreover, they form a developing economic region known as the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Chonburi

Chonburi is an industrial province. However, the popular beachside coastal resorts of Bang Saen, Pattaya, Jomtien, and Bang Saray, might have you thinking otherwise! Because they all front the Gulf of Thailand, facing west, with many seaside views.

Rayong

Rayong province faces south and is rimmed by a near-continuous coastal strip of sand. In addition little Islands dot the landscape, with the island of Koh Samet in-particular being a popular getaway destination. While Koh Munnork sits just offshore as a private island resort.

Chanthaburi

Chanthaburi province further east has majestic views across the gulf and a scenic coastal road that knows how to showcase Eastern Thailand at its best! It’s also a province tanked with gemstones, tropical fruits, forests, waterfalls, and a charming waterside community.

Trat

Trat province in the far southeast becomes the narrowest part of Thailand. It also boasts an archipelago of over fifty offshore tropical islands, of which Koh Chang is the most popular. Furthermore, with long white sandy beaches, undisturbed coral ranges, and tropical rainforests, there’s nowhere quite like it.

Eastern Thailand Destinations

Eastern Thailand has no shortage of tropical islands, beachside settings with palm trees swaying in the wind. But it’s packed with a whole lot more than that. You see, with jungles, waterfalls, mountains, and lonely beaches, it’s possible to really get away from it all. But, if you want to hang out in the tourist hotspots, enjoying the vibe and warm summer breeze, you can! You can also get lost in Thai culture living life with the locals.

I’ll give you some of my top picks below that I think make perfect destinations!

Trat Archipelago

Located in the far southeast of Eastern Thailand, the Trat Archipelago has over 50 offshore tropical islands. While many are worth visiting, it’s the islands of Koh Chang, Mak, and Kood that are the most popular.

The Main Island

Koh Chang Island, located just off the Trat coastline, is the largest in the Trat Archipelago.  So, it’s well placed as a super anchor point for at least a week or more to explore this region. The west of the island from north to south is blessed with picturesque white sandy beaches and sweeping bays. In contrast, the east side is more remote, wild, and free. The central core of the island is … forest-covered mountains-peaks, and valleys, with tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and cliffs. A ring road also circles the island, and you’ll find resorts, pubs, restaurants, and everything in between. But, by and large, the island has maintained its natural-rugged beauty and is 85% national parkland.

Island Retreat

The Koh Mak Island, which is located south of Koh Chang, is much smaller. It’s got several palm tree-lined beaches with clear water and white sand. There are also bungalows, restaurants, and resorts spread around the island. However, it’s very laid-back, with not a lot happening. But you wouldn’t be coming here for the party scene … instead, you’ll be relaxing by the beach enjoying the silence with a little snorkeling.

Unspoilt Beauty

The island of Koh Kood, located further south of Koh Mak, completes the island chain. Very similar to Koh Chang in terms of waterfalls, jungles, and beaches, but that’s where the likeness ends. The roads are almost empty and extremely quiet. At times you’ll feel you’re the only person on the island. You’ll also find this island is more suited for an intimate getaway with accommodation, mostly on the west of the island.

Chanthaburi

Old Town

Chanthaburi Town is associated with gemstones, tropical fruits, and Chanthaburi mats. This seaside town boasts a rich culture influenced by the French, Chinese, and Vietnamese. You’ll also find forests, beaches, waterfalls, and a riverside town community, all nearby! It’s a must-see destination if you’re looking for a cultural experience, and it’s also well suited for trekking and nature lovers. You’ll need at least 3 days here!

The Beach

Chao Lao Beach, a tranquil, laid-back beach, is one of several close to the Chanthaburi town. Because of its quiet, peaceful outback setting, it’s the perfect spot for winding down and watching the sun disappear. After all, the trekking, site seeing, and photo sessions around Chanthaburi, you could spend a few days here before moving on … It’s that good!

Rayong

Private Island

Koh Mannork Island has one private island resort and is accessed by boat from the eastern end of the Rayong coastal strip. Just past Laem Mae Phim Beach, you can park your car in a private car park. After that, you get on a boat and leave all your worries behind. The island has the castaway feel, but with all your creature comforts. It’s not cheap, but it’s the only one of its kind in Thailand, surrounded by untouched forest and a manicured white sandy beach.

Local Island

Koh Samet Island is just a little further along the Rayong coast. You might think it’s just another island, but this one is a personal favorite of mine. Not because it’s any better, but more so because of the memories I created when I first went there. It’s also one of eight National parks in Eastern Thailand known as Mo Ko Samet National Park. It’s long and thin, with most of the beaches located on the eastern side where the action is. However, Prao Beach, on the western side, is a quiet little beauty.

Mainland

Rayong Coastal Strip is the perfect spot to stop if all tanked up on islands. Besides, the mainland coastal strip of Rayong has its fair share of resorts and restaurants on the beach. In fact, the strip is perfectly positioned to capture awesome-sunsets and the night-time lights of Samet island! It’s also got the famous Ban Phe markets. My son had his first holiday on Christmas day in the Bari Lamai Resort. He was only 6 weeks old! Rayong mainland will also give you more of a Thai cultural feel.

Chonburi

Party City

Pattaya is an international beachside resort that has a lot to offer anybody wanting to cutloose and have fun! It’s also geared up for family vacations, pretty easy to get to, and has so many things to see and do. For example, two waterparks, a tiger park, tropical gardens, world-class golf courses, shopping malls, international restaurants, street-food, nightlife, and a tropical island are all on your doorstep!

Coastal Beach Town

Jomtien is a long crescent-shaped beach town just south of Pattaya, and the focal point, of course, is the beach. So, it’s popular with families, water sports enthusiasts, and attracts a regular international audience for hosting world-class jet ski championships. Thailand’s premier Ocean Marina Yacht Club and resort complex also sits just a further 5 km south.

Accommodation in this area is typically hotels and large-scale condos. Guesthouses are available.

Get Away Island

Koh Larn Island is just off mainland Pattaya, and it provides an easy escape to a tropical oasis where you can forget the city! It’s also got six-plus beaches around an island of mini-mountains and tropical forests where you’ll feel a million miles away. But, best of all, it’s just a 40 min trip on the ferry. It’s a perfect one-day trip, or you can stay much longer because there are many accommodation options.

Fisherman Village

Bang Saray is a Thai fishing village with a strong cultural heritage. Here you’ll find top accommodation, a pretty beach, sunsets, an endless supply of markets covering the whole day…. it’s a classic little town to walk and chill and try your Thai language skills. In contrast to its nearest neighbor, ‘Pattaya’ Bang Saray is usually very quiet and peaceful. However, all the attractions surrounding Pattaya are well within your reach.

Eastern Thailand Activities

Eastern Thailand has all the typical things you’d expect to do on vacation. For example, swimming, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, banana boats, jet-skiing, cycling, fishing, hiking, and so much more. But what makes a destination different from any other is the location-specific activities, i.e., things that you can only do in a particular location. Besides the white sandy beaches for relaxation, I’ll give you some of my top picks on things to do in Eastern Thailand.

Explore The Eastern Thailand Islands

There are many islands in Eastern Thailand, around 52 in the Koh Chang “Trat Archipelago” alone. Most, though, are too small for any real motivation to go there. Unless, of course, you want to cut loose in your kayak and have that desert island “castaway” feeling! That said, the following islands are accessible and offer a superb opportunity for a tropical island experience in Eastern Thailand.

Island Hopping Trat Archipelago

One of the most exciting things you can do in the “Trat Archipelago” is hop or cruise around the islands. You can do this either one of two ways. For example, book yourself short term accommodation on each island and link yourself between the islands by ferry. Or simply base yourself on one island and book yourself onto one of the many island-hopping tours.

If you’ve got the time, I prefer “short term accommodation” on each island. Simply because you can go at your own pace! Obviously, you’ll want to plan this in such a way that you are not going over the same territory twice. For example, I recommend starting from the far southeast corner and progressively move north through the islands! Given some islands do not have any accommodation, you might go for a combination of both options.

Shipwreck Exploration & Scuba Diving

Are you interested in ships and shipwrecks? I saw the boat (frigate) in the photo below, towed and beached in Bang Saray. Now what for, I got no idea, but I’m keeping a close eye on that one. Exploring a sunken shipwreck is the pinnacle for a vocational scuba diver, and it just doesn’t get any better. The availability of shipwrecks in Eastern Thailand is also second to none. So, that’s a super vacation activity.

Eight shipwrecks are present around the East Coast of Thailand from Trat right up to Pattaya. Some have purposely been sunk to act as a reef. Others, however, like the SS Suddhadib, just off Sattahip coast, sank while in the line of duty (1st June 1945), and have outstanding historical value. You can read all about them here!

The following shipwrecks are all accessible and offer a superb opportunity for a real scuba diving experience in Eastern Thailand.

If you’re already a qualified diver, you can book a scuba diving tour of one or more of the shipwrecks. Although, if you’re not a diver as yet, no worries, you can book a PADI diving course and enjoy the training at any one of the scuba diving centers in Eastern Thailand.

Explore Eastern Thailand Coastline

I personally enjoy driving in Eastern Thailand, especially on the Chanthaburi – Trat coastline. Besides it having a quiet country feel to it, it’s simply stunning! If you’ve hired a car ‘well-done’ now, you can escape the mayhem of city traffic and enjoy driving the rural roads!

The coastal route pretty much stretches from Trat Hwy No 3 all the way up to Rayong, and beyond. Where Hwy 3 leaves the coast, you’ll always see signs for the scenic route.

Cycling, Chanthaburi Coast or Pattaya Hills

Hire a road bike or bring your own. Because the Chanthaburi coastal section of road known as the “Burapha-Chonlathit Road” is not only great to drive in the car, but also popular with cyclists. If mountain biking is more your thing, you can head inland to the Khiri Than Dam high in the Chanthaburi hills. Here you’ll find a circuit around the dam and also a lakeside campsite close by. If your based in Pattaya, try the Pattaya hills.

Caravan Park, Wang Chan District, Rayong

You’d never believe you’d get a caravan park in Eastern Thailand. But I found out it’s absolutely possible and provides the perfect break from the coast. Located in the Wang Chan district of northern Rayong, the Suan Lamai caravan park sits around a lake within a rural setting.

So, you can wake up to nature in your van and … it’s pretty tranquil. You will, of course, meet like-minded people, all circled around the lake. I reckon this activity is pretty cool for Eastern Thailand.

Chanthaburi Tropical Fruits

Chanthaburi is the go-to spot for tropical fruits, and it’s known worldwide for the quality and diversity of the produce. For example, you’ll find the famous durian, mangosteen, logan, bananas, rambutan, longkong, and salacca, growing readily in this tropical region. Added to that, because the fruit is super high quality, it’s sought-after by worldwide traders for their global markets.

Get yourself on a full day fruit Orchard tour of the farms, which are mostly in the Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi. You’ll also see many of these farms just driving along the country roads. If you are a fruit junkie, you’ll need to be here sometime between May through to July. That’s when many farms cater to tourists with fruit buffets and the like.

Gem Traders Chanthaburi Town

Some people love pretty little stones, and Chanthaburi town in Eastern Thailand is famous for them. So, if you need a break from the beach, go check out the Chanthaburi Gems. TAKE NOTE, it’s a weekend-only thing, from Friday through to Sunday, but makes a perfect weekend break! Combine this with a visit to the Chanthaburi waterfront community.

Life With The Locals Ban Nam Chiao Village

Ban Nam Chiao Village is a riverfront fishing community located in the Laem Ngop coastal district of Trat. Besides their classic homes lining the river/canal front, you’ll find the’re a friendly bunch of mixed Muslim and Buddhist religions. Furthermore, if you can step out of your ‘comfort zone’, by booking a night with the locals you’ll get that ultimate village experience. You’ll also learn how to weave a traditional palm-leaf hat, try life on the water with the fishermen, taste the local dishes, and enjoy the homestay hospitality!

Explore National Parks & Coastal Hikes

Eastern Thailand has eight national parks. Mo Ko Chang covers 85 % of the Koh Chang Island in Trat. While Mo Ko Samet is ~98% of the Koh Samet Island in Rayong. The others are on the mainland.

• Try hiking in the Koh Chang National Park and get lost in the mountain top evergreen forests. This national park has seven waterfalls, trails, viewpoints, and the surrounding sea is full of coral reefs. So, it’s no surprise that 70% of the island is virgin tropical wilderness!
• Test your stamina Hiking the Chanthaburi-Trat Coastline of Eastern Thailand. You could base yourself at Chao Lao Beach and explore the Khun Krabaen mangrove trails and the pink rocks wildlife reserve!
• Check out the mangrove forest trail to the Trat Black Sands.
• From Chanthaburi town, explore the Khao Khitchakut and the Namtok Phlio National Parks and waterfalls. Combine this with a tropical fruit tour!
• Cycle and hike the Mo Ko Samet National Park while exploring all eleven beaches!

Charter a Yacht in the Gulf of Thailand

If you charter a yacht in the Gulf of Thailand for a day, ½ day, or more you’ll get treated like royalty. Moreover, you’ll have ownership of the vessel for your duration with a skipper and crew to take you wherever you want to go. Tour the islands, or just anchor off the coast. … Yes, it really sounds good because it is!

You can easily charter a yacht from Pattaya Ocean Marina. They also have full resort complex facilities at the marina. This makes for a great day trip!

Golfing, Eastern Thailand

Ever heard of your mate taking off on a Thailand golf holiday? And so, you wonder where they go? Eastern Thailand I’d say, because Pattaya in Chonburi has over 20 golf courses, all within 30 -40 mins of the city. Rayong has at least another seven. So, you see, golf enthusiasts can have a tropical break on nothing but golf, if they want or combine a little golf with one of the many other activities. Book a tour!

Eastern Thailand has some of the very best golf courses in all of Asia. So, you won’t be disappointed. You can check them out here!

Eastern Thailand Tours

You’ve taken the first step of cutting loose and having a break, vacation, whatever you want to call it. And that’s good, but the next step is to book a tour, because that’s how you’re going to experience your chosen destination better. Trust me I know, because I never used to bother with tours myself. So, I’d often return home only to find I’d missed out on something important.

Book at least one tour for your trip, and better-still book it before you get on the plane! I recommend G Adventures. They’re simply the best at what they do!

Popular Tour Examples

I’ve only scratched the surface of things you can do in Eastern Thailand. Furthermore, If you base yourself in a particular part of Eastern Thailand, Pattaya, Jomtien, Chanthaburi, Trat, Bang Saray, Rayong, or any of the islands for example. You’ll find that all have many location-specific things to do.

Accommodation

The choice of accommodation can make or break your trip! So, do your research and get it right! Splitting the trip up, which is easy to do in Eastern Thailand, will give you more accommodation choices. Touring and backpacking, for example. But more importantly, think about what you want to do and see. This, my friend, is way more important than sitting down to pick a hotel or resort!

If, for example, you want to try living life with the locals in the Ban Nam Chiao Village in Trat. Your accommodation, in this case, will be a choice homestay! You’ll have to contact the Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Tourism Group on +66 8 4892 5374 for details, but it’ll be worth it! On the other hand, you may simply need to get away onto an island to do nothing but relax, … then select the island and go for a resort.

Backpackers typically travel north through the islands from the Khlong Yai / Cham Yeam border with Cambodia. Besides island hopping, they’ll be looking for hostels, dorms, and possibly guesthouses.

Condos and apartments are a popular choice with long term tourists and Expats in Eastern Thailand because the monthly rent is not expensive.

My personal choice of the best places to stay for the various town/city locations in Eastern Thailand are linked below. Once you know what you want to do and see, check them out!

Further Info

Check out my article “Travelling Thailand” for essential info, visa requirements, language learning, and more for all visits to the kingdom! You can also check out related posts below for further info on Eastern Thailand.