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 Attracting thousands and thousands of visitors,
both Thai and foreign, the East Coast is today one of the most popular
destinations. Holiday-makers flock to the region, particularly over
weekends and long holidays, which offers an immense variety of marine
and other natural attractions: The choice of facilities and conveniently
close to Bangkok by road, it is virtually a year-round destination.
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Reservations - book before you leave and save money!
Stretching over 400 kilometres of coast-line, from
Chon Buri and Pattaya to Rayong, Chantaburi on to Trat, are fine beaches,
coves and bays with countless off-shore islands. Visitors can opt for
a relaxing stay along the beach, or choose the more vibrant atmosphere
of a modern coastal town. The more actively-inclined can go for the
many tourism-related activities. Inland are verdant forestlands with
lovely cascades and waterfalls.
The East Coast is also famous for its abundance
of culinary choices, from fresh seafood to spicy local dishes. In addition,
it offers a vast range of seafood products to take home. Tropical fruits
grown here are among the tastiest in the country.
The region is believed to have been settled by various
people since pre-historic times. It has served as a center for commercial
and cultural exchange through its many important seaports. The region
has played a major role in this respect throughout the ages, from the
ancient Dvaravati Era on to the times of the Khmer, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya
to the present.
Archaeologically, evidence of pre-historic civilization
has been unearthed for the first time in Chon Buri's Phanat Nikhom and
Bo Thong districts. Items discovered include stone tools, pottery and
human skeletons, all more than 2,000 years old.
Around the 11th-16th centuries (Buddhist Era), Dvaravati-period
communities were established in the region, which bore strong Indian
religious and artistic influences. Found mainly in Chon Buri and Chanthaburi,
these communities are believed to have close association with the Dvaravati
settlements in the central region. Several Khmer ancient monuments of
the same period have also been discovered in Chanthaburi and Trat, giving
rise to the conjecture that the area was once a part of the ancient
Khmer Empire.
During the times when Ayutthaya was a trading centre
in Southeast Asia, a number of coastal ports were established to export
exotic items such as antlers, animal hides, fragrant woods and spices.
Most of these products came from the eastern jungles.
In 1767 when Ayutthaya was captured by the Burmese,
the soon-to-be King Taksin with his followers fought through enemy line
to the East Coast marching through Chon Buri, Pattaya and Rayong. He
finally settled in Chanthaburi and used it to mobilize his forces which
eventually won over the Burmese and restored the country's independence.
During the period when colonisation was ripe (late
18th Century), the French forcibly occupied both Chanthaburi and Trat.
Consequently, Thailand was compelled to sacrifice certain territory
in order to regain these areas and to retain sovereignty over the rest
of the country.
By Road - Highway
No. 3 extends throughout the region, from Bangkok to all the major coastal
provinces such as Chon Buri, Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat,
a distance of some 400 kilometres. There are also feeder roads connecting
the various Changwat (province) short-cutting the route. Highway No.
34 links Bangkok with Chon Buri; the Motorway helps shorten the distance
Bangkok-Chonburi-Pattaya; Pattaya and Rayong is linked by Highway No.
36; and Highway No. 344 leads from Ban Bung To Klaeng.
Travelling by buses is convenient. From the Eastern
Bus Terminal (Ekamai) in Bangkok there are services to every eastern
province. Buses serving Pattaya are also available from the New Ma Chit
Bus Terminal. Inter-provincial services are plentiful.
By Rail - The eastern
train route starts from Bangkok making stops at Chachoengsao, Chon Buri
and Pattaya terminating at Phlu Ta Luang station (Sattahip). The daily
service leaves Hualamphong Railway Station in Bangkok once a day.
By Air - Bangkok
Airways operates flights between U-taphao (about 30 kms. south of Pattaya)
and Samui Island in the South.
If you’re travelling by air then Bangkok is the gateway to the east of Thailand.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, or new Bangkok international airport, and Don Mueang Airport, or old Bangkok international airport, both provide domestic flights to the east of the country. Each airport is located on the outskirts of Bangkok with easy access to the nation’s capital.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is now the busiest in Thailand after opening in 2006, and is the chief port for all international airlines that travel into the country. This makes it the main point of transfer for those coming into the country on Bangkok flights, looking to travel east.
By Sea - There
are passenger ferry services from the mainland to different major off-shore
island destinations, e.g., from Ban Phe landing in Rayong to Ko Samet
and from Trat's Laem Ngop to Ko Chang. Normally operating daily, it
is advisable to ascertain if they are run during the Monsoon season
May-June.
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