Eastern Thailand Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more in Eastern Thailand.


Introduction to Eastern Thailand

Eastern Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, is a fascinating travel destination known for its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and history. Stretching from the golden temples of Chonburi to the emerald waters of Koh Chang Island, the region offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, activities to do, and more in Eastern Thailand.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Thailand

Whether you’re interested in the region’s natural or cultural attractions, Eastern Thailand has something for everyone. Here are the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya - A magnificent, hand-carved wooden temple that takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through Thai mythology and culture.
  2. The Erawan Museum, Samut Prakan - A museum that portrays the history and mythology of Thailand through artefacts and fascinating exhibits.
  3. Prasat Hin Khao Phanom Rung, Buriram - A stunning hilltop temple, considered as one of the most beautiful examples of Khmer architecture.
  4. The Ban Don Museum, Chanthaburi - A small but interesting museum that showcases the histories of the local industries, including gems and fruits.
  5. The Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Royal Palace, Chumphon - A beautiful palace that provides insight into the life and legacy of King Rama V.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Thailand: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima - The oldest and largest national park in Thailand, home to diverse wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
  2. Koh Chang Island, Trat - A picturesque island with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush jungle treks.
  3. The Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall, Chanthaburi - One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, offering a refreshing swimming experience.
  4. Pattaya Floating Market, Chonburi - A vivid and unique experience where vendors sell their products from small boats on a canal.
  5. Koh Sichang Island, Chonburi - A small and charming island that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Thailand

Eastern Thailand is home to a variety of hiking and biking trails of different levels of difficulty. Here are some of the best:

  1. Khao Yai National Park - The park has over 50 kilometres of marked trails, including the seven-kilometre Haew Narok Waterfall Trail, which provides stunning views of the cascading waterfalls.
  2. Koh Chang Island - There are numerous hiking trails on the island, including the Klong Plu Waterfall Trail, which takes visitors through a lush jungle and to a stunning waterfall.
  3. Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, Rayong - This national park has over 20 kilometres of hiking trails with varied levels of difficulty, including a trail that leads to the park’s namesake twin mountains Khao Chamao and Khao Wong.
  4. Chanthaburi Province - The region has several biking routes, including the picturesque Coastal Road that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand.
  5. Bang Saen Coastline Path - This bike path follows the coastline for approximately six kilometres, providing beautiful panoramic views of the sea.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Thailand: Activities and Tours

In addition to natural and cultural attractions, Eastern Thailand offers a variety of activities and tours. Here are some of the best:

  1. Thai Massage - Eastern Thailand offers some of the best Thai massage experiences, and Pattaya is considered the massage capital of the region.
  2. Water Sports - Koh Chang Island and Pattaya offer exceptional snorkelling and scuba-diving experiences, while Chanthaburi Province is known for excellent kayaking tours.
  3. Thai Cooking Classes - Eastern Thailand’s rich culinary traditions make it a great place for foodies to learn Thai cuisine.
  4. Elephant Trekking - Khao Yai National Park and the surrounding areas offer exceptional elephant trekking tours.
  5. Nightlife - Pattaya’s legendary nightlife scene is a must-visit for anyone who loves the party scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Thailand

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Eastern Thailand:

Day Activities
1. Explore the Sanctuary of Truth and enjoy the beaches of Pattaya.
2. Go on a snorkelling or scuba-diving tour in Koh Chang Island.
3. Visit Khao Yai National Park for a jungle trek or elephant ride.
4. Take a cooking class and visit nearby temples in Chonburi.
5. Visit the The Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Royal Palace and the Ban Don Museum in Chanthaburi
6. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Chanthaburi Province and indulge in Thai massage.
7. Explore the charming island of Koh Sichang.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Thailand

No visit to Eastern Thailand is complete without experiencing the region’s world-famous cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khao Kluk Kaphi - A delicious dish made with fried rice, shrimp paste, fermented fish sauce, and vegetables.
  2. Tom Yum Goong - A spicy and sour soup made with seafood, lemongrass, and spices.
  3. Pad Thai - One of Thailand’s most famous noodle dishes, made with rice noodles, eggs, peanuts, and vegetables, among other ingredients.
  4. Mango Sticky Rice - A sweet dessert made with coconut rice, fresh mango, and coconut cream.
  5. Som Tam - A popular spicy papaya salad with peanuts and shrimp.

Local Beverages

  1. Cha Nom Yen - A refreshing iced tea made with black tea, condensed milk, and spices.
  2. Singha Beer - One of Thailand’s most famous beers.
  3. Thai Iced Coffee - A delicious iced coffee made with sweetened condensed milk.
  4. Chang Beer - Another popular Thai beer.
  5. Sangsom - A potent local rum that is usually mixed with cola or energy drinks.

Where to Stay in Eastern Thailand: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of the best:

  1. Pattaya - Pattaya has a vast array of hotels, resorts, and hostels, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.
  2. Koh Chang Island - The island offers a wide range of accommodation types, including beachfront resorts, bungalows, and hostels.
  3. Chanthaburi Province - The province has several boutique hotels and guesthouses, offering excellent value for money.
  4. Rayong - Rayong has several seaside resorts and hotels offering breathtaking sea views.
  5. Trat - Trat has several eco-lodges and resorts set amidst nature, offering a unique experience.

What to Buy in Eastern Thailand: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastern Thailand has several unique local products that make excellent souvenirs. Here are some of the best:

  1. Gems - Chanthaburi Province is known as the “Gem Capital of Thailand” and offers a wide range of quality gems.
  2. Fruit - Chanthaburi is also famous for its fruits, including the famous “Chanthaburi Durian” and “Paknam Pran Pomegranate”.
  3. Thai Silk - Pattaya and Chonburi are known for high-quality Thai silk products.
  4. Pottery - The nearby province of Nakhon Ratchasima is known for its beautiful pottery, much of which is sold in Eastern Thailand.
  5. Thai Snacks - Eastern Thailand has several unique and delicious snack options, including “kanom krok” (Thai coconut pancakes) and “mu ping” (marinated grilled pork).

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Thailand

Eastern Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist region, and visitors should be aware of local customs and traditions, such as:

  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts, hats, or revealing clothing.
  • Remove shoes before entering temples or homes.
  • Show respect to monks, the royal family, and elders.
  • Do not touch anyone’s head, as it is considered impolite.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Thailand

The best time to visit Eastern Thailand is during the cool season, from November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and humidity is low. The region is hot and humid all year round, making it unsuitable for people who do not tolerate heat well.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Thailand

To make the most of your trip to Eastern Thailand, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try to learn a few Thai words and phrases, as this will make it easier to communicate with locals.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Take off your shoes and dress modestly when entering temples or other religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Touch anyone’s head, as it is considered impolite.
  • Show disrespect to monks, the royal family, or elders.
  • Engage in illegal activities, such as drug use or trafficking.

Safety and Health

Eastern Thailand is a relatively safe region, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as:

  • Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night.
  • Keep an eye on personal belongings to prevent theft.
  • Wear sunscreen and insect repellent to avoid sunburn and mosquito bites.

Safety in Eastern Thailand

  • Avoid political rallies and demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent.
  • Be cautious while traveling on public transportation, especially at night.

Health in Eastern Thailand

  • Visitors should drink bottled water to avoid water-borne illnesses.
  • Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria are prevalent in Eastern Thailand, so it is essential to take precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using mosquito repellent.

Getting to Eastern Thailand: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Thailand is well connected to the rest of Thailand and neighbouring countries through multiple transportation options, including:

Airports Near Eastern Thailand

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is the main gateway to Eastern Thailand.
  • Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok also has domestic flights to the region.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Thailand

  • Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) is the main bus terminal for destinations in Eastern Thailand, including Pattaya, Rayong, and Chanthaburi.
  • Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok has buses that travel to Nakhon Ratchasima and Buriram.

Other Options

  • Trains are an excellent option for travel to Nakhon Ratchasima, as the region has several well-connected railway stations with daily trains.
  • Taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available in most parts of the region. However, negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in.

How to Get Around in Eastern Thailand

The best way to get around in Eastern Thailand is by rented car or motorcycle, as public transport is limited in some areas. However, visitors should exercise caution while driving, as traffic in the region can be chaotic.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Thailand: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Thailand is an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the country. Some nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan - A stunning national park known for its limestone cliffs, caves, and beaches.
  • Ayutthaya - Former capital of Thailand with historical temples and ruins.
  • Koh Samet Island - A beautiful island located just three hours from Bangkok, with fantastic beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Conclusion

Eastern Thailand is a beautiful and diverse region, rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its stunning scenery, delicious food, and unique experiences, it’s no surprise that the region is a popular destination for tourists. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a relaxing getaway, Eastern Thailand has something to offer everyone.



    Eastern Gulf Coast
    Inner Eastern Thailand
    Trat Province