Eastern Gulf Coast Travel Guide
Discover the hidden gems of Eastern Gulf Coast with this comprehensive travel guide featuring food, accommodations, attractions and everything you need to know to plan your trip to this stunning region in Thailand.
- Introduction to Eastern Gulf Coast
- List of Places to Visit in Eastern Gulf Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Gulf Coast
- Best Things to Do in Eastern Gulf Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Gulf Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Gulf Coast
- Where to Stay in Eastern Gulf Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Eastern Gulf Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Gulf Coast
- Best Time to Visit Eastern Gulf Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Gulf Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Eastern Gulf Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Eastern Gulf Coast
- Where to Go Next from Eastern Gulf Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Eastern Gulf Coast
Thailand’s Eastern Gulf Coast is a gem waiting to be explored. This beautiful region boasts natural beauty with white sandy beaches, clear waters, and hidden lagoons. Visitors will have plenty of choices when it comes to adventurous activities and excursions, while history and cultural enthusiasts will enjoy the vast and incredibly well-preserved cultural and historical sites. Whether you are a solo traveler or coming to Eastern Gulf Coast with family and friends, you are guaranteed to have a memorable experience.
List of Places to Visit in Eastern Gulf Coast
Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Eastern Gulf Coast:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Pattaya Floating Market
- Erawan Shrine
- Sanctuary of Truth
- Koh Sichang Historical Park
- Phra Chulachomklao Fort
- Si Racha Tiger Zoo
Natural Attractions of Eastern Gulf Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Khao Yai National Park
- Samet Island
- Koh Kood Island
- Rayong Aquarium
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
- Koh Si Chang Island
Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Gulf Coast
Exploring Eastern Gulf Coast by foot or bike will undoubtedly be an incredible and memorable experience. Here’s a list of some of the top hiking and biking routes in the region:
- Khao Yai National Park jungle trekking
- Klong Pla Kang bicycle ride
- Koh Si Chang bicycle/hiking tour
- Prasae River bicycle route
- Koh Samet jungle trekking
Best Things to Do in Eastern Gulf Coast: Activities and Tours
- Night Markets
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Thai Cooking Classes
- Thai Massage
- Boat Tours
- Thai Boxing
Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Gulf Coast
Visitors with a limited itinerary might consider the following:
| Day 1 | Explore Pattaya City and its landmarks |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Take a bike ride around Koh Si Chang Island |
| Day 3 | Visit Erawan Shrine and the Sanctuary of Truth |
| Day 4 | Take a boat tour to Koh Kood Island |
| Day 5 | Discover Koh Samet: Relax at your leisure or explore the jungle by foot |
| Day 6 | Visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and a local night market |
| Day 7 | Conclude your visit with a day trip to Phra Chulachomklao Fort |
Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Gulf Coast
Thailand has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world, with Eastern Gulf Coast being no exception. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Tom yum soup
- Green papaya salad
- Pad Thai
- Green curry
- Mango sticky rice
- Khao chae
Local Beverages
- Thai Iced Tea
- Chang Beer
- Mekong Whiskey
Where to Stay in Eastern Gulf Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Finding a place to stay in Eastern Gulf Coast won’t be a problem. This region boasts an incredibly diverse range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Here are our top picks:
- Royal Cliff Hotels Group
- InterContinental Pattaya Resort
- Drifters Hotel & Cafe
- Koh Si Chang Island Resort
- Apple Homestay
What to Buy in Eastern Gulf Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs to bring back home - here are a few items to consider:
- Handmade Crafts
- Woven Textiles
- Silverware and Jewelry
- Traditional Thai Clothing
- Eco-Friendly Products
Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Gulf Coast
Thailand is a country that values its culture and customs, and visitors should be mindful of this when exploring Eastern Gulf Coast. Here are a few customs to note:
- Remove shoes before entering a temple or a Thai house.
- The head is considered sacred while the feet are considered unclean.
- Thais greet each other with the “wai” - a gesture involving hands pressed together.
Best Time to Visit Eastern Gulf Coast
The best time to visit Eastern Gulf Coast is from November to February, where the weather is dry and mild. But the region is a beautiful destination all year round, with each season offering unique sights and activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Gulf Coast
Do:
- Dress conservatively when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Get travel insurance before visiting Thailand.
- Plan to stay for at least a week to fully explore the region.
Don’t:
- Disrespect the Thai monarchy or culture.
- Take advantage of the local customs or traditions.
- Overstay your visa.
Safety and Health
Safety in Eastern Gulf Coast
Thailand, in general, is generally a safe place to visit, with visitors unlikely to encounter any major safety concerns. However, tourists should always take extra care when traveling late at night or in isolated areas.
Health in Eastern Gulf Coast
Visitors to Eastern Gulf Coast should always ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance, and travelers’ core vaccines should be up-to-date before arriving in the region.
Getting to Eastern Gulf Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Eastern Gulf Coast
The closest airport is U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport (UTP), roughly a 45 to 60-minute drive from Pattaya.
Other nearby airports include Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
Bus Stations Near Eastern Gulf Coast
- Pattaya Bus Terminal
- Rayong Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Private cars/taxis
- Motorbikes
How to Get Around in Eastern Gulf Coast
The best way to explore Eastern Gulf Coast is by renting a car or motorbike. There is little traffic congestion, which makes driving simple. Foreign visitors will need a Thai driving license to rent a car or bike locally.
Where to Go Next from Eastern Gulf Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Here are a few nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand
- Chanthaburi, known for its fruit orchards and gemstones
- Koh Chang, another popular island
Conclusion
Eastern Gulf Coast is a beautiful region in Thailand with so much to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, cultural insights, adventure, or relaxation, this region has something to offer you. Plan your trip wisely to experience all that Eastern Gulf Coast has to offer and get ready for a memorable trip.