Chon Buri 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Chon Buri: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Si Racha Tiger Zoo

A large zoo dedicated to tigers, with daily shows (tiger cub feeding, elephant tricks) and a small farm area. Entry is free, but some enclosures and shows require cheap tickets (20-50 baht).

🕐 Daily 08:00-18:00

Free entry

💡 Arrive by 09:00 to catch the morning tiger show before crowds. Bring water—drinks inside are overpriced. The crocodile show is included in the free entry.

Hotels near Si Racha Tiger Zoo →
Afternoon
Pattaya Walking Street

A 500-metre pedestrian street packed with neon signs, bars, food stalls, and souvenir shops. By day it’s a quiet concrete strip; by night it’s chaotic and loud, but free to enter and fascinating to pe

🕐 Open 24 hours, shops and stalls typically 17:00-02:00

Free entry

💡 Visit before 19:00 to avoid crowds and see the strip come alive. Street food here is double the local price—eat on side sois for better value.

Hotels near Pattaya Walking Street →
Evening
Where to eat

Toscana Trattoria Pizzeria · ££

Hard Rock Cafe · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Chon Buri

Morning
Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)

A giant golden Buddha statue atop a hill with panoramic views of Pattaya Bay. The grounds include smaller shrines, statues, and a lively community of resident monkeys.

🕐 Daily 6:00-18:00

💡 Go late afternoon to avoid heat and catch sunset over the bay. Bring small coins for donation boxes and keep bags zipped—monkeys grab loose items.

Midday
Bangsaen Beach

A long public beach with calm water, a paved promenade for cycling or walking, and plenty of shade from pine trees. Cleaner and quieter than Pattaya Beach.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Hire a bicycle from shops near the pier for 40 baht per hour. The nearby Bangsaen Weekend Market (Sat-Sun) offers cheap grilled seafood starting at 30 baht.

Evening
Dining tonight

Star Dice

Sukanya Bar Beer

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Khao Kheow Open Zoo

A large drive-through zoo with free entry for pedestrians. Home to giraffes, zebras, elephants, and a hippo pool. Night safari runs after dark for a small fee.

💡 Rent a bicycle at the main gate (50 baht) to cover the 8km loop. Buy bags of carrots or bananas from vendors outside the zoo for 20 baht to feed the giraffes legally.

Final meal

Chalet Suisse

Olala Restaurant

Getting Around Chon Buri

Songthaew (Shared Pickup) Route 2 From 10 THB 20 min

Wave down a blue songthaew — they run fixed routes. Tell the driver 'Kudos Parc' or 'Thong Noppakhun' and hop off when you see the hotel. Exact change required.

VIP Bus from Bangkok to Chon Buri From 120 THB 120 min

Get off at Chon Buri town stop, then take a 5-minute songthaew (10 THB) to the hotel. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable.

Local Taxi from Chon Buri Town Center From 50 THB 10 min

Use the Grab app for a fixed price — cheaper than flagging a meter. Local tuk-tuks charge around 80 THB for the same route.

Airport Taxi from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Chon Buri From 800 THB 60 min

Book at the official taxi counter on Level 1 (arrivals) to avoid touts. Meter plus airport surcharge — ask for the expressway route to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Chon Buri?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Si Racha Tiger Zoo and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Chon Buri?

See our full best time to visit Chon Buri guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include KTK House, TJ Guesthouse, PS Guest House. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.