Weekend in Chon Buri

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

Tip: 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.

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 a

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.

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.

Tip: 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.