Page 9 - Experience Thailand and More

CHONBURI

Chonburi: City of Water

Pattaya: Eastern Seaboard Resort

The name Chonburi comes from the Sanskrit words jala, which means
water, and buri, which means city; so, it’s the City of Water, which makes
sense as the province is formed by an amalgamation of villages lining the
Thai Gulf coast and Bang Pakong river. Among these is Pattaya, which is
today a world-renowned seaside resort. The province also has some of the
country’s most fertile plains which meant early inhabitants did not just fish,
but also farmed and crafted products from materials of the forest.

Today, while Pattaya attracts tourists for all it offers, just off the eight-lane
highway that connects the province to Bangkok are villagers striving to
preserve the life they inherited.

It can seem quite remarkable while paddling in a dugout along a sleepy
khlong, canal, there are people close by speeding over cresting swells, or
while tourists dance through the night, villagers are up before dawn to work
their paddies or fish, collect produce or weave baskets to sell in the local
market. The juxtaposition can seem astounding when gazing at golden
paddy, verdant peaks or an azure horizon from the verandah of a wooden
home on stilts or a seaside sanctuary.

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