The East of Thailand

The East Region of Thailand
The East region of Thailand has a total area of 34,380.50 sq. km. and is comprised of 7 provinces which are as follows:

Provinces of East Thailand	No.	Province	Area (sq. km.)	Pop. as of 1997
	1	Chachoengsao	5,351	627,119
	2	Chantaburi	6,338	484,170
	3	Chonburi	4,363	1,028,625
	4	Prachin Buri	4,762.40	439,956
	5	Rayong	3,552	504,631
	6	Sa Kaew	7,195.10	521,432
	7	Trat	2,819	220,000

Geography and Climate
Mountains and rivers: The East has 3 significant mountain ranges and 4 significant rivers:

Mountains and Rivers of East Thailand	Mountain Ranges		Rivers
	No. (Red)	Mountain Range	No. (Purple)	River
	1	Bantad	1	Bang Pakong
	2	Chantaburi	2	Chantaburi
	3	San Kampaeng	3	Rayong
			4	Trat

Plains: The East's only major plain is in the north of the region, between the San Kampaeng and Chantaburi mountain ranges. It is also known as the Thai Corridor.
Influences on Climate: The East's climate is influenced by the southwest monsoon winds and sea breezes, as well as depression storms. The mountains of the East block the southwest monsoon winds and thus the south of the region is the rainiest part of Thailand.
Temperature: The East's temperature varies by location, because the parts that are far from the ocean receive less influence from the ocean than those that are close. For example, Sa Kaew, far from the sea, has an average highest temperature of 38 C and an average lowest temperature of 27 C, a temperature range of 11 C, while Chantaburi, close to the sea, has an average highest temperature of 35 C and an average lowest temperature of 29 C, a temperature range of 6 C.
Rainfall: The eastern part of the region gets more rain than the western part. Chantaburi and Trat average 3,000 mm of rain per year, while Chonburi averages about 1,350 mm.
Seasons: The East has 2 seasons, the rainy season, from March to November, when the southwest monsoon winds and depression storms exert their influence, and the dry season, from December to February, when it is dry and hot.

Places of Interest
The East has many places of interest, for example:
1. Pattaya beach, Chonburi Province
    Pattaya beach, just one of the many in the region, is one of Thailand's most important beach resorts. Thais and foreigners alike come here for vacationing.
2. Khao Khieo Open Zoo, Chonburi Province
    With about 4 sq. km. of area and 50 species of animals, the zoo is a good place to see animals in their natural habitiats, as the animals are exhibited in environments that are similar to nature.
3. Ko Chang, Trat Province
    Just of the coast of Trat province, the 2nd largest island of Thailand offers mountains, waterfalls, pristine jungle and a beautiful beach.
4. Sunthorn Pu monument, Rayong Province
    Sunthorn Pu (1786-1856) was Thailand's most famous poet. Many of his poems are considered the greatest works in the Thai language.
5. Khao Yai National Park, partially in Prachin Buri Province (see Northeast)