Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat are the four provinces on the east of Thailand. These are one of the most charming areas of Southeast Asia which persuade millions of tourists from around the world to for a visit every year. The whole area is fully developed for tourism purpose and offers wide range of activities and services. Topograhic characters are different for each part of the region. Mountains and forests are in the central part of region. Rivers and mangrove forests, beaches and islands are in the south and west. Beaches and beautiful islands are the most recognized image when people think of the area and this is why it is called “Paradise of the East”.

     For Thai people, provinces on the east became popular since 20 – 30 years ago. People would come to enjoy the cooling sea breeze and delicious fresh seafood. Another image which comes along the image of wonderful beaches is the simple lifestyle bounded with wave and wind of local fishermen.

     Moreover, this region has many more attractions including forest and waterfall where are now protected by announcing the places as National Parks or wildlife conservation areas i.e. Namtok Phiew National Park, Kao Chamao – Kao Wong National Park and Kao Soi Dao Wildlife Conservation Area. Moreover, the monsoon climate makes the area suitable for growing gum tree like in the southern part of Thailand. The east region is also called “City of Fruits” because tasty fruits like durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong and zalacca are grown throughout the area.

     In the past, the importance of this region can be seen in many ways. For example, there were many ports for importing and exporting goods and spices with the Chinese which brought economic prosperity to the community. This was also the beginning of cultural blend between Thai and Chinese culture by the establishment of Chinese community in these four eastern provinces until present.

     In the war history, east region was the base for distributing provisions and the route for army troops. Evidence also shown that Chanthaburi was once used by King Taksin the Great as the base for gathering people before moving to fight the war in Ayudhya and brought victory for Thais.

     At present, this region is still the first frontier to protect the country on the Gulf of Thailand side. It is the location of Sattahip Navy base of Thai Navy Corp, together with Chakkri Narubet Royal Warship also anchored at the deep-sea port in Chonburi.

     During the Vietnam War, the U.S.A has asked for Thai cooperation to used U-Tapao airport as the place to set up the U.S. air squadron. The U.S. warships were also anchored at the sea port in the area quite often. These were the starting point of business in tourism at international level of this area. Later, Thai government built the Laem Chabang deep-sea port and Mapptaphut Industrial Estate as the area is the resource of natural gas, the power supply of industry. Thus, the region was developed rapidly and now is recognized in international level. Chanthaburi is an example, the province is now Thailand’s center of precious gemstones and one of the biggest gem exporting markets of the world.

     At present, the four eastern provinces of Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat are having the clear cooperative plan of development, focusing on improving quality of people’s life and environment, enhancing standard of agricultural products and shaping the area to become center of investment in power supply and industry. The main objective is “Towards the International Standard” which includes development of the area to become one of the worlds’s exporting port. The plan has brought the project of constructing new airport and development of highway# 318 in Trat as the gateway to Indochina and link the investment from our neighbor countries.

     The government project also aims to turn the region to become center of international tourism by presenting variety of cultures, lifestyles, nature and all charms and attractions of the east. This region will offer full excitement before your eyes and truly a paradise for everyone.