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  Attracting
thousands and thousands of visitors,
both Thai and foreign, the East Coast
is today one of the most popular Attractions.
Holiday-makers flock to the region,
particularly over weekends and long
holidays, which offers an immense variety
of marine and other natural attractions.
The choice of facilities and conveniences
is extensive and fully caters to the
different preferences of various segments
of the traveling public. Conveniently
close to Bangkok by road, it is virtually
a year-round Attraction.
Stretching
over 400 kilometres of coast-line, from
Chon Buri and Pattaya to Rayong, Chanthaburi
on to Trat, are fine beaches, coves
and bays with countless off-shore islands.
Visitors can opt for a relaxing stay
along the beach, or choose the more
vibrant atmosphere of a modern coastal
town. For the more actively-inclined
can go for the many tourism-related
activities they prefer. Inland are verdant
forestlands with lovely cascades and
waterfalls.
The
East Coast is also famous for its abundance
of culinary choices, from fresh seafood
to spicy local dishes. In addition,
it offers a vast range of seafood products
to take home. Tropical fruits grown
here are among the tastiest in the country.
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History
The
region is believed to have been settled
by various peoples since pre-historic
times. It has served as a centre for
commercial and cultural exchange through
its many important seaports. The region
has played a major role in this respect
throughout the ages, from the ancient
Dvaravati Era on to the times of the
Khmer, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the present.
Archaeologically,
evidence of pre-historic civilization
has been unearthed for the first time
in Chon Buri's Phanat Nikhom and Bo
Thong districts. Items discovered include
stone tools, pottery and human skeletons,
all more than 2,000 years old.
 Around
the 11th-16th centuries ( Buddhist Era
), Dvaravati- period communities were
established in the region, which bore
strong Indian religious and artistic
influences. Found mainly in Chon Buri
and Chanthaburi, these communities are
believed to have close association with
the Dvaravati settlements in the central
region. Several Khmer ancient monuments
of the same period have also been discovered
in Chanthaburi and Trat, giving rise
to the conjecture that the area was
once a part of the ancient Khmer Empire.
During
the times when Ayutthaya was a trading
centre in Southeast Asia, a number of
coastal ports were established to export
exotic tiems such as antlers. Animal
hides, fragrant woods and spices. Most
of these products came from the eastern
jungles.
In
1767 when Ayutthaya was captured by
the Burmese, the soon-to-be King Taksin
with his followers fought through enemy
line to the East Coast marching through
Chon Buri, Pattaya and Rayong. He finally
settled in Chanthaburi and use it to
mobilize his forces which eventually
won over the Burmese and restored the
country's independence.
During
the period when colonisation was ripe
(late 18th Century), the French forcibly
occupied both Chanthaburi and Trat.
Consequently, Thailand was compelled
to sacrifice certain territory in order
to regain these areas and to retain
sovereignty over the rest of the country.
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