Chonburi, and especially the area around Pattaya, is chock full of recreational activities including museums, aquariums, theme parks, botanical gardens, cultural and elephant shows, and one of the best zoos in the country, Khao Khieo Open Zoo. There is no lack of things to do before the sun goes down and the nightlife begins.

At the Si Racha Tiger Zoo, 8 km east of town, you can hold a baby tiger in your arms, or have your picture taken with a tame crododile. The Zoo covers more than 40 hectares and teems with wildlife, including more than 100,000 crocodiles and one of the world's largest groups of Bengal tigers, more than 130 of them. The Zoo maintains that it is the most successful program for breeding tigers in captivity anywhere in the world. Circus shows include pig racing, ostrich racing, and female performers who wrestle with crocodiles or cover themselves with scorpions. Try the crocodile satay or crocodile soup at the restaurant. Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.