The Michelin Guide Thailand is to feature Chon Buri in its 2025 edition, marking both its eighth year and the inclusion of Bangkok’s nearest seaside province.

This expansion widens the guide’s scope to encompass Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape, highlighting unique regional offerings alongside established destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Chon Buri is the first province in the Eastern region to be featured in the upcoming guide, which started with Bangkok and its environs in 2018 before extending to Phuket and Phang-Nga (since 2019); Chiang Mai (since 2020); Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (since 2022); Isan (since 2023); and Ko Samui and Surat Thani (since 2024).

The new addition comes as no surprise as Chon Buri has an outstanding character when it comes to food, culture, and landscape. Perhaps, many foodies and travelers familiar with the province would have expected Chon Buri to be included earlier.

Niche Seeprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), told reporters that the expansion to Chon Buri was solely the decision of The Michelin Guide. “I think Chon Buri has a strong identity as a new destination (in the guide),” he said.

Chon Buri, Bangkok’s closest coastal province, boasts more than just stunning beaches according to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.

In a video conference, he highlighted Chon Buri’s divserve attractons – from cultural experience like a landmark wooden structure called “The Truth of Sanctuary Museum” to family-friendly options like Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

The vibrant nightlife, fresh seafood, and beachfront dining further solidify Chon Buri’s appeal.

American food and travel vlogger Mark Wiens echoed this sentiment, praising Chon Buri’s unique offerings like the 130-year-old Aung Sila market with its dried seafood and rich, creamy Khao Lam (sticky rice baked in bamboo).

“I think about squid, Poo Mah and also dried seafood. There’s also a 130-year-old market Aung Sila where you can find dried seafood and also “Khao Lam” – sticky rice baked in bamboo.

You can find Khao Lam across the country, but the ones there are really rich and creamy,” said Wiens.

Just an 80-kilometer drive – less than two hours except during holidays – from Bangkok, Chon Buri offers something for everyone.

Pattaya, Ko Lan, and Bang Saen cater to beach lovers, while cultural enthusiasts can explore The Truth of Sanctuary. Families can have fun at Khao Khiew Zoo, and seafood enthusiasts will be in paradise.

TAT’s Niche expects spending on food in Chon Buri province to increase at

least by 20% following the publication of the Michelin Guide Thailand, while Wiens also believes that the guide will help visitors – foreign and Thai – to discover the gems of the province’s culinary scene.

This inclusion in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2025 is lauded by Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

She emphasizes the guide’s role in promoting Thai cuisine globally, supporting Thailand’s national soft-power strategy focused on the “5Fs” (Food, Fashion, Film, Fight, and Festival) to boost tourism competitiveness.

Thapanee echoed the government’s focus on soft power, particularly food tourism. She mentioned a national plan to create “must-eat lists” for all 77 Thai provinces.

“Thailand’s rich and diverse cuisine is a major draw for tourists,” Thapanee continued. “The Michelin Guide, a trusted resource for food lovers globally, showcases this vibrant culinary scene, adding significant value to our tourism industry.”

“Including Chon Buri in the guide benefits both the province and Thailand as a whole. We expect to see increased recognition of local gastronomy, use of regional ingredients, economic growth for communities, and elevated standards in food quality and service. These factors, aligned with Thailand’s ‘Sustainable Tourism’ initiative, will contribute significantly to the country’s overall economic well-being.”

By Veena Thoopkrajae