The 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide Thailand will feature Chon Buri, marking its eighth year and the addition of Bangkok’s nearby seaside province.
This expansion broadens the guide’s coverage to include Thailand’s diverse culinary landscape, showcasing unique regional offerings alongside well-known destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Chon Buri, in the Eastern region, will be the first province to be featured in the upcoming guide. The guide initially covered Bangkok and its surroundings in 2018, then extended to Phuket and Phang-Nga in 2019, Chiang Mai in 2020, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in 2022, Isan in 2023, and Ko Samui and Surat Thani in 2024.
It's not surprising that Chon Buri is being added, given its exceptional food, culture, and landscape. Many food enthusiasts and travelers familiar with the province may have expected it to be included earlier.
According to Niche Seeprae, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the decision to include Chon Buri in the guide was made solely by The Michelin Guide. “I think Chon Buri has a strong identity as a new destination (in the guide),” he said.
Chon Buri, the nearest coastal province to Bangkok, offers more than just beautiful beaches, according to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.
In a video conference, he highlighted the diverse attractions in Chon Buri – from cultural experiences like The Truth of Sanctuary to family-friendly options like Khao Khiew Zoo.
The lively nightlife, fresh seafood, and beachfront dining further enhance the appeal of Chon Buri.
American food and travel vlogger Mark Wiens also praised Chon Buri’s unique offerings such as 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.
Niche from TAT expects food spending in Chon Buri province to increase by at least 20% after the Michelin Guide Thailand is published.
Wiens also believes that the guide will help visitors – both foreign and Thai – to discover the province’s culinary treasures.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, applauds the inclusion of Chon Buri in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2025.
She emphasizes the guide’s role in promoting Thai cuisine globally and supporting Thailand’s national soft-power strategy focused on the “5Fs” (Food, Fashion, Film, Fight, and Festival) to enhance tourism competitiveness.
Thapanee repeated the government’s attention on soft power, especially food tourism. She talked about a national effort to make lists of the best foods for all 77 Thai provinces.
“Thailand’s varied and abundant cuisine is a big attraction for tourists,” Thapanee added. “The Michelin Guide, a trusted source for food enthusiasts worldwide, highlights this lively culinary scene, adding significant value to our tourism industry.”
“Adding Chon Buri to the guide benefits both the province and Thailand as a whole. We anticipate increased acknowledgment of local cuisine, use of regional ingredients, economic development for communities, and higher standards in food quality and service. These factors, in line with Thailand’s ‘Sustainable Tourism’ initiative, will significantly contribute to the country’s overall economic well-being.”
By Veena Thoopkrajae
