Neighbouring provinces are (clockwise from north) Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Rayong, while the Bay of Bangkok is to the west.

Pattaya, a major tourism destination in Thailand, is located in Chonburi, along with Laem Chabang, the country's primary seaport.

The standard Chinese name for the province is a phonetic rendering of "Chonburi", 春武里; Chhun-bú-lí.

Human habitation of the province dates back to the Neolithic era, when early inhabitants lived in the area along the Panthong river in modern day Phan Thong district.

Mueang Phra Rot was established from the 600s to the 1000s and had goods imported from the Tang and Song dynasties and from either Persia or lower Mesopotamia.

As a result in the town's economy declining, its inhabitants moved south to Bang Pla Soi.

The Siamese King at the time allowed them to establish a habitat between Chonburi and Chachoengsao (Named Phanat Nikhom in the present).

In 1892, Ko Sichang, an island off the mainland, served as a holiday point for King Chulalongkorn and his wife Queen Saovabha Phongsri.

[14] Following the end of World War II, coastal towns particularly Ang Sila witnessed an influx of Teochew Chinese migrants.

[17] The provincial tree and flower is the New Guinea rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus, called Mai Pradu in Thai).

[citation needed] The provincial aquatic life is bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum.

Local communities are also overseen by 50 subdistrict administrative organisations (SAO, ongkan borihan suan tambon).

Chonburi is also served by scheduled flights via U-Tapao International Airport (UTP), which is a 45-minute drive south of the city.

[24] One major tourist attraction is the Chonburi Buffalo Race (งานประเพณีวิ่งควาย), which takes place in the districts of Ban Bueng and Nong Yai.

Assembled in the courtyard in front of the town hall, the buffaloes partake in racing or physical fitness and fashion contests.

[25] Usually, the races will be complemented with booths selling locally-made items, stage performances, games, and beauty contests.

The combination of the sea atmosphere and Thai decorations has helped this become one of the most popular Songkran festivals in Thailand.