About Sri Ratcha
Si Racha, (Siracha, Si Racha or Siracha), of Chonburi, Thailand. Si Racha district is in Chonburi province of Thailand about one hour's drive from Bangkok. Si Racha's port and nearby Laem Chabang, the largest port in the country serve the eastern seaboard industrial provinces. Chonburi province is one of the more industrialised provinces of Thailand. Many Japanese and Korean expat workers live in the area and work on the nearby industrial estates. The Si Racha has a newly redone waterfront but doesn't have much in terms of sandy beaches. The old Sukhumvit road goes through downtown Sri Ratcha to Chon Buri and Pattaya. Pattaya is 30km south. 10 km north of Si Racha is Bang Saen, a seaside resort popular with locals.
Touristical attractions
Sri Ratcha town is famous for its seafood, mostly served with a very spicy chili sauce called nam prik si racha made from chili and vinegar. It has thus lend its name to Sriracha chili sauces. The town is also the main transit point to Ko Sichang.
North of the town is the temple Wat Ko Loi, located on an island
connected with the mainland by a 1.5 km causeway. The temple mixes Thai
buddhists and Chinese icons of worship, including a Buddha's footprint.
The main touristical attraction of Si Racha are the zoos Khao Khew Open Zoo and Si Racha Tiger Zoo.
Khao Khew Open Zoo
Khao Khew Open Zoo is a magnificent blend of forests, wild animals,
bird aviary and responsible animal management. Sponsored by HM Queen
Sirikit, the zoo has grown in size, scope and importance. Internationally recognized for its animal management and operations,
the zoo has features that make it a great day trip for the entire
family.
More than 300 species and 8,000 animals populate the 5,000 rai
sanctuary. Six of the newer residents of the zoo are rare white tigers
exchanged by the Memphis Zoo in the USA.
Khao Kheow is described as a "wildlife bank" as many animals are on
the endangered species list. The zoo is know for success in breeding
some of these endangered animals. One such project is breeding the rare
Clouded Leopard. Other endangered mammals at the zoo include the Asian
Wild Dog, Malayan Tapir and tiger.
Rare Asian bird species draw bird watchers from around the world. A
walk-though aviary has been built on a mountain slope and presents an
appealing environment. The aviary is Asia's second largest. Endangered bird species at the
zoo include the Black Necked Stork and White Crested Laughing Thrush.
Si Racha Tiger Zoo
Si Racha Tiger Zoo had up to 400 bengal tigers as well as other animals on show. In October 2004, tigers in the zoo contracted bird flu of the dangerous H5N1
virus, probably from being fed infected chicken. 30 tigers died of the
virus, another 80 were culled as they were suspected to have contracted
the virus as well.
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