Sin City's Silver Lining - Chonburi, Thailand

Pattaya City is synonymous for it's 'Walking Street', nightlife and vice scene, but the outskirts have so much more to offer for the more conservative soul. Silverlake Vineyard is a stunning escape, just 17 km from Sin City and a stark contrast to it's seedier neighbour. The site is sprawled out over a generous 480 acres and sits behind the mighty Big Buddha Mountain. The picturesque retreat acquired it's name from the giant lake at the bottom, which glistens in the sunlight during sunset creating a silver tint hence the name 'Silverlake'.

Big Buddha Mountain

Once escaping Sin City's busier pastures we were guided towards our destination via the Sukhumvit Road and once we turned left off this escape route, the journey became a much pleasanter affair. We were presented with winding roads, shimmering lakes and peaking mountains to wet our appetites with a scenic starter, showcasing some of the natural treats within Chonburi Province, before moving onto the main course of Silverlake.

During our mission towards the silver getaway, a giant slowly began to appear above the trees and foliage. As we approached ever nearer the 'giant' presented itself to us. It was a huge 130 metre high and 70 metre wide image of a Buddha, which is known as Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamopat Satsada. The Buddha image was carved onto Khao Cheejan, or Big Buddha Mountain in 1996 to celebrate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 50th year as reigning king. It really was quite a spectacle to see and even better as it was a complete surprise to us all!

On route to the main course

The final stretch before arriving at the silver sanctuary

Visual Delicacies

Upon arrival it became apparent to us that Silverlake's visual presence was less of a 'main course' and more of a 'buffet', providing sightseers, photographers and artists alike with an array of optical openings to be appreciated with true awe. Tuscan style buildings, shimmering lakes, flourishing flowers, green carpeted mountains, towering trees and hovering hedges kept our eyes engaged throughout our experience.

A taste of the Tuscan Style Architecture

Panorama of the Silver Sanctuary

Silver lake itself hiding out the back

Big Buddha Mountain and our Sun combining forces

My Junior Explorer, stick in hand embarking upon his next expedition

Vines in abundance

The heavens saying goodbye

A little more about the Silver-lined Lake

Silverlake puts its crops to good use, on top of producing wine, it also makes jam which go into some tasty biscuits(cookies) and some delicious grape flavoured drinks for the sober members of society. Furthermore they have a restaurant showcasing their silver scenic retreat, offering some fine examples of Italian cuisine, continuing on from their architectural theme, really bringing a bite of bruschetta straight out of Italy. They provide wine sessions for those who indulge, but personally I'm a craft beer believer, my wife doesn't partake and my junior explorer has yet to acquire the taste for fine wines.

If Italian dining and wine are not taking your fancy, perhaps you would be interested in a romantic stroll through the gardens, a truck powered tour of the vineyard, mountain biking, horse riding or even a blast around on an ATV. Although we were happy enough to stroll around, sit down, relax and embrace the pure beauty of the Silver Soother.

We thoroughly enjoyed our escape from 'Sin City' and would recommend the trip if you are ever in the vicinity of Silverlake. Budding photographers will be spoilt with opportunities and those wishing a relaxing moment won't be disappointed!

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Keep exploring!

(All photos are originals)