ChonburiPattaya

Pattaya A Travelers Paradise

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960’s, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Ko Lan
Lying about 7.5 kilometers off of Pattaya by a 45-minute ferry or 15 minutes by speed boat ride, the island measures 2 kilometers by 5 kilometers and offers several white sandy beaches, notably Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem Thian and Hat Thong Long, the latter facing coral reefs. Visitors can choose either snorkeling or viewing the coral from glass bottom boats. Ferries to the island leave South Pattaya pier daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Cruises by sailing junks, with lunch provided are also available.

The Bottle Museum
As the name implies, this is the place where you can find elaborate bottle creations, including the usual vessels. Located at Km. 145, off of Highway No. 3, the museum features the work of the Dutch master Peter Bedelais. Open daily from 10.a.m. until 10 p.m.

Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham)
The compound, which covers an area of more than two rais, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North Pattaya. Within the compound is a gigantic temple-like structure entirely made of wood that is 105 meters high at the highest point which was constructed to withstand wind and sunshine on the seashore. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths.

Mini Siam
Located at Km. 143 on Highway No. 3 is a wonderland of miniature replicas of such outstanding architectural works as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, the Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, etc. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the miniworld area. These include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Cabaret Shows
Alcazar on Pattaya II Road offers three shows daily at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. with an extra show on Saturdays at 11 p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht. Call (038) 410225 for more information.
Tiffany on Pattaya II Road provides three shows daily at 7 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht. Call (038) 429642, 421700-5 for more information.

Baan Sukhawadee
A European style mansion by the sea houses a statue of Kuan Yin and other sculptures that express the philosophy of living. Buildings in the compound include The Buddha Dome, a restuarant and sourvenir shop.

Thai Alangkarn Theatre
Located at Km. 155 marker on Sukhumvit Road Chomthian, Pattaya. With an area of 80 rais, the entire project includes a prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant. ALANGKARN is aiming towards a new concept of presenting Thai Culture to tourists from all walks of life, instead of the standard Thai traditional dances that could easily be founded elsewhere. The Extravaganza Show Pattaya open daily except Wednesday , The regular show start at 18.00 hrs. and restaurant opens at 16.45-20.00 hrs.

The Si Racha Tiger Farm
The farm, which is situated at Km. 20 marker on highway No. 36, raises a large number of Bengal tigers, as well as large crocodiles. Visitors will be amazed to witness tigers, pigs and dogs living together in the same quarters. The farm opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

The Khao Khiao Open Zoo
Covering a vast tract of forest land, the zoo is located approximately 20 kilometers south of Chon Buri from Sukhumvit Road. To get there, take a left turn at Bang Phra, and follow the clearly posted signs. Operated by the Zoological Garden Organization, the zoo has more than 200 species of domestic and imported wildlife living in their natural habitat. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., the zoo also puts on shows of well-trained animals and birds. A new feature is the Night Safari Tour by auto-trams.

Suan Nong Nooch (Nong Nooch Garden)
Located approximately 18 kilometers south of Pattaya, the Garden can be reached by taking a left turn from Sukhumvit Road at the Km. 163 marker. The Garden is a sprawling recreation park in a typical Thai setting. A group of traditional Thai pavilions and gardens of different flowering plants are positioned around the beautifully landscaped site. Daily cultural and elephant shows are available for tourists with show times at 10.15 a.m. and 3.45 p.m.

Khao Sam Muk
A low hillock situated between Ang Sila and Bang Saen on the road that runs along the seashore is Khao Sam Muk a place known by most Thais for its tragic love story. According to the legend, two lovers jumped off of the cliff to declare their eternal love after facing parental objection to their marriage. A panoramic view of Bang Saen beach can be seen from the hilltop. Good quality Thai and Chinese seafood restaurants are located at the foot of the hills providing reasonably priced sumptuous dishes.

Bang Saen
This ever popular seaside town is situated approximately 14 kilometers from the city. To get to Bang Saen from Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed for another 3 kilometers. Bang Saen is especially popular amongst Thai visitors who enjoy strolling along the long white sandy beach and tasting the delicious seafood available from vendors along the pavement. Unlike weekdays, weekends are always particularly crowded. A wide range of hotels and bungalows are located by the sea and recreational gear and bicycles for rent are available in shops nearby. For budget travelers, several buses depart daily from Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout the day. In addition, there are local ''Song taew'' or local transport services connecting Chon Buri town-Nong Mon Market-Bang Saen.