Attractions
Amphoe
Bang Lamung & Pattaya Alangkarn
Theatre is
located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit Road Jomtien, Pattaya with an area of 80 rais.
The entire project includes prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and
a Restaurant. ALANGKARN is aiming towards a new concept of presenting the Thai
Culture to our clienteles, instead of the standard Thai traditional dancing that
could easily be founded elsewhere.For more information , call 0 3825 6000 (Pattaya)
or 0 2216 1949 (Bangkok Office).or visit Website: www.alangkarnthailand.com
Bamrung
Sport Club On the bank of the Huai Sak Nok reservoir off Sukhumvit Highway
at Km. 150, the Bamrung Sport Club offers instructions and facilities for water
sports such as wind-surfing, Sailing, para-motor and para-gliding. There are also
facilities for horse-riding and canoeing, catamaraning and kayaking. Tel: 0 3824
9841 Cabaret
Shows
Alcazar on
Pattaya II Road with three shows daily at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Extra show
on Saturday at 11 p.m. Admission fee is 500/600 baht Call (038) 410225 for more
information.
Tiffany
on Pattaya II Road with three shows daily at 7 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10.00p.m. Admission
fee is 500/600 baht. Call (038) 429642, 421700-5 for more information. Hat Chomthian
(Jomtien)
Hat Chomthian (Jomtien) is a km.-long beach and only 4 kilometres
from Pattaya. A beach road runs parallel to the shore along which are hotels and
other accommodation facilities. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site
for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.
Khao
Pattaya
Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat is a small hill to the south of Pattaya Beach. An
asphalt road leads up to the hilltop. Khao Pattaya is now the site of the Naval
radio station where the monument of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the Father
of Royal Thai Navy, is situated. A sacred Buddha image is also enshrined on the
hilltop. The view point on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of Pattaya City
and Pattaya Bay.
Ko
Khrok
Some 8 kilometres off Pattaya Beach is Ko Khrok an isle almost totally surrounded
by rock formations. A gap of 100 metres to the east is a stretch of sandy beach
from which visitors can go and enjoy viewing underwater coral reefs. This island
can be reached by chartered boat from South Pattaya. (this private island is not
allowed to enter)
Ko
Lan
Ko Lan is some 7.5 kilometres or 45 minutes by ferry from Pattaya. The 2 km. x
5 km. land area offers several white, sandy beaches such as Hat Ta Waen, Hat Laem
Thian and Hat Thong Lang. Most of the tour boats make anchor to take advantage
of the foodshops and stalls along these beaches. Facing Hat Thong Lang are coral
ranges. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats and surface-diving. Hat Samae is
located to the southwest while Hat Ta Phan is to the west of the island.
Getting
There: A ferry leaves South Pattaya pier daily from 10 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. One-way
fare is 20 baht. On return, the ferry leaves Ko Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 12 noon
and 2 p.m. Speed boats are also available along Pattaya beach. Ko
Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klungbadan
Two hours, 23 kilometers from
Pattaya are the Ko Phai Islands, the largest of which is Ko Phai. Others include
Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam and Ko Klungbadan. The area is under the supervision of
the Royal Thai Navy. However, visitors are allowed for swimming, relaxation or
diving but only during daytime. Overnight stays are not permitted.
Ko Sak
Some six hundred metres further from Ko Lan, or about 10 kilometres from Pattaya
is Ko Sak a small island shaped like an upturn horse-shoe. There are two connecting
beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Ko
Sak can be reached by chartered boat from South Pattaya.
Mini
Siam
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, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai,
etc. Replicals 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. Admission fee is 200
baht. Call (038) 421628, 424232 or (02) 271 1896, 616 1533 for more information.
Panarak
Park
Five kilometres on Phonprapha Nimit Road off Highway No. 3 at Km. 145, the Panarak
Park is a nature-based recreation facility. With fishing gears for rent, visitors
can relax in a game of fishing. Tel: 0 3824 9605-6.
Pattaya
Beach
The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is about 4 kilometres long with
a road running parallel to the beach. From mid-section to the southern end of
the area are a vast array of restaurants, bars, department stores, souvenir stores,
as well as other places of entertainment. To the north of the beach are various
mini-resorts and hotels in a more quiet atmosphere. For local transportation,
the “Song Thaeo” mini-buses ply the routes along the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd
Road.
Pattaya
Elephant Village
Located on Phonpraphanimit Road which is off Highway
No.3 at Km.145, the Pattaya Elephant Village focuses on daily life of elephants
and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild
elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand
war elephants parade. Elephant rides around the village. The one-hour-long elephant
shows are held at 14.30 hrs. Contact counter in Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 249145-7,
249818.
Elephant
shows are also operated in other places. Most of them are located on Sukhumvit
Road. These include Ban Chang Thai Tel: (038) 70628-91, Utthayan Chang Tel: (038)
716379, Thin Chang Thai Tel: (038) 756516, 756577, Suan Chang Tel: (038) 756517
and Farm Chang Thai Tel: (038) 237825. Sanctuary
of Truth
Sanctuary of Truth a gigantic temple-like structure entirely
made of wood, is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North
Pattaya. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out
of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious
and philosophical truth. It is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission fee is
500 baht. Tel: 0 3822 5407
Suan
Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)
Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park) is
at foot of Pattaya hill on Phratamnak Road. This small park, covering a large
area, was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King’s sixtieth birthday on
December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants.
There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging
and standard exercise facilities. On any given day, a large number of people will
relax, jog, exercise or simple enjoy the scenery of Pattaya in this park.
The Bira
International Circuit
The Bira International Circuit , about 15 kilometres
from Pattaya on the Pattaya-Rayong Road (Highway No. 36), organises motor and/or
motorcycle races regularly over the weekends. For more information, call 0 2280
3547, 0 2522 1731-8.
The
Bottle Museum
The Bottle Museum is located at Km.145 of Highway No. 3.
As its name implies, it specializes in glass bottle containing elaborately crafted
creations, including the usual vessels. The exhibits are the works of the Dutch
master Peter Bedelais. Open daily from 10.a.m. until 10 p.m. Admission fee is
100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children. Call (038) 422957.
The Horseshoe
Point
The Horseshoe Point is another horse-riding training center.
The Lakeland
Water Cable Ski
The Lakeland Water Cable Ski, at Km. 150.5 on Highway
No. 3, is about 5 kilometres from Pattaya. Cable ski equipment are available for
use at its large fresh-water lake. Open daily 10 a.m.-9.00 p.m. Tel: 0 3823 2690-2
The million-Year
Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
The million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile
Farm located some 9 kilometres from Pattaya City. Its grounds are beautifully
landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as
some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile
shows, magic performances and animal shows 6 times a day from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The
compound is open daily from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht. Call (038)
249347-9 or (02) 579 4008, 579 5033 for more information.
Getting
there: Drive along Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit) until you come to Km. 140 near Sawangfa
Temple, then turn into Chaiyaphonwithi (Route No.3024) and continue for 5 kilometres. The Monkey
Training Centre
The Monkey Training Centre located in Soi Chaiyaphruk
off Highway No. 3 at Km. 151, displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to
climbs and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities. There is also cock-fighting,
with is a traditional pasttime of rural Thailand. A snake show is also staged.
There are five shows daily at 9 am., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Admission
fee is 250 baht. Call 0 3875 6367, 0 3875 6570 for more information.
The Motion
Master Moving Theatre
The Motion Master Moving Theatre also in the Royal Garden Plaza, offers hi-tech
screening of motions and movements as experienced in real life. Open daily from
10 a.m.-11 p.m. Tel: 0 3871 0294-8.
The
Pattaya Cart Speedway
The Pattaya Cart Speedway is a small racing track
about 5 kilometres south of Pattaya on Thep Prasit Road. Open for both professional
and amateur drivers, it is open daily from 9.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Tel: 0 3842 2044.
The Pattaya
Horse-riding Training Center
The Pattaya Horse-riding Training Center, at Km. 11 on Highway No. 36, has horses
for hire. Tel: 0 3822 5149.
The
Pattaya Park
The Pattaya Park at Chomthian features a large water park with giant sliders and
a tower with a revolving restaurant which offers a panoramic view of Pattaya.
Visitors can enjoy many toys which offer excitement and a great fun. Tel: 0 3825
1201-8 or 0 2579 9612-4, 0 2941 2056.
The
Ripley’s believe It or Not Odditorium
The Ripley’s believe It or Not Odditorium situated in the Royal Garden Plaza on
Beach Road, has a large collection of stories of oddities from every corner of
the globe. Admission fee is 280 baht for adults and 230 baht for children.
The World
Dog Centre
A little under 3 kilometres on Phonpraphanimit Road off Sukhumvit
is a canine training facility. The World Dog Centre has more than 250 different
species of dogs and stages daily shows by well-trained police dogs four times
daily. Admission fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Call 0
3873 1275-6 for information. (close up the business 2/5/02)
Wong
Phrachan Beach
Wong Phrachan Beach is on the northern side of Pattaya
Bay. The 1 kilometre beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel.
A quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Amphoe
Ko Si Chang Chao
Pho Khao Yai Shrine Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine Situated on a northern hill
of the island, the shrine is a natural architecture masterpiece, revered by both
the Thai and Chinese worshippers. From here the front side of the island with
a panoramic view of Sichang community can be clearly seen. Hat
Tham Phang
Hat Tham Phang Khao Tham Phang at the back of the island surrounds this white
sandy beach. The sloping beach is thus on the unwindy side. The sea is clear and
not too wavy. It is a good spot for swimming and lazing on the beach to admire
the sunset.
Khao
Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom
Khao Khat Pass and Hat Hin Klom The name of
" Hat Hin Klom" comes from the rounded rocks on the beach which have
been "rounded" by the westerly wind that normally comes from March to
September. The white sand makes the beach look clean and clear. There pass on
the back side of the island is also another vantage point to watch the sunset.
Mondop
atop Buddha's Footprint King Rama V Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint King
Rama V had this footprint replica installed on top of Khaya Sira Hill. It is another
vantage point to admire Ko Sichang and its surrounding. Phra
Chuthathut Ratchathan
Phra Chuthathut Ratchathan The only palace amidst
the sea. King Rama V had it built in 1892 as a holiday retreat and a convalescence
home for his wives and children. The king loved to visit Sichang Island because
of the beautiful scenery and the tranquil atmospere it offered. It was also a
big cargo station with lively transactions with foreign ships. For the construction,
the king spent the money from his private treasury. He named the palace after
the name of Prince Chuthathut who was born here.
Si
Chang
The landscaping of the palace compound has carefully planned. Residential quarters,
lawns,pools, and swamps are designed and located in ascending tiers from the beach
up to the top of the hill, alternated with frangipani trees (Plumeria acuminata)
of different colours.
Each
building was named after the queen who sponsored its decoration, for example,
Watthana Mansion, Phongsi Mansion, and Aphirom Mansion. On the beach there is
a green house made of wood decorated with ginger-bread patterns. A
building called " Man-that Phairot" was unfortunately stopped by the
Thai-Franco disturbance in 1894. In 1899 the king had it moved to Dusit Palace
in Bangkok and had the construction completed. He named it " Vimanmek"
which is now opened as a museum. A temple called " Wat Atsadang Nimit "
was also built on a hill near the palace. Western architectural style was adapted
and applied to the construction of the temple. Amphoe
Muang
Ang Sila Ang Sila This is a seaside fishing village, some 5 kilometres
from town. Most villagers are skilled in making implements from granite. Items
made are mainly mortar and pestle widely used in Thai households in the olden
times and figurines of animals such as lion, elephant and horse as decorative
items. Near
the market are two European-style building in the reign of King Rama IV served
as a convalescence home and a retreat for the royal household and foreign high-ranking
officials. The buildings are considered the country's very first seaside residence. Bang
Saen
A well-known holiday beach, Bang Saen is only 14 kilometres from the provincial
town. From Sukhumvit Road, take a right turn at Km. 104 and proceed on for another
3 kilometres to get there. Bang Saen is widely popular with Thai holiday-makers
who happily romp along the long beach and partake in the tasty food available.
Weekends are particularly crowded while it is relatively quiet during weekdays.
Fronting the beach are hotels, bungalows, foodshops as well as recreational gears
and bicycles for rent.
Getting
There: Bus services are available from Bangkok’s Ekkamai Bus Terminal throughout
the day. There are also local “Song Thaeo” transports serving Chon Buri town-Nong
Mon Market-Bang Saen. Khao
Sam Muk
Khao Sam Muk is a low hillock situated between Ang Sila and Bang Saen along the
road facing the seashore. A habitat of scores of wild monkeys, the hill-top affords
a panoramic view of the Bang Saen beach. At the foot of the hill are Thai and
Chinese shrines highly respected by visitors. Legend has it that the cliff-top
was where two lovers jumped to their death because of parental objection.
Nong Mon
Market
On Sukhumvit Road near the entrance road to Bang Saen is the widely
popular Nong Mon Market .It offers a vast range of local products but mostly foodstuffs,
both fresh and preserved. Among its well-known buys are different types of dried
seafoods, Khao Lam or gluttonous rice baked in bamboo, Ho Mok or spicy steamed
fish cakes, Hoi Cho or deep fried shrimp cakes, sweetened banana and taro chips,
sweetened fruit preserves as well as rattan and bamboo basketware from Phanat
Nikhom.
Phra
Phutthasihing Shrine
Phra Phutthasihing Shrine Situated on Wachiraprakan
Road about 500 metres from the city hall. The shrine houses a replica of the Phra
Phutthasihing cast in pure silver. An extremely beautiful icon, it is highly revered
by townpeople.
The
Marine Scientific Institute of the Burapha University
The Marine Scientific
Institute of the Burapha University Situated in the Burapha University at Bang
Saen. It is a modern aquarium with realistic underwater environment. There is
a marine science museum which is open daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 a.m. until
4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. For more
information, call 0 3839 1671-3.
Wat
Yai Inthraram
Located on Chetchamnong Road in town, Wat Yai Inthraram is an old temple built
since the times of Ayutthaya with Ayutthaya-style architectural influence. This
is evident from the Ubosot (ordination hall)and Vihan (image hall) with their
distinctive Gunwale Curve base, are from the carved wooden door panels at the
Mondop (square building with a pyramidal roof) over the Holy Footprints.
The
Ubosot itself has been renovated during the reign of King Rama III using glass-ware
to adorn the gables and windows. Within the Ubosot are murals covering the entire
four walls which have been continuous restored over the years. In front of the
temple stands a statue of King Taksin the Great. It is said that the king used
to stop here on the way to set up his base in Chanthaburi during the Fall of Ayutthaya
in 1767. Amphoe
Phanat Nikhom the
Promotion Centre for Bamboo Basketry Skills
Long known for its fine basketry
products, Phanat Nikhom originally made them for daily use. The products were
gradually developed into more elaborate and marketable hand-crafted items. The
major market is on Ko Kaeo Road behind the Municipal Market I. To view the production
process and higher quality items, pay a visit to the Promotion Centre for Bamboo
Basketry Skills on Intha-asa Road near the district office, which is a royally-initiated
project of Her Majesty the Queen.
Amphoe
Sattahip
Ao Dong Tan Ao Dong Tan Next to Sattahip Market is the curvy bay with
lines of fan-palms called " tan " trees from which the name of the by
is derived. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the bay attracts local regulars
who would like to take a rest. Bang
Saray
Bang Sa-re or Bang Saray is a fishing village some 16 kilometres
south of Pattaya, with a right turn at Km. 164. South of Bang Saray is a deep
bay suitable for angling. To the north are accommodation and dining facilities
along the beach.
Chong
Samae San
Another village offering good fishing opportunities is Chong
Samae San , located some 17 kilometres further from the Sattahip deep-water port.
There are bungalow-type accommodations and tourists can charter boats to enjoy
fishing around the nearby islands. All these small island are under the jurisdiction
of the navy.
Hat
Nang Ram
Hat Nang Ram Situated close to the Sattahip deep-water port,
Nang Ram beach is about 200 metres long. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine
of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy. The atmosphere
is very peaceful with shadowy pine trees and lines of frangipani trees.
Hat Toei
Ngam
Hat Toei Ngam Lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200
metre crescent beach add to the tranquillity of the atmosphere. The northern side
of the beach is located a naval museum and monument. Toei Ngam Beach is under
the navy's supervision. It is, however, open to the general public from 6 a.m.
to 9 p.m. every day.
Nong
Nooch Garden About 18 kilometres south of Pattaya, with a left turn from
Sukhumvit Road at Km. 163, is Nong Nooch Garden a sprawling recreation park in
typical Thai settings. Groups of traditional Thai houses and gardens of different
flowering plants are dotted around the beautifully landscaped site. There are
daily cultural and elephant shows attracting crowds of delighted visitors. Show
times are 10.15 a.m. and 3.45 p.m. Admission fee is 300 baht. Tel: 0 3842 9321,
0 3842 9958, 0 3870 9358-62 or Bangkok Office Tel: 0 2252 1786 Viharnra
Sien
One kilometre from the temple is a Chinese-style structure called Viharnra Sien
built by Thais of Chinese descendants. Within the beautiful structure are housed
Chinese antiquities and exhibition of Chinese religious belief. It is open daily
from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission : 50 baht.
Wat
Yansangwararam
Wat Yansangwararam This temple is 15 kilometres south of Pattaya City, turning
left from Sukhumvit Highway at Km.160. The temple was dedicated to Somdet Phra
Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Pariarch in 1976 and was later graciously admitted
under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple ground, a total area of
146 acres, comprises a mondop (four gable pavilion) which enshrines a replica
of the Buddha's footprints, a large stupa where the relics of the Lord Buddha
and those of the Lord Buddha's disciples are enshrined. There are Phra Yanaretwihan
and international pavilion representing several countries throughout the ground.
Amphoe
Si Racha
CMT Flying Club CMT Flying Club This is a world-class sports flying
complex at Km.10 of Highway No.36 on the way to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The CMT
Flying Club provides a manicured turf runway for use by both light and ultralight
aircraft and has designated flying areas for radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft
flying. The club also provides comprehensive facilities for its members and visitors,
including a government certified flying school, aircraft maintenance centre and
RC model shop. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minite fly on a light aircraft with skilled
instructor, which costs 1,300 baht per person. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays
from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 0 3827 3250-7 for more information Khao
Kheow Open Zoo
Khao Kheow Open Zoo covers a vast tract of forestland and
is operated by the Zoological Garden Organization. It is located 19 kilometres
after a left turn at Bang Phra, about 20 kilometres south of Chon Buri on Sukhumvit
Road. There are more than 200 species of wildlife living in their natural habitat.
They include both domestic and imported types. Open daily from 8 a.m. until 6
p.m., the zoo is also put on shows of well-trained animals and birds. Admission
fee is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. A new feature is the Night
Safari Tour by auto-trams. Call 0 38 29 8188, 0 3829 8270 ext 19 or visit www.zoothailand.org
for more information.
Ko
Loi
Ko Loi is a small islet near the northern shore of Si Racha. Connected to the
mainland by a bridge, it is a popular location for recreation by the local people.
A flight of stairs leads up to the breezy hill-top which offers a delightful view
of the sea.
Namtok
Chan Ta Then
About 15 kilometres from Sukhumvit Road on the same route
to the Khao Khieo Open Zoo is Namtok Chan Ta Then. The section of the road close
to the fall is quite steep. With five secondary levels, it can be reached on foot
along the path running along side the stream. The best time to visit is between
August-November when the water is clear and still plentiful.
Saithip
Butterfly Garden
Saithip Butterfly Garden Situated at Km. 10 of Highway
No.36, this butterfly garden covers an area of 15 acres, regarded as the largest
in Asia. There are also a bee museum and an orchid farm in the area. The garden
is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.30 p.m. Admission : 80 baht for adults and 40 baht
for children. Call 0 3829 8330 for more information
Siracha
Tiger Zoo
Siracha Tiger Zoo At Km. 20 on Highway No. 36 between Pattaya
and Bang Saen or 10 kilometres from Si Racha, keeps a large number of Bengal tigers,
as well as crocodiles and other animals. There are shows involving trainers with
tigers and crocodiles. Visitors will thrill to see how friendship can be possible
among tigers, pigs and dogs who live together. The park is open daily from 9 a.m.-6
p.m. Admission fee is 250 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Call 0 3829
6556-8 or 0 2530 7412-3 or visit www.tigerzoo.com for more information. |