Pattaya A great
getaway
Just
two hours from Bangkok is the beach resort of Pattaya-at once busy and
quiet. Spend some time here and you'll discover that pattaya is really
a great getaway. From a small fishing village to a major tourist resort,
Pattaya has certainly changed colors. It got of a US base at nearby
Sattahip. Now the resort can lay claim to the same range of seaside
attractions, the same diversity of recreations as this one. 
Food is
great here, especially seafood which you have to try at a beachside
restaurant for the sheer atmosphere. This seaside town also offers great
international dining experience with restaurants catering to every taste,
in every lane and by-lane. The beach is, of course, one of its main
attractions. But those looking for peace and quiet could head for nearby
Hat Jomtien and Wong Amat witch more than make up for the hustle and
bustle of Pattaya.
Tours to nearby islands, beaches and sightseeing points abound. In addition
there is a full-range of activities for sports enthusiasts-snorkeling,
scuba diving, shooting, bowling and great golfing.
At night the city comes alive and is ablaze with lights. There is plenty
to choose from-restaurants, beer bars, cabarets, pubs, discotheques
and tranquil beaches (at night they are tranquil).
GETTING THERE
Pattaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by car taking only
two hours along Bangna-Trad Highway via Bangna, Bang Pakong, Chonburi
and Si Racha.
Eastern Bus Station at Sukhumvit Soi 63 (390-1230) has air-conditioned
coaches leaving Bangkok every half hour from 5 am to 11 pm and retaining
from Pattaya every half hour from 5am to 9 pm Bht 77 one way.
Hualamphong Train Station on Rama IV Rd (223-0341-8) has a daily train
service departing Bangkok at 7am. The train departs Pattaya for Bangkok
at 2:50 pm daily. Bht31 one way.
WHERE
TO GO
Beaches.
As beaches go there are several-from Na Klua to Jomtien. The most famous
is the one bordering Pattaya Beach Road and is packed with hotels, restaurants,
shopping plazas, and bars. Jomtien Beach is relatively quieter and offers
windsurfing, jet skiing etc.
Coral islands. Close by are three
small islands popular for the clear blue water, the largest of which
is Hoh LAN. Motor boat trips to the island take 45 minutes, and often
include viewing corals from glass bottomed boats, The other two islands
are Ko Sak and Ko Khrok> also nearby are Ko Lin and Ko Phai
Elephant Kraal.
At the Pattaya Elephant Village, entertaining demonstrations of elephant
training, racing, and round-ups can be seen.
Mini Siam" The first miniature
town in Southeast Asia, Mini Siam is at Km 143 on Sukhumvit Highway,
ten minutes from Pattaya. 80 models of places in Thailand are featured,
including Crocodile Farm, Phra Pathom Chedi, Victory Moment, and Wat
Phra Kaeo.
The Million Years stone Park&Pattaya Crocodile Farm, A magnificent
natural garden. Forty acres of gigantic, grotesque stones Thai Bonsai
over 200 years old and a zoo. Just 15 minutes from North Pattaya. 249347-9
Nong Mooch Tropical Garden.
20 minutes from Pattaya on Km 163 is this 500 acre park with Thai-style
houses, orchid and cactus gardens, and a large artificial lake. If time
permits, catch the daily cultural and elephant shows.
Phra Tamnak Hill.
Phra Tamnak Hill is at the southern tip of the bay, and offers
the most panoramic view of the curved Bay of Pattaya.
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.
A fantastic place for the family. It boasts over 300 fascinating exhibits
including the SOS messages from the ill-fated Titanic. It also includes
Motion Master, Moving Theatre, two motion picture cinemas plus a Lazer
Tag game and a hitch bumper car ride, 3rd floor, Royal Garden Plaza.
The entrance fee is Bht 150 for adults and Bht 100 for chidden. Open
daily from 10 am till midnight.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo. The zoo has
over 80 tigers besides other animals, Open daily 9.30 am - 6.30 pm.
341 Moo 3 Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi. 296556-8.
Snake Show. For a really thrilling
and interesting experience, visit Pattaya's Snake Show. Pythons, cobras
and kraits are on show. Open daily 8.00 am -9 pm. 10/20 Moo5, Soi Noenphapwan,
Nongprue. 945-297-8
Tiffany's Show. Asia's most spectacular
stand-in cabaret comes to life every night at Tiffany's Sixty transvestite
dancers in stunning costumes and in memorable song and dance sequences
perform with a touch of flair and comedy. Dailyashow time: 7 pm, 8:30
pm and 10 pm. North Pattaya, 2nd Road. Tel 429-642, 421-700-3
Shopping. Pattaya Beach road is
jammed with several shops for beachwear, souvenirs, liquor, jewelry,
silks, Thai handicrafts and just about everything else. Or you can shop
at department stores and shopping plazas like Royal Garden Plaza, Central
Shopping Center, Mike Shopping Mall, Lotus Supermarket and Big C.
| Comment |
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My dad was stationed in Bangkok and we would always vacation in Pattaya. In those days (the late 50s) we would rent a small house right on the beach. It was amazingly beautiful to go to sleep and wake up with the sound of the ocean on the beach. I will never forget it. Being a Global Nomad was (and still is) the gift of a lifetime.
vera.hamer-sonn@asu.edu 21 January 2008 20:35 |
verygood
snoogker_@hotmail.com 01 April 2007 12:53 |
Beautiful Sea View Studio w/Balcony on Jomtien Beach, Pattaya for Rent only THB 14,000/month Beautiful Swimming Pool, 24 h.security, restaurant, laundry,ect. Call 081-925-2845
yoursweethome@hotmail.com 12 September 2006 11:28 |
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