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Pattaya Places To See |
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Pattaya is a
phenomenon. Once a tiny fishing village, it has developed into an
international playground of such renown as to be justly dubbed the "Jewel of the East Coast".
Located just 145 km southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya can be visited on
a day trip from the capital, although most visitors are so enchanted
by the variety of things to do and see that even a week's stay
doesn't seem long enough.
Colorful and alive with activity, Pattaya is unrivaled as a beach
resort. It is in a class of its own, offering more attractions in
greater profusion than any other single destination in Southeast
Asia. Day and night, it presents an ever changing kaleidoscope of
fun and thrills.
Facing a wide bay and a long majestic sweep of beach, Pattaya has
been groomed over more than three decades for the international
visitor, and today, it boasts the unique distinction of a beach
resort with city status. Where most other resorts rely simply on
their natural surroundings, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to
provide the best of everything in an exhaustive mix of facilities.
Indeed, Pattaya can be whatever you want it to be. Such is its
variety that it is ideal for all kinds of visitors. While there is
plenty to keep the children happily occupied, there is also
everything for the sports enthusiast, for couples of all ages
seeking rest and relaxation, and for those who are simply looking
for good times in the sun.
Pattaya misses no opportunity for taking full advantage of its sandy
beaches, a warm sparkling sea and year-round sunshine. There are
ample provisions for all kinds of water-sports - sailing,
windsurfing, water-skiing, water cable skiing, para-sailing,
snorkeling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. On shore activities
are equally extensive and the choice includes tennis, badminton.
Motor racing, go-karting, shooting, ten pin bowling and snooker.
Not only are the facilities available, there is also expert
instruction for some sports. Complete beginners can, for example,
take a course in scuba diving and gain a proficiency certificate
during a week's stay. Experts are also on hand to teach the skills
of windsurfing.
True to its city status, Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, show
no slackening of pace after sundown. Evenings are as full of fun as
the day, with a wide selection of fine dining, entertainment and
shopping.
Excellent restaurants abound throughout Pattaya, and as varied as
the venues are the menus. Fresh succulent seafood is of course a
favorite, although visitors can relish an international array of
culinary delights. After dinner options include open-air bars,
nightclubs, cabaret shows and disco. The nightlife center is South
Pattaya, popularly known as "The Strip", but if this is a trifle
brash and noisy for some taste, there are alternative, quieter spots
for a more relaxed evening.
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Golfer's Paradise |
Thailand is fast gaining a well-deserved reputation as a golfer's
paradise. Some of the kingdom's finest course are to be found near
Pattaya. A short drive from the beach leads into some wonderful
golfing country. Bang Phra International Golf Club, Panya Resort,
Siam Country Club, Royal Thai Navy Golf Club and Bang Pa Kong
Riverside Country Club all offer excellent 18-hole, par-72 courses,
as do the more recently opened Rayong Green Valley Country Club,
Phoenix Golf & Country Club and Eastern Star Golf & Country Club.
Visiting golfers can take great delight in any and all of these
international-standard courses, where they will find a challenging
game amid the most picturesque natural scenery. Matching the quality
of play are attentive caddies and deluxe clubhouse facilities.
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Islands Off
Pattaya's Coast |
One can enjoy
idyllic cruises to various offshore islands. Nearest to Pattaya are
Ko Lan and Ko Sak, a mere 45 minutes boat ride away. Further afield
are other islands, in particular Ko Samet, which lies off the coast
of Rayong. Far less developed than Pattaya, they affords a tranquil
escape amid idyllic surroundings. The waters here are excellent for
snorkeling and scuba diving. For those who like to explore off the
beaten track, there are the islands of Ko Man Nok, Ko Kai and Ko Man
Wichai. |
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Wat
Yannasangwararam |
Situated not far
from Chomtien, this new wat is dedicated to His Majesty the King and
is fascinating for its mix of architectural styles. The main temple
building is a modern interpretation of classic Thai design, while
numerous smaller shrines have been constructed in the typical styles
of various countries East and West. The extensive landscaped gardens
which surround the temple add natural beauty and enhance a tranquil
atmosphere.
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Bang Saen |
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Located to the north of Pattaya, Bang
Saen is an older beach resort and one still very popular with
Bangkok residents. Here, apart from the beach, is the excellent
Marine Science Centre aquarium. Close by are Ocean World Water
Amusement Park and, a few km inland, Khao Keo Open Zoo where various
wild animals can be seen in a picturesque hillside setting |
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Ko Chang |
This is Thailand's
second largest island (after Phuket). It is characterized by a
hinterland of densely forested hills fringed by some superb beaches.
Along with its equally magnificent neighboring islands, Ko Chang
affords a tropical escape to visitors.
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The Million Years
Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm |
Located on a
nearly 40 acre piece of land just 15 minutes ride from Pattaya, this
Park & Farm is a new striking tourist attraction created with more
than 20 years' effort. It contains much more than what its name
suggest. It is not only a living museum of curious and beautiful
things of all the three kingdoms - animal, vegetation and mineral,
but also offers visitors several kinds of amusing and exciting
shows. |
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Thailand
