Pattaya

Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท This small hill is located between South Pattaya and Jomtien. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Many tourists know it as Buddha Hill. Locals and visitors come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is regarded as the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” and Suan Chaloemphrakiat สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ Khao Phra Tam Nak Road. This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres, the park 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 and offer a scenic view of Pattaya. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. It is not at all obvious how to access the gardens of the park from the summit, and those from overseas should ask a local for guidance.

Hat Jomtien หาดจอมเทียน This 6- kilometre-long beach is only 4km from Pattaya. A beach road runs parallel to the shore, along which are hotels and restaurants. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.

Hat Wong Phra Chan หาดวงพระจันทร์ This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

animals & zoos

Underwater World อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์ is on the Sukhumvit–Nong Prue Road and is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming in the 180 degree area. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones; the first zone where there are beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse and butterflyfish, the second zone displays soft-bone ones such as sharks, stingrays, while those in the third zone are the economic ones such as the Napoleonfish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck; the fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River and the biggest ones are on display. Moreover, there are marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone. It is open everyday from 9.00AM–6.00PM the ticket counter is closed at 5.30PM. Entrance fee is 400 baht for the adults (http://underwaterworldpat...) and 200 baht for children. For more information, please contact Tel. 0 3875 6879 or Fax. 0 3875 6879.

22/22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Road 15 minutes from town centre, you can take a Song thew to the Sukhumvit road and then take another Southwards until you see Tesco Lotus mall and then after a kilometer or so you will see the Underwater World; tel. +66-38756879. Aquarium full of tropical creatures. Open 09:00-18:00, last admission 17:30, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Different prices for Thais 180 baht/adult, 120 baht/child and foreigners 400 baht/adult, 200 baht/child.

Ban Sukhawadee บ้านสุขาวดี (http://www.sukhawadee.net) is located at 219 Mu 2, Sukhumvit Road. It is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan. Visitors can enter the house to pay respect to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin, to see the spacious conference room and the roof. It is open on M-F from 8.30AM–6.00PM and on Saturday–Sunday and public holidays from 8.00AM-6.00PM Entrance fee is 300 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. How to get there: Ban Sukhawadi is in Bang Lamung District on the beach side near the Cholchan Pattaya Resort and not far from Bang Lamung District Office. For more information, Tel. 0 3822 3536-9.

Institute of Marine Science Aquarium & Museum, Burapha University, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Bangsaen; tel. +66-38391671 /3 (http://www.bims.buu.ac.th...) is open 08:30-16:00 feeding time 14:30, except public holidays open 08:30-17:00, feeding times 10:30 + 14:30 and Mondays closed; admission 20 baht/adult, 10 baht/child.

Oasis Seaworld, Paknam, Laemsing, Chanthaburi - full day guided trips including 45 minutes swimming with dolphins - approx. 2000 baht/adult 1500 baht/child - available via travel agencies.

There are two submarines yellow ones, of course! with tour operators in Pattaya:

Hynix of the Sea (http://www.hynixofthesea....) - main ticket office at the Second Road end of Tipp Plaza near Soi 10; tel. +66-38711059 /60

Vimantaitalay (http://www.thaisubmarine....) contact any Pattaya travel agency; or tel. +66-38415234

Elephant shows & trekking offered by several operators, most located on Sukhumvit Road. These include Ban Chang Thai tel. +66-3870628 /91, Utthayan Chang tel. +66-38716379, Thin Chang Thai tel. +66-38756516 / +66-38756577, Suan Chang tel. +66-38756517, Farm Chang Thai tel. +66-38237825.

Pattaya Elephant Village หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา (http://www.elephant-villa...) is Located at km 146, 7km from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road., this elephant camp 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. The shows are held daily at 2.30PM and last one hour. The ticket costs 500 baht per person. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8AM-5.30PM at 900 baht and rafting trekking three-hour is available from 10.00AM-3.30PM at 1,800 baht. Contact counter in Tropicana Hotel, Tel. 0 3824 9145-7, 0 3824 9818.

54/1 Moo 2, Tambol Nong Prue; tel+fax. +66-38249818, +66-38249853 (http://www.elephant-villa...) offers shows, elephant trekking and jungle tours including a four-day/three-night tour in Phrae Province.

Monkey Training Centre ศูนย์ฝึก-สอนลิงพัทยา Located in Soi Chaiyaphruek off Highway No. 3 at km 151, the centre displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to climb and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities. Cock-fighting and snake shows are also staged. Shows times are 9.00AM, 11.00AM, 12.00 noon, 2.00PM and 5.00PM Admission: 250 baht. Tel. 0 3875 6367, 0 3875 6570 for more information.

Soi Chaiyaphruk off Highway #3 tel. +66-38756367 / +66-38756570. Features monkeys trained to harvest coconuts and undertake other tasks. Also stages cockfighting a traditional Thai bloodsport and a snake show. Open daily, shows 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00 - admission 250 baht.

International Snake Show, Sukhumvit Road 39/4 Moo 5 - near the junction with North Pattaya Road tel. +66-38731586 / [email protected]

Khao Kheow Open Zoo 35 km north of Pattaya tel. +66-38298270 (http://www.khaokheowopenz...). A huge zoo with about 8000 animals of 300 species. Open daily - 08:00-18:00, 50 baht/adult, 10-15 baht/child; Night Safari 19:00-20:00, 100 baht/adult, 50 baht/child.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo (http://www.tigerzoo.com), 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Si Racha 30 minutes from town centre; tel. +66-38296556. A zoo with various shows. 350 baht/adultforeigner, 120 baht/adultthai.

Thai Alangkarn Theater - Pattaya (http://www.alangkarnthail...), Thai Performing Arts in a Panoramic Concept, The entire project includes a prototype 70 meters Hexa Stage Theater with 2,000 seats in tiers, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant with 1,000 seats. open daily except Wednesday. Show time 18.00 hrs. Located on km 155 Sukhumvit road from South Pattaya to Sattahip,; tel. +66 038 256007. 038 256 000.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, 163 Sukhumvit Road 15 minutes east of town centre; tel. +66-38429321, (http://www.nongnoochtropi...). Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants and so forth - enough to fill an entire day. 200 baht for locals, 400 baht for foreigners.

Siriphon Orchid Farm สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร is situated at 235/14 Mu 5, Noen Phlap Wan Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Turn left for 800 metres from Sukhumvit Road, diagonally across the Pattaya Klang Intersection. Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 9013, 03842 1536.

Saithip Butterfly Garden, 79/5 Moo 11 Bangpra-Khaokheow Road, Bangpra Sriracha; tel. +66-99365339. Open 8AM-5PM. Admission for foreigners: 100 baht/adult, 60 baht/child.

ecotourism destinations

Coral Reef Submarine Tours In Pattaya, there are both submarines and semi-submarines for tourists to admire the beauty of the coral reefs underwater in the areas of Ko Lan and Ko Sak. There are private companies providing services as follows:

Pattaya Pakarang Semi-submarine เรือพัทยาปะการังเซมิซับมารีน Board a submarine at the company’s Pattaya Office at 125 Soi 4, Beach Road, North Pattaya. Admire the coral reef beauty underwater at Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 1,800 baht for an adult and 900 baht for a child. A lunch is included for every seat. For more information, please contact the Pattaya Pakarang Semi-submarine Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 1001 or Bangkok Tel. 0 2503 3791.

Pirom Submarine เรือดำน้ำภิรมย์) (http://www.thaisubmarine.com) is located at 311/7, Mu 10, Pattaya Tai Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a ferry to the floating station at Ko Sak to get on a submarine. It is a submarine diving to a depth of more than 25-30 metres to admire the coral reefs underwater at Ko Sak. It costs 2,000 baht for an adult and 1,500 baht for a child. The submarine leaves every hour on Saturdays-Sundays and public holiday. on M-F it leave at 10.30AM, 11.20AM, and 1.00PM For more information, Contact the Vimantaitalay Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 5234, 0 3841 5335.

Hi-tech Submarine เรือดำน้ำไฮเทคซับมารีน is at 212 Mu 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Pattaya Tai, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a speed boat to get on a submarine, which will take you to a depth of more than 15 metres underwater to admire the beauty of the soft corals in blue, green and violet colours, and coralline and yellowtail fusilier under the sea between Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 2,500 baht per person. There are 2 rounds at 11.00AM and 1.30PM For more information, Tel. 0 3836 2460-1, 0 3871 1230-1 or E-mail: [email protected].

other places to go

Cabaret Shows คาบาเร่ต์โชว์ There are two major venues of transvestite musical theatre cabarets in Pattaya.

Alcazar Cabaret อัลคาซ่าร์ คาบาร์เร่ต์, Pattaya 2 Road., Tel. 0 3841 0225-7, 0 3842 8746. (http://www.alcazarpattaya.com) Showtimes: 6.30PM, 8.00PM, 9.30PM Admission: 600 or 800 baht for VIP seat which just means its closer to the front. Directly after the show the performers come outside for a few minutes photo session. 40 baht per photo with each performer of your choice or 200 baht for an instant polaroid photo taken by their own photographer.

Tiffany's Show ทิฟฟานี่ โชว์, Pattaya 2 Road., Tel. 0 3842 1700-5, 0 3842 9642. (http://www.tiffany-show.co.th) Showtimes: 06.00PM, 07.30PM and 09.00PM Admission: 500, 700 and 800 baht. Tiffany's is family-friendly, and the 7.30PM show is usually the most energetic.

Tuxedo Magic Castle ปราสาทเวทมนต์ ทักซิโด is located at 78/16-17, on Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. It is a magical theater in the form of a split-level restaurant. There are series of shows such as making an umbrella out of cards. It is open everyday, 3 rounds a day at 7.00PM, 8.30PM and 10.00PM On Saturday and public holidays, there is also a 5.30PM round. Admission fee is 450 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 3848 8880 or www.tuxedo-magic.com.

Open Eyes Show เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์ is on Pattaya 2 Road, opposite the Tiffany Show. It is a magic performance in various styles such as Aladdin, the Mermaid, Invisible Woman, the Wonderland, etc. Each category of performances will be shown in rotation. The admission fee is 600 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Tel. 0 3836 2077-79 Fax. 0 3836 2075.

Pattaya Park and Tower สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Tower at Chom Thian features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. A Ticket for tower visit costs 200 baht. Open daily from 10.00AM-7.00PM On Saturday, it opens until 8.00PM The Entrance fee of tower is 100, 200 baht for adults Tel. 0 3836 4110-20 or 0 2579 9612-4 or (http://www.pattayapark.com).

Ko Lan เกาะล้าน or Coral Island: This island is 7.5km from South Pattaya, about 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat. Tourists prefer a swim and enjoy watersports along several beaches. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the island. Hat Thonglang and Hat Ta Waen are popular beaches for its bustling atmosphere, aquatic sport gear, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samae offer a more restful atmosphere. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats or skin-diving to view coral reefs in front of Laem Thian. At the southend of the island is Hat Nuan, Hat Samae, Hat Ta Waen and Hat Thian where a hotel is situated. It is another spot for viewing corals.

How to get there: A ferry service departs Laem Bali Hai Pier to Ko Lan everyday. Departure time is from 7.00AM-6.30PM, while the arrival trips leave Ko Lan from 6.30AM-6.00PM. It costs 20 baht. Most boats will stop at Na Ban Pier, however, some are going to Hat Ta Waen check the schedule posted on these boats and ask the people if in doubt. In case of going to other beaches, a long-tailed boat can be rented or a taxi songthaew or motorbike can be hired. To Ta Waen, motorbike taxi is normally 30 baht for one person they are reluctant to discount if have to carry 2 persons, and it is not too safe on a steep road to Ta Waen also. Songthaews may be available for a shared 20 baht/person ride, but they will depart only when full; chartering, obviously, would be significantly more expensive. Furthermore, speed boats for 10 persons are available along Pattaya beach. Visitors can stop at Ta Waen Beach and Thong Lang Beach. The rental fee for the speed boat is 2,500-3,000 baht or depending on the agreement.Prices stated above are subject to change without notice.

Ko Sak เกาะสาก Six hundred metres north of Ko Lan is Ko Sak, a small island shaped like an upturn horseshoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Accommodation is available.

Mu Ko Phai หมู่เกาะไผ่ is 23km from Pattaya beach comprising Ko Phai, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Lueam and Ko Klueng Badan. Ko Phai is the biggest one and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Along the island lie perfect coral reefs suitable for scuba diving. How to get there: a tour boat can be rented at Pattaya beach. There are those for 20-80 people or speed boats for 20 people. The rental rate depends on the size of the boat and the destination. Visitors cannot stay overnight and ought to prepare food and water by themselves.

Anek Kuson Sala Wihan Sian เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน) whose entrance is a bit prior to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. It is open daily from 8.30AM-5.00PM The entrance fee is 50 baht. Tel. 0 3823 8367.

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5km. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00AM-4.00PM For more information, Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is a place where the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area are located. For more information, Tel. 0 3823 8060.

museums

Bottle Art Museum พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปในขวดแก้ว This small museum is located at km 145 on Sukhumvit Road., of Highway No. 3. As its name implies, it specialises 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 8.30AM-20.00PM Admission fee is 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. the bottle museum is seriously out of service - there are no bottles there at all -- 2009 April 16

79/15 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, Nongpler; tel. +66-38422957, +66-38415783 (http://www.bottlemuseum.com). More than 300 miniatures in bottles, open 08:00-20:00.

Open Eyes, 2nd floor of Pattaya Bazaar, 266/52-53 North Pattaya Road; tel. +66-38362077. "The Great Experience Behind The Magical", a lot of technological magic and illusion shows. Open 15:00-23:00; show time 3PM-11PM; Spy Zone show time 3PM-10PM.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum tel. +66-38710294 /8 is on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road you can't miss this side - there's a large aeroplane protruding from the upper floors and from Beach Road. Different prices for Thais 280 baht/adult, 230 baht/child and for others 380 baht/adult, 280 baht/child not based on citizenship or residency status but race; at the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available, all dual-priced - for Thais 480 baht/adult, 380 baht/child and foreigners 780 baht/adult, 680 baht/child to enter all four. Open daily from 11AM-11PM.

NOTES: It really is believe it or not, when an American company likes Ripleys have a two-tiered price system!

Other places to go in the Ripley’s World of Entertainment:

Four-Dimensional Cinema โรงภาพยนตร์ 4 มิติ is a cinema of the future with a special system, creating a feeling of being in an actual situation among the viewers. Entrance fee is 200 Baht.

The Miracle Labyrinth มหัศจรรย์เขาวงกต Witness the modern special effects of lights, colours and sounds in the 16 rooms, as well as, admire the beauty of the mysterious dimensions and illusions. Entrance fee is 380 baht.

The Haunting Warehouse โกดังผีสิง Take an adventure in one of the 5 biggest coffin warehouses of the world. Entrance fee is 380 baht.

The admission fee package is 1,340 baht for adults and 1,240 baht for children. For more information, Tel. 0 3871 0294-8 or Bangkok Office Tel. 0 2247 0777. It is open daily from 11AM–11PM.