Leisure Activities
Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard have an endless and ever growing number of leisure activities to keep you and your family busy. With the tropical climate, there is much to do outdoors including tennis, golfing, fishing and a variety of water activities. There are many interesting places to visit as well. The Rayong area also has much to offer. See section – Welcome to Rayong, for details about activities in the Rayong area.
A – Z OF SPORTS
AEROBICS / FITNESS
Aerobics classes are held at most of the fitness centres in town. For some classes, you must be a member, at others you can pay a small fee each time you attend a class. Fitness centres in Pattaya vary in price depending on the facilities they offer. Membership programmes range from three months to one year.
BADMINTON
Ambassador City Hotel Sports Center
Ambassador Hotel. South of Pattaya, off Sukhumvit Road Km156.
Tel: 038-231-501-40
There are six courts in the sports complex. They have equipment for rent and a small sport shop.
Pattaya Badminton Club
From Thepprasit Road, turn north onto Soi 17, not far from Pattaya Third Road.
Tel: 038-425-397
Hours: 1400 – 2400 Daily
Four Badminton courts. You can book in advance. Rackets available for hire and small sport items for sale.
BOWLING
All the bowling centres charge about the same price. They have shoes for rent and computerized scoring screens. Snack bar and coffee shop. The Pattaya Sports Club bowling members meet every Friday at 13.30 at the Pattaya Bowl for league competitions. Normal bowling handicaps are established and maintained by the Bowling Chairperson. Contact the Pattaya Sports Club for details.
DANCING
Steps & Rhythm Dance Academy
From Sukhumvit, turn west onto Pattaya Tai, left onto Pattaya 3rd Road. Turn right on the first Soi after traffic light, signboarded Eurasia Serviced Apartments. On right hand side.
Tel: 089-544-4842
Dance Academy offering private and group dance lessons in Hip Hop, Belly Dance, Ballroom – Standard and Latin, Social Dances and Salsa. Zumba Fitness Classes (the latest revolutionary fitness program) are also offered.
FISHING
Game fishingin Pattaya has always provided anglers with a challenging experience. There are around ten reputable Thai fishing captains and a half dozen qualified professional fishing guides in the area. Most will provide rods, reels, tackle and bait. You are welcome to bring your own gear. The charters are traditional Thai fishing boats, up to 18m in length. Full tour packages can be provided, including airfare, hotels, fishing excursions and local transport. Contact the Fishing section of the Pattaya Sports Club Tel: 038-361-167.
There are several fishing parks in the area: Panarak Fishing Park is on Siam Country Club Road, in Jomtien there is one at Soi 14, and the Pattaya Shooting Club has a fishing village with 10 different kinds of fish to catch.
FLYING
Silverlake Flying Club
South on Sukhumvit to Km 161, left toward Khao Chee Chan Buddha Mountain. On the right just past mountain.
Tel: 081-761-6552
Website: silverlakeflyingclub.com
Ultralight flying club offering demo flights and flight instruction for ultralight pilot license (UPL). Demonstration flights limited to persons over 10 years.
GOLF
The Eastern Seaboard area boasts many world class golf courses. On weekdays, green fees are considerably cheaper than on weekends or holidays. During the low summer season all courses offer special rates on certain days. The Pattaya Sports Club frequently organizes golf outings and events in the area. Their schedules are published in Pattaya Mail and Pattaya Trader. For lessons it is best to inquire at the driving ranges. Some golf courses also have resident golf professionals/teachers.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseshoe Point Riding Academy
Horseshoe Point Resort, about 12km from Sukhumvit Road. Take Siam Country Club Road/Pornprapanimit Road just south of Index furniture store and follow the signs.
Tel: 038-735-050
Fax: 038-735-051
Professional instruction and trail rides for beginners and experienced riders.
Outdoor Riding Stables Pattaya, since 1988
Highway 36 to Rayong, turn left at the sign next to the Shell station, before Km11 marker. Drive another 2km to the mountains.
Kao Camin Mountains, Rayong
Tel: 081-302-0814
Hours: 0630 – 1830 Daily
Riding by appointment only. Specializes in beginner and intermediate levels. Higher levels are taught on certain days by instructors approved by the British Horse Society and the Fédération Française d’Equitation. Manager Willi Netzer will help you discover beautiful and unspoilt countryside by escorting you on safe trails. The stables offer pleasure rides, jungle rides, stabling and lessons. Hourly outdoor pleasure rides are provided for all age groups and riding abilities. They have pony walks and group/individual classes for kids 4 years and up. Group classes or individual lessons for children 8 years and up. Monthly membership available. The stables provide after-school activities for local international schools.
LAWN BOWLING
The Bowling Green
From Pattaya Third Road, opposite the Fuengfa Café, turn west onto Soi Drarim. On right hand side.
Tel: 038-720-741
Fax: 038-720-742
Email: info@lawnbowlsasia.com
Hours: 1000-0030
Nice facility with restaurant. You can book in advance and call to check on rates. Equipment for hire. Minimal parking available.
MINI GOLF
Golf Adventures
On Sukhumvit Road, south of Pattaya, just past the Floating Market.
Largest mini golf course in Asia.
PAINTBALL
Paintball Park
South side of Thepprasit Road, near Soi 9, next to Pattaya Kart Speedway.
Tel & Fax: 038-300-608
Hours: 1000-1800 Daily
Object of the game is to capture the opponents flag. Nice for group outings.
RUNNING / JOGGING
Two particularly good spots for jogging are along Wong Amat Beach and Jomtien Beach. You can enjoy the view as well as exercise. Try the King Rama IV Fitness Park on Pratumnak Hill which is quite a challenge. Hash House Harriersclub meets weekly for a run. Check the Pattaya Mail Sports round-up for details.
SHOOTING
Pattaya Shooting Club
From Sukhumvit Road, South of Pattaya, turn left near Km154, towards Huay Yai. After the railway crossing, turn left.
Tel: 038-255-488, 081-864-5173 (Khun Sue)
Fax: 038-710-719
Hours: 1000-1900 Daily
A 20-lane outdoor shooting range. Different firearms for rent. There is also a fishing park.
Pattaya Shooting Range
On Pattaya Second Road, near Dolphin roundabout, in Tiffany’s building on the ground floor.
Tel: 038-421-700-5
Hours: 0900-2200 Daily
Fully equipped 19-lane shooting range. Various firearms available for hire. Staff will show you how to shoot safely.
SQUASH
Ambassador City Hotel
Ambassador Hotel. South of Pattaya on Sukhumvit Road Km156.
Tel: 038-231-501-40
Eight good courts, equipment available for hire, advance booking not necessary.
TENNIS
Most major hotels have courts at hourly rates and resident tennis coaches. Usually, equipment is available for hire. Prices may vary, and it costs more to play in the evening as they have to turn on the lights. Some places require advance booking. If you would like to play but can’t find a partner, call the Pattaya Sports Club and leave your name, when you want to play, day, place, singles/doubles and a means to contact you. You will be put in the Tennis section database and contacted if there are any players available. They also have a group that meets weekly.
THAI BOXING
Sitpholek Muaythai Sportscenter
At the Weekender Hotel 2nd floor, at the north end of Pattaya Second Road, between Big C and Alcazar.
Tel: 038-428-720
Fax: 038-429-461
Hours: 0800-2400 Daily
Website: www.sitpholek.co.th
Training for beginners and professionals.
WATER SPORTS
Thanks to the year-round warm climate, Pattaya abounds with water sport activities. Regardless of your skill or energy level, there are plenty of fun things to do in the water. Whatever activity you are enjoying, be careful. Boats and jet skis do not exercise much caution and will come very close to you. If you are swimming or diving, always check around you when you are on the surface. Waving your arms alerts boaters of your presence, but sometimes they think you are trying to get their attention to rent the boat and will drive straight to you!
BOAT CHARTERS
Pattaya is perfectly located for chartering boats, as it has many local islands for short trips. Hobie catamarans and Prindles can be hired at various locations on Jomtien Beach and Wong Amat Beach. There are several contacts to arrange charter boats and equipment for day trips and longer trips. See the businesses listed or call the Pattaya Sports Club for information on charter hire. It is worthwhile shopping around for the price. If you are fishing, most of them will cook your catch for you.
Gulf Charters
At Ocean Marina Yacht Club on Sukhumvit south of Jomtien, Km 157.
Tel: 038-237752
Email: Tim@gulfchartersthailand.com
Website: www.GulfChartersThailand.com
Offers boat charters and sailing school.
Noble House Restaurant
On Beach Road near Soi 10.
Tel: 038-423-630
SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELLING
This part of the Gulf of Thailand is fortunate, as it is not adversely affected by the monsoon season, and divers can enjoy good weather and water conditions throughout the year. Generally, October through May are considered the best time of year for diving. There are numerous islands in the immediate area, stretching from Koh Larn off Pattaya down to the Koh Samae San group just south of Sattahip. In these areas, divers and snorkellers can enjoy the extensive variety of hard corals and marine life that abound in the gulf. For the avid diver, there are a few wrecks, including the Hardeep, off Samae San fishing village and the Phetchburi Bremenoff Ko Khram Yai.
If you are already a diver or wish to learn, there are many dive facilities in town. A few dive shops have been around for more than 25 years. The standards are high for the teaching of diving courses, and the centres should offer courses by a PADI professional (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Major dive shops also belong to the Pattaya Alliance of Safe Scuba (PASS). This association has standards of safety and service for their members to follow. Their shops are required to display the ‘Code of Safety’, and will ensure your own safety and enjoyment on your dive trip. Their boats are checked regularly by the committee, and while every effort is made to maintain high standards, it is best to check things out for yourself as well.
WATER PARKS
These are ideal for a family day out, however care should be exercised with the waterslides. Poolside regulations must be observed to ensure safety. Pattaya has a water park, and there is also a large water park at the Bangna Central City shopping center, south of Bangkok, one and a half-hours drive from Pattaya.
WATER SKIING
This sport is quite expensive. You can hire a boat and equipment at the Noble House Restaurantnear Soi 10 on Beach Road. Tel: 038-423-630. At Lakeland Cable Water Ski, east of Sukhumvit Road Km150.5, there is water skiing with a lift. Tel: 038-232-690.
WIND SURFING
Wind surfing is done mainly on Jomtien beach. There are several places where you can rent a surf board. Always check the equipment before you rent it.
PLACES OF INTEREST
In this section, you will find ideas on places to visit in and around Pattaya and Sri Racha. The places are arranged according to geographical direction from Pattaya. These visits can normally be completed in a day. Information is also included concerning trips to some of the islands dotted along the coastline. For more information about local events and sightseeing, check the Pattaya Mail or Pattaya Today newspapers, or contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Pratamnak Road. The website is: www.tat.or.th
NAKLUA
Naklua Village and Chinese Temple
Naklua has remained a traditional Thai village with markets, temples, stilt-houses on klongs (canals) and shop houses. Here you can peek into history. Take Pattaya-Naklua Road to the Bo tree located in the middle of the road and decorated with brightly coloured fabrics. Park your car and go inside the market from the left side of the canopy. Walk through the small alleys and soak in the exotic colours, flavours and smells. In the market there are fish, meats, fruits, flowers, vegetables, household items etc. for sale. This is where the locals go shopping, and you don’t see many tourists.
Return to the Bo tree and walk along the Pattaya-Naklua Road, going North. Look at the wooden houses and traditional basketry. Go up to the bridge overlooking the stilt houses. Go back along the other side of the street and take your car or walk to the Chinese temple. At the Bo tree, turn right past a grocery store, then go straight on. At the junction, turn left and enter the Chinese temple car park. This temple is very popular among the Thai-Chinese population.
Sanctuary of Truth
Off Pattaya-Naklua Road, Soi 12. Almost at the end of the soi, behind a tall wall. Well signposted as Ratchawet Cape.
This wooden pavilion, known as the Sanctuary of Truth, is situated on the shoreline. The 105-metre high pavilion is a mixture of art styles from India, Cambodia, China and Thailand. There are fascinating wood carvings depicting Hindu gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, other gods and incarnations, mythical beings and scenes from the Hindu epic Ramakien. It is still under construction, and if you go on a working day you have to wear a helmet. Admission is B500 for adults and B250 for children. There are also dolphins in a natural pool. Show times and costs may vary.
PATTAYA
Bottle Art Museum
East side of Sukhumvit Road, just south of the junction with Central Pattaya Road.
Tel: 038-422-957
Hours: 1100-2000 Daily
About 300 replicas of monuments in bottles.
The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
Off Sukhumvit Road. Take Siam Country Club Road through the archway, just north of the junction with Central Pattaya Road. Follow the signs, easy to find.
Tel: 038-249-347-9/9428
Fax: 038-249-349
Hours: 0830-1900 Daily
Email: stonepark@roynet.fc.co.th
www.thaistonepark.com
The farm includes a stone park and a bonsai garden. They have a wide variety of animals including tigers, antelopes and of course…crocodiles! Different shows such as crocodile show and monkey show. Check the current timetable. Restaurant on site.
Mini Siam
East side of Sukhumvit Road, north of North Pattaya Road
Tel: 038-421-628/4232
Fax: 038-421-555
Hours: 0700-2200 Daily
Features miniature replicas of major cultural sites in Thailand. Also has miniature cultural sites of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Be aware that there is often one price for tourists and one price for locals. Ask for the local price.
Naval Broadcasting Radio Station and Wat Thappraya
Take Pratamnak Road up the hill. Make a right at the police box and again right to the parking area or up the hill.
Best views of Pattaya bay, either from the temple or past the meteorological and radio station. The statue is of Admiral Prince Chumphon, father of the Royal Navy.
Pattaya Elephant Village
From Sukhumvit, north of Pattaya Central Road, take Pornprapanimit/Siam Country Club Road east. Follow the signs.
Tel: 038-249-818/9853 (field office)
Fax: 038-249-818-9853
Tel: 038-428-645-8 (Tropicana Hotel)
Fax: 038-423-031
Email: chang99@loxinfo.co.th
www.elephant-village.com
Showtime: 1430 to 1600 Daily
Elephants have traditionally been used for transporting, logging and as a beast of burden during times of war. Nowadays,when roads and cars have replaced elephants and timber concessions were cancelled, the owners of elephants resorted to begging on the streets to buy food for their beasts. Most elephants have long lives and, due to their size, they require tons of food and huge areas for walking. The Pattaya Elephant Village is an excellent place to learn and understand the use, the need, and the history of elephants in Thai life. Visit the training show or enjoy elephant trekking, rafting, oxcart riding and dinner. Call the Tropicana Hotel for package reservations. For trekking, you can go directly to the village.
There are several elephant campsalong South Sukhumvit Road where you can also watch or go trekking.
Pratamnak Hill and Kao Phra Yai (Big Buddha Hill)
On the top of Pratamnak Road, look for the arched entrance on the left.
There is a large stucco Buddha that protects the people of Pattaya.
Ripley’s Museum “Believe It or Not”
Royal Garden Plaza, 2nd floor.
Tel: 038-710-294-8
Fax: 038-710-487
Hours: 1000-2400 Daily
Tourist museum with all kinds of interesting, freakish things. There is also Motion Master, a moving theatre, laser game, bumper cars and more.
Three Kingdoms Theme Park
Next to the Horseshoe Point Resort. For directions, see above under Sports, Horseback Riding.
Tel: 038-421-429
Fax: 038-421-428
Hours: 1000-2000 Daily
A memorial park with Chinese wall paintings.
Wanasin Farm
On Pornprapanimit/Siam Country Club Road. It is sign posted as the Floating Market. The farm is 2.2km from Sukhumvit Road on the right side surrounded by a red-orange and blue fence.
Tel: 038-423-497/8055
Fax: 038-428-049
Hours: 0900-1800 Wed-Mon
There is a Thai house museum, floating market and a farmer village. Thai folk dance performances and games. Traditional Thai wedding arrangements. Restaurant.
SOUTH OF PATTAYA
Pattaya Floating Market
Sukhumvit Road south. On the left, before Embassador City Resort. Watch for all the cars and buses parked on the side of the road.
Tel: 038-706340, 085-282-6443 (English/Deutsch)
E-mail: info@floating4market.com
Website: www.pattayafloatingmarket.com
Hours: 1000 – 2100 Daily
Fairly new to the area, this market is hugely popular with tourists and locals alike. It’s 100,000 square meters are divided into four separate sections, representing the four regions of Thailand. Small teak boats ferry people through the canals and past the more than 110 shops offering an array of items from all over Thailand. By foot, the regions are all connected by wooden boardwalk and a series of small bridges. Besides shopping, they offer various cultural performances, a woodcarving museum, a kite museum, an authentic Thai rice farm, and several restaurants. Always busy, but during the week seems to be much better than the weekends.
Wat Yansangwararam
Sukhumvit Road south. Entrance is on the left side at Km160.5. Look for the sign. From Route 331, turn east near Km 126.
This temple complex, which covers 147 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, has been named the ‘Wat of the Reign’. This is in honour of the present King. On entering the gates, you will see a series of international salasor pavilions, built by different countries to honour the King. They border a small lake, and it is an enjoyable walk to view the different types of architecture. There is a mondop (ancient chedi) up the hill from the entrance. If you climb the 292 steps up you will find 2 footprints of the Lord Buddha in the mondop. Also the view is worth seeing. Women and men should have their shoulders covered and wear long pants or skirts. The temple itself is noted for its modern Thai architecture.
Viharn Sien Chinese Temple/Museum
Another point of interest, near Wat Yansangwararam, across the small lake, you will see a huge Chinese building. Inside, you will find a small-scale replica of the excavated tomb of the legendary Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di from Xi’an province. The tomb contains a large number of miniature terracotta soldiers. There are also several of the genuine life-size warriors dating back to the Third Century BC. These have been donated to the museum by the Chinese government. There are many exhibits in the museum including excellent examples of Chinese painting and scrolls, a golden dragon screen, ancient Chinese bronzes, beautiful inlaid marble floors and carved granite wall bas-reliefs. Around the outside courtyard is a series of stone animal sculptures, representing the symbols of the Chinese horoscope.
Khao Chee Chan (The Holy Cliff)
From Sukhumvit Road near Km161. There are signs.
Called Phra Phutta Mahawachira Uttamopat Sassada, this Buddha image was sculpted into the side of the mountain to celebrate the King’s Golden Jubilee. It is huge and well worth visiting. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with walking paths, benches and a covered area. Adjoining property is the Silverlake recreation area offering elephant rides, horse and buggy rides, ATV hiring, ultralight flying, open-air market, vineyard, winery, and restaurants.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Resort
About 15 min south of Pattaya, at Sukhumvit Road Km163 marker.
Tel: 038-429-321/2958
Showtimes: 0930, 1015, 1500, 1545 Daily
The village is set in a 600 acre lovely landscaped park. It features orchid nurseries, a cactus garden, a palm garden, and a man made lake. The village has thousands of different plants, all displayed beautifully. They have daily cultural shows that include folk dances, traditional ceremonies, sword fighting, elephants and Thai boxing demonstrations. The village has two restaurants and sells crafts from northern Thailand. Transportation by minibus can be arranged.
Bang Saray Village
On Sukhumvit Road towards Sattahip at Km165.5, just before the PTT gas station, turn right into Soi sighposted Ban Bang Saray.
This traditional fishing village is famous with local residents. Along the waterfront, there are restaurants on stilts that serve Thai seafood. If you go early in the morning you can stand on the pier and watch the fishing boats come in with the night’s catch.
BANG PHRA
Bang Phra Reservoir
Take Sukhumvit Road to the town of Bang Phra, 30km north of Pattaya.
At the traffic lights in town, there is a green sign to Khao Kheow Open Zoo to your right; travel on this road for about 3km. At the T-junction, turn right. The golf course on your left is a nice place to have lunch. From here the road runs parallel to the Bang Phra Reservoir. Enjoy the view. It is also a good area for bird watching. The reservoir provides water to the towns of Chonburi Province.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
40 minutes from Pattaya. On Motorway 7 to Bangkok, turn east near Km15 and follow the signs.
Tel: 038-298-187-8
Hours: 0800-1800 Daily
Night safari with dinner: 1800-2100
A wildlife park in a natural setting that can be explored on foot, by electric train or with your own car. Animals include barking deer, bears, buffalo, elephants, monkeys, snakes, tigers, a safari section. The key attraction is the huge aviary that houses more than 100 different kinds of birds.
Chan Tathen Waterfall
On Motorway 7 to Bangkok exit at Km15 towards Bang Phra, turn right after 3km.
2 pathways lead up the 5 levels of the waterfall over a distance of 1 kilometre.
SRI RACHA
Along Sukhumvit Road you will reach Sri Racha after 25km. You will find some good seafood restaurants here. There is the Pacific Park Mall and the Comcity complex. The Wednesday Market on Surasak 1 Road and the Sri Racha Indoor Market opposite Soi 18 on Jermjompol Road are both worth a visit.
Koh Loi Srimaharaja/Sea turtle park
On Sukhumvit Road, pass Pacific Park Mall and turn left onto Surasak 2 Road. Continue straight on.
There is a causeway going to the rocky island temple. It used to be a meditation spot for monks who crossed the channel in paddleboats until King Chulalongkorn’s consort decided to order the construction of a temple to protect the town. From the temple you have a beautiful view of Bang Saen Beach, Si Chang Island and Sri Racha. There is a stupa that contains the ashes of one of Thailand’s former prime ministers. Afterwards, you can enjoy the colourful food stalls and walk by the water around the temple. There is also a pond with sea turtles.
Sri Racha Tiger Zoo
Downtown Sri Racha on Sukhumvit Road, turn right to Soi 7 towards the railway station. Keep left at the corner of Assumption College. This is Route 3241 towards Route 331. The zoo entrance is after 10km on your left. The exit on Motorway 7 is at Km23.
Tel: 038-296-556-8
Fax: 038-296-559
Hours: 0900-1800 Daily
www.tigerzoo.com
Attractive zoo with many Bengal tigers on display. Special programs include shows with crocodiles, tigers and elephants. From May to July, you can visit the crocodile nursery and hold the eggs during hatching. You can have your photo taken with a baby tiger or crocodile. There is a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
BANG SAEN
This used to be the most popular resort in the southeast. It is a 3km long stretch of beach lined with coconut and pine trees and with many food stalls.
Marine Science Museum / Aquarium
Near Km104 on Sukhumvit Road, turn west to Bang Saen. About 2km south is Burapha University on the left; the museum entrance is a little further.
Hours: 0830-1600 Tue-Sun
The museum is an institute studying the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand. It is divided into three parts; the museum, laboratories and aquarium.
TOWARDS CHONBURI
Kao Sammuk (Monkey Mountain)
Take the coast road north from Bang Saen. Keeping the Bang Saen Beach Hotel on you left, the road turns inland around a hill. Turn left up the hill. The road leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Gulf.
You will find a lively monkey population who love to see visitors with bananas! Expect them to climb on your car for a visit. Beware of touching and teasing them as they can carry rabies.
Ang Sila (Stone Basin)
Leaving the monkeys, turn left onto Route 3134. Go about 5km to the fishing village of Ang Sila, passing a huge Chinese temple complex on your right. From Sukhumvit Road, turn left at Km101 before the Makro supermarket.
All along the road you will see masons fashioning mortars and pestles from local granite. They do beautiful stone sculpture. You can stop at any of them and watch them at work. You can buy what they sell or have something sculpted for you. You need to bargain as the prices tend to be more expensive for a special order.
Buddha Casting Foundry
On leaving Ang Sila, head back to Sukhumvit Road. The Foundry is on the right about 1km before reaching Sukhumvit Road.
Tel: 038-381-934
Casting is usually on Sundays at around 0900. Monks are present for the ceremony. There is chanting and a gong sounding throughout the pouring. The ‘lost wax’ casting process is used. Open to all. Show appropriate respect.
CHONBURI
Wat Yai Intraram
Heading north from Pattaya on Sukhumvit Road, turn left in Chonburi at traffic lights by KFC. Turn left at the junction and continue on for about 500m. The temple is on the left, opposite Soi Prom Ma.
One of the most interesting temples in the area. As you enter, the statue on your left is of King Taksin, who spent a night here while on a journey through the southeast. Through another gate is the ‘bot‘, which is the principal hall of a wat. It is built in the Ayutthaya style with walls curved in a boat shape. The doors and windows are wide at the bottom. There are numerous stucco Buddha images in the inner chamber. The walls are covered with beautiful murals. The wall paintings facing the Buddha images depict the battle with Nana, the forces of evil and his rescue by Mai Thowni. She wrings her hair, generating a sea of water, which drowns his demon enemies. The side walls are decorated with scenes recounting the last ten incarnations of Buddha before reaching enlightenment. The other part of the bot is the vestibule. The outside wall is covered with small porcelain plates, saucers and cups in the Ayutthaya style. Before leaving Chonburi you might also wish to visit the Fabric Market.
Wat Bang Sai
North again, outside Chonburi. Pass two temple gates on your right and an overhead bridge.
Enter on your right, about 53km north of Pattaya. Go through a school and a wat before reaching the square shrine ‘mondop‘ at the top of the hill and pass the social study building. You can either use the stairway or turn left and drive up a very steep and winding road. There is a reclining Buddha in the building. It is positioned so that he may look at the sea and have his head facing east. The main purpose for coming here is to enjoy the superb view of the town and the Gulf. On the left, opposite the hill, there is a huge seated Buddha at Wat Thamnimit. He is 32m high and 18m wide.
Wat Thamnimit
As you go back on Sukhumvit Road, turn south and then left onto Highway 315.
This is the road to Phanat Nikom. Wat Thamnimit is located a few hundred metres further on your left. Return to the road and all along you can stop to watch brick making with hand made kilns. Most of the brick makers use techniques that are several centuries old.
Phanat Nikom / Basketware Village
When you reach the town, cross through the lights and over a small bridge. The stalls are on a street behind the Municipal Daily Market.
This village is known for its beautiful rattan baskets. The women slice the rattan into thin strips and weave it in intricate patterns to form stunning containers such as baskets, purses, etc. There are not many cheap prices anymore, but the quality is the best. You can expect to bargain a little.
Wat Luang Prumurat (Bat Temple)
From Phanat Nikom take Highway 315 to Chachoengsao. At Km229, turn right and drive about 700m.
Foot-long bats hang from the trees. They are fierce looking and make piercing noises with their constant fighting.
Old Bangkok Highway (Route 331)
As an alternative route home, take Route 3340 from Phanat Nikom for about 15km. Turn south onto Route 331 all the way to just north of Pattaya.
This is a scenic route, passing through coconut and pineapple plantations. You see people working in the fields, and at some places you have a beautiful view. But don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road!
ISLAND TRIPS
The two most well known islands around Pattaya are Koh Larn and Koh Pai. Opposite Sri Racha there is the island of Koh Si Chang. On Pattaya beach there are ferryboats that leave regularly for the island of Koh Larn. It is a 45-minute trip on the slowest of boats. There are also fishing and motor boats offering day trips to these islands, or just walk along the beach, talk to the operators and find the best offer. There is a lot of competition, so bargain.
Koh Larn
Being the closest, Koh Larn is the most popular with tourists. It is therefore also the best equipped. It is a fun and busy island, especially at weekends. The water is amazingly clear and there is a designated swimming area. There are dozens of seafood restaurants and snack bars lining the beach. You can try your skills by parasailing or hiring a jet ski, or you can simply relax in a chair under an umbrella and enjoy the day.
Koh Pai
If you’re looking for a more secluded place with a beautiful white sandy beach, Koh Pai is your destination. It is about two hours from Pattaya. As the island is owned by the Royal Thai Navy, you may not stay overnight; bring your own food and drink. Don’t forget your sun umbrella, since there is very little shade. It is a beautiful place to swim and snorkel.
Koh Si Chang
As you arrive in Sri Racha on Sukhumvit Road, turn left onto Surasak 3 Road, opposite the Jet gas station. At the clock tower, keep right to Jermjompol Road and look for the sign on your left, Soi 14.
Tel: 038-312-968-9
Boats for Koh Si Chang leave from the pier every two hours between 0800 and 2000. The crossing takes about 40 minutes. The cost is B20 one way. There is some parking space on the pier.
The island has a narrow road. You can walk the whole island in about four hours, or ‘turbo’ tuk-tuks can take you to all the popular sights for B250. The Sichang Palace has rooms from B800. Tel: 038-216-276-8.
This is a beautiful little island with a laid-back atmosphere. The two principal sights can be seen as you approach on the boat from Sri Racha. The Chinese Templeis much revered by the Chinese, who visit the shrine in great numbers at Chinese New Year. It is part of Koh Si Chang history. The island was, at some point, the Customs and Immigration port for arriving ships. From the pier, walk five minutes up the small hill until you reach the temple staircase. Be ready for a steep climb. It leads to the top of the shrine where there is a replica of the Buddha’s foot print. From the base of the temple, walk another ten minutes. This will bring you to the north of the island, Hin Khom. Past this is Tampang Beach, the best beach on the island with clear waters. It is a thirty minute walk from the main road.
The ruins of the King’s Palaceare another attraction on the main road. Construction of the teakwood mansion began in 1889, and it was the summer palace of King Chulalongkorn until French gun ships attacked the Thai Navy in 1893 and occupied the island for several years. The King’s physician had recommended Koh Si Chang as a place with a better climate. Little now remains of the extensive palace structure. Vimanmek Mansion was removed and rebuilt in Bangkok.
Climbing the staircase, you will find Wat Asdang Nimitr on the left. There is a chapel and a pagoda in European architectural style and a ‘bell rock’ wrapped in cloth. The wat overlooks the small, shallow Tauvang Beach, a popular Thai picnic spot. Wat Chuthathip Rajathammasuphais located at the northern part of the island.
ENTERTAINMENT
Pattaya is well known for its wild night life. Beach Road and Walking Street are lined with go-go and beer bars, attracting tourists from all over the world. There are, however, other things to do in Pattaya in the evenings. There are cinemas and cabarets, an endless number of restaurants and many good bands.
CINEMAS
The films do not run for very long, so if you see an advertisement for a film you would like to see, go quickly. Stay informed through the local newspapers, the internet, or drive by and see what is playing. Pattaya has a few cinemas with several screens that show films in Thai and English. Tickets have assigned seating and may be purchased in advance. You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks. The films are played quite loud, and the theatres are usually over-air-conditioned. As movie times may change, it’s best to call ahead.
Central Festival Pattaya
Pattaya Second Road, not far from the Dolphin roundabout.
Tel: 038-361-500-1
SF Cinema City, on 3rd floor. Big modern facility with four screens. Clean environment, also drinks and snacks.
Central Festival Pattaya Beach
In the Central Festival Mall, Pattaya Second Road between Pattaya Klang and Pattaya Tai. Top floor.
Tel: 038-003-555
www.sfcinemacity.com
Newest in Pattaya. SFX Cinema offering movies in Thai and English on multiple screens. Large price range as you can choose the normal viewing experience, First Class, or the Porch which offers outdoor cinema. Snacks and drinks available. Very nice facility.
Royal Garden Plaza
Pattaya Second Road.
Tel: 038-428-057
SF Multiplex. Older facility.
The Avenue
Pattaya Second Road, east side, between Pattaya Klang and Pattaya Tai.
Tel: 038-052-227-32
www.majorcineplex.com
Major Cineplex. Nice, new facility. Snacks and drinks available. Movies offered in Thai and English.
SHOWS / CABARETS
There are a few transvestite stage shows in town. They are not offensive and are great fun when you have visitors. The shows are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pattaya and thus are usually very crowded with tourists. You may contact the shows directly or book tickets through a travel agent. It is a good idea to buy tickets ahead of time as many shows sell out, especially on the weekends. The seating areas are not too spectacular, but the shows more than make up for this.
Alcazar
On east side of Pattaya Second Road, near North Pattaya Road.
Tel: 038-418-746
Large complex with seating for 800 people. Spectacular show with gorgeous costumes and modern lighting and sound systems.
Chip’s Cabaret
On Walking Street.
Tel: 038-410-092
Simon Cabaret Show
On Walking Street.
Tel: 038-429-919, 038-429-647
In the heart of south Pattaya, this is the oldest and most informal of the larger cabarets in town.
Tiffany’s
On west side of Pattaya Second Road, near Dolphin roundabout.
Tel: 038-429-642
The first in Pattaya. Very similar to Alcazar. Perhaps more geared towards adult audiences. Lots of fun, great costumes.
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