Sunday, September 03, 2006
Things to do on Pattaya.
Ripley's World Of Entertainment.
Don't Miss It When You're in Town!! Ripley's World of Entertainment, located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya features: Ripley's museum, the world's most unusual museum. Motion Master Theater with flight simulator technology, Laser Trek, where you do battle in a futuristic arena, Laser Bump, Winzone and much much more. Come alone or with family and friends and enjoy Pattaya's only indoor family entertainment center.
Open Daily from 10:00 -24:00 hrs. Tel: 0-3871-0294-8
The Blue Lagoon Watersports Club.
Located 10 minutes south of Pattaya on Sukhumvit 155, just before the Ambassador Hotel. This is the first of its kind which offers a safe and friendly environment to enjoy all types of water sports from the novice to the professional.
Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking and even kite-sailing. Come and relax in the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon Watersports Club.
Tel: 0-3825-5115 -6
The Mini-Golf Pub (The MG Pub)
Formerly Poltony's Located between South Pattaya & Jomtien just past the fly over on Thappraya Road and opposite Mr. Mac's & the Icon Hotels. The MG Pub offers the only 18 Hole Mini-Golf Course in Pattaya, set within a tropical garden with shade trees and ponds.
A perfect day out and great fun for the whole family or just with your significant other. A comfortable course to play day or night. After 18, relax in the air conditioned 19th Hole Bar and comfortable pub/restaurant. Large screen TV for all major sporting events. Great food, snacks, beer & wine, and ice cream for the kids served all day.
Opening hours: 10 am to when the last person leaves.
Tel: 038 250318 Fax: 038 250319 E-mail: poltony@loxinfo.co.th
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Resort.
Sukhumvit Road, Km 163 Set in a 600-acre beautifully landscaped park, the village features orchid nurseries, a cactus garden and a man-made lake. Daily cultural shows include folk dances, traditional ceremonies, sword fighting, and Thai boxing demonstrations. An elephant show is also included. The village has two restaurants and sells crafts from every part of Thailand.
Showtimes : 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:45 p.m. every day.
Tel. 0-3842-9321, 0-3842-2958, 0-3870-9358 -62, 0-3823-8158
Information : http://www.pattaya.net/thingstodo.htm
Don't Miss It When You're in Town!! Ripley's World of Entertainment, located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza Pattaya features: Ripley's museum, the world's most unusual museum. Motion Master Theater with flight simulator technology, Laser Trek, where you do battle in a futuristic arena, Laser Bump, Winzone and much much more. Come alone or with family and friends and enjoy Pattaya's only indoor family entertainment center.
Open Daily from 10:00 -24:00 hrs. Tel: 0-3871-0294-8
The Blue Lagoon Watersports Club.
Located 10 minutes south of Pattaya on Sukhumvit 155, just before the Ambassador Hotel. This is the first of its kind which offers a safe and friendly environment to enjoy all types of water sports from the novice to the professional.
Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking and even kite-sailing. Come and relax in the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon Watersports Club.
Tel: 0-3825-5115 -6
The Mini-Golf Pub (The MG Pub)
Formerly Poltony's Located between South Pattaya & Jomtien just past the fly over on Thappraya Road and opposite Mr. Mac's & the Icon Hotels. The MG Pub offers the only 18 Hole Mini-Golf Course in Pattaya, set within a tropical garden with shade trees and ponds.
A perfect day out and great fun for the whole family or just with your significant other. A comfortable course to play day or night. After 18, relax in the air conditioned 19th Hole Bar and comfortable pub/restaurant. Large screen TV for all major sporting events. Great food, snacks, beer & wine, and ice cream for the kids served all day.
Opening hours: 10 am to when the last person leaves.
Tel: 038 250318 Fax: 038 250319 E-mail: poltony@loxinfo.co.th
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Resort.
Sukhumvit Road, Km 163 Set in a 600-acre beautifully landscaped park, the village features orchid nurseries, a cactus garden and a man-made lake. Daily cultural shows include folk dances, traditional ceremonies, sword fighting, and Thai boxing demonstrations. An elephant show is also included. The village has two restaurants and sells crafts from every part of Thailand.
Showtimes : 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 3:45 p.m. every day.
Tel. 0-3842-9321, 0-3842-2958, 0-3870-9358 -62, 0-3823-8158
Information : http://www.pattaya.net/thingstodo.htm
Monday, July 31, 2006
Jomtien, Family Friendly Beach.
Although the beautiful beach in Pattaya has been spoiled by unregulated growth and pollution, about 2 kilometers from south Pattaya, Jomtien Beach remains relatively clean and unspoiled.
Jomtien Beach is a destination of choice for family. Jomtien beach is more peaceful and has lesser outrageous night life activities compare to Pattaya beach. Pattaya beach is more for party animal.
Jomtien offers more family activities such as jet skiing and wind surfing because it has a long straight coastline with less boat anchored. With water that is considerably much cleaner, it is also an attactive location for swimming.
Here's a list of things to do in Jomtien, (Note: rates are normally negotiable)
Banana Boat - About 5-10 people can get on this both at a time. It is not really a boat but a long straight balloon that floats on the water. The speed boat will pull this banana boat in the sea. It is fun. Rates 700 Baht/ 30 minutes
Jet Ski - You can rent a jet ski for about 1,200 Baht/ hour
Water Ski - About 500-1,000 Baht, depending on availability.
Parasailing - 300 Baht for about 5 minutes or a round in the sea, not a very big round.
Almost inevitably Jomtien also has many hawkers, plying anything from ice cream and fruits right when you're trying to relax by sitting on chairs along the beach. This can be quite annoying but again Jomtien beach is more pleasant than Pattaya beach.
There are many nice restaurants offering cuisine from various places of the world. At Pattaya Park in Jomtien area, you can also find the famous revolving restaurant, from this place you can see 360 degrees view of Pattaya from top of the tower, This place keeps rotating. Don't miss the chance to take few pictures.
Pattaya park is a fun park located in Jomtien. The famous Pattaya park's swimming pool, whirlpools that are huge with big sliders. Have to buy a ticket to get in, 100 Baht for an adult and 50 Baht for a kid below 120cm tall. There's a lot more things to do here like, tower jump, sky shuttle, monorail and a lot more in Pattaya park funny land. For more information about Pattaya Park visit http://www.pattayapark.com/
More pictures of Jomtien Beach
Jomtien Beach is a destination of choice for family. Jomtien beach is more peaceful and has lesser outrageous night life activities compare to Pattaya beach. Pattaya beach is more for party animal.
Jomtien offers more family activities such as jet skiing and wind surfing because it has a long straight coastline with less boat anchored. With water that is considerably much cleaner, it is also an attactive location for swimming.
Here's a list of things to do in Jomtien, (Note: rates are normally negotiable)
Banana Boat - About 5-10 people can get on this both at a time. It is not really a boat but a long straight balloon that floats on the water. The speed boat will pull this banana boat in the sea. It is fun. Rates 700 Baht/ 30 minutes
Jet Ski - You can rent a jet ski for about 1,200 Baht/ hour
Water Ski - About 500-1,000 Baht, depending on availability.
Parasailing - 300 Baht for about 5 minutes or a round in the sea, not a very big round.
Almost inevitably Jomtien also has many hawkers, plying anything from ice cream and fruits right when you're trying to relax by sitting on chairs along the beach. This can be quite annoying but again Jomtien beach is more pleasant than Pattaya beach.
There are many nice restaurants offering cuisine from various places of the world. At Pattaya Park in Jomtien area, you can also find the famous revolving restaurant, from this place you can see 360 degrees view of Pattaya from top of the tower, This place keeps rotating. Don't miss the chance to take few pictures.
Pattaya park is a fun park located in Jomtien. The famous Pattaya park's swimming pool, whirlpools that are huge with big sliders. Have to buy a ticket to get in, 100 Baht for an adult and 50 Baht for a kid below 120cm tall. There's a lot more things to do here like, tower jump, sky shuttle, monorail and a lot more in Pattaya park funny land. For more information about Pattaya Park visit http://www.pattayapark.com/
More pictures of Jomtien Beach
Ship Wrecks.
In April’s Baht & Sold, we took a look at the monsoon season in Thailand, establishing the general rules to follow to find the best areas in certain months to dive. Patterns were formed as are highlights in each area for specific types of diving. For example the Similan islands boast huge granite boulders creating incredible backdrops. Phi Phi islands are mainly limestone composite allowing for great wall diving as the island faces plunge straight into the sea to depths of around 18 meters.
In the Gulf, off of the coast of Chonburi and Rayong provinces there is a startling amount of ship wrecks all concentrated in a fairly small area. Some of the histories behind the ships wrecked are really quite something.
Probably the most legendary wreck is that of the horizontal, vertical ship wreck although relatively young in comparison to the majority in the area. The 25 year old “Pak One” tanker ‘originally’ sank in August 1996, 50 Kms west of Koh Chang. Surviving members of the 10 man crew told of its demise due to heavy storms battering the ship.
The Pak One sank very quickly killing the majority of the crew and settled in a very odd position. With the bow nearly touching the surface at 5 meters depth the stern lodged itself in to the seabed at 60 meters. This was a sad loss of life and a vessel but the famous ‘vertical’ wreck dive sight was born.
Nearly 6 years passed and this eerie wreck literally stood world famous in diving circles. Divers traveled extraordinary distances to witness this freak wreck for themselves. It was an incredible dive site often gaining over 40 meters visibility and in a short time had an abundance of marine life swimming all around it.
Locals and far a field divers feared that one day the gas in the bow assisting to buoy the ship ‘into position’ would leak out and the Pak One would finally rest like many of its ‘normal’ counterparts.
In February 2001 something extraordinary occurred; the Pak One floated once again with its bow protruding 5 meters from the surface and began to set sail slowly toward Cambodian waters.
During the early stages of it’s ‘rebirth’ some local divers were lucky enough to have dived the wreck whilst in transit and reported diving 50 meters depth under the stern and being able to look all the way through the hull to the surface.
The Royal Thai Navy decided to intervene due to reluctance from the insurance parties involved and took measures consisting various tugs and warship escorts to drag it to a destination just south of Laem Mae Phim in Rayong Province. On first attempt of sinking the Pak One for the second time, Admiral Oknit pressed the detonator button with no apparent effects. Explosive divers reentered the wreck to reset the now live charges and a second attempt was given.
Success they thought but the desired affect was not quite achieved. Instead of sending the Pak One to the bottom a 300 Ton LPG tank was blown from the wreck now making the vessel 300 Tons lighter and sending it careering an additional 20 meters out of the water. Once settled and steady at the surface, attempt three was successful in laying the restless voyager on the seabed once and hopefully for all.
The Pak One now safely rested, to the delight of the Thai Navy, serves as a local technical divers wreck lying on the seabed at 42 meters with the top of the wreck at 25 meters. Conditions can be harsh but this is hoped that it will keep the wreck down.
The now horizontal formerly named ‘Vertical’ wreck is just one of many local ship wrecks with great character in the Gulf of Thailand. Most have great stories and history attached, many dating back to world war two and many to hundreds of years ago serving as Chinese Pottery vessels.
All of the great related stories add to the wonder of diving on the wrecks of the eastern seaboard and also lean towards why we call this simply…Amazing Thailand.
In the Gulf, off of the coast of Chonburi and Rayong provinces there is a startling amount of ship wrecks all concentrated in a fairly small area. Some of the histories behind the ships wrecked are really quite something.
Probably the most legendary wreck is that of the horizontal, vertical ship wreck although relatively young in comparison to the majority in the area. The 25 year old “Pak One” tanker ‘originally’ sank in August 1996, 50 Kms west of Koh Chang. Surviving members of the 10 man crew told of its demise due to heavy storms battering the ship.
The Pak One sank very quickly killing the majority of the crew and settled in a very odd position. With the bow nearly touching the surface at 5 meters depth the stern lodged itself in to the seabed at 60 meters. This was a sad loss of life and a vessel but the famous ‘vertical’ wreck dive sight was born.
Nearly 6 years passed and this eerie wreck literally stood world famous in diving circles. Divers traveled extraordinary distances to witness this freak wreck for themselves. It was an incredible dive site often gaining over 40 meters visibility and in a short time had an abundance of marine life swimming all around it.
Locals and far a field divers feared that one day the gas in the bow assisting to buoy the ship ‘into position’ would leak out and the Pak One would finally rest like many of its ‘normal’ counterparts.
In February 2001 something extraordinary occurred; the Pak One floated once again with its bow protruding 5 meters from the surface and began to set sail slowly toward Cambodian waters.
During the early stages of it’s ‘rebirth’ some local divers were lucky enough to have dived the wreck whilst in transit and reported diving 50 meters depth under the stern and being able to look all the way through the hull to the surface.
The Royal Thai Navy decided to intervene due to reluctance from the insurance parties involved and took measures consisting various tugs and warship escorts to drag it to a destination just south of Laem Mae Phim in Rayong Province. On first attempt of sinking the Pak One for the second time, Admiral Oknit pressed the detonator button with no apparent effects. Explosive divers reentered the wreck to reset the now live charges and a second attempt was given.
Success they thought but the desired affect was not quite achieved. Instead of sending the Pak One to the bottom a 300 Ton LPG tank was blown from the wreck now making the vessel 300 Tons lighter and sending it careering an additional 20 meters out of the water. Once settled and steady at the surface, attempt three was successful in laying the restless voyager on the seabed once and hopefully for all.
The Pak One now safely rested, to the delight of the Thai Navy, serves as a local technical divers wreck lying on the seabed at 42 meters with the top of the wreck at 25 meters. Conditions can be harsh but this is hoped that it will keep the wreck down.
The now horizontal formerly named ‘Vertical’ wreck is just one of many local ship wrecks with great character in the Gulf of Thailand. Most have great stories and history attached, many dating back to world war two and many to hundreds of years ago serving as Chinese Pottery vessels.
All of the great related stories add to the wonder of diving on the wrecks of the eastern seaboard and also lean towards why we call this simply…Amazing Thailand.
Pattaya first ever IT center.
Pattaya first ever IT center, known as TukCom is now open in South Pattaya. TukCom is very much like the famous Pantip Plaza in Bangkok. TukCom does not only have computer related stuff but also mobile phones and even clothing store.
General information:
- TukCom is located in South Pattaya road, near Soi Daynight.
- TukCom has 8 floors with the total area of 18,000 sqm
- Parking space for 500 cars is available only outside the building area.
- TukCom is open from 10:30am - 11:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am - 11:00pm on weekend and public holidays.
TukCom floor by floor:
- Underground floor are filled with clothing stores
- Some shops on Ground floor : Tsutaya VCD, DVD rentals store, S & P restaurant, Starbucks -coffee, Giordano, and many more
- Mobile phone vendors are on Second floor.
- Computer Hardwares and Softwares stores are on Third & Fourth floor.
- Food Court on the Top most floor.
Pantip Practice:
Getting Microsoft office CD for $50 might seem like a bargain already. But in TukCom a Microsoft office CD is around 100 - 150 Baht or roughly $3 - $4. Also since MS office does not take up all the CD-rom space, the pirate-copyists has added other software program as a bonus in just 1 cd. It is common to find pirated copies of the latest MP3, DVD movies and softwares in Pantip Plaza.
Piracy is serious business here in Thailand. Cost of a blank CD is about 5 Baht. The total investment on a single copied CD, after CD burning process, should not be more than 15 Baht. Even if a CD is sold for 100 Baht, that's a profit of 85 Baht, about 700% of the cost price!
Because of the Government effort to crack down on pirated CDs, some vendors may not display their CD collections in their stores. They often would allow you to pick out the CDs that you want from a catalog and make your order. Once you have made the payment, you will be given a ticket with numbers on them and will be told to probably come back again after 10 or 15 minutes to collect your stuff upon presenting the ticket. During this time the vendors are out to get the CDs from their secret CDs hiding place, to be safe from the police.
This is a common practice in Pantip Plaza in Bangkok. I'm not personally sure about TukCom in Pattaya.
General information:
- TukCom is located in South Pattaya road, near Soi Daynight.
- TukCom has 8 floors with the total area of 18,000 sqm
- Parking space for 500 cars is available only outside the building area.
- TukCom is open from 10:30am - 11:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am - 11:00pm on weekend and public holidays.
TukCom floor by floor:
- Underground floor are filled with clothing stores
- Some shops on Ground floor : Tsutaya VCD, DVD rentals store, S & P restaurant, Starbucks -coffee, Giordano, and many more
- Mobile phone vendors are on Second floor.
- Computer Hardwares and Softwares stores are on Third & Fourth floor.
- Food Court on the Top most floor.
Pantip Practice:
Getting Microsoft office CD for $50 might seem like a bargain already. But in TukCom a Microsoft office CD is around 100 - 150 Baht or roughly $3 - $4. Also since MS office does not take up all the CD-rom space, the pirate-copyists has added other software program as a bonus in just 1 cd. It is common to find pirated copies of the latest MP3, DVD movies and softwares in Pantip Plaza.
Piracy is serious business here in Thailand. Cost of a blank CD is about 5 Baht. The total investment on a single copied CD, after CD burning process, should not be more than 15 Baht. Even if a CD is sold for 100 Baht, that's a profit of 85 Baht, about 700% of the cost price!
Because of the Government effort to crack down on pirated CDs, some vendors may not display their CD collections in their stores. They often would allow you to pick out the CDs that you want from a catalog and make your order. Once you have made the payment, you will be given a ticket with numbers on them and will be told to probably come back again after 10 or 15 minutes to collect your stuff upon presenting the ticket. During this time the vendors are out to get the CDs from their secret CDs hiding place, to be safe from the police.
This is a common practice in Pantip Plaza in Bangkok. I'm not personally sure about TukCom in Pattaya.
Setting the record straight on PATTAYA'S IMAGE.
Much has been said about this place, and sometimes the worst criticisms come from people who never came to see it for themselves, or from those who arrived with preconceived ideas and stayed only a very... short time. (There are some foreign residents who avoid putting "Pattaya" on their address, business or home, by writing the pin-code only, because they fear people might frown at them when they go abroad to do some administrative requests).
Many guide books reserve a very succinct chapter to the resort, not to mention those who openly discourage travellers to come here. The term "Sin City" is very much over exaggerated as nothing here happens that could be worst than in any tourist spot of Europe like, say, Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, Madrid or Paris.
That's "pure Western Puritanism”, or let's put it frankly, hypocrisy. In fact and in deed, Pattaya is much safer and sane than those places. Here, no squealing (police or ambulance) sirens every five minutes, because the crime rate is very low. Of course, things do happen like anywhere else, and every week, among many others things, the excellent weekly "Pattaya Mail" relates unsavoury events, but far less that it should be, considering an average population of 100.000 people, including tourists.
The police do a wonderful job in checking child-prostitution and drug abuse (and trafficking). The atmosphere is thoroughly if not totally convivial and good-natured. Harsh, rude or vulgar behaviours are rare, it's like a (vanity) fair.
The result is that Pattaya becomes more and more a family and a honeymooning-couples destination, after having been, let's confess it, single-males oriented (nonetheless, the "hostesses" here enjoy a complete freedom of choice, save for the economic situation of their families).
More and more peace loving western pensioners (i.e. senior citizens) come here to spend several months each year, if not all their time of retirement, to enjoy "La Dolce Vita" (i.e. The Sweet Life) that they can get in Pattaya. Many active/working people, having discovered Pattaya years ago come here whenever they can to spend their vacations.
Such is the charm (or the spell?) of the resort. Part of the attraction is that you can meet (or just watch) people from all over the world, from all walks of life, and not only potbellied frustrated males (Caucasian, Nippon or else) lost in the crowd, but also dynamic entrepreneurs and creative brains, or just fun-loving folk like you and me.
For Thai people, it's just business as usual, and they go undisturbed, following their traditions and beliefs, sometimes watching, amused (or bemused ?) by the strange species of human type called "tourists" (or "farang" for the white kind).
Pattaya is a melting-pot, the venue of international meetings, due to its spirit of inventiveness and high standard quality hotels. Five international schools have opened and there are now four international hospitals. Several large supermarkets have branches in Pattaya. Multinational companies are making large scale investments in the area.
Half an hour away from Pattaya, Map-Ta-Phut (near Rayong) to the south, and around Chonburi, (the capital of province) to the north, several industrial estates are flourishing, bringing in expats and their "way of life", participating actively in the development of Thailand as a new industrializing country.
It goes without saying that this rapid expansion has brought environmental problems, but those are being coped with at different levels (governmental and local), following an awareness campaign against pollution (within and outside the city). To cut a long story short, Pattaya is improving constantly, and the unavoidable difficulties are faced each time with renewed determination.
Many guide books reserve a very succinct chapter to the resort, not to mention those who openly discourage travellers to come here. The term "Sin City" is very much over exaggerated as nothing here happens that could be worst than in any tourist spot of Europe like, say, Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, Madrid or Paris.
That's "pure Western Puritanism”, or let's put it frankly, hypocrisy. In fact and in deed, Pattaya is much safer and sane than those places. Here, no squealing (police or ambulance) sirens every five minutes, because the crime rate is very low. Of course, things do happen like anywhere else, and every week, among many others things, the excellent weekly "Pattaya Mail" relates unsavoury events, but far less that it should be, considering an average population of 100.000 people, including tourists.
The police do a wonderful job in checking child-prostitution and drug abuse (and trafficking). The atmosphere is thoroughly if not totally convivial and good-natured. Harsh, rude or vulgar behaviours are rare, it's like a (vanity) fair.
The result is that Pattaya becomes more and more a family and a honeymooning-couples destination, after having been, let's confess it, single-males oriented (nonetheless, the "hostesses" here enjoy a complete freedom of choice, save for the economic situation of their families).
More and more peace loving western pensioners (i.e. senior citizens) come here to spend several months each year, if not all their time of retirement, to enjoy "La Dolce Vita" (i.e. The Sweet Life) that they can get in Pattaya. Many active/working people, having discovered Pattaya years ago come here whenever they can to spend their vacations.
Such is the charm (or the spell?) of the resort. Part of the attraction is that you can meet (or just watch) people from all over the world, from all walks of life, and not only potbellied frustrated males (Caucasian, Nippon or else) lost in the crowd, but also dynamic entrepreneurs and creative brains, or just fun-loving folk like you and me.
For Thai people, it's just business as usual, and they go undisturbed, following their traditions and beliefs, sometimes watching, amused (or bemused ?) by the strange species of human type called "tourists" (or "farang" for the white kind).
Pattaya is a melting-pot, the venue of international meetings, due to its spirit of inventiveness and high standard quality hotels. Five international schools have opened and there are now four international hospitals. Several large supermarkets have branches in Pattaya. Multinational companies are making large scale investments in the area.
Half an hour away from Pattaya, Map-Ta-Phut (near Rayong) to the south, and around Chonburi, (the capital of province) to the north, several industrial estates are flourishing, bringing in expats and their "way of life", participating actively in the development of Thailand as a new industrializing country.
It goes without saying that this rapid expansion has brought environmental problems, but those are being coped with at different levels (governmental and local), following an awareness campaign against pollution (within and outside the city). To cut a long story short, Pattaya is improving constantly, and the unavoidable difficulties are faced each time with renewed determination.
Pattaya Attractions.
Pattaya is very famous for its nightlife but this doesn't mean that you can't visit Pattaya as a family. Pattaya has many daytime attractions.
Here, I have compiled a list of things to do in Pattaya.
NOTE: that prices quoted in this article may not be accurate, but they are there to give you a rough idea, so that you can estimate your cost.
Cabaret Show
Pattaya is famous for the beautiful lady boy. There are 2 main cabaret shows venue which are performed by lady boys.
Tiffany Great shows from this old establishment, Usually shows are available 3 times a day at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm. On holiday there may be an extra show at 5.30pmRates for Thais – about 200- 300 BahtFor foreigners – about 500 – 600 BahtLocation: Pattaya 2nd roadTel: (038) 421700-5, 429642
Alcazar Beautiful show, huge hall. Shows are available 3 times a day at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9.30pm. Extra show on Saturday at 11pm.Rates for Thais – about 200- 300 BahtFor foreigners – about 500 – 600 BahtLocation: Pattaya 2nd roadTel: (038) 410225-7
Ripley's Believe it or notRipley's is located inside Royal Garden Plaza on beach road. I think it is on the top most floor, 3rd floor. If you can find your way to Royal Garden Plaza, you can never miss Ripley's. Here there are more than 300 of extraordinary items from all over the world that is sure to leave you amazed. You may also want to try Ripley's motion master theater, this is a high tech movie system that will make your senses believe you are in the movie with all sound affects and specially created movie. Recently they've just started Ripley's haunted adventure. This is not just a normal haunted house, my personally advice is that this is not a place for soft hearted ladies and kids. Go with your girlfriend :D. Ripley's laser trek, another adventure by Ripley's. The objective is to use laser gun shooting at each other, even the arena will shoot back at you. Its fun but I recommend you to go in as a group of 5 or more up to 26 people. They only allow 26 people. You can go in alone too, but its not going to be fun.
Mini SiamLocated on the outskirt of Pattaya in Sukhumvit road. Here you can find many small creation (mock up model) of famous places like various temples in Thailand, Statue of Liberty, Eiffel tower, etc. http://www.minisiam.net/ for more information.
Bottles museumI guess this is the only bottle museum in the world. It is located in Sukhumvit 6. Here you can find miniature artwork such as Thai temples, palaces, both Thai and foreigners artwork, contain inside a bottle. More than 300 bottles can be found here.
Alangkarn Pattaya show (Alangkarn = Huge and amazing)This place showcase Thai culture, Thai handicraft with state of the art theatre that has been decorated in Thai-modern style. It is a modern Thai Multi-Dimension Extravaganza show. There's also a restaurant that serves both Thai and International food with a capacity of 1,000 seats. ALANGKARN is located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit road Jomtien.Pattaya: Tel: +66 (0) 3825-6000 Fax: +66 (0) 3825-6005Bangkok: Tel: +66 (0) 2216-1949 Fax: +66 (0) 2216-1872 (Apparently they also have a Bangkok office that you can call to find out more information)http://www.alangkarnthailand.com for more information.
Nong Nooch (pronounce Nong Noot) GardenNong Nooch garden is the place for seeing scenery of the tropical garden. It has artificial waterfall and lake that you can go canoeing. Its a nice place with many different plants like orchid or cactus garden. Its easy to find many animals, from birds to butterfly and many other animals in this garden. You can relax and watch Thai traditional dance show, which is available 3 times a day, martial arts, and the Thais favorite cock fighting everyday. You can even ride and elephant or watch elephant shows. Nong Nooch garden also has accommodation for overnight stay with traditional Thai bungalows.
Sri Racha Tiger zooSri Racha is a small town located about 30 minutes drive away from Pattaya. You can find lots of tigers and many other animals in the zoo. It is open from 9.30am - 6pm everday.http://www.tigerzoo.com for more information.
Here's a clip of the crocodile show at Sri Racha Tiger zoo but this time the show didn't go on smoothly.Click here to play the file. Its a windows media player file, size 812 KB.
Wanasin farmAnother traditional Thai farm that exhibits Thai handicrafts and Thai arts together with boat museums and floating market. This place is an escaped away from the busy lifestyle of Pattaya. They try to create the atmosphere of the olden days where you can find real people living the old lifestyle. Located in Pornprapanimit road. It is open daily from 9am - 6pm. It has cultural shows 4 times a day at 9.30am, 11am, 3pm and 4.30pm
Million years stone park - Crocodile farmThis place has both a park (rock garden) and a zoo. It has been open for over 20 years. It has the famous crocodile shows where the guy put his head in between crocodile mouth while it is open. Also Thai martial arts and magical shows. You can go elephant riding or have your picture taken with tamed tiger, lion or even bear and many more animals. Open from 8.30am - 6pm
Monkey training and Cobra showI guess there's going to be monkey shows and cobra shows here. Never been there before. If you want to find out more about this, just ask anybody in Pattaya, when you get there. They should know. :P
Elephant villageHere you can go elephant trekking throughout the day. It also has elephant training shows at 2.30pm everyday. Located on Sukhumvit roadFor those of you that believes Thailand is famous for white elephants, well I don't mean to disappoint you but I don't know a place where you can actually see white elephants here. This doesn't mean that white elephants don't exist in Thailand. They do, but in a reserved area that people are not allowed in.
Siriporn orchid farmThis farm is located in NuenPraWan road. Many different kinds of orchids can be found here. Open daily from 8am - 5pm.
Miniature Racetrack (Thais called it Go-Kart)Go-Kart is the word for driving small little vehicle in the race track. Fun for people who like the thrill of speed. Two main places to go Go-Kart (ing)Here's a bit of a story about Go-Kart. I was told that once a girl who had a very long hair when for a Go-Kart drive. Her long hair got stuck in the wheel and it pulled her hair of, left her with only her skull. Eventually she died. So if you have long hair you might want to tidy it up first. Nevertheless it is fun.
Siam karting circuitLocated in the same area with Mini Siam, so you can do both things in one place. Very fast car - 450 Baht/10 minutesMedium speed - 350 Baht/10 minutesCars for kids - 250 Baht/10 minutesTel: (038) 727410
Pattaya kart speed wayOpen from 9.30am - 6.30pm 250 Baht/10 minutesKids race track and for trainers 150 Baht/10 minutes
Here you can also enjoy a game of PaintballThis is a real life game that assume you are trap in the war zone. Players have to wear masks and coat. The weapon of choice is gun with plastic bullets that once hit the target will be smashed into colors. Now if you are shot, you're suppose to pretend you're dead and is not allowed to participate for the rest of the game. Players are divided into 2 teams. The objective of the game is to capture the flag of the other team and bring it back to the base. It is fun and does not hurt.Located in Theppasit between Sukhumvit and Jomtien.Pattaya Kart speed way Tel: (038) 422044Paintball Tel: (038) 300608http://www.karting-thailand.com for more detail
Pattaya parkPattaya park is a fun park located in Jomtien. The famous Pattaya park's swimming pool, whirlpools that are huge with big sliders. Have to buy a ticket to get in, 100 Baht for an adult and 50 Baht for a kid below 120cm tall. There's a lot more things to do here like, tower jump, sky shuttle, monorail and a lot more in Pattaya park funny land. Here you can also find the famous revolving restaurant, from this place you can see 360 degrees view of Pattaya from top of the tower, This place keeps rotating. Don't miss the chance to take few pictures. Tel: (038) 364110-20http://www.pattayapark.com for more detail
Lakeland water cable skiThe name says it all, water cable ski at the lake. Located in Sukhumvit road about 5 kilometers away from Pattaya. Rates: 300 Baht for 2 hours, 500 Baht for the whole day. Open from 10am - 9pm. But I guess the best time to go is during the day or before sunset.Tel: (038) 232690-2
Underwater world Underwater aquarium, You can walk along the tunnel under the water to see many different marine animals. Located 200 meters away from Tesco Lotus in south Pattaya. Rates 360 Baht for foreigners , 130 Baht for Thais.
Wind surfing, paragliding One of the place I know that you can go wind surfing, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, etc is Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre, located at 150 kilometers on Sukhumvit road.
Things you can do at the beachPattaya has many beaches, but the most famous one is probably Jomtien beach. Here is a list of things you can doBanana Boat - About 5-10 people can get on this both at a time. It is not really a boat but a long straight balloon that floats on the water. The speed boat will pull this banana boat in the sea. Its fun. Rates 700 Baht/ 30 minutesJet Ski - You can rent a jet ski for about 1,200 Baht/ hourWater Ski - About 500-1,000 Baht, depending on availability. Parasailing - 300 Baht for about 5 minutes or a round in the sea, not a very big round.
Nearby Island
Koh Larn or Coral Island. In Thai "Koh" means Island. Click here for more information about Koh Larn
Here, I have compiled a list of things to do in Pattaya.
NOTE: that prices quoted in this article may not be accurate, but they are there to give you a rough idea, so that you can estimate your cost.
Cabaret Show
Pattaya is famous for the beautiful lady boy. There are 2 main cabaret shows venue which are performed by lady boys.
Tiffany Great shows from this old establishment, Usually shows are available 3 times a day at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm. On holiday there may be an extra show at 5.30pmRates for Thais – about 200- 300 BahtFor foreigners – about 500 – 600 BahtLocation: Pattaya 2nd roadTel: (038) 421700-5, 429642
Alcazar Beautiful show, huge hall. Shows are available 3 times a day at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9.30pm. Extra show on Saturday at 11pm.Rates for Thais – about 200- 300 BahtFor foreigners – about 500 – 600 BahtLocation: Pattaya 2nd roadTel: (038) 410225-7
Ripley's Believe it or notRipley's is located inside Royal Garden Plaza on beach road. I think it is on the top most floor, 3rd floor. If you can find your way to Royal Garden Plaza, you can never miss Ripley's. Here there are more than 300 of extraordinary items from all over the world that is sure to leave you amazed. You may also want to try Ripley's motion master theater, this is a high tech movie system that will make your senses believe you are in the movie with all sound affects and specially created movie. Recently they've just started Ripley's haunted adventure. This is not just a normal haunted house, my personally advice is that this is not a place for soft hearted ladies and kids. Go with your girlfriend :D. Ripley's laser trek, another adventure by Ripley's. The objective is to use laser gun shooting at each other, even the arena will shoot back at you. Its fun but I recommend you to go in as a group of 5 or more up to 26 people. They only allow 26 people. You can go in alone too, but its not going to be fun.
Mini SiamLocated on the outskirt of Pattaya in Sukhumvit road. Here you can find many small creation (mock up model) of famous places like various temples in Thailand, Statue of Liberty, Eiffel tower, etc. http://www.minisiam.net/ for more information.
Bottles museumI guess this is the only bottle museum in the world. It is located in Sukhumvit 6. Here you can find miniature artwork such as Thai temples, palaces, both Thai and foreigners artwork, contain inside a bottle. More than 300 bottles can be found here.
Alangkarn Pattaya show (Alangkarn = Huge and amazing)This place showcase Thai culture, Thai handicraft with state of the art theatre that has been decorated in Thai-modern style. It is a modern Thai Multi-Dimension Extravaganza show. There's also a restaurant that serves both Thai and International food with a capacity of 1,000 seats. ALANGKARN is located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit road Jomtien.Pattaya: Tel: +66 (0) 3825-6000 Fax: +66 (0) 3825-6005Bangkok: Tel: +66 (0) 2216-1949 Fax: +66 (0) 2216-1872 (Apparently they also have a Bangkok office that you can call to find out more information)http://www.alangkarnthailand.com for more information.
Nong Nooch (pronounce Nong Noot) GardenNong Nooch garden is the place for seeing scenery of the tropical garden. It has artificial waterfall and lake that you can go canoeing. Its a nice place with many different plants like orchid or cactus garden. Its easy to find many animals, from birds to butterfly and many other animals in this garden. You can relax and watch Thai traditional dance show, which is available 3 times a day, martial arts, and the Thais favorite cock fighting everyday. You can even ride and elephant or watch elephant shows. Nong Nooch garden also has accommodation for overnight stay with traditional Thai bungalows.
Sri Racha Tiger zooSri Racha is a small town located about 30 minutes drive away from Pattaya. You can find lots of tigers and many other animals in the zoo. It is open from 9.30am - 6pm everday.http://www.tigerzoo.com for more information.
Here's a clip of the crocodile show at Sri Racha Tiger zoo but this time the show didn't go on smoothly.Click here to play the file. Its a windows media player file, size 812 KB.
Wanasin farmAnother traditional Thai farm that exhibits Thai handicrafts and Thai arts together with boat museums and floating market. This place is an escaped away from the busy lifestyle of Pattaya. They try to create the atmosphere of the olden days where you can find real people living the old lifestyle. Located in Pornprapanimit road. It is open daily from 9am - 6pm. It has cultural shows 4 times a day at 9.30am, 11am, 3pm and 4.30pm
Million years stone park - Crocodile farmThis place has both a park (rock garden) and a zoo. It has been open for over 20 years. It has the famous crocodile shows where the guy put his head in between crocodile mouth while it is open. Also Thai martial arts and magical shows. You can go elephant riding or have your picture taken with tamed tiger, lion or even bear and many more animals. Open from 8.30am - 6pm
Monkey training and Cobra showI guess there's going to be monkey shows and cobra shows here. Never been there before. If you want to find out more about this, just ask anybody in Pattaya, when you get there. They should know. :P
Elephant villageHere you can go elephant trekking throughout the day. It also has elephant training shows at 2.30pm everyday. Located on Sukhumvit roadFor those of you that believes Thailand is famous for white elephants, well I don't mean to disappoint you but I don't know a place where you can actually see white elephants here. This doesn't mean that white elephants don't exist in Thailand. They do, but in a reserved area that people are not allowed in.
Siriporn orchid farmThis farm is located in NuenPraWan road. Many different kinds of orchids can be found here. Open daily from 8am - 5pm.
Miniature Racetrack (Thais called it Go-Kart)Go-Kart is the word for driving small little vehicle in the race track. Fun for people who like the thrill of speed. Two main places to go Go-Kart (ing)Here's a bit of a story about Go-Kart. I was told that once a girl who had a very long hair when for a Go-Kart drive. Her long hair got stuck in the wheel and it pulled her hair of, left her with only her skull. Eventually she died. So if you have long hair you might want to tidy it up first. Nevertheless it is fun.
Siam karting circuitLocated in the same area with Mini Siam, so you can do both things in one place. Very fast car - 450 Baht/10 minutesMedium speed - 350 Baht/10 minutesCars for kids - 250 Baht/10 minutesTel: (038) 727410
Pattaya kart speed wayOpen from 9.30am - 6.30pm 250 Baht/10 minutesKids race track and for trainers 150 Baht/10 minutes
Here you can also enjoy a game of PaintballThis is a real life game that assume you are trap in the war zone. Players have to wear masks and coat. The weapon of choice is gun with plastic bullets that once hit the target will be smashed into colors. Now if you are shot, you're suppose to pretend you're dead and is not allowed to participate for the rest of the game. Players are divided into 2 teams. The objective of the game is to capture the flag of the other team and bring it back to the base. It is fun and does not hurt.Located in Theppasit between Sukhumvit and Jomtien.Pattaya Kart speed way Tel: (038) 422044Paintball Tel: (038) 300608http://www.karting-thailand.com for more detail
Pattaya parkPattaya park is a fun park located in Jomtien. The famous Pattaya park's swimming pool, whirlpools that are huge with big sliders. Have to buy a ticket to get in, 100 Baht for an adult and 50 Baht for a kid below 120cm tall. There's a lot more things to do here like, tower jump, sky shuttle, monorail and a lot more in Pattaya park funny land. Here you can also find the famous revolving restaurant, from this place you can see 360 degrees view of Pattaya from top of the tower, This place keeps rotating. Don't miss the chance to take few pictures. Tel: (038) 364110-20http://www.pattayapark.com for more detail
Lakeland water cable skiThe name says it all, water cable ski at the lake. Located in Sukhumvit road about 5 kilometers away from Pattaya. Rates: 300 Baht for 2 hours, 500 Baht for the whole day. Open from 10am - 9pm. But I guess the best time to go is during the day or before sunset.Tel: (038) 232690-2
Underwater world Underwater aquarium, You can walk along the tunnel under the water to see many different marine animals. Located 200 meters away from Tesco Lotus in south Pattaya. Rates 360 Baht for foreigners , 130 Baht for Thais.
Wind surfing, paragliding One of the place I know that you can go wind surfing, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, etc is Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre, located at 150 kilometers on Sukhumvit road.
Things you can do at the beachPattaya has many beaches, but the most famous one is probably Jomtien beach. Here is a list of things you can doBanana Boat - About 5-10 people can get on this both at a time. It is not really a boat but a long straight balloon that floats on the water. The speed boat will pull this banana boat in the sea. Its fun. Rates 700 Baht/ 30 minutesJet Ski - You can rent a jet ski for about 1,200 Baht/ hourWater Ski - About 500-1,000 Baht, depending on availability. Parasailing - 300 Baht for about 5 minutes or a round in the sea, not a very big round.
Nearby Island
Koh Larn or Coral Island. In Thai "Koh" means Island. Click here for more information about Koh Larn
How to get to Pattaya ?
Pattaya being located only 150 kilometres south of Bangkok, there are no commercially viable alternatives to the road, save for the rail, and a single flight service from/to Koh Samui
Routes to Pattaya (from Bangkok)
By Bus and Taxi :
Recommended Taxi Service: Image Limousine often reffered as probably the safest and most luxurius way to get to/from Pattaya offers new Nissan Teana all fully insured, with English speaking drivers and a DVD system with 10 chanels. All tolls are fully inclusive and prices start at 2300 Baht one way. Pattaya Tel. 038 756658. Fax. 038 251521. Email: reservations@imagelimo.com or Visit their website at http://www.imagelimo.com
One of the taxi available in Bangkok - Taxi are of many different colors look for any with the sign Taxi - Meter on top.
Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Pattaya bus station on North Pattaya road, every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 22:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.
Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 3911230. Ekkamai Bus Terminal Tel. 02-391 9829, 392 9227.
Departure from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya road every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 19:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.
Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 2712962. Mor Chit Bus terminal Tel. 0 2279 4484-7, 0 2272 5242, 0 2272 5761.
Rail Service: A rail service that runs once a day connects Bangkok to Pattaya station: leaving Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Bangkok, daily at 7:00 am, arriving Pattaya 10:25 am. (Call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, 0 2223 0341 for information).
Stopping at several destinations on the way, it is a pleasantly interesting journey--as it runs through the country side not seen from the road route.
Local Transportation:
If you arrived from a bus on your arrival, you can use collective pick-up taxis called "baht-buses" or "songthaew" (i.e. two-rows) which should take you anywhere in town for around 60 - 150 bath. Within the resort, those dark-blue pick-ups continually follow the circuit made up by passing from Beach-road to Pattaya 2nd-road and back. Fares are 10 baht per person per ride. If you know your destination on this circuit, wave your hand for the coming taxi to pick you up, jump on at the back and pay the fare after you alight (press the buzzer to stop the taxi).
There are also other routes going through Soi Buakhao, Pattaya Klang (Centre), Pattaya Tai (South) and Pattaya Nua (North). Up to Naklua, down to Jomtien, fares may increase to 20 baht or more. You can also hire the vehicle for yourself, or change route, then you must negotiate the price beforehand. For door-to-door trips, you can hire motorcycle-taxis [i.e. with a driver] available in strategic spots of the resort like at cross-roads or "commercial" places.
For more independence, and explore Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, motorcycles of different capacities can be hired for one day, one week or one month. Customers are advised to check around prior making a choice because different companies offer different prices and conditions (don't forget to wear the compulsory helmet and be aware there is no insurance...).
Rent-a-car:*Pattaya Car Rent Centre, 437/157 Soi Yodsak. Private cars, vans, pick-up. 1st class insurance and services. Reasonable prices. Tel. 038 420 863, 038 361 358, 01-906-6307, 01-945 7850, F. 038 420 863
*VIA, 215/15-18 2nd road, opposite the Royal Garden Plaza. Cars are fully insured and well maintained. Australian management. Tel: 038 426 242, fax 038 426 243.
*AVIS, Dusit Resort (at the beginning of Beach-road).Tel: 038 361 627-8, Fax 0 2254 6718, Telex: 038 721 18 Avis Th.
*ARC, 389/114 moo 5, Sukhumvit road. Tel: 038 420 252, 01 861 3357, Fax: 038 420 252
*PP Car Rent, 193/156 Rungland Village, South Pattaya. Cars, jeeps and minibus for rent, as well as taxis. Tel. 038 426 552, 038 428 059.
*Budget, 333/1 moo 6, Sukhumvit road, Naklua. Tel.038 726 185, Fax: 038 726 362. Car, pick-up & truck rental, full insurance.There are scores of jeeps for rent (usually parked) on Beach-road, on the way to South Pattaya. You have to bargain and check if there is any insurance, otherwise an accident could prove costly.
Getting out of Pattaya (To Bangkok)
Several private but reliable companies operate (comfortable, air-conditioned) minibus-transfer from anywhere in Pattaya to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. Actually, they come to pick you up at any address (within the resort) you mention at the time of booking (24hr before is sufficient).
By Bus and Taxi: Taking a bus from Pattaya
Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 21:00. One way fare: 90 baht.
Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Northern Terminal (Mor Chit) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 19:00. One way fare: 90 baht.
Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport, via the northern terminal at Mor Chit every two hours from 07:00 to 18:30. Book at least half an hour in advance and check the timings.
Recommended Taxi Service: Image Limousine often reffered as probably the safest and most luxurius way to get to/from Pattaya offers new Nissan Teana all fully insured, with English speaking drivers and a DVD system with 10 chanels. All tolls are fully inclusive and prices start at 2300 Baht one way. Pattaya Tel. 038 756658. Fax. 038 251521. Email: reservations@imagelimo.com or Visit their website at http://www.imagelimo.com
By train:Departure from Pattaya Railway station at 13:47 arriving 17:15 at Hua Lamphong station, Bangkok. Tel: 038 429 285. (No English spoken).
And if you want to GO EAST from Pattaya, buses (or any other road-vehicles) can take you to RAYONG, CHANTHABURI, TRAT, KOH (Island) CHANG...KANCHANABURI (130 km west of Bangkok), and its infamous River Khwai's bridge, is worth going too!
Routes to Pattaya (from Bangkok)
By Bus and Taxi :
Recommended Taxi Service: Image Limousine often reffered as probably the safest and most luxurius way to get to/from Pattaya offers new Nissan Teana all fully insured, with English speaking drivers and a DVD system with 10 chanels. All tolls are fully inclusive and prices start at 2300 Baht one way. Pattaya Tel. 038 756658. Fax. 038 251521. Email: reservations@imagelimo.com or Visit their website at http://www.imagelimo.com
One of the taxi available in Bangkok - Taxi are of many different colors look for any with the sign Taxi - Meter on top.
Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Pattaya bus station on North Pattaya road, every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 22:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.
Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 3911230. Ekkamai Bus Terminal Tel. 02-391 9829, 392 9227.
Departure from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya road every 30 minutes, daily from 05:00 till 19:00. Duration ±2½ hrs. One way fare: 101 baht.
Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 2712962. Mor Chit Bus terminal Tel. 0 2279 4484-7, 0 2272 5242, 0 2272 5761.
Rail Service: A rail service that runs once a day connects Bangkok to Pattaya station: leaving Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Bangkok, daily at 7:00 am, arriving Pattaya 10:25 am. (Call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, 0 2223 0341 for information).
Stopping at several destinations on the way, it is a pleasantly interesting journey--as it runs through the country side not seen from the road route.
Local Transportation:
If you arrived from a bus on your arrival, you can use collective pick-up taxis called "baht-buses" or "songthaew" (i.e. two-rows) which should take you anywhere in town for around 60 - 150 bath. Within the resort, those dark-blue pick-ups continually follow the circuit made up by passing from Beach-road to Pattaya 2nd-road and back. Fares are 10 baht per person per ride. If you know your destination on this circuit, wave your hand for the coming taxi to pick you up, jump on at the back and pay the fare after you alight (press the buzzer to stop the taxi).
There are also other routes going through Soi Buakhao, Pattaya Klang (Centre), Pattaya Tai (South) and Pattaya Nua (North). Up to Naklua, down to Jomtien, fares may increase to 20 baht or more. You can also hire the vehicle for yourself, or change route, then you must negotiate the price beforehand. For door-to-door trips, you can hire motorcycle-taxis [i.e. with a driver] available in strategic spots of the resort like at cross-roads or "commercial" places.
For more independence, and explore Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, motorcycles of different capacities can be hired for one day, one week or one month. Customers are advised to check around prior making a choice because different companies offer different prices and conditions (don't forget to wear the compulsory helmet and be aware there is no insurance...).
Rent-a-car:*Pattaya Car Rent Centre, 437/157 Soi Yodsak. Private cars, vans, pick-up. 1st class insurance and services. Reasonable prices. Tel. 038 420 863, 038 361 358, 01-906-6307, 01-945 7850, F. 038 420 863
*VIA, 215/15-18 2nd road, opposite the Royal Garden Plaza. Cars are fully insured and well maintained. Australian management. Tel: 038 426 242, fax 038 426 243.
*AVIS, Dusit Resort (at the beginning of Beach-road).Tel: 038 361 627-8, Fax 0 2254 6718, Telex: 038 721 18 Avis Th.
*ARC, 389/114 moo 5, Sukhumvit road. Tel: 038 420 252, 01 861 3357, Fax: 038 420 252
*PP Car Rent, 193/156 Rungland Village, South Pattaya. Cars, jeeps and minibus for rent, as well as taxis. Tel. 038 426 552, 038 428 059.
*Budget, 333/1 moo 6, Sukhumvit road, Naklua. Tel.038 726 185, Fax: 038 726 362. Car, pick-up & truck rental, full insurance.There are scores of jeeps for rent (usually parked) on Beach-road, on the way to South Pattaya. You have to bargain and check if there is any insurance, otherwise an accident could prove costly.
Getting out of Pattaya (To Bangkok)
Several private but reliable companies operate (comfortable, air-conditioned) minibus-transfer from anywhere in Pattaya to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport. Actually, they come to pick you up at any address (within the resort) you mention at the time of booking (24hr before is sufficient).
By Bus and Taxi: Taking a bus from Pattaya
Recommended Bus Service: Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 21:00. One way fare: 90 baht.
Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Northern Terminal (Mor Chit) every 30 minutes daily from 05:30 to 19:00. One way fare: 90 baht.
Departure from the bus terminal on Pattaya North road to Bangkok's Don Muang Airport, via the northern terminal at Mor Chit every two hours from 07:00 to 18:30. Book at least half an hour in advance and check the timings.
Recommended Taxi Service: Image Limousine often reffered as probably the safest and most luxurius way to get to/from Pattaya offers new Nissan Teana all fully insured, with English speaking drivers and a DVD system with 10 chanels. All tolls are fully inclusive and prices start at 2300 Baht one way. Pattaya Tel. 038 756658. Fax. 038 251521. Email: reservations@imagelimo.com or Visit their website at http://www.imagelimo.com
By train:Departure from Pattaya Railway station at 13:47 arriving 17:15 at Hua Lamphong station, Bangkok. Tel: 038 429 285. (No English spoken).
And if you want to GO EAST from Pattaya, buses (or any other road-vehicles) can take you to RAYONG, CHANTHABURI, TRAT, KOH (Island) CHANG...KANCHANABURI (130 km west of Bangkok), and its infamous River Khwai's bridge, is worth going too!
Brief history about Pattaya.
Once upon a time, The troops of King Taksin, the great king of Thailand. He used this town as the base and the passage for his troops to combat against the Burmese. Soon after, the Thai troops were victorious over their Burmese counterpart. King Taksin was able to protect Thailand from the Burmese ruling. The city was renamed "Tap Praya" (Troops of the Emperor)
Presently, the city has turned into a tourist place that is one of the most beautiful city of Thailand. We call this city "Pattaya"
Pattaya is not only one of the most beautiful city in Thailand but also a commercial city of Thailand. In a year, Pattaya attract many diverse group of tourists from all over the world to visit Thailand. Whether its tourist from Asia, Europe, America, all because Pattaya boasts excellent tourist spots, and many other amenities.
Some of the tourist destinations here are: Repleys - A museum with all the amazing stories from around the world Koh Laan - An Island that has a long white sand coast line and blue color sea. You can see the delightful sea bottom here. Diving - You can see different kind of fishes and corals that is surely gorgeous. Go Kart - Enjoyable go-kart ride that can be appreciated by people of all ages.
After the sunset, you can dine at Tower Pattaya Park. Here you can watch pleasing scenary of Pattaya. And if you are here with your special someone then this it can gets very romantic. At night, Pattaya offer one of the most prominent nightlife in Thailand. You can have fun walking along "Walking Street" - Open street that you can walk the whole night, total in at about 3 kilometres. No vehicles are allowed passing this street from 7pm until 2am everyday.
Both ends of the road comprises of many shops and entertainment venues as in Disco, Bar, A go go, shops Etc. Pattaya is the most relaxing city and its welcome everybody, no matter sex or ages.
Most importantly in the near future, Pattaya will be the first city in Thailand with legal Casino. The government believes Pattaya is ready in all aspects, such as tourists or even accommodations. In Pattaya lie many hotels, Royal cliff, Pattaya Park, Ambassador, this is just to name a few. No less shopping malls either.
Pattaya has Lotus, Big C, Tops Supermarket, Foodland, Mike, etc. Also many hospitals, Pattaya has many hi ends hospitals.
Hence, it is not surprising that Pattaya draw in the most foreign tourists in Thailand.
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Presently, the city has turned into a tourist place that is one of the most beautiful city of Thailand. We call this city "Pattaya"
Pattaya is not only one of the most beautiful city in Thailand but also a commercial city of Thailand. In a year, Pattaya attract many diverse group of tourists from all over the world to visit Thailand. Whether its tourist from Asia, Europe, America, all because Pattaya boasts excellent tourist spots, and many other amenities.
Some of the tourist destinations here are: Repleys - A museum with all the amazing stories from around the world Koh Laan - An Island that has a long white sand coast line and blue color sea. You can see the delightful sea bottom here. Diving - You can see different kind of fishes and corals that is surely gorgeous. Go Kart - Enjoyable go-kart ride that can be appreciated by people of all ages.
After the sunset, you can dine at Tower Pattaya Park. Here you can watch pleasing scenary of Pattaya. And if you are here with your special someone then this it can gets very romantic. At night, Pattaya offer one of the most prominent nightlife in Thailand. You can have fun walking along "Walking Street" - Open street that you can walk the whole night, total in at about 3 kilometres. No vehicles are allowed passing this street from 7pm until 2am everyday.
Both ends of the road comprises of many shops and entertainment venues as in Disco, Bar, A go go, shops Etc. Pattaya is the most relaxing city and its welcome everybody, no matter sex or ages.
Most importantly in the near future, Pattaya will be the first city in Thailand with legal Casino. The government believes Pattaya is ready in all aspects, such as tourists or even accommodations. In Pattaya lie many hotels, Royal cliff, Pattaya Park, Ambassador, this is just to name a few. No less shopping malls either.
Pattaya has Lotus, Big C, Tops Supermarket, Foodland, Mike, etc. Also many hospitals, Pattaya has many hi ends hospitals.
Hence, it is not surprising that Pattaya draw in the most foreign tourists in Thailand.
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Ripleys Haunted adventure in Royal Garden Plaza.
Here’s a bit about the Haunted mansion from my own personal experienceWell, It was quite a spooky experience. I paid 200 Baht to get in during the promotion period sometime in October 04. Even the girl at the counter was dressed up in a ghost costume, and the make up that made her look scary.So, when I first got in, a short guy dressed up like a villager in a torn shirt took us in the elevator that was rounded. They only allow about a group of 10 people to go in at a time. When I got off the elevator, another guy (looks like a ghost too) was telling me a bit about the place where we were about to go to, a brief history. I'm not going to tell you what all this is all about, it is for you to find out. Anyway, we were told to stick by each other and hold on to a single rope. What makes this haunted mansion special is not only that they have the usual ghost figure just like any other haunted mansion, they also use real people, who are dressed up in ghost costume. And mind you, these people are real scary, they try to scare you by coming up behind or run after you. Don't worry these guys are not allowed to touch you. I strongly don't recommend people that are soft hearted to go through this. And if you decided to, don't wear high heels. The whole thing is about 15- 30 minutes, which is quite worth it.
Submitted by : Ervin
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Submitted by : Ervin
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Introduction to Pattaya.
If you have Travel agent selling you a package tour to Pattaya saying that it has a beautiful beach resort or one of the best beaches in Thailand. Don't be fool by this, instead Pattaya doesn't have that lovely beaches as it is too commercialised. Pattaya beach doesn't stand a chance to be counted as one of the best beaches in Thailand because it is way too polluted and dirty. You will find rubbish littered in the sea and along the shore.
Although the beach here is not that great but you will not get bored walking down the long beach here because it is full with shops and people. A lot of times you will get people approaching you trying to sell something while you're trying to relax on the beach.
These vendors come hassling you trying to sell everything ranging from clothing to ornaments or just about anything that you can name. This happen a lot in Jomtien beach. Jomtien beach in Pattaya is probably the most famous beach. It attracts a lot of locals as well as foreigners or "Farang" as the Thai would call anyone with a Caucasian race.
Don't be surpise to find the Thais sitting under a big umbrella at the beach all day afraid of the sun. This is because they do not like sun tan and people with dark skin get are look down in the society. Let me tell you a bit more about the Thai people so you understand them a bit more.
The Thai people are very shy, most of them are probably at the beach or swiming in the sea with T-shirt on. It is far more common for Thai to swim in T-shirts than they do in bikinis. This doesn't mean that as a "Farang" you are not allowed to wear bikinis or swimming trunk. Definitely you can, nobody minds.Pattaya has a famous reputation as one of the sex capital in Thailand or even Asia. Almost every where you go you will find prostitutes or agogo bars. Especially in South Pattaya, down walking street. I almost forgot to mention, be really careful who you hook up with! A lot of the pretty girls here are actually lady boy, you really have to be careful.
There are a lot of lady boy around Pattaya and it seems as if it is common in Thailand for lady boy. By Lady boy I mean, guys that have had their operation to turn their bodies to look more like women. Some of them have done a really good job. Alright, you're probably wondering how to get around Pattaya. Its not hard, just get on one of the "Songtaews". Just flag down the Songtaew you see, hop in. Just press one of the buzzer when you want to get down. The fare is usually 5 - 20 baht depending on the distance. Sometime you may be ask to pay more but as of now this is the current fare.
This is a fare for the regular route, I mean with other people in the Songtaew as well. Now the fare will be different if you hire a Songtaew to go from specific place to another, this is where you really have to negotiate the fare. Don't let them over charge you. To avoid all of this, just get in the (regular route)Songtaew and see where it goes and just get off where you like or (specific point)discuss the fare first before you go anywhere.
Taking a motorcycle taxi is another option, the fare for this vary greatly. This is obviously a more expensive option incomparison with Songtaew. Again make sure you discuss the fare before you hop on one of them.
Accomodation - make sure you book early because it can be really competitive during a festival such as New year, or Songkran ( the water throwing festival also known as Thai new year on April 13th). For a guest house the price range is about 300 - 500 Baht for a night. For hotels the price range is normally 600 baht up depending on the location and season.
Booking are usual seldom but be better during festival. One of the best thing about hotels in Pattaya is that buffet breakfast are usually good and are at a competitive price. Some even offer a 80 baht buffet breakfast with bacon, bread, milk, coffee all you can eat. So make sure you do ask for the buffet breakfast.
Restaurants - Thailand is famous for its food. Pattaya offers a varierty of restaurants ranging from Indian to the original Thai food. Prices are not high but again if you're paying more than a 100 baht per plate then you're being over charged. Do try out the vendors on the foot path that sells noodle or rice, they are pretty cheap and nice. I'm not quite sure if it is clean but who cares.
Shopping - This is a one of the things that you will definitely be doing in Thailand. Not so much in Pattaya when compare to Bangkok, but nevertheless here's the picture of what all you can shop for.
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Although the beach here is not that great but you will not get bored walking down the long beach here because it is full with shops and people. A lot of times you will get people approaching you trying to sell something while you're trying to relax on the beach.
These vendors come hassling you trying to sell everything ranging from clothing to ornaments or just about anything that you can name. This happen a lot in Jomtien beach. Jomtien beach in Pattaya is probably the most famous beach. It attracts a lot of locals as well as foreigners or "Farang" as the Thai would call anyone with a Caucasian race.
Don't be surpise to find the Thais sitting under a big umbrella at the beach all day afraid of the sun. This is because they do not like sun tan and people with dark skin get are look down in the society. Let me tell you a bit more about the Thai people so you understand them a bit more.
The Thai people are very shy, most of them are probably at the beach or swiming in the sea with T-shirt on. It is far more common for Thai to swim in T-shirts than they do in bikinis. This doesn't mean that as a "Farang" you are not allowed to wear bikinis or swimming trunk. Definitely you can, nobody minds.Pattaya has a famous reputation as one of the sex capital in Thailand or even Asia. Almost every where you go you will find prostitutes or agogo bars. Especially in South Pattaya, down walking street. I almost forgot to mention, be really careful who you hook up with! A lot of the pretty girls here are actually lady boy, you really have to be careful.
There are a lot of lady boy around Pattaya and it seems as if it is common in Thailand for lady boy. By Lady boy I mean, guys that have had their operation to turn their bodies to look more like women. Some of them have done a really good job. Alright, you're probably wondering how to get around Pattaya. Its not hard, just get on one of the "Songtaews". Just flag down the Songtaew you see, hop in. Just press one of the buzzer when you want to get down. The fare is usually 5 - 20 baht depending on the distance. Sometime you may be ask to pay more but as of now this is the current fare.
This is a fare for the regular route, I mean with other people in the Songtaew as well. Now the fare will be different if you hire a Songtaew to go from specific place to another, this is where you really have to negotiate the fare. Don't let them over charge you. To avoid all of this, just get in the (regular route)Songtaew and see where it goes and just get off where you like or (specific point)discuss the fare first before you go anywhere.
Taking a motorcycle taxi is another option, the fare for this vary greatly. This is obviously a more expensive option incomparison with Songtaew. Again make sure you discuss the fare before you hop on one of them.
Accomodation - make sure you book early because it can be really competitive during a festival such as New year, or Songkran ( the water throwing festival also known as Thai new year on April 13th). For a guest house the price range is about 300 - 500 Baht for a night. For hotels the price range is normally 600 baht up depending on the location and season.
Booking are usual seldom but be better during festival. One of the best thing about hotels in Pattaya is that buffet breakfast are usually good and are at a competitive price. Some even offer a 80 baht buffet breakfast with bacon, bread, milk, coffee all you can eat. So make sure you do ask for the buffet breakfast.
Restaurants - Thailand is famous for its food. Pattaya offers a varierty of restaurants ranging from Indian to the original Thai food. Prices are not high but again if you're paying more than a 100 baht per plate then you're being over charged. Do try out the vendors on the foot path that sells noodle or rice, they are pretty cheap and nice. I'm not quite sure if it is clean but who cares.
Shopping - This is a one of the things that you will definitely be doing in Thailand. Not so much in Pattaya when compare to Bangkok, but nevertheless here's the picture of what all you can shop for.
Info : http://www.mypattaya.com
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Welcome to Pattaya in Thailand.
HISTORY.
Been there, done that. Every Pattaya web site and book will tell you our history but we will tell you the Truth !Two out of three tourists who come here extend their stay. People come to Pattaya and they don't want to go back home ! There is a large expat community here because of this. It's a great place to live because of the lack of meddling laws that seems to be the norm in Western Countries. People want to enjoy their lives. Please be forewarned that because of the lack of these same Western Laws there are many who take advantage of it. Let The Buyer Beware & Watch Where You Step will keep you out of trouble most of the time. Talk to the locals, reputations of local business are well known to them.
Pattaya also provides plenty of on land recreation, a number of excellent 18-hole golf clubs, while other sporting options include tennis, horse-back riding, go-kart racing, shooting, archery, bowling, snooker...the list goes on. There is even a motor racing track. True to its city status, Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, shows no slackening of pace after sundown. South Pattaya, popularly referred to as "The Strip", is packed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, discos, and shops. If South Pattaya is a trifle overwhelming, those seeking quieter opportunities for shopping, dining and evening entertainment will not be disappointed. Such has been the development of the resort in recent years that full amenities are now to be found throughout Pattaya which extends well inland from the bay.
Shopping possibilities are as varied as Pattaya's other attractions. Souveniers, handicrafts, gems and jewellery, ready-to-wear and custom-tailored clothing, paintings and more are all to be found along "The Strip" and increasingly at smart shops and department stores throughout the resort.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)