20101118

Jomtien Beach,Koh Lan (Coral Island)

Jomtien Beach



Jomtien Beach
This 6-kilometres long, largely straight beach, some 4 kilometers south of Pattaya, is the most notable of several beaches south of the resort. The beach is popular with windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping inland from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than is Pattaya Bay. Jomtien is also a major residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants.
Wong Phrachan Beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The 1 kilometer beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. A quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Khao Pattaya (Khao Phra Bat) A small hill with an asphalt road leading to the top. From its peak, one has a panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay. Currently, Khao Pattaya has been developed and is now the site of the Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station. A sacred Buddha image is also enshrined on the hilltop.
Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park) is at foot of Pattaya hill on Phratani'uk Road. This small park, covering a large area, was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. On any given day, a large number of people will relax, jog, exercise or simple enjoy the scenery of Pattaya in this park.
 

Koh Lan (Coral Island)



The Coral Island, locally called Koh Lan, is the largest offshore island near Pattaya. It is over 7 km away from the coast of Pattaya and it takes about 45 minutes ride by ordinary ferries and 15 minutes by speedboat. The beaches on the island are lined with restaurants, food shops and souvenir stalls selling handicrafts. Numerous water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, snorkeling and scuba-diving are popular here. Viewing coral reefs thrugh glass-bottomed boats and parasailing are interesting.
 

20101117

Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival
KrathongThe floating of a Krathong is signifies floating away ill fortune as well as expressing apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respects to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples. The Loy Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.


The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai.
Others overlook its origin and instead focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong, also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future. Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted during this festival. Examples of these activities are contests activities are contests involving Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.
ลอยกระทง,นางนพมาศ,

20101116

Pattaya (Chon Buri)

Pattaya

  Located 140km south-east of Bangkok, on the Eastern Seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is popular with both residents of Bangkok and international tourists. Over one million people visit this beach resort every year to sample the sun, sand, sports facilities and many fine attractions. After dark Pattaya really comes alive and the city takes on a party atmosphere which lasts until the early hours.

Getting There

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) there is a bus service run by Thai International. Tickets can be purchased in the arrivals hall. Two limousine services also offer transport to and from the International airport, at a cost of 1500 Bahtone way. Transfer times from the airport vary from 2 - 2½ hours depending on traffic conditions.
From Ekami Bus Terminal in Bangkok air-conditioned buses run every 20 minutes to Pattaya, and are clearly labelled in English. A taxi ride from a central Bangkok hotel to Ekami will cost 100 - 150 Baht.
Orient Thai Airlines have flights from Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket to U-Tapao airport, which is a 45 minute taxi ride from Pattaya.
Bangkok Airways have a service from Koh Samui to U-Tapao.

Getting around

Around Pattaya mini buses cruise the main bay area for a set fare. Just jump on, call out your destination and pay as you alight. For longer trips to say Jomtien beach you will have to bargain for the fare.

Bus Service 

They will begin servicing 3 main roads with 5 routes;
Route 1: (Yellow) From Kratinglai 3-way intersection to Wat Intanararam to Jomtien Beach via Thappraya Road, Pratamnak Road, Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua market, Banglamung district office and to the Kratinglai 3-way intersection (6 buses).
Route 2: (Green) North Pattaya bus station, North Pattaya Road, along Sukhumvit Road to Jomtien Beach, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Third Road and along North Pattaya bus station (5 buses).
Route 3:(Red) From Soi Potisan (Naklua) along Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya Road, Chaiyamongkhol Temple, along Pattaya Second Road and Pattaya Naklua Road to Soi Potisan (7 buses).
The bus service is scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to midnight daily with adjustments to be made according to demands.
Proposed ticket prices are: One way - 30 Bahtfor the entire length of route; One day ticket - 90 Baht; Three day ticket - 180 Baht; Monthly ticket - 900 Baht. City administrators have suggested that Pattaya residents be eligible for a discount of 50 percent of the monthly ticket purchase, bringing the price down to 450 Baht, as well as provide a student monthly ticket for 350 Bahtas part of the New Year gift.

Car Rental

There are several car and motorcycle rental services in Pattaya. The larger firms offer full insurance, but many only have third party cover. You may find yourself having to pay for any damage or mechanical problems with the vehicle. Read the terms of the contract carefully before renting a vehicle, and don't forget your international driving permit.

Accommodation

Pattaya has more than 340 hotels with a total of 23,000 rooms, and the visitor can choose from 5 star luxury to a simple room with fan.
Royal Garden Resort
This "family-friendly" resort hotel is in the very heart of exciting Pattaya, yet the same time one is surrounded by peaceful tropical gardens and lily ponds. The 300 superbly-appointed guest rooms and suites all command fine balcony views of Pattaya Bay, and the largest hotel swimming pool in the city.
218 Beach Road
Pattaya, Chonburi
Tel:(6638) 428126-7 Fax: (6638) 429926
Email: royalgardenrpty@minornet.com
Summer Place Hotel
Economy class hotel 500 meters from beaches, banks, restaurants, bars, shopping center, and entertainment complex. Special rates for Amazing Thailand years
379 Soi Sukrudi, Central Road
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel:66 38 428659, 426924 Fax: 66 38 428139
Email: summer@loxinfo.co.th
Siam Bayshore Resort
Siam Bayshore resort is nestled on the quiet southern tip of Pattaya Bay, yet just a short walk from the centre of town.
One of Pattaya's original and most distinctive resorts, Siam Bayshore Resort comprises 12 four-storey wings connected by covered walkways, secluded amidst 20 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel: 66 38 428678-81 Fax: 66 38 428730
Email: siambayshore@siamhotels.com
Siam Bayview Hotel
Saim Bayview Hotel is located right in the middle of the beach front promenade and only a short walk from Pattaya's centre. A contemporary hotel with a friendly atmosphere, the Siam Bayview is an excellent place for relaxing vactions, or meetings and seminars where business and pleasure can be combined.
Beach Road
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel: 66 38 423871-7 Fax: 66 38 423879
Email: siambayview@siamhotels.com
Jomtien Plaza Condo
406/1 Jomtien, Soi 1. Jomtien Beach Road
Jomtien, Pattaya
chonburi
Tel: 66-38-233-297~8

Food and Drink

There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from with cuisine from almost every continent, and Western visitors seeking their favourite fast food will not be disappointed.
Patrick's Belgian Restaurant
Belgian Restaurant(Aircon) with all Belgian specialities,European and also the Real Thai kitchen plus outdoor eating area(terrace)
216/51-52,Moo10,off 2nd Rd,Opp.Mike Shopping Mall
Pattaya
Tel: 038/720 300 Fax: 038/720 300(after 11pm)
Email: tedpole_98@yahoo.com

Beaches

Pattaya bay has its own beach which has become much cleaner over the past year. Most visitors prefer the nearby Jomtien beach which is a short bus ride from the centre of Pattaya. Wind surfing, para-sailing, water scooters, and swimming are some of the more energetic activities on offer, or you may prefer a relaxing massage. Food and drink can be ordered from nearby vendors.

Entertainment

There are several cinemas complexes showing the latest movies, and many caberat shows to keep you entertained. Classical Thai dancing is a feature at some restaurants.

Night Life

Pattaya has no shortage of night life and you will find many bars and discos which stay open until the early hours. South Pattaya has a mixture of open air bars, Go Go bars, restaurants and shops. It is closed to traffic from 7pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and is a good place to start if you are in the mood for a little bar hopping.

Shopping

There are several shopping malls in the centre of Pattaya, plus two super centres which sell everything from instant noodles to TV sets. Beach Road and south Pattaya has many shops where you can buy clothing, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, bronze ware and a host of other things. Don't be afraid to bargain at these shops it's all part of the fun. Every Sunday there is an excellent market at Naklua, just north of Pattaya city.
Sunny Online - Fashion Shopping
179/108, Moo 5, Nakula Rd, Pattaya, 20260. Tel 038-370457 Fax : 038-370434.
sunny@sunnyonline.com

Miscellaneous

Noi & Sister's Beauty Salon
Full Salon Services for both Men and Women. Offers Manicure, Pedicure and facial services. Referal services for massage are available.
437/135 Soi Yossak (6)
Pattaya Beach
Tel: 01-305-5944 Fax:
papi@ats0.attnet.or.jp
K T Internet Cafe
437/13 Soi Yotsak (Soi 6) Seabeach Rd
Pattaya 20260
Tel: +66 38 423 286 Fax: +66 38 423 286
SUNNY ONLINE - Internet Cafe
380, Moo 9, Soi 2, Pattaya, 20260. Tel +66 38 900033, Fax: +66 38 900033.
sunny@sunnyonline.com
SUNNY ONLINE - Travel Agency
380, Moo 9, Soi 2, Pattaya, 20260. Tel +66 38 900033, Fax: +66 38 900033.
sunny@sunnyonline.com

Kids Stuff

If the kids get bored with the hotel pool you should have no trouble finding something to keep them occupied. The shopping plaza in central Pattaya has several attractions which children should enjoy, then there is a water park near Jomtien beach, go-karting, paintball, and......

Sight Seeing

Boats leave every morning for day trips to one of the coral islands, or you can take a short ride down the coast to Ban Pha and hop on the ferry to Koh Samet. Sattahip and Rayong are within easy reach.
In the opposite direction is the towns of Sri Racha, with Ang Sila and Bang Saen a little further up the coast. Most hotels will be able to arrange day trips.

Sports

Many larger hotels have tennis courts and fitness centres. You could try a spot of sea fishing, or spend a day at a fishing park. Scuba diving offers a chance to the visit the fish at home, and tuition by qualified instructors is available if required.
Shooting, bowling, snooker, darts , squash, badminton, bungee jumping, karting and golf are some of the other sports available.

Central Thailand

Central Thailand

Central map
The area around the nation's capital, Bangkok, has an abundance of attractions for the visitor to Thailand, although the traffic in the city itself can be somewhat trying.
Ayuthaya located some 86Km north of Bangkok offers an insight into Thailand of the past with many fine temples and two museums.
The Eastern Seaboard in Chonburi province has coral islands, beautiful beaches, excellent sports facilities, and a wealth of tourist attractions, most of which are located at Pattaya or Rayong. Further along the coast are the towns of Chantaburi and Trat with secluded beaches with white sands and clear waters. For the more adventuresome it is possible to take a side trip into Cambodia

To the west of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi the site of the infamous Death Railway of WW II. The Erawan National Park is within easy reach of Kanchanaburi, or the more adventurous may prefer a rafting trip on the nearby Mae Khlong River.
If sun and sand is on your itinerary then the beach resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin are located to the south-west of Bangkok.

20101112

Pattaya (พัทยา) is a popular.

Pattaya In Thailand



Pattaya (พัทยา) is a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Most famous for its go-go and beer bars, it's also one of Thailand's best locations for all manner of sports and activities. Some of the beaches are lacklustre (by Thailand's high standards) and rampant over-development has long since destroyed any natural charms it once had, but its plethora of hotels and guest houses and convenient location with quick and easy access from the capital make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over 5 million tourists yearly, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see.



Pattaya's name was originally "Thap Phraya", meaning Army of the Phraya - commemorating the surrender of Nai Klom's army to that of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin the Great), without a fight. Thap Phraya became Phatthaya (the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season), and then Phatthaya (the true phonetic spelling).



Since 1978, Pattaya has been administered under a special autonomous system with a status comparable to that of a municipality by the mayor of Pattaya City, who has overall responsibility for policies, public services, and supervision of all City Hall employees.





Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R&R spot during the Vietnam War and has been a sex tourism destination trying to improve its image ever since. Currently, Pattaya is booming again: TAT claims 5,338,000 visitors for 2005 (up 6.5% from 2004), of which two-thirds were foreigners, and the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (located to the east of Bangkok, alongside the expressway to Pattaya) has made visiting easier than ever.




Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue, and the grapevine hosts rumours of future developments of varying degrees of plausibility, such as a horse racing track, casinos, and a tram system.




The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Office is just outside the centre, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Road - proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side-soi. Worth a visit if you're in Pattaya for an extended period and want to browse for fresh ideas for new things to do/see. Open daily 08 :30-16:30, tel. +66-38428750 / 8990 / 7667 or use the TAT freephone number: dial 1672 or e-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th


Attraction
Animals & zoos
Underwater World Pattaya, 22/22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes from town centre); tel. +66-38756879. Aquarium full of tropical creatures. Open 09:00-18:00, last admission 17:30, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Different prices for Thais (180 baht/adult, 120 baht/child) and foreigners (360 baht/adult, 180 baht/child).



Oasis Seaworld, Paknam, Laemsing, Chanthaburi - full day guided trips including 45 minutes swimming with dolphins - approx. 2000 baht/adult 1500 baht/child - available via travel agencies.
Institute of Marine Science Aquarium & Museum, Burapha University, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Bangsaen; tel. +66-38391671 /3 is open 08:30-16:00 (feeding time 14:30), except public holidays (open 08:30-17:00, feeding times 10:30 + 14:30) and Mondays (closed); admission 20 baht/adult, 10 baht/child.



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

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




International Snake Show, Sukhumvit Road (39/4 Moo 5 - near the junction with North Pattaya Road) tel. +66-38731586 / snake_show@hotmail.com
Khao Kheow Open Zoo (35 km north of Pattaya) tel. +66-38298270 . A huge zoo with about 8000 animals of 300 species. Open daily - 08:00-18:00, 50 baht/adult, 10-15 baht/child; Night Safari 19:00-20:00, 100 baht/adult, 50 baht/child.



Gardens


Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of town centre); tel. +66-38429321 . Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants etc. - enough to fill an entire day. In Feb 2007 they had major construction ongoing. We did the whole place in 90 minutes. Disappointing. Yet another place in Pattaya that thinks it is acceptable to charge foreigners more than Thais .200 baht for locals, 400 baht for foreigners. This practice is illegal in Thailand but strangely nobody in authority is prepared to do something about it.
Saithip Butterfly Garden, 79/5 Moo 11 Bangpra-Khaokheow Road, Bangpra Sriracha; tel. +66-99365339. Open 08:00-17:00. Admission for foreigners: 100 baht/adult, 60 baht/child.
Museums
Bottle Art Museum, 79/15 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, Nongpler; tel. +66-38422957, +66-38415783 . More than 300 miniatures in bottles, open 08:00-20:00.
Open Eyes, 2nd floor of Pattaya Bazaar, 266/52-53 North Pattaya Road; tel. +66-38362077. "The Great Experience Behind The Magical", a lot of technological magic and illusion shows. Open 15:00-23:00; show time 15:00-23:00; Spy Zone show time 15:00-22:00.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum (tel. +66-38710294 /8) is located on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road (you can't miss this side - there's a large aeroplane protruding from the upper floors) and from Beach Road. Different prices for Thais (280 baht/adult, 230 baht/child) and foreigners (380 baht/adult, 280 baht/child); at the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available, all dual-priced - for Thais (480 baht/adult, 380 baht/child) and foreigners (580 baht/adult, 480 baht/child) to enter all four. Open daily 11:00-23:00.
Sacred places
Buddha Hill (between Thappraya Road and Phratamnak Road; 5-10 minutes by songthaew) is one of the highest points in Pattaya. At the summit is the biggest Buddha statue in Pattaya, and nearby is a beautiful Chinese-style sacred area dedicated to Confucius and Lao-zi. The next hill, just across the Phratamnak Road, has the best Pattaya Bay coastline viewpoint and is also worth a visit, especially for sunset.
Sanctuary of Truth, 206/2 Moo 5, Soi 12, Naklua Road, Naklua; tel. +66-38225407 / +66-38367229. An unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. The main attraction is a huge ancient-style wooden temple; nearby is a small dolphinarium with dolphin shows at 11:30 and 15:30.
Theme parks
Gems Gallery, 555 Moo 6, North Pattaya Road; tel. +66-38371222. One of several "World's Biggest" jewelry stores, this one also has a theme park.
Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm (15 minute drive from central Pattaya) . Features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 08:00-18:30.




Mini Siam is located on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33, and features miniature replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and all over the world.


Three Kingdoms Theme Park, 100 Moo 9, Tambon Pong; tel. +66-38421428 . Adjacent to Horseshoe Point (20 minutes from Pattaya), this is a Chinese-style garden filled with pagodas, murals and figures from the Chinese epic San Guo Zhi, and more an expression of filial piety than a theme park. Perhaps worth a quick look on a slow day, but unlikely to offer much to visitors not familiar with the story. 60 baht/adult, 30 baht/child.






Beaches




The three-kms. long, main Pattaya Beach, runs along the city centre. The beach is full of life with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls all along the road facing the beach. The street along the beach – Walking Street – comes alive with rock music as the night sets in. People throng the street to experience the night life, which is unique in all respects. There are hundreds of beer bars, go-go bars, discotheques around the area. Muay Thai, the Thai Boxing, an open arena in some of the beer bars are exciting to the hilt.

Another beach in Pattaya, Jomtien Beach, more popular among family vacationers, is on the Southern part of the city, and separated from the main Pattaya Bay by a hill. Jomtien is more calm and serene compared to the crowded Pattaya Beach and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Jomtien is also popular for its amusement park and tower, to keep children entertained. The one-km. long, Wong Phrachan Beach, situated on the Northern part of the Pattaya Beach is a favourite among swimmers.

Pattaya's main beaches are popular and busy places. For the thrill-seekers, activities include banana-boat rides, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and the like; and anyone who just wants to enjoy a simple swim or a good splash around with a frisbee or rented inner tube will always find themselves with plenty of company. However, while in and beyond the surf, a wary eye does need to be kept on the more frenetic elements of the passing traffic.

For those more interested in inactivities there are acres of sand jam-packed with recliners and umbrellas (usually with an "in-house" supply of drinks), serviced by an army of laid-back but tenacious hawkers offering anything and everything from food (especially seafood, fruit, ice cream) to massage, manicure/pedicure, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, gems, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs, handycrafts (it's a bit like TV shopping - as soon as you've declined one offer, it's time to consider another) and so on. Eventually you buy a very dark pair of sunglasses, and after that you just pretend to be asleep.

Beware of dirty, unclean, unknown objects in the beaches and sand, and pay attention to your children. There have been some cases where needles and injections have been found at morning on beaches when the night before teenagers or adults have been intoxicating themselves. But most of the time beach cleaners will clean and sort out the beaches early at the morning. But still pay attention.



Jomtien
Jomtien ("Chom Thian", etc) Beach is a 10-15 minute (10 baht) songthaew ride south from the centre of Pattaya. Some 6 km long, it is especially popular with Thai families enjoying day outings. Places to eat and sleep line the opposite side of Jomtien Beach Road and the many sois that lead from it.

Dongtan Beach, at the northern end of Jomtien Bay, has a traffic-free promenade, and the area in front of the Avalon Beach Resort is popular with gay visitors.

Naklua
Naklua Bay is immediately north of Pattaya Bay, with Rachvate Cape separating the two. Naklua Beach, to the far north, is the main strip, with the smaller Crescent Moon Beach and then Palm Beach further south. Beyond them is Wong Amat Beach which occupies the northern end of Pattaya Bay, but is accessed from Naklua. All are generally cleaner and more suitable for quiet relaxation than Pattaya Beach.

Islands
Ko Laan (or Lan or Larn, or Coral Island) is 7.5 km west of Pattaya. It covers an area of 5.6 sq.km and has six popular beaches with a decidedly "touristic day-trip" flavour, offering banana boat rides, jet-skiing, parasailing, and the like. Also available from and around Ko Laan are various underwater activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, seabed walking and submarine rides; there are also numerous restaurants, some accommodation, and a shooting range. Regular ferries from Bali Hai Pier costs 20 baht and take 30-45 minutes - departure times: from Pattaya 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00, 18:30; from Ko Laan 06:30, 07:30, 09:30, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00, 18:00. Alternatively speedboats can be chartered just about anywhere along the main beaches, typically for 1500-2500 baht; or you can book a day trip via an agency - expect to pay 500-600 baht for minibus collection from your hotel around 09:00, ferry from Bali Hai Pier direct to one of the main beaches (taking about half an hour), lunch, soft drinks, return ferry around 16:00, and minibus back to your hotel.
Ko Saak (or Sak), less than 1 km north of Ko Laan, is a small horseshoe-shaped island with two interconnected beaches. The northern beach is popular for swimming and snorkeling, and the southern beach is a good place to see coral.






Ko Phai (Bamboo Island) and other islands in the Ko Phai group - Ko Klung Badan (or Krung Badan), Ko Luam (or Leom), Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin (or Lin) - are preferred destinations for scuba divers, and are also popular for general relaxation, fishing, swimming and snorkeling day trips. This area is controlled by the Royal Thai Navy, and overnight stays are not permitted. For a return speedboat charter from one of the mainland beaches or Bali Hai Pier (approx. 23 km / 2 hours), expect to pay 2500-4000 baht; possibly less from Ko Laan.


Ko Khrok (or Krok), 2 km east of Ko Laan, is an isolated rocky islet with a single 100 metre stretch of sandy beach to the east, where visitors can see coral reefs.








Nightlife

Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife. The city has hundreds of beer bars, go go bars, and night clubs/discotheques. The most famous include Tonys, Marine Disco, X-Zyte, Lucifer, Hammer, Mixx. New clubs and bars are opening all the time. The world famous Walking Street is the center of the Pattaya's nightlife.







Many bars, discos and nightclubs, as well as several large massage parlours, are venues for sex workers. Other massage parlors exist which provide traditional non-sexual Thai massages.

Since the "social order" crackdown of 2004, there are fewer sex shows (such as the ping pong shows). Depending on the enforcement climate, go go dancers may be seen fully nude, topless or in bikinis on different days or weeks. However, with the political crisis, there is little incentive to be strict about the former laws.








Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches aimed at tourists can be seen at several open-air beer bar complexes.








Boyztown, Soi Sunee Plaza, and the Jomtien Complex areas are famous for their many beer bars, cabarets and go-go clubs catering to a gay clientele. Pattaya probably has the largest concentration of gay oriented establishments in Thailand; many specialize in specific types of hosts (slim, muscular, effeminate, etc.), while others have a broad range of men available. There is very little in the way of gay nightclubs or bars in the Western sense; the vast majority of places are no different than the venues that target heterosexuals, both feature sexual entertainment.



Pattaya is known for its cabaret revues featuring kathoeys (male-to-female transsexuals), with Alcazar and Tiffany's being the largest and most elaborate.

Another important, but understated aspect of Pattaya are the foreign restaurants. Often run by expatriates, most offer food at prices far below those found in Bangkok, Samui or Phuket.

20101104

Pattaya In Thailand

Pattaya In Thailand




Pattaya (พัทยา) is a popular resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Most famous for its go-go and beer bars, it's also one of Thailand's best locations for all manner of sports and activities. Some of the beaches are lacklustre (by Thailand's high standards) and rampant over-development has long since destroyed any natural charms it once had, but its plethora of hotels and guest houses and convenient location with quick and easy access from the capital make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over 5 million tourists yearly, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see.



Pattaya's name was originally "Thap Phraya", meaning Army of the Phraya - commemorating the surrender of Nai Klom's army to that of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin the Great), without a fight. Thap Phraya became Phatthaya (the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season), and then Phatthaya (the true phonetic spelling).



Since 1978, Pattaya has been administered under a special autonomous system with a status comparable to that of a municipality by the mayor of Pattaya City, who has overall responsibility for policies, public services, and supervision of all City Hall employees.





Once a sleepy fishing town, Pattaya first boomed as an R&R spot during the Vietnam War and has been a sex tourism destination trying to improve its image ever since. Currently, Pattaya is booming again: TAT claims 5,338,000 visitors for 2005 (up 6.5% from 2004), of which two-thirds were foreigners, and the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (located to the east of Bangkok, alongside the expressway to Pattaya) has made visiting easier than ever.




Pattaya is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue, and the grapevine hosts rumours of future developments of varying degrees of plausibility, such as a horse racing track, casinos, and a tram system.




The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Office is just outside the centre, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya Road - proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side-soi. Worth a visit if you're in Pattaya for an extended period and want to browse for fresh ideas for new things to do/see. Open daily 08 :30-16:30, tel. +66-38428750 / 8990 / 7667 or use the TAT freephone number: dial 1672 or e-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th