Despite being a small town, Pattaya city is teemed with interesting places to see and have fun with.
Khao Pattaya(Khao Prabat): The vantage point on the hill of South Pattaya offers panoramic views of the whole city of Pattaya, its crescent bay and night lights. This is also the site of the Naval Radio Station. On the top of the hill, a sacred Buddha image is enshrined as well.
Mini Siam & Mini Europe: Located three kilometers north of Central Pattaya, this place displays Thai and European heritage on a miniature scale. This is the third miniature city in the world after Netherlands and Taiwan which collect models of important objects and historical sites of different culture together in one place. More than 100 models, each on a scale of 1:25 are represented, surrounded by the natural scenery. Open from 7.00-22.00 hrs. Tel. (038) 421628
Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm: The Park and Farm are located nine kilometers from Pattaya town, consisting of breeding pens with more than 1,000 crocodiles, zoo, and bonsai garden decorated with rock formations. Open daily form 8.30-18.00 hrs. There are also crocodile shows at 11.00, 14.00 and 16.30 hrs. Tel. (02) 5795033 for Bangkok or (038) 249347-9 for Pattaya.
Wat Yansangwararam: This is a royal temple, located 15 kilometers south of Pattaya. The temple was dedicated to Somdej Phra Yansnagworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and was admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple comprises a pavilion, which enshrines a replica of the Buddha's footprints, and a large Pagoda which houses the relics of the Lord Buddha. Nearby, there stands Vihan Sian, a Chinese-style building which houses antiques and art objects from China. The admission fee is 30 baht per person.
Pattaya elephant village: It is situated on Pornprapanimitr Road. The village is well-known for elephant performances which are held at 14.30, lasting about one hour. Elephant jungle rides are also available. Contact Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 428645-6, 428516
Nong Nooch Garden: The garden is featured by the magnificent landscape comprising the botanical gardens, orchid nursery, and Thai-style-houses. The highlight to the garden is the cultural performance and Thai classical dance as well as elephant shows, held daily at 10.15 a.m., 3 p.m. The park is situated 15 kilometers south of Pattaya, covering an area of some 500 acres.
Ripley's believe it or not Museum: The museum is located on the third floor of the Royal garden Plaza, beach Road. A collection of curious objects from every corner of the world of Mr. Ripley's are displayed here. These extraordinary objects are divided into over 250 categories such as optional illusions, peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human torture from ancient time. Open daily from 10 am.-midnight. Tel. (038) 710294-8
Panarak Park: The Park is located on Pornprapanimitr Road, offering the tropical garden setting with fishing ponds and fishing equipment available for rent. Accommodation and swimming pool are also available for visitors.
Bang Saray Fishing Village: The village is about 16 kilometers from Pattaya City, a few kilometers off Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 165. It is visited for game fishing and seafood restaurants. A deep-water bay which lies on the southern part of the village is the ideal place for fishing; boats may be rented for fishing or diving to see the coral beds. To the north, there is a park with a beach good for swimming. There are also local accommodations with recreational facilities available.
Markets: It is a remarkable experience to visit the local markets in Pattaya, you will see the daily life of local people doing their trades, creating the vibrant and lively atmosphere. The nice markets not to be missed in Pattaya are Theprasit Market and Nakleua Market. The first one is a bit off the normal track, taking a motorcycle taxi is suggested, just ask them to go "Talaad Theprasit"; it costs 30-40 baht from walking street and takes just 10 minutes. There is a wide variety of products sold at the market at cheap price, from clothes to foods. The other, Nakleua is situated on the north of Pattaya. It is good to come early because this is a fish market from 5.00 am-9.00am. Taxis cost around 30 baht per person or in a group for 100 baht.
Walking Street: This is the only one road opened for pedestrians during the nighttime, there are small shops selling handicrafts and various kinds of products along the street. This is a must for every visitor to Pattaya.
Bottle Museum: This is the only Bottle Museum in the world, containing a weird kind of art. The well-know tourist attractions, churches, temples, palaces, ships both Thai and foreign in a form of miniature artworks are put in glass bottles. These creations result from the ceaseless efforts of Dutch sculptor, Mr. Peter Bedelais who crafted the diverse intricate parts and brought them together in glass bottles in different shapes. Open daily from 9 am.-8 pm. The museum stands at kilometer 145.3 on Sukhumvit Road. Tel. (038) 422957.
Bhira International Circuit Race Course: Situated at kilometer 14 on the Route 36 to Rayong, about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City, this is an international car and motorcycle race course. The 2.4 kilometers circuit is ideal for Formula 3 races. The circuit opens everyday and there are local races taking place regularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Pattaya Water Park: The water park is on Thapphrava Road, Jomtien Beach, offering an amusement park, swimming pool, and a gigantic slide. It is an ideal site for family relaxation. In the park, there stands Pattaya Tower, the first highest seaside tower with revolving restaurant on the top. From about 240 meters of its height, you see the panoramic view of Pattaya. Those who would like to stay over, accommodations are also available. Admission fee is 100 Baht, open from 9.00-18.00hrs. For mor detail, call (038) 251201-8.
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