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The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is 4 kilometers long with a road running parallel to the beach. From the mid-section to the southern end of the area, there is a vast array of restaurants, bars, department stores, souvenir stores, as well as other places of entertainment. To the north of the beach are various mini-resorts and hotels in a quieter atmosphere.

It's actually free to stroll along the beaches, but operators will charge you for the services they provide, i.e. the beach chair. A price is roughly $0.5 per chair, though bargaining is rather customary in Thailand.

Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays. Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia. Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets. Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can.

Pattaya History

Fifty years ago Pattaya was a sleepy little fishing village, dwarfed by her neighbors to the North, Na Klua, to the South, Rayong. Its only claim to fame being that it had, in the 13th century, been a resting place for the battle forces of the great King Narai during his campaign to oust the Burmese invaders. From that overnight bivouac, Pattaya derives its name. Then came the Vietnam war and incursion of more benign foreign troops. Thailand supported the American efforts in the area! providing bases, manned by thousands of young America requiring rest and recreation. How is it possible to fix the date of an historical trend? Whilst Pattaya had achieved some popularity with a few adventurous souls who braved the rough road from Bangkok to take advantage of the crystal waters, great diving and soon following them, beach bars and restaurants, let us take the time when, on the 29th June 1959, four or five transport trucks loaded with American G.I.'s arrived in the village of Pattaya on leave from their base at Nakhon Ratchasima. On arrival in Pattaya they rented houses belonging to Phraya Sunthorn which were along the southern end of Pattaya Beach, now know as the "Strip". The marines stayed for about a week and returned to base. Having had a great time in Pattaya With the friendly residents, they spread the word. A new group of marines kept arriving periodically and the village geared up to cater to their every need. This can be considered as the birth of Pattaya as a tourist resort. Pattaya continued to grow in popularity at such a rate with both Thai and foreign tourists, that the local government could not cope with the administration. Administrative and infrastructure combination with Na Klua, took place in 1976 and the government promulgated the Pattaya City Act in 1978, there by joining Na Klua and Pattaya to form the fifth local government municipality. Thus was Pattaya City born, and thus, with an ever - increasing influx of visitors and residents from the burgeoning surrounding industrial estates, has she developed into what she is today.

Attractions in Pattaya The Ko Lan Group of Islands is comprised Ko Lan, Ko Khrok and Ko Sak.

Ko Lan
situated to the west of Pattaya Strait, about 7.7 kilometers from the shore, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers. There are beautiful beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral, Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving down directly. A well-known beach is at Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the island, a 750 meters stretch of white sand with many stalls and shops. Sightseeing boats mostly dock in this area. There are also Laem Thian Beach and Samae Beach on the south-western side, each beach spanning a length of 700 and 100 meters respectively. Both are regarded as beautiful and interesting spots, especially Laem Thian Beach which has remained exceptionally clean and tranquil. There are now a few stores servicing visitors. TaPan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length with make-shift lodging available. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, sightseeing boats usually dock along this beach all the way to Laem Thian where there is coral. On the southern part is Nuan Beach 450 meters in length. On this beach is a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists. This is another good place for viewing coral.
Apart from these beaches, there are also Laem Hua Khon Beach on the back and front sides, Laem Lamrae, etc., which are also interesting tourist spots. Popular activities on Ko Lan include swimming, coral viewing, Para-sailing, water-skiing, water scooter riding, etc.

Ko Krok a small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately 8 kilometers from the shore. The island comprises mostly rocks. Only one sandy-beach on the east of the island is Ko Krok beach which is only 100 meters in lenght. This is an ideal place tor coral viewing.

Ko Sak some 10 kilometers west of Pattaya Strait or 600 meters away from Ko Lan. Ko Sak is another small island shaped like a horse shoe with an area of 0.05 square kilometers. It has two beaches, one on the northern cover 250 meters in length, an area in which boats usually stop for tourists to swim and another one on the southern part of the island opposite the first island, with a pathway linking the two beaches, a small beach 80 meters in length. A coral reef is found at the area in front of the beach. Skin-diving is also possible in this vicinity.

Ko Phai Group of Islands
are comprised of Ko Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klung Badan, and etc., Ko Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. The Ko Phai group of islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and takes 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a light house on top of a hill at Ko Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral.

Tourists interested in visiting all the island mentioned here can arrange to hire boats from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Large boats can carry between 20-80 passengers, speed boats carry 10-15 passengers. Rental fees cost between 1,000-5,000 Baht, depending on the spot one intends to visit as well as the size and type of boat.

Pattaya Beach
Some 4 kilometers long, this beach faces Pattaya Bay, the major venue from where boats visit Pattaya's offshore islands. The beach curves from the north to south and is largely paralleled by a tree-lined promenade and beach road which is lined, in the northern and central parts, by hotels and restaurants.
The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil, while the central and southern parts become increasingly lively, thanks to a juxtaposition of shops, department stores, boutiques. beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs. The central area of the beach is a major shopping area, while the southern end is one of Pattaya's major nightlife areas

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.

Mini Siam
is on the left hand side at kilometer 143 on Sukhumvit Highway. This miniature city offers replicas of 80 sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand at a scale of 1 to 25. Some examples are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Sisanphet, Anantasamakhom Throne Hill, Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge, the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Golden Stupa and Phimai Khmer Sancturary. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the "mini-world" area such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, Trevi Fountain.
Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. There is also a Mini Race Course (Go-karts) for visitors wishing to try their hand at racing fast cars. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038) 421628, 424232 (Pattaya) or 271-1896, 616-1533 (Bangkok),

The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
is at number 22/2 Mu 1, Tambon Nong Pta Lai, Bang Lamung. From Sukhumvit, one turns left at kilometer 140 close to the pedestrian bridge in front of Wat Sawangfa along Chaiyaphonwithi Road (State Highway 3024) in the same direction as Mapprachan Reservoir for another 5 kilometers. This is an other popular attraction with Thai and foreign tourists. Covering a large area, the compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical of rare plants and beautifully landscaped grounds. Interesting sights include, for example, fossilized plants over a million years in age, 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals such as albino bears, elephants and horses. Crocodile round-ups, magic and animal performances are also a major attraction.
Daily admission from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038)249347-9 (Pattaya) or Bangkok office, Tel: 579-5033, 941-3251-3 .

Pattaya Water Park
is on Thapphraya Road, Jomtien Beach. Pattaya Park offers an amusement park, a Jacuzzi and a gigantic slide. It is an ideal outlet for family relaxation. Pattaya Park Tower the first highest seaside tower and revolving restaurant. About 240 meters height that you can see Pattaya view, hotel and bungalow accommodation are also available.
Call (038) 251201-8 for more information.

Phanaraks Park
situated on Pornprapanimitr Road turning left on Sukhumvit Road at Kilometer 145 for about 5 kilometers. A privately-owned resort, the garden has maintained a natural atmosphere with fish ponds • and fishing equipment available for rent. A swimming pool and accommodation in the form of tents and bungalows are on hand to serve visitors.
Additional information may be obtained and reservations made by calling (038)259156 or the Bangkok office Tel: 5210763

Elephant Village
situated on Pornprapanimitr Road on the same directions as Phanaraks Park and Siam Country Club Golf Course. The elephant village is a popular tourist spot for Thai and foreign guests alike. Daily performances by elephants and wild elephant round-up shows are held at 2.30 p.m. Shows last about 1 hour. Elephant jungle rides are also available.
Additional information may be obtained by calling 01-2123225 or from the front desk at the Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 428645-6, 428516

Siriporn Orchid Farm
Located at 235/ 14 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Pru, turn left off Sukhumvit adjacent to the traffic light intersection at Central Pattaya for 800 meters on to Noen-phlup-wan Road, the farm is on the right hand side. The farm offers a wide array of orchids such as catteleyas, vandas, daedrovium, escosanda, pompadours. Visitors can also purchase cut flowers or plants.
Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (038) 29013 for more information.

Bhira Interanational Circuit Race Course
is an international car and motorcycle race course. It is situated on State Highway 36 (Pattaya-Rayong) about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City. Races take place regularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Additional information may be obtained by calling (01) 323-0616.

Miniature Racetrack (The Pattaya Cart Speedway)
situated on Thepprasit Road, which links Sukhumvit Highway and Pattaya-Na Jomtien Road, approximately 5 kilometers to the South o Patlaya. Separate tracks have been allotted for professional and amateur drivers. Open daily from 10a.rn.-7p.rn Tel: (038) 422044.

Lakeland Water Cable Ski
on Sukhumvit Highway, Kilometer 150.5, about 5 kilometers from Pattaya City. This is another venue for amusement and recreational sports that Pattaya has to offer. It comprises an enormous fresh water lake, with cable skis, a sport that is fast-going popularity. Open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Admissions fees: 300 Baht per person (for around 2 hours). Call (038) 232690-2 for more information.

The Bottle Art
contains an extensive collection of more than 300 pieces of artwork contained in glass bottles in the form of well-known tourist attractions, churches, temples, palaces, ships both Thai and foreign. These creations result from the tireless efforts of Dutch sculptor, Mr. Peter Bedelais who crafted the various intricate parts and assembled them in glass bottles of different shapes. Open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Inquiries may be directed to the Bottle Art 79/15 Mu 10, Sukhumvit Road (Kilometer 145.3) Tel: (038) 422957

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
situated on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road. A display of Mr. Ripley's collection of curious objects from every comer of the world. Some of them being the actual item, others are replicas. These extraordinary objects are divided into over 250 categories, such as optical illusions, peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human torture from ancient time, etc.
Open daily from 10a.rn.-12 midnight. Further inquiries may be made by calling (038) 710294-8.

Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre
located at Huai Sak Nok Reservoir at Kilometer 150 on Sukhumvit Highway, turn left into the lane next to the green Way Golf Driving Range, for about 4 kilometers, Look for a sign indicating the entrance. Different types of aquatic sports are available and instructions are also offered for windsurfing, sailing, paramotors, para-gliders by course or by the hour. Certificates are conferred upon completion of the course by the Royal Yacht Association (RYC), a renowned British Institution. Restaurant facilities are offered and boats such as canoes, catamarans and kayaks are available for rent The atmosphere of the reservoir is relaxing and cool. Between the months of November and February thousands of teals, swallows, and herons migrate to this area.
Those interested in these aquatic sports should call Khun Burnmng Ruamsap at 01-354-4986 or 946-7859, for additional information,