Pattaya is a phenomenon. Once a tiny fishing village, it has developed into a renowned international playground. Colourful and alive with activity, it is unrivalled as a beach resort, offering more attractions in greater profusion than any other single destination in Southeast Asia .

Located just 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and facing a wide bay and a long majestic sweep of beach, Pattaya has been groomed for the international visitors over more than three decades, and today it boasts the unique distinction of a beach resort with city status.

This near paradoxical situation holds the key to Pattaya's rare attraction - it has something for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts relay simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything in an exhaustive mix of facilities. To the basic ingredient of a superb, coastal location it adds just about every other amenity you can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing, and simply fun.

Pattaya Attactions

Khao Pattaya (or Khao Phra Bat)

This small hill, its peak accessed by an asphalt road, affords panoramic views of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay . Khao Pattaya has been developed and is currently the site of the Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station, where there is a monument to Kromluangchumphon, known as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. A Buddha image is enshrined on the hilltop.

Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park )

Located on Phra Tamnak Road at the foot of Khao Pattaya and covering an area of 6 acres, the small park is dedicated to the commemoration of His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on 5 December 1988. The gardens boast a wide variety of flowering plants, while the park also includes jogging trails and exercise facilities.

The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

This place is popular, attraction with Thai and foreigner tourists. Covering an area of close to 40 acres, the compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical garden of rare plants and beautifully landscapes. Top sights include fossilized plants over a million years in age and a 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, plus dwarf horses, ostrich, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals such as albino bears. Crocodile round-ups, magic and animal performances are also major attractions. Open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m., with crocodile shows from 11.00am - 5.00pm. Additional information may be obtained by calling tel: 0 3824 9347-9 or the Bangkok office at tel: 0 2579 4008, 0 2579 5033.

Mini Siam

This miniature city is on the left-hand side at km143 on Sukhumvit Highway before reaching down town Pattaya. The models, made to a scale of 1 to 25, cover places of worship, ancient remains and famous sights in Thailand and abroad. Open daily from 7.00 a.m. - 10.00 p.m.
Additional information may be obtained by calling tel: 0 3842 1628, 0 3842 4232.

The Bottle Art Museum

The museum, located on Soi Sari, at Km 145 Highway, showcases art contained in glass bottles. The exhibits are the creations of Dutch sculptor Mr. Peter Bedelais, who has crafted various intricate pieces and assembled them in glass bottles of different shapes.
Open daily from 9..00 a,m.- 8.00 p.m. Enquiries may be directed to tel: 0 3.842 2957.

Elephant Village

Located on Phonpraphanimit Road , which lies off Highway III at km 145, this elephant camp focuses on the working life of elephants and their mahouts. There are daily performances of elephants at work and play, as well as a grand war parade. Additional information may be obtained by calling tel: 03824 9174-5, 038249818.

Pattaya Amusement Park

This amusement centre at Jomtien features a large water park with giant slides, a sky high basket/hopper and other fun activities. There is also a tower topped with a revolving restaurant that commands panoramic views of the area. Tel: 0 3825 1201-8.

Motion Master Moving Theatre

Also at the Royal Garden Plaza , this theatre offers high-tech screenings of motion and movement as experienced in real life. Open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Tel: 0 3871 0294.

Sanctuary of Truth

Construction of this gigantic architectural structure, located on the shore at Laem Ratchawet on Na Klua Road, North Pattaya, was begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan, and today has assumed colossal proportions. Made entirely of wood and with exquisite architectural carvings, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. Open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Monkey Training Centre

Located in Soi Chaiyaphruk, off Highway III at Kn1151, the centre displays how monkeys, are trained to pick coconuts and perform other tasks. There is also a cockfighting and a snake show. Five shows daily at 9.00 a.m., 11.00 a.m., 12.00 noon, 2.00 p.m., and 5.00 p.m. Tel: 0 3875 6367.

Sireporn Orchid Farm

Tambon Nong Prue, the farm has a wide array of different orchids. Visitors may purchase plants or cut flowers. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Tel. 0 3842 9013.

Horseshoe Point Club

Some 10 kilometres off Sukhumvit Road ,. Horseshoe Point Club offers horse riding at all levels of proficiency, as well as dressage, cross-country jumping and polo. Tel: 0 3873.5050.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms Park

Situated close by Horseshoe Point, the park contains several beautiful Chinese-style buildings and art objects. Open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Tel: 0 3842 1428.

Wat Yansangwararam

Located 15 kilometres south of Pattaya, off to the left of Sukhumvit Road at KM 160, Wat Yansangwararam was dedicated to the Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. It is a superb example of modem Thai religious architecture, while the park like grounds also contain pavilions designed in different national styles.

Suan Nong Nooch

About 18 kilometres south off Pattaya, off to the left of Sukhumvit Road at KM 163 Suan Nong Nooch is a recreation park in a typical Thai setting, with tropical gardens, elephants and cultural Shows. Show times are 9.45 a.m. 10.30 a.m. 13.00pm 15.45 p.m. Tel: 0 3842 9321

Pattaya Beaches

The main beach at Pattaya is a majestic 3-kilometer curve fronted by a road shaded with refreshing tropical greenery. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil and is the favoured spot with tourists for swimming, relaxation, and various water sports. The central and southern parts of the beach are packed with hotels, restaurants, department stores, gift shops, nightclubs and various amusement centres.

Wongphrachan beach

Situated on the northern side of Pattaya Bay , this 1-kilometre beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. It is a quiet spot, good for swimming and relaxation.

Jomtien Beach

The 6-kilometre long, largely straight beach, located around the headland from Pattaya, is popular with windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts. It is also quieter and more relaxing than Pattaya Beach Hotels and other accommodation facilities are available along the road that runs parallel to the shore.