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
length. 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 area.
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).
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
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.
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.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND
PATTAYA
AMPHOE SATTAHIP
Wat Yan Sangwararam
is
a Royal Temple, 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, turning left
from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 160. The temple was dedicated to
Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and
was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the
King. The temple ground comprises a mondop (religious building with
rectangular roof) which enshrine a replica of the Buddha's
footprints, a large Pagoda where the relics of the Lord Buddha and
those of the Lord Buddha's disciple are enshrined. There are
international pavilions representing several countries that dot the
grounds, such Switzerland. There is also the Vihan Sian, a grand and
exquisite showcase of Chinese architecture.
Nongnooch Tropical Garden
is a tourist
attraction amidst natural surroundings. Nongnooch Village orchids
and gardens with flowering plants, mangoes, orchids, and other types
of flora. Thai style teak wood houses are available for rent. There
is also a zoo and Thai Cultural Center showcasing the art of Thai
performing art, martial arts, folk sports and performances by
elephants. Performances are held triple daily at 10.15 a.m., 3 p.m.
and 3.5 kilometers before reaching the destination.
Additional information may be obtained from the office in Pattaya
City on Central Pattaya Road, Tel: (038) 429321, 422958 or Bangkok
Office, Tel: 252-1768
Bang Saray
is a fishing village about 16
kilometers away from Pattaya City, turning left off Sukhumvit
Highway at kilometer 165 for about 2 kilometers. A deep-water bay
lies on the southern part of Bang Saray, and ideal place for fishing
especially for Pakarang fish. Towards the north, is a park with a
beautiful beach ideal for swimming. Boats may be rented for fishing
or diving for coral viewing.
Bang Saray offers a number of
excellent restaurants. It has become a popular place for relaxation
and for renting boats for excursions around the vicinity.
Chong Samaesan Village
is a tiny fishing village along the
Sattahip-Tha Rua Phanit Sattahip route, turning left just before one
reaches the Sattahip commercial pier. There is a small beach with
crystal clear waters. Accommodation is available. Chong Samaesan is
another ideal place for diving and fishing. Several islands dot the
area, such as Ko Samaesan, Ko Raet, Ko Chuang, and Ko Chan which all
come under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Daytime
sightseeing is permitted but overnight lodging is prohibited.
is
a Royal Temple, 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, turning left
from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 160. The temple was dedicated to
Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and
was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the
King. The temple ground comprises a mondop (religious building with
rectangular roof) which enshrine a replica of the Buddha's
footprints, a large Pagoda where the relics of the Lord Buddha and
those of the Lord Buddha's disciple are enshrined. There are
international pavilions representing several countries that dot the
grounds, such Switzerland. There is also the Vihan Sian, a grand and
exquisite showcase of Chinese architecture.
