The Larn group
of islands
The Larn Island is the biggest of a group of three islands,
the other two being Ko Krok and Ko Sak. Often known simply
as Coral Island, it is about 7.7 kilometers from Pattaya
shore. A 45-minute cruise by a fishing boat or a 15-minute
ride on a speed-boat is indeed an unforgettable experience,
and if you are lucky enough, a group of dolphins might be
seen jumping and diving joyfully along-side the speed-boat.
The island has four white-sand beaches, of which perhaps the
most popular is Tawen Beach in the northern part of the
island. This beach has rows of eating stalls and souvenir
shops. Sightseeing-glass-bottom boats are readily available
for coral viewing. Sea sports activities similar to Pattaya
are also on hand for sports-minded tourists.
Elephant Village
The Elephant Village is a popular tourist spot for both
local and foreign guests. Daily elephant round-up shows
lasting about one -and-half-hour starts at 2.30 p.m. to 4
p.m. Besides the show, an Elephant Back Trek and Combination
Trek will make visitors to enjoy some of the aspects of
rural Thai life. The Village is situated on Pornprapanimitr
Road in the same direction as the Siam Country Club Golf
Course. All prices include pick up and return to the
visitors' hotel. Additional information may be obtained by
calling 038 249 818 or the front desk at the Tropicana
Hotel.
The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
This is another popular attraction for Thai and foreign
tourists. Covering an area of close to 40 acres, the
compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical garden with
rare plants and beautifully-laid landscaping. Interesting
sightseeing include, fossilized plants over a million years
old, 200-year-old Thai-style bonsai tree, crocodile pools
and a collection of rare animals like albino bears,
elephants and horses. Performances include crocodile
round-up, animal and magic shows are part of major
attraction. It is located at Tambon (village) Nongpla Lai,
close to Pattaya.
Siriporn Orchid Farm
The farm offers a wide array of orchids such as Catteleyas,
Vandas, Daedrovium, Escosanda, Pompadours, among others.
Visitors can also purchase cut flowers or plants. Its
location is at Tambon (village) Nongprue, near Pattaya. Open
daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gems Discovery
A new addition to Pattaya's major attraction is a wheeled
bogey ride into a man-made tunnel and witness a spectacular
show in light and sound presentation of the glittering world
of gems. It is dubbed "Theme Park - Dark Ride", the first of
its kind in Asia that is controlled by a fully computerized
system. The show features the bursting of a volcano into
lava that explained the origin of the gems until
crystallized and becomes mineral rocks, among other
interesting stops that ended at the glittering finished
products of the cut precious stones. It is situated at the
Gems Gallery, the world's biggest jewelry store, on North
Pattaya Road. Admission is free. Tel: 038 371 222-31.
Siracha Tiger Zoo
The zoo boasts Thailand's largest number of Bengal tigers,
bred successfully by the farm itself Apart from tigers,
there are also a large number of other animals and an aviary
of exotic birds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of animal
shows like pig racing, scorpion and crocodile wrestling
shows. It is located outside Pattaya in Siracha District.
Open daily from 9 a.m.
Khao Kiew Open Zoo
The open zoo, covering an area of around 1,923 acres of
green forest, is in Siracha District, about 40 minutes away
from Pattaya. The zoo features a large number of animals
that can be viewed in their natural habitats. Night safari
can also be arranged costing 200 baht per person including
dinner. Covering another two acres is an aviary of rare
birds, which is said to be second largest after Singapore.
The zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pattaya Park
This park has the highest tower in Pattaya a tower with a
revolving restaurant entertaining its clientele with a
magnificent bird's eye view of the resort city.
As well, the park offers first-class accommodation besides a
huge amusement area (totaling some 32 acres) that includes
a vast swimming pool complex that embraces Jacuzzi and
gigantic slides close to the beach front.
The Sanctuary of Truth
Although the Sanctuary of Truth has already been under
construction for over two decades it still will not be fully
complete for another decade or so. However, its doors are
now open for visitors to view and appreciate the vast and
intricate teak structure created by the fertile mind of an
eccentric billionaire philanthropist who also created the
Ancient City on the outskirt of Bangkok. The sanctuary,
combining Thai, Chinese and sub-continental art forms, is
sure to strike awe and wonder in the mind of beholders. The
castle which stands 105 meters above sea level is one of the
most imposing landmarks of Pattaya. Its location is on
Ratchawet Cape in Naklua.
The Horseshoe Point
For horse lovers and enthusiasts, the Horseshoe Point is a
world class stable where riders will take delight with its
various outdoor activities, be it at race or equestrian
tracks or the crosscountry course among other facilities.
There is also an international standard polo field. The
venue is located about 10 kilometers from the center of
Pattaya.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Resort
Covering an area of 600 acres (1,560 rais) it was officially
opened to the public in 1980. A long list of delightful
attraction from the two man-made lakes to Bougainvillea
Garden to Mini Zoo to the largest variety of orchids in
Thailand and the list goes on.
There are different type of
restaurants and Thai-style teak wood bungalows for overnight
stay in a tropical garden atmosphere. It takes about 20-25
minutes' drive on a nice highway from Pattaya. Additional
information may be obtained at its offrice on Pattaya Klang
Road, opp. Nova Lodge Hotel.
Bottle Art
An intricate miniature design of churches, temples, palaces
and ships, both local and foreign. These creations are
contained in bottles of different shapes and sizes and are
the tireless works of art by Mr. Peter Bedelais, a Dutch
sculptor. Only 10 minutes drive towards Sattahip on
Sukhumvit Highway.
Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" Museum
The only museum of its kind in Thailand and perhaps in SE
Asia, the museum is simply unique. It displays Mr. Ripley's
world-wide collection of extraordinary objects divided into
over 250 categories. Some of the objects on display are
originals while others are replicas. The museum is located
on the third floor of the well-known Royal Garden Plaza,
accessible from both the 2nd and Beach roads.
Mini Siam
This is a miniature city where replicas of important
historical sites in Thailand are displayed, at scales
varying from 1:1 to 1:25. Worthy of mention among the
replicas is the famous uBridge on the River Kwaiu in
Kanchanaburi province of Thailand. Apart from that, many
other world-renowned structures are also prominently
displayed-example, the uEiffel Toweru of Paris among others.
An additional attraction is a mini go-kart circuit awaiting
the speed enthusiasts. It is located close to Pattaya on
Sukhumvit Highway.
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