Pattaya has been tagged the best destination for expatriate relocation in South East Asia, and for many, the best choice anywhere! Apart from the long list of tourist and natural attractions, what makes Pattaya so popular with so many?

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 80 kilometres southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favourite South East Asian vacation centre. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world can choose from an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind and take it easy.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine whilst on holiday; recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Perhaps now it is easier to understand why two out of three tourists who come here extend their stay. People come to Pattaya and they simply just don't want to go back home!

There is a large expat community here because of this and that has resulted in Pattaya becoming the location outside of Bangkok with the widest choice of 5 star hotels, western food, shopping venues, medical services, reading and film materials; practically everything that a foreigner could want to make his stay in the land of smiles even more comfortable.

It's a great place to live because of the lack of meddling laws and nanny-state mentality that seems to be the norm in Western Countries. For those people that want the freedom and independence to enjoy their lives, Pattaya truly is “all things to all men”.

In addition to the breathtaking tropical beaches, Palm tree fringed and glistening in the sun, Pattaya also provides plenty of on-land recreation. More than 19 championship 18-hole golf clubs make the region an unparalleled golfer’s paradise. Other sporting options include tennis, horse-back riding, go-kart racing, shooting, archery, bowling, snooker.. the list goes on. There is even a motor racing track. True to its city status, Pattaya, unlike other beach resorts, shows no slackening of pace after sundown. South Pattaya, popularly referred to as "The Strip", is packed with all kinds of restaurants, bars, discos, and shops.

If South Pattaya is a trifle overwhelming, those seeking quieter opportunities for shopping, dining and evening entertainment will not be disappointed. Such has been the development of the resort in recent years that full amenities are now to be found throughout Pattaya which extends well inland from the bay. Top class restaurants, an amazing array of world-renowned five-star hotel complexes, countless live musical and cabaret venues combine with a vast choice of local Thai cuisine and entertainment.

Shopping possibilities are as varied as Pattaya's other attractions. Souvenirs, handicrafts, gems and jewelry, ready-to-wear and custom-tailored clothing, paintings and more are all to be found along "The Strip" and increasingly at smart shops and department stores throughout the resort.

You really won't have a dull moment in Pattaya!

Attractions & Places Of Interest

With many interesting attractions in and around Pattaya, visitors and expats alike can select from a wide variety of day trips to keep their days fun-filled and enjoyable.

Sriracha Tiger Park

Located in Sriracha 30 minutes outside Pattaya the Tiger Park offers a close up view on these amazing animals. Their raw power and immense regal presence are breathtaking to take in amongst the setting of the wildlife kingdom. You can feel the natural atmosphere and watch hundred of tigers entertain you and your family. Hold the baby tiger in your arms, feeding mild and take a memorable picture.

Open daily from 8.30-17.30 hrs. Shows at 10.30, 15.00 and 16.00 hrs. Call 02-616-0966 for more details and bookings.

Mini Siam & Mini Europe

Located near Pattaya Klang, displays Thai and European heritage on a miniature scale. More than 100 models, each on a scale of 1:25, are displayed in an area of 29 rai surrounded by natural sceneries blended with different types of well selected trees. Bringing together models of important objects and historical sites of different cultures and civilizations of various periods from the ancient time till the present.

Open from 7.00-22.00 hrs. Call (038) 421628 for more details.

Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm

Located some 9 kilometres from Pattaya township, comprises breeding pens with more than 1,000 crocodiles, a zoo, and a bonsai garden decorated with rock formations. Both fresh and saltwater Crocodiles are fed here and the zoo also contains a large number of other creatures including Elephants, Gibbons and Lions.

Open daily from 8.30-18.00 hrs. There are crocodile shows at 11.00, 14.00 and 16.30 hrs. For more information please contact (038) 249347-9.

Underwater World

Underwater World Pattaya situated in South Pattaya is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia with a 100-metre-long acrylic pedestrian tunnel.

This new attraction features exotic marine and freshwater fish displays, providing every visitor the unique experience of viewing the creatures from the deep through crystal clear water.

The Sanctuary Of Truth

This might be the 8th wonder of the world, due to its wooden structure and intricate details. The Sanctuary of Truth has been under construction for over 25 years. It will take about 15 more years to finish its construction. Why does it take this long? It is never finished because there is always the maintenance of the parts already completed. So the process is finishing it and maintaining it. You’d have to see for yourself how large and detailed it is.

Wat Yansangwararam

A temple under the king's patronage is unique for it's modern Thai architecture. Here meditation courses are available at 16.00 and 18.00 hrs. The temple is 12 kilometres south of Pattaya and only 3 kilometres from Nong Nooch Village.

Call (038) 237642 for further information. Nearby is a Chinese-style building called "Wihan Siam" housing antiques and art objects from China.

Pattaya Elephant Village

On the road to Siam Country Club. The Elephant Show, which lasts one and half hours, demonstrates bathing, training and forestry skills of the elephants, concluding with the “Glong Sabad Chai” ceremony. 

The village also demonstrates how wild elephants were captured in the north eastern part of Thailand.

The show commences at 14.30 hrs and the price is 500 Baht per person for adults and 400 Baht for children under 100 cm in height.

Call 038-249818 or 038-249853 for more details.

The Bira International Circuit (Pattaya)

Located at Km. 14 on Route 36 to Rayong, offers international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2.4 kilometres circuit is ideal for Formula 3 and Touring Car races.

For those who love speed and would like to experience the real thing on the racing track the circuit opens every day.

For more details call 038-587448.

Jomtien Beach

Located 2 kilometres from South Pattaya, Jomtien offers white sandy beaches great for swimming. This beach and the area has become more and more popular for swimming, water sports and activities due to its long straight coastline and less boats anchored in the area.

Reasonable accommodation is also available with a great selection of bars and restaurants and a lively night life although slightly lower key than Pattaya itself.

Open top bus service (baht bus) runs between Pattaya and Jomtien and takes just 10-20 minutes.

Pattaya Park

Between south Pattaya and Jomtien Beach is a water amusement park with water slides, whirlpools and large pools for children, young and old. Admission fee is an incredibly reasonable Bt 100. Restaurants and hotel accommodation available on site. Open from 9.00-18.00 hrs.

For more details call 038-251201/8.

Nong Nooch

Covers an area of some 500 acres about 15 kilometres from South Pattaya. It is a Thai-village-style park. The entire area is beautifully landscaped with orchid nursery and other botanical gardens. There are also traditional cultural performances and an elephant show.

Bang Saray Fishing Village

A few kilometres off the main highway at km. 164 close to Nong Nooch, Bang Saray offers a change of speed. Deep-sea fishing opportunities and some of the best local seafood restaurants you will find in Thailand.

There are also other recreational facilities at the local hotels. Not five-star by any means but unbeatable in the quality of the local produce. A real taste of local Thailand.

Local Islands

Koh Lan 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya's many local islands. Major attractions include viewing coral reefs from glass bottomed boats, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, skiing and parasailing. There are many seafood restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Lan's neighbouring islands such as Koh Khrok and Koh Sak.

Beyond Koh Lan another 40 minutes sail is Koh Phai currently under the care of the Royal Navy. It has beautiful deserted beaches. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight.

All of these nearby islands are easy to get to and charters can be arranged through the hotels or tour companies or by negotiating a price direct with the boat owners. Boat charters cost 1,500 - 3,000 baht per day depending on high or low season and the size of the boat.

Ko Samed is an idyllic tropical island just one hour away from Pattaya and perfect for a weekend break or something a little longer. When you just want to chill on that palm fringed beach, wriggle your toes in the white powder sand and soak up the rays, nothing can compare.

Koh Samed is a real jewel that has remained largely un-developed and a closely guarded secret for many a year of those lucky enough to have discovered its many charms.

Mini-bus service from Pattaya to the ferry pier at Ban Phe and then 10 minutes by speed boat or 30 minutes by lazy sightseeing boat.

Evening Entertainment

Alcazar Show / Tiffany Show

Alcazar and Tiffany, although two separate venues successfully blend the art of acting, stage design, costumes & the sequence of the shows so well to leave visitors of all ages breathless.

Extravagant and unique, they are a must to visit for both local & foreign visitors. Evening cabaret entertainment will never be the same again for you. Don't miss it ever.

Show times: 18.30, 20.00 and 21:30 hrs daily. Prices from 550 Bt.

For more details: 02-616-0966.

Alangkarn The Extravaganza Show

At the heart of Alangkarn is the "Theatre", a state-of- the-art auditorium that seats 2,000 people. Decorated in Thai-modern style with a 70 meter hexagonal stage, enormous 11 x 15 meter movie screen, 30 meter water track for presenting a "Modern Thai Multi-Dimensional Show" with a combination of presentation techniques such as pyrotechnic, multi-color laser show, real surround system and more. A real extravaganza for all the family!

Show times: 18.30 - 20.30 hrs / 20.30 - 22.00 hrs daily, with the exception of Wednesdays. Prices from 1,000 Bt.

For more details: 02-616-0966.

Walking Street

Walking Street Pattaya is probably the most exciting street in the world for those of us who like to have fun. Here you will find all kinds of entertainment from bars, discos, go go-bars, cabaret shows and much much more!

Expect the unexpected and keep an open mind as your senses will be bombarded with the exotic, the sensual and the downright bizarre!

Never threatening in anyway and symbolic of the availability of fun and companionship in ample doses on offer in the fun capital of the world, relax and enjoy Walking Street for what it is, fun!

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