Here we would like to give an overview of attractions available in and around Pattaya
Amphoe Sattahip
Wat Yan Sangwararam
is a Royal Temple, 15 kilometers south
of Pattaya City, Thailand, 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 as 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 Samae San 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.
Amphoe Muang Chon Buri
Ang Sila
is a fishing village about 5 kilometers away from Chonburi.
Ang Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The
village is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone
mortars and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and tigers.
Ang Sila also boasts a number of seafood restaurants. On the
beach, one can find villagers selling fresh oysters, A wide
array of local handicraft are also available for sale to tourists.
Khao Sam Muk
is a small hill in between Ang Sila village and
Bang Saen
Beach, along the beachside road from Ang Sila that winds up
Sam Muk Hill. At the foot of the hill, Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk)
who is widely venerated by the public. The cliff overlooking
the sea has become a tourist spot where legend has it that a
couple tragically ended their lives together after having vowed
their eternal love for each other. The Sam Muk Hill area is
inhabited by a larger number of wild monkeys and beautiful cactuses
garden
The Institute of Marine Science
situated on the campus of Burapha University. The institute evolved from
the Aquarium and Museum of Salt Water Animals through the financial
assistance received from the Government of Japan. This institute
aims to be the center of studies on Marine Science, consisting
of three parts: the Marine Science Museum, Marine Animal Rearing
Center and Marine Ocean Research Laboratory.
The public will be admitted on the following days and times; Weekdays 8.30
a.m.-4 p.m. Government holidays 8.30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed on
Mondays). Call (038)391671-3 for more information.
Nong Mon Market
a market famous for Chonburi's local handicraft and
souvenirs about 1 kilometer from the junction leading to
Bang Saen. Among
its well-known buys are different types of dried seafood, Khao
Lam or gluttonous rice baked in bamboo, hor-mok (spicy steamed
fish cakes), hoi-jor (deep fried shrimp cakes), sweetened-banana
and taro chips, and sweetened-fruit preserves.
Amphoe Phanat Nikhom
Basketware Village

situated at Mu 1-11, Tambon Railakthong but mostly a Mu
10 in the vicinity of Wat Ko Kaeo Khiong Luang, about 4 kilometers
from the district along the Phanat Nikhum-Chachoengsao Road
and continuing right for a distance of another 4 kilometers.
Bamboo is woven into such objects as ladies handbags, baskets,
betel nut sets, and etc. in various colors and design. They
can be purchased at stalls situated behind the Municipal Daily
Market (Talat Kao).
Amphoe Si Racha
Koh Loi Si Racha
is on Thesaban Road, north of Si Racha Market. Koh Loi is
a tiny island close to Si Racha Beach, linked to the land by
a bridge. On the island is a public park and a Sea Turtle Garden,
on lush grounds covering an area of around 1 acre. On the southern
side is a small hill with a temple on it. The island is a superb
place for relaxation where one can enjoy the natural atmosphere
and breathe the fresh sea air while appreciating the scenic
view. There is also a pier from which one can board a boat to
Koh Sichang as well.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo

is located at Tambon Bang Phra.
The zoo can be reached by either one of two ways: first from
Sukhumvit, one can follow the Bang Phra Reservoir route passing
the
Bang Phra Golf Course
for another 19 kilometers or, second, one may follow the new State Highway 36 (Chon Buri - Pattaya
-
Rayong) following direction signs. The open zoo, operated
by the Dusit Zoo Authority (Khao Din Wana) in
Bangkok, has a
large number of animals such as deer, bulls, monkeys, gibbons,
hippopotami, bears, kangaroos, elephants and peacocks, and etc.
Visitors can stroll around the grounds and observe the animals
closely. There is also a large aviary with hundreds of varieties
of birds. The zoo is open daily from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (038)
298187-8 for more information.
Si Racha Tiger Zoo and Resort
situated at 336 Mu 6, Tambon Surasak, Si Racha District. It is accessible either from
Sukhumvit Highway, turning at Si Racha District and following
the route passing Assurnplion Si Racha School for around 7.5
kilometers or one can take State Highway 36 at Kilometer 21,
turn left and continue for another 1.5 kilometers. It boasts
Thailand's largest number of Bengal tigers, bred successfully
by the farm itself. There is also large number of other animals
such as crocodiles, ostriches, single hump camels, kangaroos
and an aviary of exotic birds.
The farm is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call (038) 296556-8 for additional information.
Chantathen Waterfall

One follows the-same route leading to Khao Khieo Open Zoo diverging
left at the entrance to Wat Khao Mai Daeng. A sign indicates
the way to the waterfall where on drives down an asphalt road
for another 7 kilometers. A car park masks the entrance and
there is a 2 kilometers pathway leading to the waterfall lined
on both sides by refreshing greenery.
Chantathen Waterfall has 5 levels in height with a distance totaling 1 kilometer.
There are two pathways leading up and down: the first is on
that follows along the waterfall itself or along the various
levels of rocks, a route that is very popular with visitors
who wish to view the waterfall very closely. The best time to
visit is right after the end of the rainy season whereas in
the dry season water may be less abundant hut visitors are able
to track up and down the rock. Chan Ta Then Waterfall is under
the supervision of Kho Khieo - Khao Chomplui Wildlife Conservation
District and Khao Khieo Nature and Wildlife Study Station.
The station offers camping activities for youth interested in
learning more about nature and wildlife.
Persons interested in the Youth Camp for Nature Conservation my write to the Station
Chief, P.O. Box 10, Tambon Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha, Chonburi 20210
Koh Sichang

is a large island in the middle of the sea about 12 kilometers from
the Si Racha shore. What attract visitors to the island are
its beautiful natural .surroundings, tranquil atmosphere and
fresh air that have long made the island popular. Circling the
island is a narrow road, only a little over 1 meter in width,
wide enough only for a motorized tricycle. Chinese pavilion
is an ancient pavilion with dragon and peacock motifs. The pavilion
was used as a temporary place of lodging when his Majesty King
Rama the fifth visited the island.
Chakkraphong Cave
is close to the Chinese Pavilion. A Buddha image is enshrined
inside this cave. There is also a duct from which one can climb
up to the hilltop to view the scenery of the island.
Chong Khao Khat
is on the southwestern side of the island. Villagers call
this area the "rear end" of the island. A white sandy beach
is found at Chong Khao Khat.
Chao Pho Khao Yai Cave
is on a hill close to Thewawong pier. The large structure
is Chinese in design. Inside the cave are monuments devoted
to Chinese deities such as Heng Jia, the Goddess Kuan Im's Shrine
and the Sakajayana Temple.
The Old Palace Grounds
are in a verdant area by the sea. Built during the reign
of King Rama the fifth, the palace was once a hospice of royal
princes and princesses to recuperate after their illnesses.
Several ponds, which are still in good condition, are found
in the palace garden. These ponds were bestowed with beautiful
names, such as Atsadang and Phirphlen ponds. There are also
two temples built at the behest of King Rama the Fifth: Wat
Atsadang Nimit with a European style ordinal 'on hall and pagoda,
situated on the topmost part of the hill and Wat Chuthathip
Rajathammasupha situated in the Bhanuransi Village area in the
northern part of the island.
The tourist attractions on Ko Sichang are quite distant from each other. It is more
convenient to rent a motorized tricycle from the pier to visit
those places. It takes a little over an hour to cover the entire
island. The rental should coast around 250 Baht or whatever
price you can negotiate.
Travelling to Ko Sichang can be done by a ferry boat which operates daily from Si Racha.
Crossing is made every two hours starting from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ferries leave from piers at Ko Loi Si Racha or at Choem Chomphon
pier (Tha Charin) with in town of Si Racha, fares cost 20 Baht
each.
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