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 lenght. 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 areas
  
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),
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 a ttraction 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.
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
Siriporn
Orchid Farm
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,
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