PATTAYA

Best known of these beach resorts in Pattaya, just two hours’ drive from Bangkok, which lies on the top end of the astern seaboard. First “discovered” by expatriates from Bangkok and American military personnel on leave from Vietnam in the mid-1960s, Pattaya features a wonderful natural bay and, to the south, a long, sandy beach known as Jomtien. Offshore are more than a dozen islands which have become extremely popular with day trippers from the main town of Pattaya and even campers who relish their unspoiled charms.

Pattaya itself has grown dramatically over the past 25 years, from a quiet fishing village into a mature international beach resort with a comprehensive range of entertainment and sporting attractions. Indeed, few holiday destinations in Asia can match the variety of pastimes. These include all kinds of water sports, archery, bowling, horse riding, go-karting, tennis and scuba diving. Also, within easy reach of Pattaya is a score of international quality golf courses. The resort’s nightlife is legendary and caters for people of all ages – including young children. Top international accommodation is widely available.
 
WHAT TO DO IN PATTAYA
 
Koh Samet Island

Only an hour's ride from Pattaya by mad, 17 km east along the coast from Ravong, is the village of Ban Phe, the jumping-oft point for the ferry ride to the island of Koh Samet.   The island has beaches that sur­pass Ko Samui and Phuket in duality of sand and cleanliness and it's virtually uninhabited.

Guided tour includes a visit to Haad Sai Kaow, Tawang, Ao faro or Wong Duen beaches where you can scuba, windsurf of fish for the day,

The Malibu Beach Resort on Wong Duen Beat Ii has a 120-seat restaurant; smaller Thai-style restaurants are located on other beaches.
 
Elephant show

The Elephant Village is located a short distance on the Siartt Country Club road after the Reo Ranch and before Panarak Fishing park. With 15 to 20 elephants in the parade you can expect plenty of excitement and fun as the mahouts take the elephants through their paces in the traditional roles of worker, warrior and companion.

They roll logs, play football and together presents a stately parade remi­niscent of the golden age of Ayutthaya.

 
The Nong Nooch Village
Heading east, 15 min from the centre of Pattaya, near Bang Saray is song Nooch Village for those who want to take in a cultural show.  Located at km marker 163, on 1300 rai of rolling hills and valleys, and coconut plantations, two shows are scheduled daily. 'Early morning show at song Nooch begins at 1000 and the afternoon one at 1 S00. Sports, including archery, a private man-stake lake for rowing, and cockfighting demonstration are also held. There is a miniature open zoo and aviary, as well as an orchid lam).
 
Golf

There are 15 international standard courses to choose from at present with others planned to open within the next two years.  The most popular is the Siam Country Clue, 18 holes and about 20 minutes by taxi from the mid-town.

The Royal Thai Navy Course in Sattahip is 31 km away.  Panva Resort Country Chub is new with 36 holes. Bang Phra, another course offers another alternative with water hazards being a major challenge. Recently refur­bished including hotel accommodation, it's the site of many national competi­tions.

 
Go-karts
The Pattaya go-kart racing track is open daily from 1000 to 1800.  The 400-metre track is suitable for adults and children with a choice of 80cc go-karts or the children. 120cc karts for adults.   A new 1080-metre track is avail-able for professional racers at the 13ira International Circuit.
 
Scuba diving

There are more than 10 scuba diving shops in Pattaya that offer PADI or NAUI certified courses.

For beginners the centre, offer complimentary pool sessions. This is an easy introduction to scuba at your hotel swimming pool. The instructor explains how to use the breathing apparatus and takes you for a short dive in the pool. Call the scuba diving companies .

 
RAYONG
To the east of Pattaya is the province of Rayong. This is far less developed than its neighboor, not nevertheless boasts some extremely fine beaches, which are quickly growning in popularity with locals as well as overseas visitors. Best known of these is Mae Rampueng, a long and largely empty beach with only a handful of small hotels and bungalow complexs. Apart from its beautiful coastline, and offshore islands, including Ko Samet, Rayhong is also renowned for its scenic hinterland, full of forests, hills and national parks.
 
CHANTABURI
A  short distance to the east is Chantaburi, one of the most interesting and attractive towns in this corner of Thailand. Set on series of hills, complete with lanes that wind their way around small markets and even a large Catholic church, Chantaburi is Thailand’s leading gems centre, a mecca for miners and buyers from all over the world. This region is also famous for its bountiful fruit supplies which are featured in an annual fair held in Chantaburi.
 
TRAT
Close to the border with Cambodia is Trat, another bustling town which also serves as an overnight destination for travellers wishing to visit the many islands dotted along this part of the eastern coast. Of these, KO Chang is the most popular; it is also Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket, and features some of the most pristine scenery in the eastern side of the country. Here, virgin tropical forest covers Ko Chang’s steep cliffs and mountains, while the entire island is surrounded by sandy beaches.