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RAYONG |
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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 |
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CHANTABURI |
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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. |
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TRAT |
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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. |
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PATTAYA |
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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.
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