Pattaya, Queen of the Asian resorts

by: Debbie Salcedo

Looking at the Thai island of Pattaya now, you wouldn’t think that it had rather humble beginnings starting off as a quiet fishing village…that is, until 20 years ago when it slowly started gaining a reputation as a world-famous tourist site.

About a two and a half-hour’s drive at roughly 150 km from Bangkok is the lovely beach paradise of Pattaya. The resort gets its name from a southwesterly wind that signals the coming of the monsoon season.

Visitors to Pattaya find themselves indulging in various water sports and a whole lot of sun, sand, and surf during the day. As evening comes, guests to the beach area prepare to feast on sea food fresh from the ocean and cooked any way they want in any of Pattaya’s world-class restaurants. If you prefer to relax away from the crowds, you can also opt to take a quiet stroll down the beach under the moonlight.

Pattaya also offers all kinds of sports and activities ranging from bowling, pool, golf, shooting, tennis, horse back riding and a whole lot more.

Things to check out on Pattaya:


Hynix of the Sea Underwater Submarine
The Hynix of the Sea is a hi-tech submarine made for leisure using the very latest science technology. Passing the standards of the American Bureau of Shipping, the submarine Hynix of the Sea takes visitors on a tour under the waters of Koh Lam Island, location of some of the most beautiful underwater scenery Pattaya has to offer. Beautiful, live corals, colorful schools of fish, and vividly hued sea weeds enthrall the submarine’s passengers as the go around 10-20 meters below sea.

For tickets and information, check out their website at : www.hynixofthesea.com/main.html

Mini Siam and Mini World

It’s Thai heritage on a miniature scale. More than 100 scale models of Thailand’s most important historical sights are set on exhibit at the Mini Siam and Mini World. Complete with illustrations and dioramas detailing the development of Thailand through the Sukhothai period to Ayuthadya and the Rattanakosin periods. Whether day or night, the Park is a joy to stroll through.


Underwater World Pattaya

The largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, the Underwater World Pattaya is equipped with a 100-meter-long, 6.4-centimeter-thick Plexiglas pedestrian tunnel running through an underwater environment filled with dozens of marine species swimming around as the visitors marvel at the denizens of the deep.



Million Years Stone & Crocodile Farm

Located on more than 70 acres of land, the Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm breeding pens house more than 1000 crocodiles, a zoo, and a bonsai garden. Just 15 minutes from Pattaya, the Park is a perfect day trip for tourists with children. Take photographs with small tiger cubs, take in the moey show and the elephant exhibition. Shows are repeated several times a day. The park has also a small zoo attached with, elephants, tigers and other animals.


Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

A lush tropical garden set in a quiet village scene spread on a 600 acre landscaped park. Sounds good? Well, it doesn’t quite end there yet. The Garden comes with its own artificial waterfall and lake where guests can spend lazy afternoons drifting by on a canoe. Flower enthusiasts will de in strolling around the orchid and cactus nurseries. There is an Arts and Craft center and presentations of Thai traditional dance staged three times per day, marital arts, and a cockfight every day. Of course this attraction also has an Elephant show.

The village has overnight accommodation in cottages, traditional Thai houses and bungalows.


Pattaya Elephant village

The village shows elephants displaying forestry skills, playing football and reenact of war elephant parades. Many tours available with activities such as Jungle Walk, Elephant trekking Rafting.