Day Trip in Pattaya 1
A seaside beach city located about 150 km east of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the not-to-be-missed locations when one visits Thailand. A popular tourist spot for both Thai and foreigners alike, it offers all the conveniences of Bangkok plus all the sand, sea, and sun you can want. Driving from Bangkok takes no more than 2 hours via Motorway ( Highway no.7 ) or Bangna-Trad Highway ( Highway no. 34 ). You can take a leisurely three and a half hour train ride from Hua Lamphong Station, or a two and a half hour bus ride from either Eastern Bus Terminal, or Mochit 2 Bus Terminal, with scheduled departures every half hour from either terminal. Surely the main purpose of going to the beach resort town is the sea, but there are a few places around Pattaya worth exploring.

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht. Tel. 0 3836 7229, 0 3836 7815 http://www.sanctuaryoftruth.com/

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) This popular attraction is 9 kilometres from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at Kms.140. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows. The compound is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Admission: 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel. 0 3824 9347-9 or http://www.thaistonepark.org/

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at Km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”. The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. Admission: 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1628, 0 3872 6201-3, 0 3872 7333 for more information. http://www.minisiam.com/

Nong Mon Market is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fruit rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Panat Nikhom.


1 Day trip in Pattaya 2

Who says Pattaya is just all about sand, sea and sun ? If ever you want to take a break from your time on the beach, or taking some time off from your partying, the following sites are only a short drive away from the sea.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width. The important missions during wartime are the Flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet in the sea, as well as the aircraft carrier and air defence mission. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. It is closed only on Wednesday from 8.00 a.m.-12.00 a.m. It is free of charge. International visitors will have to write a letter to the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, Sattahip, Chon Buri, 20180. Tel. 0 3843 8547-62 ext. HTMS Chakri Naruebet. http://www.navy.mi.th/

Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy is a source of knowledge on the biology of the sea turtle life cycle for the government agencies and other groups of visitors. The center also provides a lecture for the public and youth, video presentation and exhibitions. Visitors can admire the cuteness of the sea turtles in the nursery ponds. Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles. The Center is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Please contact in advance at the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Tel. 0 3843 1477ext.1035-6, 0 3824 5760, ext.066-3809 http://www.navy.mi.th/

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5 kilometres. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area.

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian), near to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The entrance fee is 50 baht. Tel. 0 3823 8367

The Laser Beam Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan is located on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6 kilometres from Km. 160 of Sukhumvit Road., The image is in the subduing Mara posture, cast by laser beams on the Khao Chi Chan cliff. It is a combination of Sukhothai and Lanna arts with a height of 130 metres and width of 70 metres at the lap of the image. Inside the chest of the image resides the Lord Buddha’s relic. Moreover, the garden in the compound is decorated for relaxation and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Royal Thai Navy.

thank you article TourismThailand.Org
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FACT AT A GLANCE

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.
The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family, with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or King Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty, the present king. The King has reigned for more than half a century, making him the longest reigning Thai monarch. Thailand embraces a rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.

Neighboring countries:

1) Myanmar - west and north,

2) Lao P.D.R. - north and northeast,

3) Cambodia - southeast and

4) Malaysia - south.

Area: 513,115 sq. km.

Topography: Thailand is divided into 4 natural regions:
The mountainous North, with its profusion of multi-coloured orchids, fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches;
The high Northeast Plateau, which still jealously guards its many archaeological and anthropological mysteries;
The Central Plain, one of the world's most fertile rice and fruit-growing areas with colourful traditional culture and way of life as well as the sandy beaches of the East Coast and vibrant cosmopolitan Bangkok;
The peninsular South where the unspoiled beaches and idyllic islands complement economically vital tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Population: Thais are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. A large majority of over 62 million citizens of Thailand are ethic Thai, along with strong communities whose ethnic origins lie in China, India and elsewhere. About 7 million people reside in the capital city of Bangkok.

People: Thai (80%), Chinese (10%), Malay (3%), and the rest are minorities (Mons, Khmers, hill tribes) Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and has thus produced a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.

Language: Spoken and written Thai is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the major commercial language. English and some European Languages are spoken in most hotels, shops and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

See Bangkok, knows Thailand

Next to the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, there is a vast open ground called Sanam Luang or Thung Phra Men.

There may not be much going on, but Sanam Luang has some historical significance. At the time when Bangkok was first established, the ground was a rice field and was sometimes used as a location for a royal crematorium, Phra Men in Thai. The ground was, thus, otherwise called as ‘Thung Phra Men’ which means the crematorium ground. In considering that the name was inauspicious, King Rama IV had the ground renamed as ‘Thong Sanam Luang’, or the Royal Ground, and the rice farming there cancelled. The area is used for various public events, most notably for political activities during election time. It is still also used as a crematorium for the high-ranking Royal family members.
If you have a few hours to kill in the afternoon, there are a few places around the Grand Palace that is worth seeing.

Wat Mahathat (วัดมหาธาตุ)

This old temple was built in the reign of King Rama I. Located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University, the temple houses Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand and also offers meditation classes for foreigners. Open: Daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tel: 0 2222 6011; Meditation Centre Tel: 0 2623 6326

The City Pillar Shrine. (ศาลหลักเมือง)

According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar had to be built upon the establishment of a new city. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on Sunday, 21 April, 1782, with the city’s horoscope inside. The original pillar was made of cassia wood known as Chaiyaphruek, measuring 75 cm. in diameter and 27 cm. high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one made of the same kind of wood, measuring 270 cm. high and standing on a base of 175 cm. wide, sheltered by a Prang-shaped shrine as it appears today. The shrine also houses images of protective deities including Thepharak, Chaopho Ho Klong, Phra Suea Mueang, Phra Song Mueang, Chaopho Chetakhup and Phra Kan Chai Si. Open: Daily Admission: Free

The National Theatre (โรงละครแห่งชาติ)

located on Na Phra That Road next to the National Museum, is the official centre of Thai classical performance. Call 0 2224 1342, 0 2222 1092 for a current programme.

Patravadi Theatre (ภัทราวดีเธียเตอร์)

is near Wat Rakhang, Thon Buri. Renowned for its lavish productions, this outdoor theatre has gained popularity through its modern adaptations of classical Asian literature, with each play demonstrating an ingenious blend of various theatrical techniques. The theatre also operate a riverside restaurant with some great view and tasty Thai food. Showtime is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 0 2412 7287-8 or

www.patravaditheatre.com for a current programme.

thank you TAT. for Arthicle
www.TourismThailand.Org

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