Attractions

The first miniaturized town in Southeast Asia, the Mini Siam, has been a popular tourist attraction since its operation started many years ago in Pattaya. Features models of more than 80 places in Thailand, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Crocodile Farm and daily crocodile and magic shows.

The Khao Khiew Zoo is an open zoo where visitors can see over 50 species of indigenous Southeast Asia birds and animals co-existing in their natural habitat. The animals live in spacious, enclosures with minimal fencing and birds in large aviaries. The zoo is set in a hilly, serene woodland area.

The town of Si Racha is famous for its spicy chili dip and open-aired, seafront seafood restaurants. Situated on a little rocky islet a few kilometers from the mainland is Koh Loy (Floating Island), a Thai-Chinese Buddhist temple that was originally accessible only at low tide. Nowadays, a concrete paved bridge connects Koy Loy with the mainland and serves as a ferry pier.

Off the coast of Si Racha is the small island of Koh Sichang that formerly contained King Rama Vs favorite summer palace and used to be a customs checkpoint. Now it is a relatively quiet place with some architectural ruins and guesthouses.

On weekends and public holidays, the long stretch of Bang Saen Beach is a popular destination for Thais looking to unwind, play in the sun and surf, and picnicking on BBQ chicken, sticky rice and fresh coconut juice. Lots of water sports equipment for rent, i.e.jet skies, banana boats, lounge chairs, inflatable tubes.

The Marine Scientific Institute is located on the campus of Burapha University in Bang Saen, walking distance from the beach. Inside are living marine creatures, big and small, displayed in glass cases with descriptive signs educating the public about the diverse marine ecosystem. Highlight is feeding time at 14.00 hr daily when divers enter the large water tank to feed the large fishes, sharks, and stingrays.

People flock to Pattaya for the good, cheap accommodation, extensive beaches, excellent restaurants and excellent sports facilities in town. Jomtien Beach is more preferred for the daytime activities while Pattaya Beach comes to life after sunset. Or choose any of the nearby islands to relax or try a new water sport.

Pattaya is a great scuba diving training site for novice and refresher for expert divers. Most sites are within an hour boat ride. Year-round diving season with good visibility. Not too far out in Pattaya Bay is the popular Bremen Wreck, teeming with colorful coral fishes and nudibranches. The 300-foot boat lies upright in 25 meters of water off the naval town of Satthahip.

The Pattaya Elephant Village is the first and largest elephant training school in Pattaya. Watch the elephants demonstrate their forestry skills and perform tricks, such as play football. Arrange to go jungle trekking or choose to go on a raft journey across a lake.

Catch the elaborate productions and magnificent costumes of the transvestite cabaret shows in Pattaya. These 'girls' really love to perform and entertain. Be amazed with their beauty and regal finery. Shows are changed regularly and are packed nightly.