Koh Lan

This island is located 7.7 kms from the mainland to the west of Pattaya Strait. It is spread over an area of 4sq.kms. The picture perfect beaches, crystalline water and abundant coral reefs attract hordes of tourists to this tiny island. The tourists can see corals by taking a ride on a glass-bottomed boat or scuba diving. The most popular beach of the island is the Ta Waen Beach in the north. It has a 750m long beach with pristine white sand. There are many shops and eateries in the beach area. Most of the boats coming to Koh Lan in the course of conducted tours dock at this beach. The other beaches of the island are Laem Thian and Samae beaches, both quiet and clean. TaPan Beach on the western parts of the island has basic accommodation facilities. Nuan Beach on the south of the island has a hotel, which provides much better accommodation for tourists. Beaches like Laem Hua Khon Beach and Laem Lamrae are popular with tourists. Koh Lan is well known for water sports like swimming, water-skiing, parasailing, water scooter and coral viewing.

Koh Krok

This miniscule island is located 8 kms from the shore. This rock-filled island has a tiny sandy beach on its east side. This island is a favorite spot for coral viewing.

Koh Sak

This small horseshoe-shaped island is located 600m away from Koh Lan, almost 10kms to the west of Pattaya Strait. The total area is barely 0.05sq.kms. There are two beaches at the either end of the island. The one in the north, which is 250m long is the one visited by boats carrying tourists. The southern beach, which is just 80m long, has a pathway connecting the adjacent beach. This beach has abundant corals in the waters. It is also famous for skin-diving.

Khao Pattaya (Khao Phra Bat)

From the top of this small hill, you will get a beautiful view of the Pattaya Bay and Pattaya City. There is a well-laid road up to the top, with a Buddha statue. The hill is developed and is used by Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station.

Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)

This park was built to mark the sixtieth birthday of His Majesty the King on December 5, 1988. It is located on Phrataniuk Road, at the bottom of Pattaya hill. The gardens here have a wide assortment of flowering plants. There are walking and jogging tracks, exercising facilities and a multi-purpose ground. Many come to this park for exercising and relaxation.

Mini Siam

This mini city has replicas of the 80 sacred and historical places in and around Thailand. The Temple of Emerald Buddha, the Golden Stupa, Anantasamakhom Throne Hill, Wat Sisanphet, Phimai Khmer Sanctuary, Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge and the Bridge over the River Khwae are some of the monuments and places seen here. There are also replicas of the world-famous monuments and places in the ‘mini world’ here, like Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Trevi Fountain and Tower Bridge.

It is located off the Sukhumvit Highway, on the left side at KM 143. It is open on all days of the week from 7am to 10pm. In addition, there is a Mini Race Course, where the visitors can try their hand at go karting. For more information, contact 271-1896, 616-1533 (Bangkok) or (038) 421628, 424232 (Pattaya).

The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm

The Park spread over a large area, consists of a botanical garden of rare plants, a rock garden and landscaped grounds. The attractions here include a 200-year old Thai bonsai, million-year old fossilized plants, a crocodile farm and some rare animals like albino bears. Elephants and horses are also there to attract the visitors. Animal performances and magic shows draw in huge crowds.

The Park is located off Sukhumvit Road. Take the left turn at KM 140 and continue along Highway 3024 (Chaiyaphonwithi Road) for 5 kms. Timings: 9am to 6pm. Address: 22/2 Mu 1, Tambon Nong Pta Lai, Bang Lamung. Telephone: Bangkok - 579-5033, 941-3251-3, Pattaya - (038)249347-9.

Pattaya Water Park

This comprises of an amusement park, a Jacuzzi and a huge slide. Families frequent this place. Pattaya Park Tower with a revolving restaurant is a 240m tower offering a panoramic view of Pattaya. Accommodation facilities are available here. It is situated on Thapphraya Road, Jomtien Beach. Telephone: (038) 251201-8

Phanaraks Park

This is a private resort with a well-maintained garden, fishing pond and swimming pool. Fishing is allowed here and equipments are available for hire. Bungalows and tents are there for those who want to stay here. This resort is located on Pornprapanimitr Road, off Sukhumvit Road. At KM 145, take the left turn and continue for 5 kms. Telephone: (038)259156, Bangkok office – 5210763

Elephant Village

This place is famous for the Elephant Jungle Ride and daily elephant shows. The show is at 2.30pm and will last for an hour. This is a favorite haunt of Thais and tourists. The village is located on Pornprapanimitr Road, close to Phanaraks Park and Siam Country Club Golf Course. Telephone: 01-2123225 or Tropicana Hotel - (038) 428645-6, 428516

Siriporn Orchid Farm

As the name suggests, it is home to a wide variety of orchids like catteleyas, escosanda, daedrovium, vandas and pompadours. The cut flowers and plants are also kept for sale. It is located off Sukhumvit Road on Noen-phlup-wan Road. Address: 235/ 14 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Pru, Telephone: (038) 29013, Timings: 8am to 5pm.

Bhira International Circuit Race Course

During weekends, exciting races happen here. Both car and motorcycles races are conducted here. It is located on State Highway 36 (Pattaya-Rayong) at about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City. Telephone: (01) 323-0616

Miniature Racetrack (The Pattaya Cart Speedway)

Here there are separate tracks for amateurs and professionals. It is located on Thepprasit Road, about 5 kms to the south of Pattaya. Timings: 10am to 7pm, Telephone: (038) 422044

Lakeland Water Cable Ski

This is an amusement and sports center with a big fresh water lake and cable skis. Cable ski is fast gaining popularity for the thrill it offers. This center is located on Sukhumvit Highway at KM 150.5 and is 5 kms from Pattaya City. An admission fee of 300 baht is charged per person for 2 hours. Timings: 10am to 9pm. Telephone: (038) 232690-2

The Bottle Art

Here you get to see a vast collection of artwork in bottles. The artwork includes famous monuments inside and outside Thailand. The Dutch sculptor, Mr. Peter Bedelais is the creator of this wonderful collection. Address: 79/15, Mu 10, Sukhumvit Road (KM145.3), Telephone: (038) 422957, Timings: 9am to 8pm daily

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum

It has a display of remarkable objects, divided into more than 250 categories like unusual people, optical illusions and torture techniques from the ancient times. The exhibits include both originals and duplicates. Address: 3rd floor, Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road. Telephone: (038) 710294-8, Timings: 10am to 12 midnight daily

Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre

This center offers water sports facilities for windsurfing, sailing, paragliding and paramotors. They conduct courses by expert instructors both by hour and by course. On successful completion of courses, the Royal Yacht Association (RYC), a well-known British Institution, awards certificates. They also rent out canoes, kayaks and catamarans. There are restaurants in the premises and the ambience is calm and relaxing. The winter months see the exodus of birds like herons, swallows and teals to the area.

The center is located at Huai Sak Nok Reservoir. To reach here, take the left turn at KM 150 on Sukhumvit Highway near the Greenway Golf Driving Range and proceed for 4 kms. Contact Khun Burnmng Ruamsap at 01-354-4986 or 946-7859 for more information.