The history making Pattaya what it is today starts in the early 60s, this is when Bangkok residents started to go to Pattaya for the weekend, many still do, you will see the traffic increase, from Friday afternoon and till Sunday evening. Before that Pattaya was a sleepy fishing village, just like many other places you still will be able to find if you follow the coastline around the country. When the Vietnam war in full swing, American soldiers were flown to the nearby U-Tapao airport, the airport was built ild for American use, and the soldiers found their way to Pattaya.

This spawned the entertainment industry Pattaya is most known for around the world. People started to come from all over the country, specially from the poorer Isaan Province's, to work in Pattaya, so most of the population you will find in Pattaya are not locals, but they live and work here.

In the 1980s the tourist boom came, Thailand was now a popular destination for exotic vacations, and it was cheap too, so the city continued growing, and many westerners fascinated by the country, moved down here and started their restaurants and bars, and took part in forming Pattaya as a primary tourist area, if they not had made all these western places, Pattaya's development might not got to what it is today.

Pattaya Attractions

Wan Lai Festival

The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes. People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year. In the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day). Chonburi Buffalo Races Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.

Wat Yan Sangwararam

is a Royal Temple, 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, Thailand, turning left from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 160. The temple was dedicated to Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, the present Supreme Patriarch in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple ground comprises a mondop (religious building with rectangular roof) which enshrine a replica of the Buddha's footprints, a large Pagoda where the relics of the Lord Buddha and those of the Lord Buddha's disciple are enshrined. There are international pavilions representing several countries that dot the grounds, such as Switzerland. There is also the Vihan Sian, a grand and exquisite showcase of Chinese architecture.

Amphoe Si Racha

is on Thesaban Road, north of Si Racha Market. Koh Loi is a tiny island close to Si Racha Beach, linked to the land by a bridge. On the island is a public park and a Sea Turtle Garden, on lush grounds covering an area of around 1 acre. On the southern side is a small hill with a temple on it. The island is a superb place for relaxation where one can enjoy the natural atmosphere and breathe the fresh sea air while appreciating the scenic view. There is also a pier from which one can board a boat to Koh Sichang as well.

Khao Khieo Open Zoo
is located at Tambon Bang Phra. The zoo can be reached by either one of two ways: first from Sukhumvit, one can follow the Bang Phra Reservoir route passing the Bang Phra Golf Course for another 19 kilometers or, second, one may follow the new State Highway 36 (Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong) following direction signs.

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Alcazar Caberet

Prepare to be entertained in grand style by wonderfully talented female impersonation artists, at Pattaya 2nd Road, Pattaya City. At Alcazar it’s a straight forward theme – men dressed as women, or as they are known in the trade, ‘female impersonation artists’. Only careful attention to fine details such as Adam’s Apples expose these artists as being male. Known in Thai as ‘Katoeys’. The entertainment includes full cabaret performances featuring countless performers wearing some of the most extravagant evening wear you are ever likely to see. The theatre housing Alcazar Cabaret Show seats 1,200 people and employs state-of-the-art light and sound technology. In addition, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to enjoy before and after the shows. Alcazar Theatre proudly presents an annual "Greatest Lady-man Pageant in the World" – a full fledged beauty contest for 'Kateoys'.

Alcazar Theatre has shows daily 21:00 onwards.

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Tiffany's show

Similar to the caberet at Alacazar but more well renowned. Holds the Miss international queen competition annually. Voted the fourth best show by TravelCom Magazine.

Facilities
1,000 seats
Private V.I.P. rooms
Lobby Bar
Bar counters
Indoor Shooting Range
Ice cream parlor
Tour guide private TV room
Gift shops
Elevator for easy wheel chair access
Private parking facilities

Theatre
2 private V.I.P. rooms (14 seats each)
300 V.I.P. seats
200 Deluxe seats
472 Mezzanine seats
Total theater capacity: 1,000 seats

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Bowling in pattaya

There are many bowling centres in Pattaya.

O.D. Bowl: 562 M.10, Phratmanak Road, Pattaya 2nd Road, Phratmanak Hill. Large bowling alley and open from 08.00 till 01.00.

P.S Bowl: Tops Supermarket, Pattaya 2nd Road, Central Pattaya. P.S Bowl website, click here.

Wave Bowl: Royal Jomtien Resort, Jomtien Beach Road, Jomtien. Open from 10.00 till 02.00. Smaller bowling alley with 8 lanes.

Pattaya Bowl: 463/78 M.9, Soi Regent Marina, Srinakorn Centre, Pattaya 2nd Road, North Pattaya. Open daily from 10.00 till 02.00

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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

About 20km south of Pattaya you will find Nong Nooch Village & Country Resort. A beautifully landscaped park which features orchid nursery, cactus garden and other botanical gardens. There is a cultural center displaying arts, traditional ceremonies, dances and crafts of Thailand. The main attraction is the elephant show and mini-zoo. The Gardens include a boating lake and separate swimming pool. Other features include traditional Thai boxing, elephant rides, cock fighting and performances of classical and folk dances. Entrance to the resort is 400 baht per person.

Click here to vist the Nong Nooch website

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Ripleys believe it or not

Located on the 3rd floor of Royal Garden Plaza Building in Central Pattaya. A fascinating assortment of weird but wonderful exhibits from all parts of the globe can now be found at Ripley's Believe It or Not!. These exhibits are divided into over 300 categories, such as optical illusions, peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human torture from ancient time, etc.

Ripley's is open daily from 10 am. until midnight.

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The Million years stone park & Pattaya crocodile farm

This Park & Zoo is a new striking tourist attraction created with more than 20 years of efforts for all nature lovers. It is not only a living museum of curious and beautiful things of all the three kingdoms - animal, vegetable and mineral, but it also offers you several kinds of amusing and exciting shows such as Crocodile Shows, Thai Martial Arts and Magical Performance.

Thousands of crocodiles, both saltwater and freshwater living in shady natural surroundings
Giant catfish, the biggest freshwater fish of the world weighing up to 500 kg (average at the farm 100 kg)
A shoal of snakehead fish of the Amazon river
Thepha fish, a most graceful but endangered species of Thailand
The intelligent albino bear and other albino animals as tigers, horses, cows, crocodiles
Elephants, cameld, lions, tigers, bears, several species of deer etc.

The Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm
22/1 Moo 1, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150,
Pattaya City, Thailand.

Tel: +66 (0) 3824 9347-9, 3824 9311, 3824 9302
Fax: +66 (0) 3824 9349

Entrance price 600baht

To visit the Million Years Stone park & Crocodile farm website click here.

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Pattaya elephant village

A unique experience that cannot be seen anywhere else!. Elephants in residence. These gigantic beasts have long been the backbone of heavy work in the jungles of Thailand.

Pattaya's Elephant Village is a popular attraction with visitors. You can watch how the mahouts train and create loyalty in these magnificent beasts.

Visitors can also feed the elephants and enjoy a short ride around the show ground.

The elephant round-up at the Elephant Village is literally a large gathering of herds of elephants. These gigantic beasts have long been the backbone of heavy work in the jungles of Thailand. This thrilling event includes spectacular demonstrations of elephant capture; the daily life of elephants and their masters;elephants being trained, worked and fed; elephant riding and an ancient war elephant dressed for your photograph. Do not miss this truly memorable, once in a lifetime experience.

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Koh Larn (Coral Island) - Pattaya

Ko Lan or Koh Larn, also known as Coral Island is a small island situated 7.5 km west Pattaya. Koh Larn is accessible via speedboat and ferry. The ferry departs every couple of hours, and is a 50-minute ride costing 20 Baht each way. Speedboats can be hired from Bali pier or along beach road but will cost considerably more, but can get to the island in less than 15 minutes.

Koh Larn has many beaches, which are reknown for their cleanliness, relaxing atmosphere, soft white sand and crystal-clear water. The name Coral Island is by virtue of its abundance and variety of corals. A number of Glass bottom boats are avaialable for hire for a small fee.

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Pattaya Park: Water Park

Splash through the water slides and relax in the whirlpool by-the-beach Water Park.
Amusement Park: Other options for exciting experience at Funny Land with the first Tower Shot in Thailand, Swing Vikings Ship, Samba Tower, Slalom Roller Caster, Family Swinger, Demolition Derby, Musical Carousel and the Monorail to speed you around the resort.

Click here to visit the pattaya park website

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Mini Siam

Mini Siam and Mini Europe is located about 3 Kilometres from Pattaya City. It displays Thai and European heritage (including London Bridge, the Eiffel Tower etc etc) on a miniature scale of 1:25. This is the third miniature town in the world, after Holland and Taiwan, that brings together models of important relics and historical sites of different culture and civilization from various periods, from the ancient time to present.

More than 110 models are displayed in an area of 29 rai, surrounded by natural sceneries.

Mini Siam is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00. Admission is 300 Baht.

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