Pattaya Travel Guide - See

Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat (เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท) This small hill is located between South Pattaya and Chom Thian. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Locals and visitors come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is resgared the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” and Suan Chaloemphrakiat (สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ) Khao Phra Tam Nak Road., This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres, the park was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King’s sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants and offer a scenic view of Pattaya. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities.

Hat Chom Thian (หาดจอมเทียน) This 6- kilometre-long beach is only 4km from Pattaya. A beach Road, runs parallel to the shore along which are hotels and restaurants. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.

Hat Wong Phra Chan (หาดวงพระจันทร์) This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.

Animals & zoos

Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์) is on the Sukhumvit–Nong Prue Road and is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming in the 180 degree area. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones; the first zone where there are beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse and butterflyfish, the second zone displays soft-bone ones such as sharks, stingrays, while those in the third zone are the economic ones such as the Napoleonfish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck; the fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River and the biggest ones are on display. Moreover, there are marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone. It is open everyday from 9.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. (the ticket counter is closed at 5.30 p.m.). Entrance fee is 360 baht for the adults and 180 baht for children. For more information, please contact Tel. 0 3875 6879 or Fax. 0 3875 6879.

22/22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes from town centre); tel. +66-38756879. Aquarium full of tropical creatures. Open 09:00-18:00, last admission 17:30, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Different prices for Thais (180 baht/adult, 120 baht/child) and foreigners (360 baht/adult, 180 baht/child).

Ban Sukhawadee (บ้านสุขาวดี) [23] is located at 219 Mu 2, Sukhumvit Road. It is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan. Visitors can enter the house to pay respect to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin, to see the spacious conference room and the roof. It is open on Monday-Friday from 8.30 a.m.–6.00 p.m. and on Saturday–Sunday and public holidays from 8.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Entrance fee is 300 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. How to get there: Ban Sukhawadi is in Bang Lamung District on the beach side near the Cholchan Pattaya Resort and not far from Bang Lamung District Office. For more information, Tel. 0 3822 3536-9.

Institute of Marine Science Aquarium & Museum, Burapha University, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Bangsaen; tel. +66-38391671 /3 [24] is open 08:30-16:00 (feeding time 14:30), except public holidays (open 08:30-17:00, feeding times 10:30 + 14:30) and Mondays (closed); admission 20 baht/adult, 10 baht/child.

Oasis Seaworld, Paknam, Laemsing, Chanthaburi - full day guided trips including 45 minutes swimming with dolphins - approx. 2000 baht/adult 1500 baht/child - available via travel agencies.

There are two submarines (yellow ones, of course!) with tour operators in Pattaya:

Hynix of the Sea [25] - main ticket office at the Second Road end of Tipp Plaza (near Soi 10); tel. +66-38711059 /60

Vimantaitalay [26] contact any Pattaya travel agency; or tel. +66-38415234

Elephant shows & trekking offered by several operators, most located on Sukhumvit Road. These include Ban Chang Thai tel. +66-3870628 /91, Utthayan Chang tel. +66-38716379, Thin Chang Thai tel. +66-38756516 / +66-38756577, Suan Chang tel. +66-38756517, Farm Chang Thai tel. +66-38237825.

Pattaya Elephant Village (หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา) [27] is Located at km 146, 7km from Central Pattaya on Phonpraphanimit Road., this elephant camp focuses on daily life of elephants and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand war elephants parade. The shows are held daily at 2.30 p.m. and last one hour. The ticket costs 500 baht per person. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m. at 900 baht and rafting trekking three-hour is available from 10.00 a.m.-3.30 p.m. at 1,800 baht. Contact counter in Tropicana Hotel, Tel. 0 3824 9145-7, 0 3824 9818.

54/1 Moo 2, Tambol Nong Prue; tel+fax. +66-38249818, +66-38249853 [28] offers shows, elephant trekking and jungle tours (including a four-day/three-night tour in Phrae Province).

Monkey Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึก-สอนลิงพัทยา) Located in Soi Chaiyaphruek off Highway No. 3 at km 151, the centre displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to climb and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities. Cock-fighting and snake shows are also staged. Shows times are 9.00 a.m., 11.00 a.m., 12.00 noon, 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. Admission: 250 baht. Tel. 0 3875 6367, 0 3875 6570 for more information.

Soi Chaiyaphruk (off Highway #3) tel. +66-38756367 / +66-38756570. Features monkeys trained to harvest coconuts and undertake other tasks. Also stages cockfighting (a traditional Thai bloodsport) and a snake show. Open daily, shows 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00 - admission 250 baht.

International Snake Show, Sukhumvit Road (39/4 Moo 5 - near the junction with North Pattaya Road) tel. +66-38731586 / snake_show@hotmail.com

Khao Kheow Open Zoo (35 km north of Pattaya) tel. +66-38298270 [29]. A huge zoo with about 8000 animals of 300 species. Open daily - 08:00-18:00, 50 baht/adult, 10-15 baht/child; Night Safari 19:00-20:00, 100 baht/adult, 50 baht/child.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo [30], 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Si Racha (30 minutes from town centre); tel. +66-38296556. A zoo with various shows.

Thai Alangkarn Theater - Pattaya [31], Thai Performing Arts in a Panoramic Concept, The entire project includes a prototype 70 meters Hexa Stage Theater with 2,000 seats in tiers, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant with 1,000 seats. open daily except Wednesday. Show time 18.00 hrs. Located on km 155 Sukhumvit road from South Pattaya to Sattahip,; tel. +66 (0)38 256007. 038 256 000.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of town centre); tel. +66-38429321, [32]. Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants and so forth - enough to fill an entire day. 200 baht for locals, 400 baht for foreigners.

Siriphon Orchid Farm (สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร) is situated at 235/14 Mu 5, Noen Phlap Wan Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Turn left for 800 metres from Sukhumvit Road, diagonally across the Pattaya Klang Intersection. Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 9013, 03842 1536.

Saithip Butterfly Garden, 79/5 Moo 11 Bangpra-Khaokheow Road, Bangpra Sriracha; tel. +66-99365339. Open 8AM-5PM. Admission for foreigners: 100 baht/adult, 60 baht/child.

Museums

Bottle Art Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปในขวดแก้ว) This small museum is located at km 145 on Sukhumvit Road., of Highway No. 3. As its name implies, it specialises in glass bottle containing elaborately crafted creations, including the usual vessels. The exhibits are the works of the Dutch master, Peter Bedelais. Open daily from 8.30 a.m.-20.00 p.m. Admission fee is 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. (the bottle museum is seriously out of service - there are no bottles there at all -- 2009 April 16)

79/15 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, Nongpler; tel. +66-38422957, +66-38415783 [33]. More than 300 miniatures in bottles, open 08:00-20:00.

Open Eyes, 2nd floor of Pattaya Bazaar, 266/52-53 North Pattaya Road; tel. +66-38362077. "The Great Experience Behind The Magical", a lot of technological magic and illusion shows. Open 15:00-23:00; show time 3PM-11PM; Spy Zone show time 3PM-10PM.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum (tel. +66-38710294 /8) is on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza. Access from both Second Road (you can't miss this side - there's a large aeroplane protruding from the upper floors) and from Beach Road. Different prices for Thais (280 baht/adult, 230 baht/child) and for others (380 baht/adult, 280 baht/child) not based on citizenship or residency status but race; at the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available, all dual-priced - for Thais (480 baht/adult, 380 baht/child) and foreigners (780 baht/adult, 680 baht/child) to enter all four. Open daily 11AM-11PM.

NOTES: It really is believe it or not, when an American company likes Ripleys have a two-tiered priced system!

Other places to go in the Ripley’s World of Entertainment

1. Four-Dimensional Cinema (โรงภาพยนตร์ 4 มิติ) is a cinema of the future with a special system, creating a feeling of being in an actual situation among the viewers. Entrance fee is 200 Baht.
2. The Miracle Labyrinth (มหัศจรรย์เขาวงกต) Witness the modern special effects of lights, colours and sounds in the 16 rooms, as well as, admire the beauty of the mysterious dimensions and illusions. Entrance fee is 380 baht.
3. The Haunting Warehouse (โกดังผีสิง) Take an adventure in one of the 5 biggest coffin warehouses of the world. Entrance fee is 380 baht.

The admission fee package is 1,340 baht for adults and 1,240 baht for children. For more information, Tel. 0 3871 0294-8 or Bangkok Office Tel. 0 2247 0777. It is open daily from 11.00 a.m.–11.00 p.m.

Sacred places

Buddha Hill (between Thappraya Road and Phratamnak Road; 5-10 minutes by songthaew) is one of the highest points in Pattaya. At the summit is the biggest Buddha statue in Pattaya, and nearby is a beautiful Chinese-style sacred area dedicated to Confucius and Lao-zi. The next hill, just across the Phratamnak Road, has the best Pattaya Bay coastline viewpoint and is also worth a visit, especially for sunset.

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The entrance is at Soi 12, Na Kluea Road., 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 is open daily from 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht.

206/2 Moo 5, Soi 12, Naklua Road, Naklua; tel. +66-38225407 / +66-38367229 [34]. An unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. The main attraction is a huge ancient-style wooden temple; nearby is a small dolphinarium with dolphin shows at 11:30AM and 3:30PM.

Theme parks

Gems Gallery, 555 Moo 6, North Pattaya Road, tel. +66-38371222. One of several "World's Biggest" jewelry stores, this one also has a theme park.

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) (15 minute drive from central Pattaya) [35]. Features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8AM-18:30PM.

This popular attraction is 9km from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at km 140. Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. 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 7 times a day from 9.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. 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 www.thaistonepark.org for more information.

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) [36] is on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33, and features miniature replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and all over the world. is located at km 143 on Sukhumbit Road., Highway No. 3, North Pattaya, Mini Siam is one of famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Minature 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.

Three Kingdoms Theme Park, The Three Kingdoms Park (อุทยานสามก๊ก) is a beautiful attraction full of the Sino-Thai architectural style, covering an area of 36 rai. It was originated from the idea of Khun Kiarti Srifuengfung, a leading Chinese businessman of Thailand. The art objects in this place is in accordance with the Chinese Fengshui, comprising of a 5-storey building, displaying oil paintings of the life story of Kong Ming, as well as, Jiangxi sculptures of leading characters from the chronicle in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The uppermost storey is the Buddha image hall and a sightseeing spot. Moreover, there is another building where there is a 4 metre-marble-engraved Bodhisattva Kwan Yin sculpture, Kuan Yu God, as well as, a fine art corridor where there are paintings on tiles depicting the major episode of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It is open everyday from 10.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it opens until 6.00 p.m. Entrance fee is 150 baht for adults and 80 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1428-9 or Bangkok Office at Tel. 0 2633 8114-5 or www.3kingdomspark.com for more information:

100 Moo 9, Tambon Pong; [37]. Adjacent to Horseshoe Point (20 minutes from Pattaya), this is a Chinese-style garden filled with pagodas, murals and figures from the Chinese epic San Guo Zhi, and more an expression of filial piety than a theme park. Perhaps worth a quick look on a slow day, but unlikely to offer much to visitors not familiar with the story. 60 baht/adult, 30 baht/child.

Other Places to Go

Cabaret Shows (คาบาเร่ต์โชว์) There are two venues of transvestite cabarets in Pattaya.

Alcazar Cabaret (อัลคาซ่าร์ คาบาร์เร่ต์), Pattaya 2 Road., Tel. 0 3841 0225-7, 0 3842 8746. Showtimes: 6.30 p.m., 8.00 p.m., 9.30 p.m. Admission: 500 and 600 baht.

Tiffany Show (ทิฟฟานี่ โชว์), Pattaya 2 Road., Tel. 0 3842 1700-5, 0 3842 9642. Showtimes: 06.00 p.m., 07.30 p.m. and 09.00 p.m. Admission: 500, 700 and 800 baht.

Tuxedo Magic Castle (ปราสาทเวทมนต์ ทักซิโด) is located at 78/16-17, on Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. It is a magical theater in the form of a split-level restaurant. There are series of shows such as making an umbrella out of cards. It is open everyday, 3 rounds a day at 7.00 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. On Saturday and public holidays, there is also a 5.30 p.m. round. Admission fee is 450 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 3848 8880 or www.tuxedo-magic.com.

Open Eyes Show (เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์) is on Pattaya 2 Road, opposite the Tiffany Show. It is a magic performance in various styles such as Aladdin, the Mermaid, Invisible Woman, the Wonderland, etc. Each category of performances will be shown in rotation. The admission fee is 600 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Tel. 0 3836 2077-79 Fax. 0 3836 2075.

Pattaya Park and Tower (สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค) Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Tower at Chom Thian features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. A Ticket for tower visit costs 200 baht. Open daily from 10.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m. On Saturday, it opens until 8.00 p.m. The Entrance fee of tower is 100, 200 baht for adults Tel. 0 3836 4110-20 or 0 2579 9612-4 or www.pattayapark.com for more information.

Ko Lan (เกาะล้าน) or Coral Island: This island is 7.5km from South Pattaya, about 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat. Tourists prefer a swim and enjoy watersports along several beaches. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the island. Hat Thonglang and Hat Ta Waen are popular beaches for its bustling atmosphere, aquatic sport gear, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samae offer a more restful atmosphere. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats or skin-diving to view coral reefs in front of Laem Thian. At the southend of the island is Hat Nuan, Hat Samae, Hat Ta Waen and Hat Thian where a hotel is situated. It is another spot for viewing corals.

How to get there: A ferry service departs Laem Bali Hai Pier to Ko Lan everyday. Departure time is from 7.00 a.m.-6.30 p.m., while the arrival trips leave Ko Lan from 6.30 a.m.-6.00 p.m. It costs 20 baht. The boat will stop at Na Ban Pier. In case of going to other beaches, a long-tailed boat can be rented or a taxi can be hired. Furthermore, speed boats for 10 persons are available along Pattaya beach. Visitors can stop at Ta Waen Beach and Thong Lang Beach. The rental fee for the speed boat is 2,500-3,000 baht or depending on the agreement. Note: Prices stated above are subject to change without notice.

Ko Sak (เกาะสาก) Six hundred metres north of Ko Lan is Ko Sak, a small island shaped like an upturn horseshoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Accommodation is available.

Mu Ko Phai (หมู่เกาะไผ่) is 23km from Pattaya beach comprising Ko Phai, Ko Man Wichai, Ko Lueam and Ko Klueng Badan. Ko Phai is the biggest one and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Along the island lie perfect coral reefs suitable for scuba diving. How to get there: a tour boat can be rented at Pattaya beach. There are those for 20-80 people or speed boats for 20 people. The rental rate depends on the size of the boat and the destination. Visitors cannot stay overnight and ought to prepare food and water by themselves.

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) (เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน)) whose entrance is a bit prior 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.

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5km. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. 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. For more information, Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is a place where the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area are located. For more information, Tel. 0 3823 8060.

Amphoe Sattahip

On the last curvy bay of Chon Buri is situated the Royal Thai Nabal Base. Presently Sattahip is simply small fishing town by the sea. Domestic tourists come to pay homage to Wat Luang Pho I, a renowned Buddhist monk. Its big squid pier at Samaesan is still viable.

Alangkarn Theater (โรงละครอลังการ) [38] Located at Km. 155 on Sukhumvit Road, it is a unique Thai performing art collection area which can be divided into 3 parts; namely, Theater comprising of the Glittering Horoscope Balcony and the Bell Tower, “Alangkarn” Restaurant decorated with modern arts and providing visitors with Thai and international cuisines, Cultural Rostrum and Souvenir Shops, an area presenting Thai games, as well as, demonstration of products of local intellect, and “Alangkarn” Lake, reflecting the local Thai lifestyle, with a floating market for visitors to purchase fruits and Thai desserts. The Alangkarn Theater is open everyday except Wednesday from 5.30 p.m.-11.00 p.m. The performance starts from 6.30 p.m.-8.30 p.m. taking about 1¼ hours. The entrance fee is 1,000-1,400 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 3825 6000 or Bangkok Tel. 0 2216 1869-71, 0 2216 1949 or.

The Laser Beams Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan (พระพุทธรูปแกะสลักเขาชีจรรย์) is on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6km 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. The image called “Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada” was constructed in 1996 to honour His Majesty the King. 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.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Resort (สวนนงนุช) About 18km south of Pattaya, with a left turn from Sukhumvit Road., at Km. 163, Nong Nooch Garden is a sprawling recreation park in typical Thai settings. Groups of traditional Thai houses and gardens of different plants, for example, an orchid garden, a palm garden, a banana garden, a bonsai garden, a cactus garden and a heliconia garden, are dotted around the beautifully landscaped site. A zoo and a butterfly garden are also in the compound. There are daily cultural and elephant shows attracting crowds of delighted visitors. Show times are 9.45 a.m. 10.30 a.m. 03.00 a.m. 3.45 p.m. and holiday 2.45 a.m. Admission: 400 baht. Tel. 0 3842 9321, 0 3842 9958, 0 3870 9358-62 or Bangkok Tel. 0 2252 1786. The admission fee to the garden is 100 baht, while that including the performance is 400 baht. Moreover, the garden provides a tram for touring around costing 20 baht per one round per person. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 9321, 0 3842 2958 Bangkok Tel. 0 2251 2161, 0 2252 1786.

Bang Sa-re (บางเสร่) This is a fishing village some 16km south of Pattaya, with a right turn at km 164. South of Bang Sa-re is a deep bay suitable for angling. To the north are accommodation and dining facilities along the beach.

Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I ((วัดสัตหีบ หรือ วัดหลวงพ่ออี๋) is in Sattahip Sub-district. Its back side is next to the sea. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama V by Luangpho I or Phrakhru Worawet Muni who possessed knowledge of meditation and was the comforter for local in their difficult times. Therefore, the monk was highly respected among the locals. They, therefore, cast an actual-size statue of him residing inside the Ubosot. Hat Toei Ngam (หาดเตยงาม) Lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200 metre crescent beach add to the tranquillity of the atmosphere. The northern side of the beach is located a naval museum and monument. Toei Ngam Beach is under the navy’s supervision. It is, however, open to the general public from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday.

Hat Dong Tan (หาดดงตาล) Next to Sattahip Market is the curvy bay with lines of fan-palms call.ed “tan” trees from which the name of the bay is derived. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the bay attracts local regulars who would like to take a rest.

Hat Sai Kaeo (หาดทรายแก้ว) is a beautiful beach under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy and is near the Naval Rating School. Accommodation for tourists is provided. For more information, Tel. 0 3843 6187 Ext. 2201-2. Hat Nang Ram (หาดนางรำ) Situated close to the Sattahip deep-water port, Nang Ram beach is about 200 metres long. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy. The atmosphere is very peaceful with shadowy pine trees and lines of frangipani trees.

Hat Nang Rong (หาดนางรอง) is a little beyond Hat Nang Ram. It is a 200- metre beach with pine trees, suitable for swimming and relaxation. There are various beach accessories for rent such as a hammock for 30 baht, a football for 20 baht and a takro for 10 baht. It is open every Saturday and Sunday, as well as, public holidays. The entrance fee is 20 baht for a car, while 10 baht for a motorcycle.

Hat Thian Tale (หาดเทียนทะเล) is a new tourist destination under the supervision of the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Royal Thai Navy. It is a sandy beach alternating with rocks, covering an area of 900 metres. It is a panoramic sightseeing point, with a bizarre shape of cliffs where a view of the sunset on the horizon can be admired. Moreover, there are various kinds of marine plants for study, kayaks for rent, as well as restaurants for food and beverage. For more information, please contact the Queen Sirikit Hospital, ext. Air and Coastal Defence Command at Tel. 0 3824 5760.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. His Majesty the King named the ship “Chakri Naruebet” meaning the Sovereign of the Chakri Dynasty. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width. It is equipped with modern weapons, as well as, long-range surveillance radar. 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. For more information, Tel. 0 3843 8547-62 ext. HTMS Chakri Naruebet.

Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy (ศูนย์อนุรักษ์พันธุ์เต่าทะเล กองทัพเรือ) [39] 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, VDO 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.

Chong Samaesan Village (หมู่บ้านช่องแสมสาร) Chong Samaesan is another village offering good fishing opportunities. It is located some 17km further from the Sattahip deep-water port. There are bungalow-type accommodations and tourists can charter boats to enjoy fishing around the nearby islands. These entire small islands are under the jurisdiction of the navy.

Suan Chunlakan Sathit Sathan Banphachon Siam (สวนจุลการสถิตสถานบรรพชนสยาม) is a park built for Admiral Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak in 1995. It is situated at Mu 1, Tambon Phlu Ta Luang where a shrine and statues of Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak and significant persons in Thai history as well as revered Buddhist monks in the past are situated. The park is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.

Ecotourism Destinations

Coral Reef Submarine Tours In Pattaya, there are both submarines and semi-submarines for tourists to admire the beauty of the coral reefs underwater in the areas of Ko Lan and Ko Sak. There are private companies providing services as follows:

Pattaya Pakarang Semi-submarine (เรือพัทยาปะการังเซมิซับมารีน) Board a submarine at the company’s Pattaya Office at 125 Soi 4, Beach Road, North Pattaya. Admire the coral reef beauty underwater at Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 1,800 baht for an adult and 900 baht for a child. A lunch is included for every seat. For more information, please contact the Pattaya Pakarang Semi-submarine Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 1001 or Bangkok Tel. 0 2503 3791.

Pirom Submarine (เรือดำน้ำภิรมย์)) [40] is located at 311/7, Mu 10, Pattaya Tai Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a ferry to the floating station at Ko Sak to get on a submarine. It is a submarine diving to a depth of more than 25-30 metres to admire the coral reefs underwater at Ko Sak. It costs 2,000 baht for an adult and 1,500 baht for a child. The submarine leaves every hour on Saturdays-Sundays and public holiday. on Monday-Friday it leave at 10.30 a.m., 11.20 a.m., and 1.00 p.m. For more information, Contact the Vimantaitalay Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 5234, 0 3841 5335.

Hi-tech Submarine (เรือดำน้ำไฮเทคซับมารีน) is at 212 Mu 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Road, Pattaya Tai, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a speed boat to get on a submarine, which will take you to a depth of more than 15 metres underwater to admire the beauty of the soft corals in blue, green and violet colours, and coralline and yellowtail fusilier under the sea between Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 2,500 baht per person. There are 2 rounds at 11.00 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. For more information, Tel. 0 3836 2460-1, 0 3871 1230-1 or E-mail: h.submarine@gmail.com.