There are plenty of well appointed outdoor theme parks, animal parks and gardens to visit around Pattaya.
Snake shows, elephant show, monkey training, crocodile farm, tiger zoo,
aquarium, butterfly garden, horse rides, beautiful landscaped gardens and
museums are some of the outdoor attractions which indicate that Pattaya
is not just party city. There is something here for the whole family to
share and enjoy.
Nong Nooch is a huge garden village located 15 km south of Pattaya (turn off Sukhumvit near Km 163). The gardens cover an area of around 500 acres.
Make sure you have plenty of time when you visit. If you like gardens you will certainly want to stay at least half a day. I enjoyed the cactus, bromeliad and orchid nurseries.
There is a cultural show which includes elephants graceful Thai dances, and multitalented performers.
There is also a small zoo where the visitor can have close contact with monkeys and tigers. Nong Nooch is one of the few venues which does not impose the two tier entrance fee. That is foreigners and Thais pay the same amount.
If
you plan to visit Nong Nooch you could stop off at this site
on the way. The Wat is located 12 Kilometers south of Pattaya just
3 kilometers before Nong Nooch.This temple is patronised
by the King and is unique for it's modern Thai architecture. Allow your self enough time, about one hour, for this visit.
Take a short walk through the elegantly landscaped garden to the marble pagoda at the rear and you will soon realise why meditation courses are held in the grounds. There is no entrance fee. Remember to wear suitable attire for a temple visit. More details about the meditation courses in After-The-Rush e-book
This
predominantly Chinese museum is located 12 kilometers south of Pattaya
across the lake from Wat Yansangwararam. It is immaculately cared
for with lots of bronze life size sculptures of Chinese Emperors
and warriors. There is also an interesting scale model of the "Lost
Army" The entry fee of fifty baht is good value.
Pattaya Elephant Village
51/1 Soi Siam Country
Club Rd Moo2
Tel: 038 249818, 038 249174-5
This
is a convenient location to see elephants in action and elephant show. The village is located
off Siam
Country Club Road on the way to the golf course. If you are driving yourself
just follow the signs. The elephants will demonstrate their lumber moving
skills, play a game of elephant footy and participate in a reenactment
of the ancient war parade.
The mahouts (elephant trainers and carers)
will also demonstrate how wild elephants were captured. There is one
show daily at 2.30 p.m. The show lasts about one and a half hour.
This
is the third miniature town in the world built after those
in the Netherlands and Taiwan that brings together models
of important objects and historical sites from different
cultures and civilizations spanning various periods from
ancient times till the present. More than 100 models, each on a scale of 1:25, are displayed in a natural setting. The whole site occupies 29 rai (about 12 acres).
Open Daily, 09.00 - 22.00 hours.
Admission fee 200 B
Information 0 3872 6201-3
Located on over 70 acres of land about 15
minutes drive from Pattaya, the Million
Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm is a striking tourist attraction
arduously created over a 20 year period.
It contains much more than what its name suggests. It is not
only a living museum of curious and beautiful things of
the three kingdoms-animal, vegetable and mineral, but it
also offers you several kinds of amusing and exciting shows
such as the crocodile show pictured here.
If you have never ridden an elephant you will have a chance to at the Million
Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm. Pony rides are also available.
Attractions Thousands of
crocodiles, both saltwater and freshwater, living in shady natural
surroundings.
Giant catfish, the biggest freshwater fish in the world weighing up to
500 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.
Tigers,
horses, cows, crocodiles, elephants, camels, lions, bears, monkeys
and several species of deer.
Eastern Sarus Cranes, emus, cassowaries and over 20 ostriches, the largest
group in Thailand
This
is a well kept 18 hole golf course situated several kilometers into
Soi Siam Country Club off Sukhumvit Rd.
Accommodation is available at the club in a bush land setting on the
hill. A small stream runs through a few of the fairways.There is also
a driving
range at the club.
341 Moo 5 Soi Nernplubwahn Sukhumvit
Rd
Tel: 038 730608
Lots of snakes on display and an entertaining show.
Hissssss.
The Sanctuary Of Truth
206/2 M5 Naklua Rd
Tel: 038 367229-30
Open 8:00 till 17:00
This is a showcase of the skills of Thai wood carvers.
The temple is made of wood and is more than one hundred meters high.
That's equal to the height of a twenty story building.
The images,of which there are many,are elaborate and beautifully designed replicas of ancient art.
Set on a land area of 32 acres which includes a dolphin enclosure. Dolphin show times are 11.30 and 15.30
Underwater World Pattaya
Underwater World Pattaya is a showcase of various marine life. Located
on Sukhumvit Road South Pattaya, it complements the many other educational
and recreational activities available here. When you visit Underwater
World you are taken into a see through perspex tunnel a few meters under
the water.
You can view underwater life such as sharks, stingrays, turtles,
starfish, seahorses, many species of fish, seaweed, and colored coral.
Get a close up view of a hugh stingray as it glides through the water
above you. Observe your feelings when you are underwater face to face
with a 6 foot shark.
The aquarium is divided into 4 sections probably to segregate preditors
and prey.
Located on Sukhumvit Road South Pattaya just past South Lotus shopping
center travelling south. It is a white tent shape building on the same
side of the road as Lotus. Special advice in our e-book.
