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Beaches & Islands
 Pattaya
Beach
A curving 4 kilometre beach on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya can
be split into three main areas. South Pattaya is the hub of Pattaya's
nightlife with shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons,
supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs and
general action.
As you progress northwards, the tree-lined promenade lined by
hotels, shops, department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars
and nightclubs, gradually gives way to a less developed more tranquil
area. Accommodation can be found along all areas of the beach.
Naklua beach
Immediately north of Pattaya, is much quieter with a fishing
harbour and local population making a living from fishing. It
doesn't have as many restaurants or expensive resort hotels as
it's neighbour to the south, nor the rowdy nightlife, but all
these are available for the a 10 Baht ride into Pattaya beach.
(About 20 minutes by Songtaew - the local style taxi)
Jomtien Beach
Around the headland about 2 kilometres south of Pattaya,
Jomtien is quieter and less congested but has good accommodation
and restaurants. More toned down than Pattaya, it's becoming more
popular, especially for water sports (Thailand's No.1 windsurfing
spot) and activities because of its long straight coastline and
fewer boats anchored in the area.
Bang Saen Beach
Around 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi. Very local Thai
style with drinks and seafood snacks such as dried squid, mussels
and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale from the street vendors
along the sea front. Deck chairs and rubber rings can be rented.
The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved
to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen offers several hotels
and bungalows.
Islands
Around Pattaya are some small offshore islands which have beautiful
beaches, clear water, and coral. You can reach the islands either
by taking a tour which includes for example, snorkelling, or hire
a boat from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Costs vary according
to your bargaining skills, destination and the type of boat.
Koh Larn
Ko Larn or Coral Island, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat
or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya's offshore
islands. Major attractions include sightseeing tours along coral
reefs viewing from a glass-bottomed boat, snorkeling, scuba diving,
windsurfing, skiing, and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood
restaurants on the island's main beaches. Deep sea fishing can
be arranged to Ko Larn's neighboring islands such as Ko Phai and
Ko Sak. Good for a day out.
Koh Phai
Beyond Ko Lan another 40 minutes sail is an island currently under
the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight
here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are open during the
day.
Koh Sak
Only 600 metres from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is a tiny island
shaped like a horseshoe. Its two beaches, are a usual stop for
tourists to swim. There's also a coral reef in front of the beach.
Ang Sila Or Ang Hin
Is a fishing village about 5 kilometers away from Chonburi. Ang
Sila was formerly one of the oldest seaside resorts. The village
is famous for its cottage industry, producing stone mortars
and animal sculptures, like elephants, horses and tigers. Ang
Sila also boasts a number of restaurants. Local handicrafts are
also available for sale to tourists.
Koh Krok
A small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately
8 kilometres from the shore. The island is mainly visited for
for coral viewing.
Events & Festivals
Pattaya Festival - April
Usually held in the middle of April to promote tourism. The festival
includes a parade with floral floats, a Miss Pattaya beauty contest,
sports contests, sandcastle competitions, arts and cultural performances,
exhibitions, a spectacular fireworks display on the beach, and
souvenirs for sale.
Koh Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival - April
Based on an ancient tradition practiced by generations of Tambon
Saensuk residents, formerly called the Wan Lai Merit-Making Ceremony,
the festival attracts villagers from various places to gather
to make merit for the Thai New Year (Songkran). Monks from every
temple in Tambon Saensuk congregate to perform religious rites
that start with merit-making and food-offering and the bathing
of Buddha images. These are followed by other activities such
as building sand stupas, water-throwing, games and folk sports.
Located at Bangsaen.
Chonburi Buffalo Race - October
An age-old tradition in the Province of Chonburi held annually
in October. On the day of the festival, farmers bring in their
buffaloes draped with multi-coloured satin cloths, and gather
on the lawns of the Provincial Hall. Buffaloes are entered in
races, best-decorated and best looking buffalo competitions. There's
also a beauty contest where girls compete for the title of "Nong
Nang Ban Na" or beautiful farm maiden.
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