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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 small offshore islands which have beautiful
beaches, clear water, and coral. You can reach the islands
either by taking a tour which includes 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.
If you feeling like splashing out, charter a boat. A beautifully
restored Dutch colonial teak boat can be chartered for half
day cruise including lunch. Contact Gulf Charters
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 viewed 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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