Things to do in Pattaya

Pattaya is one of the premier travel destinations of Thailand and is located along the gulf of Thailand. This popular Thai beach resort area has plenty to offer travelers and tourists. If you decide to spend your vacation in Pattaya then you will certainly never have a dull moment.

If you would like to spend some time in this wonderful resort town then be sure to visit some of the attractions listed in this article. You will definitely have an unforgettable holiday experience.

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum

This excellent museum is popular with both adults and kids. The collection at this popular Pattaya attraction includes a wide array of weird and unusual items. There is also a really great theater located at the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. If you would like to visit this popular attraction then please visit the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza.

Underwater World

The Underwater World aquarium is the latest major tourist attraction which has opened its doors in Pattaya. It is one of the largest aquariums in all of Asia. Visitors can view over four thousands marine animals at the Underwater World aquarium. If you would like to visit this excellent aquarium then please note that opening hours are daily from 09:00 until 18:00.

Sriracha Tiger Zoo

Whenever I visit Pattaya I always plan a visit to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. This rather unique Thai zoo is home to over two hundred tigers and over a hundred thousand crocodiles! There are also many other types of animals at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo including elephants, wallabies and camels. Opening hours at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo are daily from 09:30 until 18:00.

Water Park

One of the most popular attractions among kids is most definitely the water park which is located next to the Pattaya Park hotel. Visitors can enjoy a variety of different slides, whirlpools and Jacuzzis.

Tiffany

The Tiffany cabaret is one of the most famous ladyboy cabaret shows in the world. This popular cabaret show is suitable for both kids and adults. There are three shows a day at Tiffany and tickets cost between five hundred and seven hundred Thai Baht.

Siriporn Orchid Farm

If you would like to get to know more about Thailand then only its nightlife then perhaps you should plan a visit to the Siraporn Orchid Farm. This wonderful Pattaya tourist attraction is home to a wide range of orchids including Pompadours and Vandas.

About the Author

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section on Phuket bars.

Scuba Diving Around Pattaya's Far Islands

As the far islands are uninhabited and a little further from Bangkok the visibility tends to be marginally better than at the Near Islands. All of the Far Islands have large amounts of Jacks, Trevellys, Barracuda, Rabbitfish, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Wrasse, Gobi's and as with the near islands thousands of Damselfish, as well as some Giant Reef Rays, some up to 2 metres across. A variety of sharks can also be found in these sites.

Koh Rin: Koh Rin has three main dive areas each of which can easily support more than one dive. Hin Ton Mai also known as South Rock is a very popular dive spot as the fish life is very varied with lots of Moray Eels and Barracuda. There are plenty of both hard and soft corals, coral whips as well as very good invertebrate life such as nudibranchs, brittle stars and feather stars. This site has very good coral life down to 16 metres. Hin Khao also known as North Rock has as much coral life as South Rock and has lots of rock outcroppings that are homes to many sharks and eels. This is an excellent site for searching around for the more unusual nudibranchs, pipefish, razorfish and others that like to hide away. The site has good diving down to around 14 metres. Koh Rin bay. This site is, unlike the two rocks previously mentioned, part of the main island of Koh Rin. Although this site only goes down to a maximum depth of 12 metres it is well protected from currents and is therefore a nice relaxing dive when compared to both South and North Rock.

Koh Man Wichai: Koh Man Wichai has two excellent dive areas, the first of which 'The Wall' cannot be completed in one dive. The Wall is a 7 metre high coral wall that runs down from 9 to 23 metres and is a dive in itself. The area around the wall itself is an excellent dive site, you can start your dive from the bay and go out along the soft coral line at 18 metres, finish half of your allotted time and come back to the boat along the hard coral line at 12 metres, two environments in one dive !! As each environment is different with the larger fish among the soft corals this is for me the best dive to be had around Pattaya islands. The other dive site at Koh Man Wichai is called 'The Fingers', the fingers are a set a rocks stretching from land out to sea to a depth of 12 metres, the hard coral and fish life is very good and as there are five fingers ( but no thumb !!) it is like diving across a large hand.

Koh Hu Chang: Koh Hu Chang is a very small island that although quite shallow at around 10 metres has some very good corals and abundant small fish life. Koh Hu Chang probably has more sea anemones than either Koh Rin or Koh Man Wichai and as it is well protected from the wind is a good relaxing dive spot.

Koh Klung Bedan: Koh Klung Bedan is another small dive site that is also quite shallow, maximum coral depth being 12 metres. This dive site has many Staghorn and Table corals as well as Boulder corals that have many Christmas Tree worms. Koh Phai: Koh Phai or Bamboo Island is controlled by the Royal Thai Navy, who restricts the use of the beaches, but the small sheltered bay at the south of the island is ideal for beginners.

Please visit us for more information www.pattayadivers.com

About the Author

Adventure Divers is owned and operated by Robert Camp, an Earthman, born in France, citizen of the world, now living in Thailand and his partner Phillip Boyes, highly experienced in marketing, new to Thailand. They and the staff are committed to safe dive instruction and dive trips in a relaxing and enjoyable environment.

Political Downturn as Thailand Tourism Accelerates

Thailand recently won a prestigious award from Travel News, an independent Swedish travel trade tourist magazine. The 'Grand Travel Award' was presented to Mr. Manit Boonchim, a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) representative, at The Grand Stockholm Hotel in February 2009. This honor is considered to be the tourism equivalent of the Oscars, and Thailand has won it for eight consecutive years in the 'world's best country' category. This is certainly a high accolade and not to be downplayed in any way, and proves there is more to the Land of Smiles than meets the eye. Thailand and Scandinavia have long established a firm and fruitful relationship, with 378,387 Swedish tourists visiting the Kingdom during 2007, generating somewhere in the region of 25 Billion baht in revenue. 14.4 million Foreign nationals visited Thailand in 2007 alone from over 45 different countries. The official 2008 TAT figures have yet to be released, but the mood suggests a slight decrease in tourist numbers due to the worldwide economic problems. The downturn is clearly a widespread issue, which doesn't represent any failings on the part of Thailand as a major tourist destination in any way. And though businesses in Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai have noticed a minor drop in profits, thing are still carrying on as usual and tourists continue to flock to Thailand's four favorite tourist regions. Mike Parry, a U.K. expatriate bar owner in Phuket stated, "The Island is still the place to be, and visitors from all over the world are visiting Phuket in droves, spending big money, and the vibrant atmosphere is still the same as ever. To be honest, we are starting to notice an influx of visitors from more diverse countries than ever before." The majority of tourists come from Western European nations and Australia, but over the past two years there has been a dramatic rise of visitors from the Middle-East, China, Korea and Japan. This is an ever-growing market which Emirates Airline is quickly trying to accommodate by initiating a new Airbus A380 Megajet service from Dubai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Chumpol Silpa-archa, Minister of Sports and Tourism explained, "This launch reflects how much the airline expects visitors to increase to Thailand." TAT have projected that visitors from the Middle East will rise 6.5% in 2009, and Emirates must be commended for their vigilance and vision. All the major Airlines are also doing their utmost in combating the worldwide economic decline by providing value-for-money flights to encourage greater numbers to visit Thailand. For instance, Qantas/British Airways are beginning to offer special rates on economy tickets from Australia and the United Kingdom to Bangkok. From any major Australian city, British Airways are charging as little as 15,590bht, and 23,650bht from London for roundtrip economy tickets. The American travel market is also receiving welcome discount prices for economy roundtrip tickets to Bangkok. Northwest and Delta Air Lines are providing tickets from American Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Las Vegas and San Diego for as little as 20,000bht. Salt Lake City to Bangkok economy-class tickets are being offered from 26,500bht for the roundtrip. David Phelps, an American national who has been visiting Thailand two times every year for the past decade said, "I wasn't going to come to Thailand on vacation this year, what with the value of the Dollar and the economic hardships. But the airlines and Thailand themselves are making so much of an effort to drop the prices and encourage tourism, I have decided to make my usual pilgrimage to this beautiful country that I love very much." Repeat visitors make up more than one third of the Thailand tourism trade and this is not a coincidence. The magnetic allure of the country and its wonderful inhabitants is underestimated and is the foundation of the tourist industry. Long term visitors always joke, "Nobody visits Thailand only once." This type of repeat visitor already understands how the country works and is not so dependent on package holidays or hotel bookings. There is a reported 30% decrease in hotel occupancy, but when you take into consideration that so many repeat visitors are favoring self-catering short-term villa rentals instead of hotel accommodation, the industry is still very healthy. The Pattaya based holiday home rental company Thailand Holiday Homes has seen their figures rise a massive 32% in a two year period, providing a fascinating insight to the changing demographics of the tourist industry. Khun Nom, the Thai owner of Thailand Holiday Homes said, "We have many repeat clients and referrals due to the fact of giving excellent value for money, a free car for their personal use and 24 hour service. It seems that modern tourists prefer the privacy and freedom which a luxury self-catering rental villa provides." Whether you are a repeat visitor or a first timer, Thailand is the quintessential tropical paradise, with a colourful culture and an electric atmosphere, where people fall in love at first sight. Many tourists visit the Kingdom for a number of reasons that include beachside getaways, cultural excursions and the amazing diving conditions with beautiful coral reefs. Many western men fall in love with the country and the petite smiling females in particular. The feeling from the Thai women is mutual as a recent survey proved. The women of the Northeastern rural province of Isaan have long been famous for marrying western men. A recent survey which covered 484 women from the Northern provinces showed that a whopping 61% suggested they would like to marry a western man, not only because his wealth, but also for the respect and faithfulness they offer women. It doesn't really matter what your reason for visiting Thailand is, the country has showed massive resolve in combating the current economic problems of the world and is battling against adversity. Thailand will continue to win awards and accolades for being one of the world's favorite holiday destinations for a simple reason. People love this amazing country and the exotic allure of its culture, breathtaking scenery and the gracious attitude of its inhabitants.
by Thailand Holiday Homes

Attractions in Pattaya

Here we would like to give an overview of attractions available in and around Pattaya Attractions in Pattaya ● The Ko Lan Group of Islands is comprised Ko Lan, Ko Khrok and Ko Sak. ● Ko Lan situated to the west of Pattaya Strait, about 7.7 kilometers from the shore, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers. There are beautiful beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral, Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving down directly. A well-known beach is at Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the island, a 750 meters stretch of white sand with many stalls and shops. Sightseeing boats mostly dock in this area. There are also Laem Thian Beach and Samae Beach on the south-western side, each beach spanning a length of 700 and 100 meters respectively. Both are regarded as beautiful and interesting spots, especially Laem Thian Beach which has remained exceptionally clean and tranquil. There are now a few stores servicing visitors. TaPan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length with make-shift lodging available. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, sightseeing boats usually dock along this beach all the way to Laem Thian where there is coral. On the southern part is Nuan Beach 450 meters in length. On this beach is a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists. This is another good place for viewing coral. Apart from these beaches, there are also Laem Hua Khon Beach on the back and front sides, Laem Lamrae, etc., which are also interesting tourist spots. Popular activities on Ko Lan include swimming, coral viewing, Para-sailing, water-skiing, water scooter riding, etc. ● Ko Krok a small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately 8 kilometers from the shore. The island comprises mostly rocks. Only one sandy-beach on the east of the island is Ko Krok beach which is only 100 meters in length. This is an ideal place tor coral viewing. ● Ko Sak some 10 kilometers west of Pattaya Strait or 600 meters away from Ko Lan. Ko Sak is another small island shaped like a horse shoe with an area of 0.05 square kilometers. It has two beaches, one on the northern cover 250 meters in length, an area in which boats usually stop for tourists to swim and another one on the southern part of the island opposite the first island, with a pathway linking the two beaches, a small beach 80 meters in length. A coral reef is found at the area in front of the beach. Skin-diving is also possible in this vicinity. ● Ko Phai Group of Islands are comprised of Ko Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klung Badan, and etc., Ko Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. The Ko Phai group of islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and takes 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a light house on top of a hill at Ko Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral. Tourists interested in visiting all the island mentioned here can arrange to hire boats from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Large boats can carry between 20-80 passengers, speed boats carry 10-15 passengers. Rental fees cost between 1,000-5,000 Baht, depending on the spot one intends to visit as well as the size and type of boat. ● Pattaya Beach Some 4 kilometers long, this beach faces Pattaya Bay, the major venue from where boats visit Pattaya's offshore islands. The beach curves from the north to south and is largely paralleled by a tree-lined promenade and beach road which is lined, in the northern and central parts, by hotels and restaurants. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil, while the central and southern parts become increasingly lively, thanks to a juxtaposition of shops, department stores, boutiques. beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs. The central area of the beach is a major shopping area, while the southern end is one of Pattaya's major nightlife areas

● Jomtien Beach This 6-kilometres long, largely straight beach, some 4 kilometers south of Pattaya, is the most notable of several beaches south of the resort. The beach is popular with windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping inland from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than is Pattaya Bay. Jomtien is also a major residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants.

● Wong Phrachan Beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The 1 kilometer beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. A quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation. ● Khao Pattaya (Khao Phra Bat) A small hill with an asphalt road leading to the top. From its peak, one has a panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay. Currently, Khao Pattaya has been developed and is now the site of the Naval Sor Tor Ror radio station. A sacred Buddha image is also enshrined on the hilltop. ● Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park) is at foot of Pattaya hill on Phratani'uk Road. This small park, covering a large area, 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. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. On any given day, a large number of people will relax, jog, exercise or simple enjoy the scenery of Pattaya in this park. ● Mini Siam is on the left hand side at kilometer 143 on Sukhumvit Highway. This miniature city offers replicas of 80 sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand at a scale of 1 to 25. Some examples are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Sisanphet, Anantasamakhom Throne Hill, Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge, the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Golden Stupa and Phimai Khmer Sancturary. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the "mini-world" area such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, Trevi Fountain. Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. There is also a Mini Race Course (Go-karts) for visitors wishing to try their hand at racing fast cars. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038) 421628, 424232 (Pattaya) or 271-1896, 616-1533 (Bangkok), ● The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm is at number 22/2 Mu 1, Tambon Nong Pta Lai, Bang Lamung. From Sukhumvit, one turns left at kilometer 140 close to the pedestrian bridge in front of Wat Sawangfa along Chaiyaphonwithi Road (State Highway 3024) in the same direction as Mapprachan Reservoir for another 5 kilometers. This is an other popular attraction with Thai and foreign tourists. Covering a large area, the compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical of rare plants and beautifully landscaped grounds. Interesting sights include, for example, fossilized plants over a million years in age, 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals such as albino bears, elephants and horses. Crocodile round-ups, magic and animal performances are also a major attraction. Daily admission from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038)249347-9 (Pattaya) or Bangkok office, Tel: 579-5033, 941-3251-3 . ● Pattaya Water Park is on Thapphraya Road, Jomtien Beach. Pattaya Park offers an amusement park, a Jacuzzi and a gigantic slide. It is an ideal outlet for family relaxation. Pattaya Park Tower the first highest seaside tower and revolving restaurant. About 240 meters height that you can see Pattaya view, hotel and bungalow accommodation are also available. Call (038) 251201-8 for more information. ● Phanaraks Park situated on Pornprapanimitr Road turning left on Sukhumvit Road at Kilometer 145 for about 5 kilometers. A privately-owned resort, the garden has maintained a natural atmosphere with fish ponds • and fishing equipment available for rent. A swimming pool and accommodation in the form of tents and bungalows are on hand to serve visitors. Additional information may be obtained and reservations made by calling (038)259156 or the Bangkok office Tel: 5210763 ● Elephant Village situated on Pornprapanimitr Road on the same directions as Phanaraks Park and Siam Country Club Golf Course. The elephant village is a popular tourist spot for Thai and foreign guests alike. Daily performances by elephants and wild elephant round-up shows are held at 2.30 p.m. Shows last about 1 hour. Elephant jungle rides are also available. Additional information may be obtained by calling 01-2123225 or from the front desk at the Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 428645-6, 428516 ● Siriporn Orchid Farm Located at 235/ 14 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Pru, turn left off Sukhumvit adjacent to the traffic light intersection at Central Pattaya for 800 meters on to Noen-phlup-wan Road, the farm is on the right hand side. The farm offers a wide array of orchids such as catteleyas, vandas, daedrovium, escosanda, pompadours. Visitors can also purchase cut flowers or plants. Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (038) 29013 for more information. ● Bhira Interanational Circuit Race Course is an international car and motorcycle race course. It is situated on State Highway 36 (Pattaya-Rayong) about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City. Races take place regularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Additional information may be obtained by calling (01) 323-0616. ● Miniature Racetrack (The Pattaya Cart Speedway) situated on Thepprasit Road, which links Sukhumvit Highway and Pattaya-Na Jomtien Road, approximately 5 kilometers to the South o Patlaya. Separate tracks have been allotted for professional and amateur drivers. Open daily from 10a.rn.-7p.rn Tel: (038) 422044. ● Lakeland Water Cable Ski on Sukhumvit Highway, Kilometer 150.5, about 5 kilometers from Pattaya City. This is another venue for amusement and recreational sports that Pattaya has to offer. It comprises an enormous fresh water lake, with cable skis, a sport that is fast-going popularity. Open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Admissions fees: 300 Baht per person (for around 2 hours). Call (038) 232690-2 for more information. ● The Bottle Art contains an extensive collection of more than 300 pieces of artwork contained in glass bottles in the form of well-known tourist attractions, churches, temples, palaces, ships both Thai and foreign. These creations result from the tireless efforts of Dutch sculptor, Mr. Peter Bedelais who crafted the various intricate parts and assembled them in glass bottles of different shapes. Open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Inquiries may be directed to the Bottle Art 79/15 Mu 10, Sukhumvit Road (Kilometer 145.3) Tel: (038) 422957 ● Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum situated on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road. A display of Mr. Ripley's collection of curious objects from every comer of the world. Some of them being the actual item, others are replicas. These extraordinary objects are divided into over 250 categories, such as optical illusions, peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human torture from ancient time, etc. Open daily from 10a.rn.-12 midnight. Further inquiries may be made by calling (038) 710294-8. ● Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre located at Huai Sak Nok Reservoir at Kilometer 150 on Sukhumvit Highway, turn left into the lane next to the Green Way Golf Driving Range, for about 4 kilometers, Look for a sign indicating the entrance. Different types of aquatic sports are available and instructions are also offered for windsurfing, sailing, paramotors, para-gliders by course or by the hour. Certificates are conferred upon completion of the course by the Royal Yacht Association (RYC), a renowned British Institution. Restaurant facilities are offered and boats such as canoes, catamarans and kayaks are available for rent The atmosphere of the reservoir is relaxing and cool. Between the months of November and February thousands of teals, swallows, and herons migrate to this area. Those interested in these aquatic sports should call Khun Burnmng Ruamsap at 01-354-4986 or 946-7859, for additional information.

Welcome to Pattaya

Introduction

Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is Asias premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays. Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia. Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets. Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can.

Pattaya History

Fifty years ago Pattaya was a sleepy little fishing village, dwarfed by her neighbors to the North, Na Klua, to the South, Rayong. Its only claim to fame being that it had, in the 13th century, been a resting place for the battle forces of the great King Narai during his campaign to oust the Burmese invaders. From that overnight bivouac, Pattaya derives its name. Then came the Vietnam war and incursion of more benign foreign troops. Thailand supported the American efforts in the area! providing bases, manned by thousands of young America requiring rest and recreation.

How is it possible to fix the date of an historical trend? Whilst Pattaya had achieved some popularity with a few adventurous souls who braved the rough road from Bangkok to take advantage of the crystal waters, great diving and soon following them, beach bars and restaurants, let us take the time when, on the 29th June 1959, four or five transport trucks loaded with American G.I.'s arrived in the village of Pattaya on leave from their base at Nakhon Ratchasima. On arrival in Pattaya they rented houses belonging to Phraya Sunthorn which were along the southern end of Pattaya Beach, now know as the "Strip". The marines stayed for about a week and returned to base. Having had a great time in Pattaya With the friendly residents, they spread the word. A new group of marines kept arriving periodically and the village geared up to cater to their every need. This can be considered as the birth of Pattaya as a tourist resort.

Pattaya continued to grow in popularity at such a rate with both Thai and foreign tourists, that the local government could not cope with the administration. Administrative and infrastructure combination with Na Klua, took place in 1976 and the government promulgated the Pattaya City Act in 1978, there by joining Na Klua and Pattaya to form the fifth local government municipality. Thus was Pattaya City born, and thus, with an ever - increasing influx of visitors and residents from the burgeoning surrounding industrial estates, has she developed into what she is today.


Major Events

● 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).
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.

● Pattaya Festival
usually held at the middle of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets. The Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held as well as traditional aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.

● Chonburi Buffalo Races
is held in Chon Buri during October every year. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.