Photo: pattayaguides.com

Underwater World Pattaya located on Sukhumvit road. This Under Water World offers several kinds of fishes where visitors can see very closely. A souvenir shop is located at the exit. At Underwater World Pattaya, visitors are taken on a ‘voyage to the bottom of the sea’ , which begins at the sandy beaches and shallow rock pools at the water’s edge. From here, they start their descent, passing brightly colored corals and all kinds of exotic ocean-dwellers along the way.

Finally they come to a spectacular 100 meter-long tunnel with acrylic windows, home to great shoals of fish, prowling predators and a host of other creatures that inhabit the ocean depths. The aquarium itself houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas. Top in the Visitors must-see list is the rare shovelnose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray.

Sources: underwaterworldpattaya.com

Pattaya, like Thailand’s other famous resorts, is very well organized. You can’t even get lost in Pattaya, the place so easy to find your way around. Pattaya is comprised of three bays, Jomtien Bay in the south, Pattaya Bay and Naklua Bay in the north. The Thailand Tourist Authority is practically right on the beach, near a huge 18 metre statue of Buddha on Big Buddha Hill.

Holiday activities

There are so many holiday activities at Pattaya you could spend days trying to make up your mind which you prefer:

• Wind surfing: There’s a choice of the three safe beaches, too. You can windsurf to lunch, in some hotels.
• Boating: Pattaya is within the Bangkok Bay area, a great place for boating and seeing the sights around this incredible place and the nearby islands.
• Paragliding: There’s high ground which will give you a bird’s eye view of the sea and the country around Pattaya.
• Culture tourism: Thailand’s culture is one of its treasures, and the more you see, the more you’ll appreciate how beautiful the country is.
• Elephant park: Real working elephants, and scenery to match.
• Crocodile park: The crocodiles are real, too, fascinating creatures. If you’ve ever seen a live crocodile, you’ll appreciate why these animals are such legends.
• Boxing: Boxing is a national sport, and the arena is just around the corner from the beach.
• Golf: If you’ve got a golfer in the family, they’ll be right at home.
• Flying club: The Pattaya Sport Flying Club is off the coast, on the other side of the main Sukhumvit Road. Another great way to see Pattaya.
• German Garden: The German Garden is on the Naklua Bay end of Pattaya, one of several German features in Pattaya, a picturesque feature in a beautiful place.
• Wooden Temple: The enchanting wooden temple is right on the head of Naklua Bay.
• Dining: Thai food is famous, and if your taste buds want a holiday too, they’ve come to the right place.
• Beaches: Three fantastic beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation are advised.
• Shopping and services: Thai shopping is another art form, and you can always find some bargains. There are also all sorts of services, including the legendary Thai massage.

All of this is within a few kilometers or so of your hotel, wherever you are in Pattaya. Come to Pattaya and have a ball.

Mini Siam had been started to research the project in 1985, and had been constructed in 1986 with more 29 Rais which separated to be Mini Siam, and Mini Europe. These miniatures are at the scale of 1 to 25. Located at kilometer. 143 on Sukhumvit Road of Pattaya.

Mini Siam is a re-creation in miniature of many of Thailand’s major tourist attractions, as well as reconstructions of a few structures from the past. Here you’ll find copies of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha from Bangkok, the ancient Khmer temple of Phimai in Nakorn Ratchisima province, and even Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport.

Upon entering Mini Siam, and before you get to the Thai portion, there’s also a front garden filled with miniature recreations of many notable monuments from around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Abu Simbel. Of course, there’s also some souvenir shops as well as a few side-show games.

To see everything in Mini Siam, you need about 2 hours. Drinks and snacks as well as souvenirs are sold at some shops inside the compounds. There is also a restaurant. It must be quit impressive to visit Mini Siam after dark, when all the miniatures are illuminated. But this is also the time when most tour buses unload plenty of sightseeing hungry tourists. If you like to enjoy all the beauties leisurely you may be better off in daytime.

Sources: mythailand.flaggy.ch, thailandforvisitors.com, minisiam.com, plenarypark-pattaya.com

Photo: pninaN

The good place to view coral is Nual Beach on the southern part of the island. Laemtien Beach and Samae Beach is on the southwestern side; two tranquil and serene beaches that will delight sun worshippers. The water is nice and clean and the sand nice and golden. You can snorkel, jetski, parasail or banana boat near here. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs, and freshly cooked Thai food.

Known as Coral Island and covering an area of about 4 square kilometres, you spend the day swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Enjoy the abundant coral and underwater world, either from the glass-bottom boat or by diving in. Price includes travel to and from Pattaya, transfer by boat to Koh Larn and Thai lunch. There are many activities here for visitors to enjoy, some include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, of course swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range located here.

Because the island is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to take a few snapshots. Coral Island is also very suited for bicycling and hiking, many bicycling events have been held here. Many movie production companies have used the island for movie shoots. There are many accommodations that will make you feel right at home here. Then there are the places to eat many right on the beach, serving up fresh, catch of the day sea food. Many visitors come to stay their entire vacation on Coral Island and return year after year, kind of a home away from home for some.

Sources: bangkok.com, virtualtourist.com

Photo: Robert Brandsø

The acrylic underwater passageway is divided into 3 zones. The first part is the “Reef Zone”. This features coral reef and an abundance of colorful fish that are relaxing to watch. The next zone is the “Sharks and Rays”, displaying sharks, sting rays, ray sharks and turtles among other creatures from the sea. The last is the “Shipwrecks Zone” featuring various kinds of fish that are edible.

The aquarium itself houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas. Top in the Visitors must-see list is the rare shovel nose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray.

Underwater World Event

The 1st Graffiti Competition, organized by Underwater World Pattaya would hold at Underwater World Pattaya on 22-23 August 2009. The competition will be on Saturday, 22 August 2009 from 18.00-22.00 hrs. and the announcement for winner prize will be on Sunday, 23 August 2009 at 14.00 hrs. You’re invited to be a part of this competition by voting to your favorite one.

Sources: biosman2, underwaterworldpattaya.com, tourismthailand.org