Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa

Heading towards Pattaya at the top of Pattaya Hill as you leave Jomtien you will come to a set of traffic lights, turn left, after about 1 kilometer you will see a turn right to Big Buddha and left to the top of Pattaya Hill the home of Pattaya Radio and the monument to HRH Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi.

Admiral Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi or the Prince of Jumborn - formerly HRH Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (RamaV) was best known for his great contribution in developing the Royal Thai Navy. HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi always sought ways and means to develop and strengthen the capabilities of The Royal Thai Navy in order to make it as strong and modern as those of other European Countries. As a consequence of his progress the Ministry of the Navy was established in 1887 to oversee the growth of naval affairs. The Prince was later made Minister of the Navy.

On the 13th June 1900 the Prince of Jumborn was promoted to sub-lieutenant and given a new assignment as commanding officer of the "MURATHARADISAWAT" a Siamese naval ship. HRH Prince Krom Luang Jumborn Khet Udomsakdi was the first Thai Prince to be associated with the Royal Thai Navy and the first Thai naval officer to develop its organization keeping it in line with that of the western naval systems. He taught the naval tactics and strategies of European countries to the Thai Naval officers, training them to master the skills of seamanship. He also founded the Royal Thai Naval Academy and the Marine Engineering School. He is honored today as "The Father of the Royal Thai Navy"

This spectacular state-of-the-art theatre combines a 70-metre long show-stage, gigantic movie screens, a 30-metre water track for performances on water and advanced sound systems, which together produce one-of-a-kind cultural shows for audiences. Expect to witness a series of impressive cultural and musical shows by over 150 skilled performers. The theatre seats up to 2,000 visitors. Sukhumvit Road, K.M.155, Jomtien, Chonburi 20250, Tel: 038 256 007, Fax: 038 256 008. Open: 16.45-19.00 (Show start 18.00)

Experience the new ware of entertainment. You should not leave Pattaya without seeing our Alcazar Show. “The 8th wonder of the world” has been delighting audience for over 20 years. Thrilling millions with the laugher & impressions. You will experience the magic of Alcazar state of the art computerized lighting system & be dazzled by the effects of “Studio Colors & Circle Surround Sound DTS System”, to be entertained in grand style by over 400 crew of wonderfully talented artists & entertainers.

This is an unusual and interesting museum, displaying an array of glass bottles containing miniature replicas of world famous places including temples, churches, monuments and palaces. Tel: 038 422 957 Open: daily, 9.00 to 18.00

Pattaya offers year-round diving with a diverse selection of sites and excursions at comparatively low prices. A water temperature of around 28C all year round makes this a popular sport with both experts and beginners. Many beginners come here especially to learn at one of the several five star diving centres for a fraction of the cost of the equivalent training in their home countries. Courses range from one to four days, depending upon the proficiency you wish to reach and the type of diving you wish to learn.

There is a large selection of diving sites within easy reach of Pattaya, and most boats leave from either Pattaya or Jomtien. The most convenient and popular areas to dive are around the various offshore islands only a few kilometres from the mainland. The islands further from the shore take longer to get to but tend to be a lot quieter and do not suffer from the speedboat and jet-ski traffic of the islands closer to Pattaya.

This fun village is definitely a must, especially if you are travelling with children. Spectacular shows are on daily, wowing the audience with the smart training methods and remarkable ancient ceremonial re-enactments. Elephant rides are also available, both around the village and for longer treks. 48/20, Moo 7, Tambol Nong Prue, Pattaya City, Chonburi, Tel: 038 249 818, 249 853, 734 380, 734 470, Mobile: 081 811 4249, 081 865 7745, 081 295 7231, Fax: 038 249 657, Open: daily, 08.30 to 18.00

Abu Sarah Restaurant 363/29 Soi Saensamran( Soi 16) , South Pattaya, Pattaya Tel 038-422263	Arsit Labanon Restaurant 363/32 Soi Saensamran( Soi 16) , South Pattaya, Pattaya Tel 038-423848, 038-412956
Abu Kirm Restaurant Marine Plaza, Opposite Marine Masion, South Pattaya, Pattaya Tel 038-711133, 086-0077155	Amir Halal Foods 60 Moo10, Toatillan Mosque, South Pattaya road, Pattaya Tel. 038-373992, 087-1325088

Khao Chichan's
Engraved Buddha Image

The line-etched Buddha image on the cliff of Khao (Mount) Chichan is not only a Buddhist sacred object but also the largest effigy of its kind. Foreign tourists who see it will be amazed by such a magnitude scale.

The image was christened "Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada" by H.M. King Bhumibol. The name means "the Buddha is the prophet who enlightens and shines like a diamond."

Background
The effigy's engraving was conceived by Somdet Phra Yannasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch, in 1984. It was created to be presented to H.M. King Bhumibol as the Buddha image of his reign and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne in 1996.

Characteristics
This Buddha image in the maravijaya position is 130 metres high (from the base to the topknot) and 70 metres wide (from knee to knee). The art style is the mixture of Sukhothai and Lanna arts. Inside the Buddha image, relics of the Buddha are enshrined.

There are many small islands situated within sight and easy reach of Pattaya, but the most popular and largest one is Koh Larn, which has a regular ferry service during the day from Bali Hi Pier. Alternatively, many people, particularly those in a group, may prefer to hire a speedboat for the day to get to the other side of the island and to the more secluded islands as well. This option will be more expensive but gives you freedom to go island-hopping if you wish.

Koh Larn (Coral Island) is popular with foreign tourists, not only for the diving and snorkelling over the coral, but also for the quality of its white beaches and blue sea. In the winter season more than 5000 people a day go to Koh Larn, and it is as popular with Pattaya ex-pats as well as visitors.

Once you have reached Koh Larn, which is only eight kilometres from Pattaya, you can visit the mountainous forest which takes up nearly all the interior and features a large number of different types of trees and flora, or you can go to one of the numerous beaches, many of which are very quiet. The way to get around the island is by taxi or motorbike taxi, the same as in Pattaya.

Loy Krathong Festival, held according to the lunar cycle some time in November, is one of the most beautiful of the Pattaya festivals, where people go to the beach to float their krathongs, which are little banana leaf “floats” with a candle, incense sticks, a flower and a coin. People wish for good luck in the coming year as they watch their krathong float out to sea. Others release small candle heated traditional hot air balloons into the night sky. As the night progresses a vast armada of little candles bobbing on the sea and lights ascending into the sky can be seen.

Perfect for a family day out, featuring an array of jaw-dropping gardens with fascinating collections of plants, flowers and rocks. There’s also a fantastic zoo, home to rare species like albino bears and other animals including elephants, horses, tigers, lions and crocodiles. The animal shows are impressive and not to be missed. 22/1 Moo 1, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Tel: 038 249 347-9, 249 311, 249 302, Fax: 038 249 349, Open: daily, 08:00 - 18:30

Heedhayatus Zarigeen Mosque
133 Moo6, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi
Tel. 089-2478358
Imam name: Dohamid wangyor
Toatillan Mosque
58 Moo 10, South Pattaya, Pattaya, Chonburi
Tel. 081-7236959
Imam name: Chalee Toha
Darul imada Mosque
13/3 Moo 9, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi
Tel. 087-3368946
Imam name: Yoonan Areemeen

This huge garden is an ideal place to relax and unwind among beautiful flowers, plants and charming waterfalls. There is a lake where you can canoe and feed the fish and the orchid nurseries are fascinating especially for plant lovers. Thai traditional dancing performances, cockfighting shows and marital arts are on show daily. Head Office: Tel: 038 709 358-61, 238 158, Fax: 038 238 160, Pattaya office: Tel: 038 429 321, 425 748, Fax: 038 422 958. Open: daily, 08.00 to 18.00

Beaches are scattered around Pattaya. The most popular one is Pattaya Beach, which features plenty of water activities and is nice and central. A promenade lines the crescent shaped beach for several miles, which is ideal for jogging or roller blading. Around a headland to the south, Jomtien Beach is quieter and more peaceful, with a sandy beach and better quality water. There are also several nice private, smaller beaches dotted around the Naklua headland to the north, usually the domain of guests of the exclusive hotels here but open to all. All beaches in Pattaya offer a wide range of water sports and good facilities.

A bit different from this traditional festival and reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Pattaya is the annual Pattaya International Music festivals usually held around March. These three day event features an array of artists of different genres from not only Thailand but all around the world. In recent years artists from Korea and Japan have featured prominently. DJ’s also play an assortment of music to dance to. The event attracts a large young and vibrant crowd. It is worth making sure that hotels are booked early if you want to attend this event.

This might be the 8th wonder of the world, due to its wooden structure and intricate details. The Sanctuary of Truth has been under construction for over 25 years. It will take about 15 more years to finish its construction. Why does it take this long? To build a wooden structure as large and detailed as this, go through many processes. It is never finish because there always the maintaining parts that has already been done. So the process is finishing it and maintaining it. You’d have to see for yourself how large and detailed it is.

From the outside, it’s really appealing because you’d wonder what this place is. It doesn’t look that large from outside, but once inside you’ll feel small, because of the size of structure members and sculpture are huge. The sculpture and statues are from ancient eastern philosophy about life relationship with universe and common goal of life towards utopia. It is scary, because you’d feel all the statues are looking at you.

Surrounding the wooden structure is the sea and a garden with a sea water lake. By the lake there are scheduled dolphin shows and dolphin feeding. There are also horse riding and horse carriage offered to ride around the area

A cousin of those found in the US, this museum will excite your children with a variety of bizarre displays and themed galleries including something peculiar like a mask made from human skin and an African voodoo doll as well as other puzzling, mind-blowing facts and tidbits from around the world. 218 Moo10, Beach Road, Pattaya, Chonburi 20260, Tel: 038 710 294-8, Fax: 038 710 487. Open: daily, 11.00 to 23.00

Enjoy your first experience of diving to explore Underwater World by "Yellow Submarine." Sit tight and watch different fishs and coral under water while Scuba divers and marine-fishes will be accompanied us as well. Joining this tour will give you amazing experience during your visit to Thailand.

Depart from Balihai Pier cruising by boat around 20 minute to the Barge ship. Then come to the hightlight of the tour.

Only a 30-minute drive from Pattaya, this fascinating tiger zoo is home to more than 200 Bengal tigers and over 100,000 crocodiles. There are a number of activities and shows for you and your family to enjoy. Expect to see something extraordinary like women wresting with crocodiles or elephants playing basketball. Other animals include ostriches, Peruvian guinea pigs, wallabies and camels. 341 Moo3, Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi 20110, Tel: 038 296 556-8, Fax: 038 296 559, Open: daily, 08.00 to 18.00

The most equipped and largest ocean aquarium in Thailand, Underwater World Pattaya will delight both adults and kids alike with an array of fish tanks and its 100-metre-long, 6.4-centimetre-thick Plexiglas tunnel. The journey to the bottom of the sea starts from the sandy beaches and shallow rock pools at the water’s edge, from where you will be taken to witness beautiful corals and wonderful underwater creatures. 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260, Tel: 038 756 879, Fax: .038 756 875 Open: daily, from 9.00 to 18.00

The centre of night activity is the International Walking Street. Everyone who is in Pattaya for more than a day or so will be likely to come here, and the traffic congestion on Beach Road often means that it’s quicker to walk the last 100 metres rather than waiting in the traffic. Walking Street, at the southern end of Beach Road is a neon extravaganza with bars and restaurants, the seafood ones often being perched on stilts over the sea. It is pedestrianised after 6.30pm every evening.

You can see Thai boxing almost every night at several venues, and these are liberally advertised by flyers and posters. Street life is part of Thailand’s culture and you’ll be amazed by the numerous food stalls on the surrounding sois (small streets). Souvenir sellers and market traders set up wherever they can, along with street artists and some performers. Then there are the go go bars which spill out onto the lanes of Beach road, providing a lively atmosphere and some good people watching. Whether you want a really good seafood meal, or you just want to check out the walkers by sitting back in a bar overlooking them, or get a drink in a small bar, you are likely to see a cosmopolitan crowd in a friendly and safe environment.

As the heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes, Thai ancestors were wise enough to initiate the Songkran Festival as a way to cool off from the heat, celebrating Thai New Year at the same time. In the central region Songkran is usually held on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April whilst in the east the activities commence on the 18th and 19th April as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day) Jomtien and Pattaya hold their festival on the 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of soaking each other with water, foreigners do not escape they are a prime target.

Known as the landmark of Pattaya, this large resort hotel in Jomtien is home to a 240-metre high tower with three revolving restaurants. Enjoy breathtaking views from the restaurants or cable jump from a 170-metre high slide. Cable cars are also available for those who are not daredevils. Adjacent to the hotel is the famous Pattaya Water Park, with gigantic slides, a Jacuzzi, large pool for kids and whirlpools. This is the most convenient of the park's attractions in Pattaya to get to. 345 Jomtien Beach, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150, Tel. 038 251 201-8, 364 110-20, Fax: 038 364 129, 251 209, Open: daily, 11.00 to 22.00

This elegant Chinese construction in the vicinity of Wat Yannasangwararam is a centre of exquisite Thai-Chinese arts.

Built to be dedicated to HM King Bhumibol in 1987, Wihan Sian is an epitome of the harmonious blend of Buddhist beliefs, Taoism and Confucianism.

Collections of priceless antiques and works of art from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are on display here. Among others, Wihan Sian boasts the hard-to be-seen writing-brush calligraphy of Prince Pu Jie (Chinese Emperor Pu Yi's younger brother), on the signboard of the building which reads "Dan Fu Yuan", the Chinese name of Wihan Sian.

Under HM the King’s patronage, this exquisite temple boasts beautiful modern Thai architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Located about 20kms to the south of Pattaya, this park-like large temple is home to a pagoda which contains Buddha relics. Many magnificent buildings and monuments dot the area including Anekkuson Sala (Wihan Sian), which combines the architectural styles of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian beliefs and houses priceless antiques from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Open: always

Pinnacle Grand Jomtien Resort & Spa, Pattaya