^{Mini Siam}

The Jomtien Beach has white sand and a very long coastline to enjoy. The beach is more peaceful here.

Along the straight beach road there are so many sourvenir shops, restaurants, food stalls, and good sea food restaurants are available, especially at almost the far end of the beach road.

The Elephant Village is a popular tourist spot for both local and foreign guests. Daily elephant round - up shows lasting about one - and - half - hour starts at 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Besides the show, an Elephant Back Trek and Combination Trek will make visitors to enjoy some lf the aspects of rural Thai life. The Village is situated on Pornprapanimitr Road in the same direction as the Siam Country Club Golf Course. All prices include pick up and return to the visitors’ hotel. Additional information may be obtained by calling 038 249 818 or the front desk at the Tropicana Hotel. Tel: 038 428 645 - 6, 428 516.

This is another popular attraction for Thai and foreign tourists. Covering and area of close to 40 acres, the compound comprises rock gardens and botanical garden with rare plants and beautifully - laid landscaping. Interesting sightseeing include, fossilized plants over a million years old, 200 - year - old Thai - style bonsai tree, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals like albino bears, elephants and horses. Performances include crocodile round - up, animal and magic shows are part of major attraction. It is located at Tambon ( village ) Nongpla lai, close to Pattaya. Tel: 038 249 347 - 9 .

The farm offers a wide array of orchids such as Catteleyas, Vandas, Daedrovium, Escosanda, Pompadours, among others. Visitors can also purchase cut flowers or plants. Its location is at Tambon ( village ) Nongprue, near Pattaya. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is 10 baht. Contact 038 429 013.

A new addition to Pattaya’s major attraction is a wheeled bogey ride into a man - made tunnel and witness a spectacular show in light and sound presentation of the glittering world of gems. It is dubbed “ Theme Park - Dark Ride “, the first of its kind in Asia that is controlled by a fully computerized system. The show features the bursting of a volcano into lava that explained the origin of the gems until crystallized and becomes mineral rocks, among other interesting stops that ended at the glittering finished products of the cut precious stones. It is situated at the Gems Gallery, the world’s biggest jewelry store, on North Pattaya Road. Admission is free. Tel: 038 371 222 - 31.

Covering an area of 600 acres ( 1,560 rais ) it was officially opened to the public in 1980. A long list of delightful attraction from the two man - made lakes to Bougainvillea Garden to Mini Zoo to the largest variety of orchids in Thailand and the list goes on. There are different type of restaurants and Thai - style teak wood bungalows for overnight stay in a tropical garden atmosphere. It takes about 20 25 minutes’ drive on a nice highway from Pattaya. Additional information may be obtained at its offrice on Pattaya Klang Road, opp. Nova Lodge Hotel. Tel: 038 429 321 or Bangkok 02 252 1786

The open zoo, covering an area of around 1, 923 acres of green forest, is in Siracha District, about 40 minutes away from Pattaya. The zoo features a large number of animals that can be viewed in their natural habitats. Night safari can also be arranged costing 200 baht per person including dinner. Covering another two acres is an aviary of rare birds, which is said to be second largest after Singapore. The zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional information can be obtained by calling ( 038 ) 298 187 - 8, 330 763

The zoo boasts Thailand’s largest number of Bengal tigers, bred successfully by the farm itself Apart from tigers, there are also a large number of other animals and an aviary of exotic birds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of animal shows like pig racing, scorpion and crocodile wrestling show. It is located outside Pattaya in Siracha District. Open daily form 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Call ( 038 ) 296 556 - 8 or fax ( 038 ) 296 559 for additional information.

The park has the highest tower in Pattaya a tower with a revolving restaurant entertaining its clientele with a magnificent bird’s eye view of the resort city.

As well, the park offers first - class accommodation besides a huge amusement area ( totaling some 32 acres ) that includes a vast swimming pool complex that embraces Jacuzzi and gigantic slides close to the beach front.

Although the Sanctuary of Truth has already been under construction for over two decades it still will not be fully complete for another decade or so. However, its doors are now open for visitors to view and appreciate the vast and intricate teak structure created by the fertile mind of an eccentric billionaire philanthropist who also created the Ancient City on the outskirt of Bangkok. The sanctuary, combining Thai, Chinese and sub - continental art form, is sure to strike awe and wonder in the mind of beholders. The castle which stands 105 meters above sea level is one of the most imposing landmarks of Pattaya. Its location is on Ratchawet Cape in Naklua.

The only museum of its kind in Thailand and perhaps in SE Asia, the museum is simply unique. It displays Mr. Ripley’s world - wide collection of extraordinary objects divided into over 250 categories. Some of the objects on display are originals while others are replicas. The museum is located on the third floor of the well - known Royal Garden Plaza, accessible from both the 2^{nd and Beach roads.}

^{This is a miniature city where replicas of important historical sites in Thailand are displayed, at scales varying from 1:1 to 1:25. Worthy of mention among the replicas is the famous Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi province of Thailand. Apart from that, many other world - renowned structures are also prominently displayed - example, the Eiffel Tower of Paris among others. An additional attraction is a mini go - kart circuit awaiting the speed enthusiasts. It is located close to Pattaya on Sukhumvit Highway.}