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Index
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| Season's - In Central
Thailand |
Beaches |
| Transport |
Islands |
| Safety Consideration's |
Things
To Do |
| Golf |
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| Thailand Infrastructure |
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| Useful Telephone
Numbers |
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Thailand has three "seasons." The Thais refer to them as the "cool," "hot" and "rainy" seasons.
Area
Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. km.
of land and 154.66 sq. km. of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 km. long.
TopographyPattaya has a plain
on the coast with some high mountains on its south. The area on the east
slopes down toward the sea on the west.
Population
The total population is 93,829 (end 2004) with 44,602 males and 49,227
females. They consist of Thai-Buddhist, 80%; Muslim, 16%; Christian, 2%; and
others, 2%.
**Note** The total population includes only permanent residents.
Administration
Pattaya city has been administered under a special autonomous system since
1978. It has a status comparable to a municipality and is separately
administered by the mayor of Pattaya city who is responsible for making
policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya
city administration.
Language
Standard Thai language. English is widely used.
Products
90% of labour in Pattaya work in tourism that is the highlight of Pattaya.
Tourist attractions including land and marine destinations, and nighttime
entertainment. There are no native products.
Seasons
The "cool" season is from October/November through to March and is the prime tourist season. Tradition also has it that the worst time to visit is during the rainy season which starts in earnest in June and lasts until August or so. This particular piece of traditional wisdom is not entirely accurate. During the rainy season, it may rain for only an hour or less each day, usually in the late afternoon. Yes, the downpours are drenching, but they are short lived and you get up to an hour's notice that they are coming, if it starts to get dark at 4:00 in the afternoon, run for cover! We're not talking cold showers here either. The rainy season is still quite hot, so the rains can sometimes be warmer than you might be used to in your bath at home, remains quite hot but evenings tend to be cooler and a few warm layers are required.
The rainy season is actually an annual monsoon that moves east and northward in the first half of the year before shifting south and west in the second half. The Eastern seaboard has the mildest monsoon and the mildest weather.
The “Hot” season is from March/April until May. And can be hot, but theirs always an ocean breeze along the seaboard which cools down the costal regions.
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Eastern Seaboard
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Average temperature
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Average rainfall
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Hot Season March - May
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25 - 34oC
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97mm
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Rainy Season June - October
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24 - 32oC
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101mm
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Cool Season October - February
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21 - 32oC
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25mm
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Central Thailand covers a wide land area and the climate can vary across this expanse. Light, cotton clothing is recommended, especially as humidity levels remain quite high throughout the year. It also has an average of 335 sunny days a year.
Hot Season - boasts the hottest weather; heat becomes quite oppressive and temperatures can soar above the average. Only a small amount of rain falls during March and April, whilst May begins to see an increase as a prelude to the rainy season.
Rainy Season - the timing of this season can vary slightly each year depending on when the monsoon arrives. However, this is usually from June until October, bringing periodic heavy rain and somewhat high temperatures.
Cool Season - although daytime temperatures remain quite high during the winter months, warmer items of clothing are advisable for the cooler nights.
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Bus and Rail transport are modern and comfortable, however Jasmine Hotel employ new cars and minibuses with competent drivers.
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The Thai culture is very honest and the crime rate is very low but still In the unlikely event of you having the need to contact us we provide a 24 hour direct contact service where you will be able to talk directly to one of the reception staff or one of our managers.
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Many of the golf courses are designed by well known names in golf; Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Pete Dye, Nick Faldo, Robert Trent Jones Junior and so the list goes on.
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Pattaya has grown over the last 10 years by around 400%.
Roads are first class; the telephone system is modern PABX.
Internet infrastructure is growing, with many internet cafe's using ADSL including many hotels,
our own Jasmine Hotel offers free internet access including free wireless hotspot
access for your convenience.
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Lost or Stolen Credit Cards
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Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants throughout the country. They can also be used for cash advances at banks, exchange counters and as debit cards from ATM machines. The most widely accepted cards are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB (Japanese Card Bureau) and Diners Club.
Credit-card fraud is a problem in Thailand. Don’t leave your card in a hotel room or unattended at any time. When using it in a shop, try to keep your eye on the shop assistant—they have been known to run off more than one receipt at a single transaction. Always check the amount in the receipt carefully before you sign it. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to one of the following offices:
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Visa - 0 2252-2212 / 0 2256-7326
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Diners Club - 0 2238-3660
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American Express - 0 2273 0040 / 0022 / 0033
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Master Card - 0 2252-2212 / 2260-8572
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Police Station - Pattaya
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0-3842 - 4186 (191)
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Police Station - Banglamung
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0-3822 - 1800/1
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Tourist Police
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0-3842 - 9371 (1699)
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Fire Brigade Station
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0-3822 - 1000 (199)
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Banglamung Hospital
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0-3842 - 9244
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Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital
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0-3825 - 9911
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Pattaya International Hospital
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0-3842 - 8374/5
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Post Office Banglamung
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0-3842 - 8225
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The Telephone Organization
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0-3842 - 8750
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The Marine Police Station
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0-3842 - 3668
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Highway Police Station
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0-3839 - 2001
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Beach activities are plentiful in Pattaya such as sand castle building, volley ball, beach tennis, cricket, and the like to entertain the children. There are simply so many things one can do on a beach besides catching a tan.
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Pattaya Beach
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Pattaya Beach is some 4 km long and faces Pattaya Bay, the major venue from which boats visit Pattaya’s offshore islands. The beach is paralleled by a tree-lined promenade, hotels and restaurants. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil, while the central and southern parts become increasingly lively, due to the shops, bars, discotheques, and restaurants lining the streets.
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Wong Prachan Beach
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is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The 1 km beach is a quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation. 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.
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Jomtien Beach
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Jomtien Beach is on the south east side of Pattaya and is 13 km long the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation and water sports.
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Had Sai Kaew: Satahip Naval Base, Chumphon Navy Rating School and Navy Recruit Training Center.
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Surprisingly, quite larger than its given name, Ao Noi (meaning a small bay in Thai) covers a total area of 116 rai or 46.5 acre, located in the boundary of Sattahip Royal Navy Base and managed by Chumphon Navy School.
This lovely bay was previously reserved for Thai marines' training until it was officially opened as a new tourist attraction on January 22, 2003.
The rapidly famous charm of this bay is a crescent white calm beach, spotlessly clean and known as Had Sai Kaew . It has 914 meters length overall, 450 meters of which is pure sand. We saw the beach surrounded by mountain scenery, and green groves. There were some bungalows, a Thai food shop, a bar beer and shelters spreading along the beach.
Had Sai Kaew is approximately 20-30 minutes drive from Jomtien along the
sumkumvit road towards Sattahip/Rayong, the naval base quite rightly charges a small fee to enter this beautiful well kept beach, this area will delight all that visit, the turquoise clear water rolling up gently against the beach and the charming service and views out to the ocean will calm and delight you.
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Koh Larn 
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Koh Larn “Popularly
known as Coral Island” is a wonderful little island in the Gulf of
Thailand 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach. Only 45
minutes by ordinary boat or 15 minutes by speedboat from Pattaya
centre. The Island is about 4km long and about 2km wide and has around a
thousand residents most of whom live in the main village called Naban. Most of
the people that live there also work or go to school on the island. Any of the
everyday necessities are here including a police force and a small medical
facility.
There are about six beaches on the island that
boast pure white sand and clear blue water:
Ta Waen Beach in the
northern part of the island offers a 750 meter stretch of white sand with many
stalls and shops. On the south-western side of the island, Laem Thian has a
beach spanning 700 meters, whilst Samae Beach stretches for 100 meters.
Ta Pan
Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length and on the
southern part or the island is Nuan Beach witch is 450 meters in
length.
The Island is mostly
mountainous terrain which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation making
it a lush green tropical island. Monkeys naturally inhabit the island as well
as other wildlife. Infrastructure here in most part consists of narrow
roadways covered with brick pavers.
There are many
activities here for visitors to enjoy; The Island
is blessed with beautiful sandy white beaches, clear water, and an abundance
of coral – the coral reefs can be viewed either from a glass-bottom boat or by
snorkelling and scuba-diving. If scuba-diving and snorkelling around Koh Larn,
and the neighbouring smaller islands look
out for sea turtles, juvenile bamboo & nurse sharks, spotted rays, cuttlefish
& clown fish.
There is also Para sailing, snorkelling, jet Skiing,
banana boating and of course swimming in tropical waters. Because the island
is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to
take snapshots. Koh Larn is also very suited for bicycling and hiking, many
bicycling events have been held here. Many movie production companies have
also used the island for movie shoots.
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Koh Sak
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Koh Sak is about 10 km west of Pattaya Strait or 600 meters away from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is another small island shaped like a horse shoe. It has two beaches, one on the northern end where boats stop for tourists to swim and another one on the southern part of the island with a pathway linking the two beaches. A coral reef is found at the area in front of the southern beach. Skin-diving is also possible in this vicinity.
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Koh Krok
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Koh Krok is a small island, about 8 km from the shore. The island comprises mostly of rocks. Koh Krok beach is the only sandy beach. This is an ideal place for coral viewing and paddling about in the water.
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Koh Phai
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Koh Phai group of Islands are, comprised of several small islands, Koh Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Thai Royal Navy. They are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and take 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a light house on top of a hill at Koh
Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing, swimming, fishing and diving.
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Koh Samet
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Koh Samet is a popular, yet quiet island off the nearby town of Rayong, offering beautiful white sand beaches, strange shaped rocks, water-sports and diving. It is 30 minutes by boat from the mainland of
Rayong. There are boat services available all day and a nice range of accommodation and restaurants.
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Bungee jumping
Is located at Jungle Bungee Jump just 5 a minute drive from Jomtien Beach in a pleasant lakeside setting. You can jump 165 feet from a custom built Bungee-tower with a "rigid" electronic lift-platform rated at 750 kg. All operations are overseen by a New Zealand-certified jumpmaster.
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Diving and snorkeling
Are fun ways to explore the beautiful sea in Pattaya. It’s recommended that children don’t learn to scuba dive before they are 13 years old but snorkeling can be done by anyone. If you or your children can’t swim, don a life jacket and join in. The waters close to shore tend to be on the murky side but the islands offshore are worth visiting. Koh Man Wichai and Koh Rin are the most popular as well as the wreck dives off Sattahip and Samae.
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Elephant rides
Are great fun if you like views and heights; there’s no better way to survey the jungles of Pattaya than atop one of these magnificent creatures. Even if you don’t want a ride, you can buy bananas from the elephant venue and hand feed the animals. Don’t forget to take pictures of the kids and these new found friends!
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Go-karts
Are popular in Thailand and Pattaya has many go-cart competitions. When the tracks aren’t holding international events, the general public may rent the vehicles and try the sport out for themselves. There are beginner, advanced and an off-road track.
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Horse riding
Is another wonderful activity for the entire family. There are three centers catering to this activity and even the youngest or complete novice can join in. If you’ve never ridden before, livery staff will always lead you or be there to lend a hand. Beach rides are a favorite and the jungle rides are perfect for hotter weather.
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Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
Is a magnificent forty acre natural garden containing, It's a popular spot for children of all ages features a natural landscape with native Thai plants, as well as a fascinating garden collection of 200 year old bonsai trees and massive ancient rocks brought in from Kanchanaburi province. The park contains a crocodile farm with an array of crocodiles in their natural surroundings. And a small zoo with a collection of endangered, native animals, a good venue for those days when you need a break from the beach.
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Mini Siam near Pattaya Klang
Is a theme park displaying Thai heritage in miniature and proves popular among all ages. The third largest in the world, it brings together models of important buildings and objects of Thai culture and civilization of various periods from ancient time till present.
Parasailing is another high-flying sport. Done here with the aid of a powerboat, this is definitely a ‘bigger’ boys and girls activity. Operators for these high-flying views can be found along most of the west coast beaches from November to April.
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Pattaya Bottle Museum
Is located on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya. This is the place to go to see ships in bottles and other strange items.
Sailing is fun for the whole family, what better way to really discover Pattaya's coast and offshore islands, other than on a boat? There is a number of sailing dinghy and catamaran rental outlets on most beaches in the area. If you would rather spend the day being taken by boat rather than having to play with sails and ropes, you can always charter a speed boat to get the family around on the water.
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Theme Parks abound in Pattaya.
Pattaya Water Park Beach Resort is a water amusement park, located between South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach. Waterslides, whirlpools and shallow pools suitable for small children make the park popular with families. There are restaurant facilities, a fast food outlet and there is easy access to the beach should visitors prefer to swim in the sea.
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Orchid Farms
Are a worthwhile visit and if you are thinking of taking some of these unique plants home, visit a day or two before your departure, ensuring live plants when you get back.
Nong Nook Gardens has one of the largest collections of orchids in Thailand.
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Visit Nong Nook Tropical Garden Resort.
Set in a 600-acre landscaped park, the village features orchid nurseries, cactus garden and a man-made lake. Daily cultural shows include folk dances, traditional ceremonies, sword fighting, cock fighting, and Thai boxing demonstrations as well as an elephant show.
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The Hill Tribe Village,
north of Pattaya, is home to many hill-tribe families. Demonstrations of their handicrafts are interesting and the items are on sale to the general public.
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Play Mini Golf at Mini-Golf Pattaya.
This mini course boasts its own 18-hole mini-golf adventure for the whole family it’s located between South Pattaya and Jomtien on Thappraya Road. Open during the day as well as the evenings.
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Visit Ripley’s World of Entertainment,
The world's most unusual museum. Discover the Motion Master Theatre with flight simulator technology or Laser Trek, where you battle against fellow space creations in a futuristic arena, and more!.
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Feed A Tiger at the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo.
Discover the Wildlife Kingdom where you will be surrounded by nearly 200 tigers. Feed them and have your photo taken with the tiger cubs. Also included is an elephant show and crocodile show. Located about 40 minutes drive from Pattaya.
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Visit Pattaya Elephant Village.
This is an excellent place to learn and understand how elephants have been interwoven in Thai life and history throughout the centuries. You can take an elephant trek from here as well. Showtime allows the elephants to display their forestry skills, stage a war parade and even play football.
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Go Racing.
Pattaya has a Go-Kart track as well as a Formula-3 race track. Various tracks offer fun for both beginners and advanced as well as an off-road tracks for the daredevil types.
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