Pattaya Attractions

As in Ancient City the Mini Siam park displays Thailand's most important attractions in miniature (scale 1:25). An evening visit should prove delightful as the 80 exhibits are then illuminated.

An elephant kraal is located 6 km (4 mi.) from Pattaya. The pachyderms demonstrate their skills every day at 2.30pm accompanied by an English commentary. After the performances there is an opportunity to ride the elephants. Another elephant kraal can be found 5 km (3 mi.) from Sukhumvit Road at Rodeo Ranch.

The little town of Naklua, about 12 km (71/2 mi.) from Pattaya, should be visited either in the morning for its busy fish market or in the evening for its night market. A number of good restaurants can be found around the market. It is best to use a group taxi from Pattaya to travel there.

Pattaya Orphanage is situated near the motorway to Bangkok. Run by a Redemptorist priest of Irish descent, it cares for children of varying ages. Visitors wishing to gain an impression of life behind the façade of a pleasure resort are heartily welcomed here at any time, provided that they have made an appointment.

The U.S. military assisted in building the orphange when it was discovered that many orphans were born of American servicemen in the days of their presence at the U.S. base during the Vietnam War.

Pattaya Park, with spacious pools and four giant water-slides, was opened several years ago and lies 8 km (5 mi.) from Pattaya (take Cliff Road in a southerly direction and follow the signs). Pattaya Park contains several restaurants, as well as a complex of bungalows and a hotel.