About Pattaya
Situated along the scenic eastern coast of Thailand, the paradise beach resort of Pattaya will be home to IT&CMA and CTW for 2005 and 2006.The new venue promises that business can indeed be mixed with leisure.
Come prepared to unwind and enjoy the sun, sea and sand of this heaven on earth. Outside of exhibition hours, swing that club with a few rounds of golf at championship courses or indulge in just about any other kind of sports imaginable. At the close of the day, get ready to be spoilt for choice with a whole host of exciting nightlife and entertainment options that has given Pattaya the reputation of being Asia's rejuvenated playground.
After the show, hop over to the nearby breath-taking islands or neighbouring countries for a complete holiday cum business trip.
Getting to Pattaya
Pattaya is located approximately 140km southeast of Bangkok. Modern highways connecting Pattaya and the capital make travelling overland an easy option.
By Car - Limousine services are available from Bangkok International Airport. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
By Bus - Bus services run from Bangkok to the bus terminal on North Pattaya Road on a daily basis. Buses leave from Bangkok's Northern (Mo Chit) and Eastern (Ekkamai) Bus Terminals or Bangkok International Airport. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
By Train - One train service per day leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong). Duration: approximately 5 hours.
By Air - Currently, the only scheduled flights at the U-Tapao Airport at Sattahip are operated by Bangkok Airways to and from Koh Samui. The new Suvarnabhumi International Airport is scheduled to be opened in 2006.
Getting Around Pattaya
Pattaya is broadly divided into 4 main areas: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach.
Minibuses cruise along the main Pattaya Bay area for a flat fare of 5 baht per person per trip. There is no bus stop. Just jump on, ring the bell to get off, and pay the fare when you alight. Beyond the main bay, fares are: 10 baht to Naklua; 30 baht to Jomtien; 40 baht to get over the hill to Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
The Royal Cliff Beach Resort also offers deluxe limousine transportation in and around Pattaya. Other alternatives include rental of cars, motorbikes or bicycles.
Dining in Pattaya
With a variety of serving a wide range of fare from authentic Thai to Indian and International, you are bound to find one that catches your fancy. Bon appetit!
Feed Your Senses! - Sights & Attractions
From elephant shows to theme parks and cultural sights, take your pick from the variety of attractions this versatile city offers!
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
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Charming French Garden
at Nong Nooch |
Be charmed by the colours and fragrances of this beautifully landscaped garden with different themed sections, and take delight in walking through various display nurseries filled with lovely orchids and heliconias. A visit to the park will not be complete without indulging in the colourful cultural performances such as Thai ceremonies and dances. Right next door, grab a front-row seat for the highly entertaining elephant show. Get ready to click away non-stop as you capture these likeable animals performing tricks of all sorts added with a twist of . . . elephant humour.
Where: 163km Sukhumvit Highway
Open: 8.00am to 6.00pm daily
Show times: 9.45am, 10.30am, 3.00pm, 3.45pm
Pattaya Elephant Village
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Audiences and elephants
having a ball of a time |
If you can’t get enough of the kingdom’s iconic animal, be sure to visit the Pattaya Elephant Village - the city’s safe haven for sick or injured elephants. Daily shows not only give visitors a peek into the working life of the animals and their "mahouts" (trainers), but also delight them with a grand elephant war parade.You may also find yourself tempted to join one of the day excursions. For the uninitiated, try out the "combination trek" which packs an elephant trek, jungle walk, and lake rafting into three hours. It then ends off with the unusual experience of an ox-cart ride back to the village for a well-deserved finale and sumptuous local fare.
Where: 48/120 Moo 7 Tambol Nong Prue (Phonpraphanimit Road off 145km Sukhumvit Highway)
Show time: 2.30pm
1-hour elephant trek: 9.00am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 4.00pm
3-hour combination trek: 10.30am, 4.30pm
Wat Yansangwararam
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The imposing 109-metre
tall Buddha image |
Not far from Nong Nooch, Wat Yansangwararam sits amidst a beautiful park adorned with pavilions in different styles. At the wat, cleanse your mind with meditation courses offered twice daily at dawn and dusk. A gigantic image of the Buddha laser-carved into the hill will leave you marvelling in awe. The gold leaf painted image stands at an imposing 109 metres and was completed in 1996 as a mark of King Bhumibol’s Golden Jubilee. Nearby, the Wihan-Sian is home to art and antique pieces from China.
Where: 160km Sukhumvit Highway
Stretch Your Baht! - Shopping in Pattaya
Pattaya's shopping facilities can be considered exciting for a beachside resort.You may think of street stalls hawking cheap clothing, watches and other knick knacks.Well, read on and be pleasantly surprised.
Tesco Lotus
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Get all you need
at Tesco Lotus |
Intending to prepare a picnic basket for that beach outing? Get all the food and drinks you’ll need at UK’s famous hypermarket chain Tesco, which sits in an enormous building right next to Outlet Mall. As you’d expect, Tesco has anything and everything ranging from fresh and frozen food to toiletries and other household items. The chain has another shopping centre on North Pattaya Road.
Evening Bazaar
When you’re done, go back around to an open area on the other side of Outlet Mall along Thep Prasit Road, and find yourself amidst an exotic evening bazaar.The hustle and bustle starts around 6pm, and lasts well into the night. Even if you have not picked up a souvenir or two by the end of the evening, you would certainly have enjoyed the festive atmosphere and friendly haggling.
Furniture & Furnishings
If you haven’t heard, Thailand is a good source of furniture and furnishings made in the region. Thai designers offer a wide range - from resort styles to contemporary – with good quality workmanship and at reasonable prices. If you’re in the mood for some furniture shopping in Pattaya, scout the shops that run along Thep Prasit Road and you may just find yourself some good bargains.
Life’s a Beach! - Sun, Sand & Sea
What would a trip to Pattaya be without a trip to the beach
Pattaya Beach
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| Deck chairs anyone? |
Pattaya beach, otherwise known as Hat Pattaya, is a 3km crescent stretch of sand along Pattaya’s main bay area. It is lined by Pattaya Beach Road with rows of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and travel agencies. Being at the heart of the action, it is no doubt the place to see and be seen. With endless rows of deck chairs, there is no lack of a perfect spot for that afternoon nap and tan. If you’d prefer to spend your time at a quieter beach, then head in either direction to the north or south from Hat Pattaya.
Jomtien Beach
To the south, Hat Jomtien is a lovely 6km stretch of pretty sand and clean water. The less busy beach also proves to be a favourite with windsurfing novices. Jomtien Beach Road exudes a slower pace and a less hectic feel.
Naklua Beach
A small beach to the north of Pattaya, Hat Naklua's quiet environment appeals to families.
The Night is Young! - Nightlife and Entertainment
When the sun goes down, Pattaya gets more fun and exciting.
Tiffany's and Alcazar
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The razzle dazzle of
Tiffany's and Alcazar |
While Tiffany’s enjoys a reputation as Pattaya’s first transvestite cabaret show launched more than 28 years ago, Alcazar prides itself on providing "happiness for the whole family". Contrary to popular belief, the two competing shows - both located along Pattaya 2nd Road a short distance away from each other – present entertaiment suitable even for families. Be dazzled and entertained by the dancers and singers in glamourous, glittering, and spectacular costumes.
Tiffany’s
Where: 464 Moo 9 Pattaya 2nd Road
Show Times: 5.30pm (public holidays only), 7.00pm, 8.30pm, 10.00pm
Alcazar
Where: 78/14 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Road
Show Times: 6.30pm, 8.00pm, 9.30pm, 11.00pm (Saturdays only)
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