1 Day trip in Pattaya 2

Who says Pattaya is just all about sand, sea and sun ? If ever you want to take a break from your time on the beach, or taking some time off from your partying, the following sites are only a short drive away from the sea.

HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter
Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width. The important missions during wartime are the Flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet in the sea, as well as the aircraft carrier and air defence mission. It is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. It is closed only on Wednesday from 8.00 a.m.-12.00 a.m. It is free of charge. International visitors will have to write a letter to the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, Sattahip, Chon Buri, 20180. Tel. 0 3843 8547-62 ext. HTMS Chakri Naruebet. www.navy.mi.th

Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy is a source of knowledge on the biology of the sea turtle life cycle for the government agencies and other groups of visitors. The center also provides a lecture for the public and youth, video presentation and exhibitions. Visitors can admire the cuteness of the sea turtles in the nursery ponds. Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles. The Center is open everyday from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Please contact in advance at the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Tel. 0 3843 1477ext.1035-6, 0 3824 5760, ext.066-3809 www.navy.mi.th

Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5 kilometres. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area.

Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian), near to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. It is open daily from 8.30 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The entrance fee is 50 baht. Tel. 0 3823 8367

The Laser Beam Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan is located on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6 kilometres from Km. 160 of Sukhumvit Road., The image is in the subduing Mara posture, cast by laser beams on the Khao Chi Chan cliff. It is a combination of Sukhothai and Lanna arts with a height of 130 metres and width of 70 metres at the lap of the image. Inside the chest of the image resides the Lord Buddha’s relic. Moreover, the garden in the compound is decorated for relaxation and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Royal Thai Navy.

Day Trip in Pattaya 1

A seaside beach city located about 150 km east of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the not-to-be-missed locations when one visits Thailand. A popular tourist spot for both Thai and foreigners alike, it offers all the conveniences of Bangkok plus all the sand, sea, and sun you can want. Driving from Bangkok takes no more than 2 hours via Motorway ( Highway no.7 ) or Bangna-Trad Highway ( Highway no. 34 ). You can take a leisurely three and a half hour train ride from Hua Lamphong Station, or a two and a half hour bus ride from either Eastern Bus Terminal, or Mochit 2 Bus Terminal, with scheduled departures every half hour from either terminal.
Surely the main purpose of going to the beach resort town is the sea, but there are a few places around Pattaya worth exploring.

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m. Admission fee is 500 baht. Tel. 0 3836 7229, 0 3836 7815 www.sanctuaryoftruth.com

The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) This popular attraction is 9 kilometres from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at Kms.140. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows. The compound is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Admission: 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel. 0 3824 9347-9 or www.thaistonepark.org

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at Km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”. The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m. Admission: 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1628, 0 3872 6201-3, 0 3872 7333 for more information. www.minisiam.com

Nong Mon Market is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fruit rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Panat Nikhom.

Golf in Thailand

Golf in Thailand

1. Golf in Thailand

History of Golf in Thailand

Golf arrived in Thailand during the reign of King Rama V one hundred years ago. It was first played by nobles and other elitists of high society but since then, things have certainly changed. Over the past decade or so, the popularity of golf in Thailand has escalated; played both by local Thais and visiting foreign tourists and expatriates.

Statistics

Meeting to the recent needs of an average of 400,000 foreign golfers coming to the Kingdom annually, golf in Thailand has turned into a huge local industry with new courses constantly being churned out. Golf alone is annually bringing an income of 8 billion baht into the local economy. The amount of golf currently being played in Thai is so colossal that the country has rightly been given the nickname ‘The Golf Capital of Asia’.

Thailand offers over two hundred courses which are rated as of the highest world standard. Many of them have been designed and created by some of the classic names in the golfing world such as Nick Faldo, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Gary Player, and Greg Norman.

So, why is Thailand so popular for golf?

There are an abundance of reasons why golf in Thailand has become so huge. First, if you compare the cost to most golfing countries in the world, Thailand’s golf courses offer membership and course fees at absolute minimal. * * * The general low cost of vacationing in Thailand itself, making the country ideal for cost-efficiency minded tourists.

- Cost-effective: Thailand is great value for the greenback, especially in regards to accommodation, golfing, shopping and dining.

- Weather: Thailand has three different seasons. They are: hot season: March – May, Rainy season: June – October, Cool season: November – February. The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool season but anytime of the year is great. The climate, at most times of the year is hot and humid, Thailand’s hot lightly-breezed weather is just about ideal for golfers who don’t have a fascination for wind and cold.

- Golf Course: Many of the golf courses in Thailand have been designed by top names in the game such as Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman and they are located in delightful locations.

- Geographical Diversity: Golf courses in Thailand are situated in a numerous different locations such as in the mountains or at the sea. Many of these courses can also boast beautiful surroundings, nestled in the misty mountains of the north, parked next to exotic white-sandy beaches or on the fringe of idyllic waterfalls. Thailand,

- Infrastructure: The Tourism Authority of Thailand fully supports golfing in Thailand and so the guaranteed standard is high.

- Accommodation: Five-star accommodation in Thailand is far cheap than anything in a developed Western country. Thailand is well-appreciated around the globe as a haven for an excellent array of 4 and 5 star hotels, again available for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in a developed country.

- Thai People: Thais are known the world over for their friendly laid-back and friendly nature.

- Cuisine: All the major cities also have a wide selection of international restaurants. Thai food has climbed the ladder in regards to popularity and is now one of the world’s favourite cuisines. Thai food is obviously tastier and far cheaper than in Europe or The US.

- Culture & Customs: Thailand prides itself in that the country has never colonialized, so holding on to its original beliefs and ways of life. Many foreigners enjoy coming to Thailand just to join in a couple of the customs such as Songkran and Loy Krathong.

- Things to do: Besides just playing golf, there is a lot more recreation possible in Thailand. There is shopping, spa, swimming, sunbathing, nightlife and trekking etc.

Being the small country it is, makes traveling to your course of choice convenient. You can be rest-assured that that by car or plane, you are never more than a 90 minute trip away from a 5 star golf course.

Besides its stunning islands and bustling cities, Thai people are also world famous for that one and only ‘smile’, one that is now synonymous with Thailand. One can expect to be greeted everywhere with a Thai smile which will brighten the day and warm the heart. Thailand isn’t nick-named the ‘Land of Smiles’ for no good reason.

Thailand is unique in South-East Asia as never having been colonialized by a Western power. And it is this independence which has ensured an untouched culture seeped in belief in Buddhism and respect for the monarchy. One can come to Thailand and enjoy Thai traditions which have grown immensely in popularity in foreign countries, of these we have Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, Thai dance and Thai music. Out of the golf course, Thailand boasts thousands of traditional temples, modern shopping malls, street markets, museums, restaurants and bars. Something for every taste.

What’s the best time of the year for golf?

Golf can be played in Thailand every day of the year. During the rainy season June – October, all the courses have drainage systems so they are still playable, no problems. The hot season is a good time for playing golf and getting a suntan, this runs through March-April. The cool season is probably the freshest time of the year though for golfing in Thailand, November – February.

Thailand’s Golfers

Like other Asian countries, the standard of golf played in Thailand by local golfers has rocketed over the past few years. Thongchai Jaidee is the country’s most successful golfers, winning a handful of major international tournaments. Other Thais who have had international success include Prayad Marksaeng and Boonchu Ruangjit.

Tournaments in Thailand

There are several different types of golf presently played in Thailand, they are:

- Corporate Golf Tournaments

- Corporate Pro-am Golf Tournament

- Charity Golf Tournaments

- Golf Tour Management

A Corporate Golf Tournament

This kind of tournament is splendid for enjoying a game of golf while talking business, entertaining clients and meeting new contacts. The services on offer in Thailand include:

- Course selection and advance group reservations

- Event coordination and supervision with on-site staffing

- Administration of pairings, cart signs, scorecard and rule sheets

- Implementation of format, special competitions and scoring

- Sourcing of special rental equipment

- Centralized billing

Pro-am Golf Tournament

This type of tournament affords the opportunity for everyone regardless of how well they play to mingle with golfing superstars. It is very popular for company directors to take clients or prospective clients along to enhance a closer relationship.

Charity Golf Tournaments

This tournament is just perfect for companies that wish to boost their company name with plenty of heavy advertisement; while, at the same time, financially assisting needy charities.

Spa in Thailand

Spa in Thailand

1. Introduction

The word ‘spa’ probably comes from the name of the town Spa in Belgium.

East meets West, a spa is a place to go to treat and heal your mind, body and spirit using a variety of different techniques such as massage, scrubs, yoga, acupuncture, reike, reflexology, nutrition and body wraps etc.

Back ground / History of Spa in Thailand

Introduced in the early 1990s, spas in Thailand are a relatively new phenomenon – but one though, which has only very recently sky-rocketed in popularity. Not only are spas popular and fashionable with foreign tourists and expatriates, but the local Thais are also enjoying this new alternative therapy, one which is often ideal to ensure a smooth natural balance. A balance that has been rocked in Bangkok in particular by the unhealthy, serious life-styles and polluted environs. At first, spas were only to be found in 5-star hotels but they have now mushroomed everywhere.

Thailand: Asia’s Spa Capital

Thailand is a destination to indulge in this pastime therapy. The country prides itself in countless spas offering the highest world-class services at extremely reasonable rates. Much of the recent success of this therapy is due to the tremendous support given by the Thai Spa Operators Association. Not only have they assisted in the training of therapists to international standards, but they have also trained them in keeping methods traditionally and distinctively ‘Thai-style’. And it is this kind of service along with the one and only Thai Smile that are the key factors for so many visitors to revisit a Thai spa. Furthermore, most clients walk away from the spa with their head held high in the air with a feeling of rejuvenation and a well-being of mind, body and soul. Thai spas are not only quantity, but also quality. Spas can be found at all the major tourist destinations in Thailand such as: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Ko Samui, Chiang Mai and Hua Hin.

Facts and Stats

During the years 2000-2002, the growth of the spa industry in Thailand rocketed by an exhilarating 64% and since 1999 Thailand has secured itself a top-5 world rating. In fact, Thailand is the second highest ranked spa destination of the world with an overall grade of 93%+ (just slightly behind Australia).

Chiva Som International Health Resort located in Hua Hin, is ranked number one in the world while the Regent Chiang Mai Resort and Spa is ninth.

During the period June 2001 – June 2002, 230 operators serviced 2.5 million international clients, creating revenue of $85 million. This amount well exceeds that of competitive countries, such as Singapore ($35 million) and Australia ($15 million). In total, 79% of all clients were foreigners.

Services and Hospitality

Thailand is a friendly country and a must-go for all those who enjoy nothing more than a rejuvenating spa. The country is famed for its world-class natural healing techniques and especially Thai massage. For those who appreciate the authentic Thai way of life, there are numerous home-stays, including those in the unique hill tribe villages of the north.

Thailand, home of Theravada Buddhism, is the ideal location to do a bit of spiritual soul-searching and reap the benefits of Vipassana meditation, a technique which has exploded in popularity in Western countries. Then, there is the sumptuous cuisine to wine and dine on, with cooking classes available too.

2. Reasons for Thailand’s spa popularity

Well, for one, they are rather different to the ones found in the West. The spas in Thailand are based on the deep-rooted harmony of Buddhist teaching, so creating an inner spiritual calm, complementing the equation of mind, spirit and body. Meditation is also used. Spas in Thailand have an altogether very Thai touch embodied upon a time-honoured healing tradition based on herbal and holistic remedies and generations of folk wisdom.

Thailand also offers award winning service at reasonable rates and makes a beautiful spot for a holiday vacation.

Reasons why most people go to a spa in Thailand

Thailand prides itself as having some of the finest spas in the world offering services at extremely competitive rates. Since Thailand has never been colonialized, the original culture has remained embedded within society and foreign visitors will find the Thais very hospitable and friendly.

Not only does Thailand, boast some of the most dazzling islands and beaches in the world, but also year-long sunshine; perfect for those who wish to get a lovely shiny suntan.

Thailand has an abundance of reasonably priced top quality accommodation where for the equivalent price of a completely basic home-stay in Europe, visitors to Thailand can enjoy the luxury of a four-star hotel. Then to top that off, they can soothe their aching minds with ancient Buddhist a meditation technique, qi gong, tai chi, solar bath and yoga.

3. Thailand’s Spas

There are numerous different types of spa services in Thailand which focus heavily on Thai massage. They are categorized as massage for health, massage for beauty and traditional massage.

The myriad variety of spas in Thailand is quite phenomenal and is found at almost every destination in Thailand. They are:

- Destination spa, Destination spa, the famous destination spa in Thailand is no doubt, the one and only Chiva Som which attracts floods of visitors from all around the world who come to Thailand specifically to be pampered there.

- Hotel spas / Resort spas / Retreat spas: Popular spas like there can be found at the top hotels in the major tourists destinations such as: Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.

ASEAN PARLIAMENTARIANS TO HOLD 30th GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN PATTAYA

More than 300 Parliamentarians from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will convene at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel in Pattaya, on August 2-8, 2009 for the 30th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

Organised by the Thai Parliament, the assembly will be attended by ASEAN parliament presidents and parliamentarians from eight member countries and observers and special guests from 12 countries.

According to Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the meeting will go a long way towards re-establishing the confidence of meeting planners and conference organisers in Pattaya since the political disturbances that disrupted a previous ASEAN meeting last April.

“The Pattaya tourism industry and all the security and provincial government authorities have gone out of their way to ensure a smooth assembly,” said Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa. “The fact that it is being held in Thailand’s most popular beach resort is itself an indication that everything is perfectly normal and that it’s back to business as usual.”

The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization or AIPO was set up on 2nd September 1977 and transformed itself into an assembly in 2007, with an accompanying name-change to the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly or AIPA.

Mr. Chai Chidchob, President of the Thai Parliament and AIPA, said this year’s meeting was particularly important because it was the first since the signing of the ASEAN charter in March 2009 at the ASEAN summit in Hua Hin.

“As elected representatives of the ASEAN people, AIPA members are ready to extend their full cooperation to the ASEAN leaders and secretariat to attain the objectives of a single ASEAN Community by 2015,” Mr. Chai said.

The official opening of the 30th AIPA General Assembly will be held on 4 August 2009 at 0900 hrs by Thai Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva.

One of the highlights of this year’s AIPA will be the formal admission of Brunei Darussalam as a full member of AIPA. The ASEAN parliamentarians have also been granted an audience by His Majesty the King. The closing ceremony will be held on 6 August, 10.45 hrs, followed by a press conference.

The organising committee has also arranged to take delegates and accompanying delegates to visit various tourist attractions in Pattaya.

The first beach resort to attract international visitors, Pattaya has grown over the last three decades from a small fishing village into a world famous resort.

Located about 130 kms southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is now comfortably accessible by two modern motorways in about 90 minutes. It boasts a world-class convention centre, a wide range of accommodation options, over 300 restaurants, three large, modern shopping malls and a broad range of activities from water-sports to go-kart racing.

The surrounding area provides numerous opportunities for visits to temples, orchid plantations, elephant camps, cultural shows, sapphire mines, waterfalls and offshore islands. Twelve golf courses, including some of the best in Thailand, are all within a short drive from Pattaya.

In 2007, visitor arrivals to Pattaya totalled 6.68 million, an increase of 9.25% over 2006. Visitors had an average length of stay 3.13 days and an average daily expenditure per person 2,977.38 baht, generated tourism revenue 59,347.61 million baht.

Contact details:
30th AIPA Secretariat, Secretariat of the House of Representatives, U-thong Nai Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Tel: 662-3573100 ext 3162-3, 3248
Fax: 662-3573154, 662-3573197
E-mail: aipaga30@parliament.go.th
Web site: http://aipaga30.parliament.go.th

Hat Pattaya

The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is 4 kilometers long with a road running parallel to the beach. From the mid-section to the southern end of the area, there is a vast array of restaurants, bars, department stores, souvenir stores, as well as other places of entertainment. To the north of the beach are various mini-resorts and hotels in a quieter atmosphere.

It's actually free to stroll along the beaches, but operators will charge you for the services they provide, i.e. the beach chair. A price is roughly $0.5 per chair, though bargaining is rather customary in Thailand.

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009

Date : 1 June to 31 August 2009

Venue : Department stores, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attraction nationwide

Thailand’s annual “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale” got underway this month and continues to offer visitors great bargains right through to 31 August.

This year, as fuel prices escalate, both visitors and residents are looking for more value and bigger discounts when they are shopping. Thailand never disappoints.

Most mega stores and shopping malls are offering discounts of between 10 to 70%, so there are bargains galore for the shopper prepared to browse around the stores.

Fortunately, most of Bangkok’s major shopping malls and stores are located close to the city’s skytrain or metro transport systems, making it very convenient to hop from one store to the next.

Both the Skytrain and the Metro, offer day use stored-value cards for visitors to make it even more convenient to use the two systems.

Bangkok’s main shopping districts and streets are to be found along Ploenchit and Sukhumvit roads.

Many of the department stores have direct bridge linking them to Skytrain stations. Just a short walk from the Skytrain stations and visitors discover some pretty impressive department stores and shopping plazas namely Siam Discovery Centre, Siam Centre, Central World Plaza, Erawan Bangkok, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn, Central Chidlom, Home Pro Plus, Robinson Department Store, The Emporium and The Mall Department Store.

Discounts are also available in King Power duty free shops, both at Suvarnabhumi Airport and downtown locations. There are even discount deals on luxury treatments at spas, a round of golf at a selection of courses at all major tourist destinations, travel packages and even medical check-ups at world-class hospitals.

The three-month campaign also embraces a variety of destinations beyond Bangkok such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udorn Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and Samui Island.

Grand Sale prizes are offered in conjunction with the campaign sponsor, Visa Card, and include bargain holiday packages to premier destinations such as Phuket and Samui.

Contact : Tourism Investment Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tel : 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2951

Pattaya Marathon 2009

Pattaya Marathon 2009

Date : 19 July 2009

Venue : Pattaya, Chon Buri

The Pattaya International Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in Thailand that is organized yearly. Every year, there are many runners participating from various countries. In all, there are three races ; the full marathon (42 Km), the half marathon (21 Km) and the quarter marathon (10 Km).

More information :

TAT Chon Buri Office, Tel. 66 (0) 3842 7667, 66 (0) 3842 8750

Patayta City Hall, Tel. 66 (0) 3825 3129

www.pattaya-marathon.com