Koh Si Chang is a large island in the middle of the sea about 12 kilometers from the Sri Racha shore. What attracts visitors to the island are its beautiful natural surroundings, tranquil atmosphere and fresh air that have long made the island popular. Circling the island is a narrow road, only a little over 1 meter in width, wide enough only for a motorized tricycle. 

Chinese Pavilion

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An ancient pavilion with dragon and peacock motifs. The pavilion was used as a temporary place of lodging when His Majesty King Rama V visited the island. 

Chakrapong Cave

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Situated close to the Chinese Pavilion. A Buddha image is enshrined inside this cave. There is also a duct from which one can climb up to the hilltop to view the scenery of the island. 

Chong Khao Kad

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Chong Khao Kad is on the south western side of the island. Villagers call this area the “Rear end” of the Island. A white sandy beach is found at Chong Khao Kad. 

Chao Por Khao Yai Cave

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is on a hill close to The vavongse pier. The large structure is Chinese in design. Inside the cave are monuments devoted to Chinese deities such as Heng Jia, the Goddess Kuan lm’s Shrine and the Sakajayana Temple. 

The Old Palace Grounds

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The grounds are in a verdant area by the sea. Built during the reign of King Rama the Fifth, the palace was once a hospice for royal princes and princesses to recuperate after their illnesses. Several ponds, which are still in good condition, are found in the palace gardens. These ponds were bestowed with beautiful names, such as Asdang and Pitplern ponds. There are also two temples built at the behest of King Rama V: Asdang Nimitr Temple with a European style ordination hall and pagoda, situated on the topmost part of the hill and Chuthathip Rajathammasupha Temple situated in the Bhanurangsi Village area in the northern part of the island. 
 

The tourist attractions on Koh Si Chang are quite distant from each other. it is more convenient to hire a motorized tricycle from the pier to visit those places. It takes a little over an hour to cover the entire island. It should cost around 250 Baht or whatever price you can negotiate.

How to get there ?
Traveling to Koh Si Chang can be done by a ferry boat which operates daily from Sri Racha. Crossings are made every two hours starting from 7 am – 7 pm. Ferries leave from piers at Koh Loy Sri Racha or at Jerm Chompol Pier (Tha Jarin) within the town of Sri Racha. It takes about 40 minutes to make up a trip. fares cost 20 Baht each. 

Koh Loy is on Thesaban Road, Tambon Sri Racha, north of Sri Racha market, Koh Loy is a tiny island close to Sri Racha Beach, linked to the land by a bridge. On the island is a public park and a Sea Turtle Garden. On the Southern side is a small hill with a temple on it. The island is a superb place for relaxation where one can enjoy the natural atmostphere and breathe the fresh sea air while appreciating the scenic view. There is also a pier form which one can board a boat to Koh Sichang as well. 

Khao Kiew Open Zoo

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Located at Tambon Bang Phra, covering a vast area of around 960 acres. The zoo can be reached by either one of two ways : first from Sukhumvit, one can follow the Bang Phra Reservoir route passing the Bang Phra golf course for another 19 kilometers or, second, one may follow the new State Highway 36 (Chonburi-Pattaya-Rayong) following direction signs. The open zoo, operated by the Dusit Zoo Authority (Khao Din Wana) in Bangkok, has a large number of animals such as deer, bulls, monkies, gibbons, hippopotami, bears, kangaroos, banteng, elephants and peacocks etc. Visitors can stroll around the grounds and observe the animals closely. There is also a large aviary with hundreds of varieties of birds that visitors can also enter for close viewing. The zoo is open daily from 8 am – 6 pm
Admission fees: 20 Baht for adults, 5 Baht for children, 20 Baht per car, 40 Baht per bus. School children in uniforms 5 Baht. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038) 298187-8 
 

Sri Racha Farms Zoo And Resort

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Situated at 336 Mu 6, Tambon Surasak, Sri Racha District. It is accessible either from sukhumvit Highway, turning at Sri Racha District and following the route passing Assumption Sri Racha School for around 75 kilometers or one can take State Highway 36 at Kilometer 21, turn left and continue for another 1.5 kilometers. It boast Thailand’s largest number of Bengal tigers, bred successfully by the farm itself. There is also large number of other animals such as crocodiles, ostriches, single hump camels, kangaroos and an aviary of exotic birds.

Open daily from 9 am. – 6 p.m. Admission fees 20 Baht per child 30 Baht per adult. Call (038) 296556 or Fax 296559 for additional information. 

A famous beach that has enjoyed lasting popularity.
Along the beach, one finds vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale.

Tourists may rent deck chairs and rubber rings for swimming. Fresh water bathing facilities are also available.
 
The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly.
Bang Saen is ideal for visitors with limited time who wish to relax with their family and friends. It also offers several hotels and bungalows for overnight lodging.

Where is it ?
Approximately 13 kilometers from the city of Chonburi, it branches off to the right-hand side from Sukhumvit Highway, at kilometer 104, for a distance of 3 kilometers. Stretching along the beachfront, is a 2.5 kilometer road. 

A tourist attraction amidst natural surroundings covering an area of around 420 acres. Nongnooch Village ordiids and gardens with flowering plants, mangoes, orchids, casti and other types of flora. Thai style teak wood houses are available for rent. There is also a zoo and Thai Cultural Center showcasing the art of Thai performing art, martial arts, folk sports and performances by elephants. Performances are held triple daily at 10.15 am 3 pm and 3.45 pm and shows last around 1 hour.
From Sukhumvit Highway, one continues south passing Pattaya City for about 18 kilometers, until one sees a sign indicating the entrance to Nongnooch Orchid Wonderland on the left hand side at kilometre 163 and about 3.5 kilometers before reaching the destination.

Admission to the grounds costs 20 Baht per adult and 10 Baht for children, but entry to shows cost 200 Baht per person.

Additional information may be obtained from the office in Pattaya City, on Central Pattaya Road. Tel. (036) 429321, 422956 or Bangkok (02) 2521786.
 

Wat Yan Sangwararam

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A Royal Temple of the first class, 15 kilometers south of Pattaya City, turning left from Sukhumvit Highway at kilometer 160. The temple was dedicated to Somdej Phra Yanasangworn, the present Supreme Patriach in 1976 and was later graciously admitted under the patronage of His Majesty the King. The temple grounds comprises a mondop which enshrines a replica of the Buddha’s footprints, a large stupa where the relics of the Lord Buddha and those of the Lord Buddha’s disciples are enshrined. There are Phra Yanares Vihan and international pavilions representing several countries that dot the grounds. such Switzerland. There is also the Vihan Sien, a grand and exquisite showcase of Chinese architecture. 

Golfers can enjoy challenging rounds at 9 scenic 18-hole courses near the resort, and a small course at the Asia Hotel. In most cases, clubs, shoes and other equipment can be rented, and green and caddy fees are eminently reasonable. During weekdays, there are few courses that need to be booked in advance. 

Go-Karts

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Go-karts are available at the 400 and 700- metre track Pattaya Kart Speedway, at Mini Siam, K.R. Gokart, and the 1,080-metre track for professional drivers at the Bira International Circuit.
Land Sport Operators
 

Paintball

This game of skill, strategy and daring can be enjoyed every day at the Paintball Parkwhich is located near the Pattaya Kart Speedway. 

Motor Racing

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The Bira International Circuit at Km 14 on Route 36 to Rayong periodically stages international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2.4 kilometre track is ideal for Formula 3 racing. There are daily opportunities for speed enthusiasts who enjoy driving their own two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles around the challenging track for nominal fees.
Land Sport Operators

Shooting

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A handgun and rifle range with 19 fully equipped and airconditioned galleries is open daily at Tiffany’s on Pattaya 2 Road. 

Horse Riding

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Available at the Horse Sport Centre at Km. 11 on Route 36 (near the Bira International Circuit). Mountain and jungle rides are made on Australian thoroughbreds. Riding lessons are offered. 

The most popular venues are the northern and southern parts of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Ko Lan island. Freshwater water skiing is available at Lakeland Cable Water Ski at Kilometre 150.5 on Sukhumvit Highway.
 Watersport Operators
 

Windsurfing

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Jomtien Beach is the major centre for windsurfing. Tuition is widely available for beginners. The Pattaya Windsurf Club on Jomtien Beach regularly stages board competitions. October through June are the best months for windsurfing, thanks to ideal water and wind conditions.
 Watersport Operators
 

Sailing

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The most popular rentals are Lasers, Prindles and Hobie Cats. Sailing is a year-round sport in Pattaya’s waters. Visitors wishing to avail themselves of knowledgeable information regarding sailing rentals and seasonal conditions should contact their hotel travel desk, or the Royal Varuna Yacht Club at Tel: (038)251-115.
 Watersport Operators
 

Game Fishing

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Expeditions are organised by many operators. Waters surrounding Manwic-hai, Rin and Kram islands are popular for the pursuit of marlin, king mackerel, barracuda and other Gulf denizens.
Fishing spots out off Pattaya City
 

Scuba Diving

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Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular around Pattaya’s offshore islands, particularly those furthest from Pattaya Bay, namely Ko Pai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam and Ko Rim. Neophyte divers can take open water certification courses organised by several local dive shops. 

Parasailing

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This sport is ubiquitous throughout the resort, is featured at several hotels with their own private beaches, and is perhaps best enjoyed at Ko Lan where floating ‘take-off and landing’ platforms mean flight occurs exclusively above the sea.
 Watersport Operators 

Situated to the West of Pattaya Strait, about 7.7 Kilometers (45 minutes boat ride) from the shore, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers. There are beautiful beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral. Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving down directly.
A well-known beach is at Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the Island, a 750 meters stretch of white sand with many stalls and shops. Sightseeing boats mostly dock in this area.

There are also Laemtien Beach and Samae Beach on the south-western side, each beach spanning a length of 700 and 100 meters respectively. Both are regarded as beautiful and interesting spots, especially Laemtien Beach which has remained exceptionally clean and tranquil. There are now a few stores servicing visitors.

Ta Pan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length with make-shift lodging available. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, sightseeing boats usually dock along this beach all the way to Laemtien where there is coral.

On the southern part is Nual Beach 450 meters in length. On this beach is a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists. This is another good place for viewing coral.

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. Popular activities on Koh Lam include swimming, coral viewing, parasailing, water-skiing, etc.
 

Koh Phai

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Group of Islands are comprised of Koh Phai, Koh Manvichai, Koh Leom, Koh Klung Badan etc., Koh Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. The Koh Phai group of islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and takes 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a light house on top of a hill at Koh Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral. 

Travelling around Pattaya is most convenient by “Song Taew” that continually ply the Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road in counterclockwise circuits. Fares are 5 baht and 10 baht per person per ride. Fares beyond the main bay are negotiable at around 50-100 Baht. 

Motorcycle Taxi    

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Taking Motorcycles is another choice of transportation commonly found in Thailand. They wait for you at some important places like markets, in front of a Soi (an alley), bus terminals, and government offices. The driver will take you to your destination. The fare depends on the distance. Normally, going within Pattaya city costs about 20 to 50 Baht. 
 

Vehicles for Rent  

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Those who wish to be independent, and explore Pattaya’s surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, can rent motorcycles, jeeps or cars. Rental shops can be commonly found on the streets of Pattaya. The visitor is advised to shop around, and consult local tourism publications, for different companies offer different prices and conditions. An international driver license is required. 
 

Boats to Nearby Islands    

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Boats leave the pier at South Pattaya to Koh Larn every hour, fares are 20 baht per person per trip and will be collected on board. Local travel agents sell 280 baht tickets per person per round trip, including lunch, on ferry service departing at 9.30 and 11.30 am.

Tourists interested in visit other islands may arrange to hire boats from the same pier. Large boats can carry between 20-80 passengers, speed boats carry 10-15 passengers. Charter fees cost between 1,000-5,000 Baht, depending on the spot one intends to visit as well as the size and type of boat.