A city is located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Chonburi. It belongs to the group of the most visited places in the Kingdom of Thailand, but until the sixties of the last century, it was only a fishing village. When someone says something about this town, unfortunately, it is about unsightly and dirty beaches, nightclubs, cabarets, go-go bars, discos, high crime and sex tourism with the iconic WALKING STREET. Everybody will find what they need. However, the rate of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS is unpleasant. We didn´t see nightlife here. We decided for much more beautiful and safer places.
Pattaya is also very popular for retired people from other countries. There is constant climate, lower living costs, and also constant entertainment. Pattaya Beach is parallel to the city center and leads to Walking Street. Along there are many shops, bars, restaurants, and offices with attractions for tourists. An entire fleet of fast-moving boats, which provide excursions to the surrounding islands, is anchored in the bay. Unfortunately, this massive tourism has an impact on nature. In June 2016, the Regional Environmental Authority stated that seawater along the busy central Pattaya beaches is in a very poor condition and could endanger human and marine life.
16.11. – 29.11.2017
Despite the fact that so-called backpackers are avoiding this area, we found a great accommodation in the still unfinished The Peak Towers and several places for a trip. There were really dirty beaches so we were on the beach only twice from a total of thirteen days. The dirty sea and sunbathing on the beach was accompanied by an offer from local vendors every 10 minutes – fruits, food, massage, bracelets and other baubles.
And one more thing we couldn´t stand. The area is very popular with tourists from Russia, so when we went to the streets, the local people at the stands talked to us first in Russian. Or if we wanted to read something, we had a choice of either Thai or Cyrillic. Prices were much higher (from 100 THB). If I can summarize this, it was primarily such a small Russia in Thailand.
The Sanctuary of Truth
It is a full-wood building and full of sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motives. It is built to withstand wind and sunlight off the coast. The idea of this project came in 1981 and is not yet complete. The end of the building is scheduled for 2050. The building is built into four wings dedicated to Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian religious iconography. The main style is based on Ayutthaya’s Thai architecture. We can see hand-carved wooden sculptures derived from different artistic traditions. A huge number of carvers work here every day. Interestingly, the building is not used as a temple.
Wang Sam Sien
It is a small China in Pattaya. Wang Sam Sien was founded to present a collection of Chinese art and offers visitors a natural setting with plenty of plants and gardens. The location is a great example of so-called Feng Shui, which is an essential part of Chinese beliefs. Feng means wind and Shui means water. At the back, we can see the hills and the pond in front. Chinese culture believes that wind and water are associated with good health. There is also a beautiful long wall representing 24 stories. This site teaches visitors about significant figures, structures, and events from Chinese history.
Wat Phra Yai
The largest Buddha province of Chonburi is located at the top of Pratamnak Hill. It is officially called Phra Buddha Sukhothai Walai Chonlathan but is also known as Luang Pho Yai. It measures about 18 meters and was built in 1977. There is a long stairway lined with two golden snakes. Above the largest Buddha, there are several other smaller Buddhas.
