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| This is a very basic guidebook. |
| The information in it was compiled from various reliable sources to serve as a quick reference for your journey. |
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| What's inside? |
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Pattaya has a lot to offer and you wouldn't want to miss any of it! Make a4trip's Pattaya guidebook your quick and comprehensive reference to the latest travel tips, city highlights, maps, restaurants, places of interest, hotels, museums and accommodation options. Don't miss out!
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| Help Save the Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat! |
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| Fund collecting in progress... |
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| The Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat, also known as the Bumblebee Bat, is an endangered bat species that can be found in western Thailand and southeast Burma. One of the world's smallest mammals, it has a distinctive pig-like snout, and has reddish-brown or grey coat. The species lives in colonies that range greatly in size, but usually, there are about 100 individuals per cave, which they leave at dawn and dusk to feed on insects. In 2007, Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat was identified by the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) project as one of its Top 10 "focal species". EDGE identifies species that are evolutionarily distinct and need better protection to prevent extinction. The greatest threat faced by the species is the degradation of habitat and the disturbance of roosting sites by human activities such as deforestation, construction, forest burning and tourism. |
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| What's an a4trip guidebook? |
| An a4trip guidebook is a travel guide that'll provide you with the information you'll need to plan your trip and to find your way around. Our guidebooks are downloadable in PDF format, and are designed to be so compact, you can take it with you everywhere you go. |
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| How can I pay for a guidebook? |
| We accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only) and Discover (USA only) via PayPal. Your transaction will appear as 'PAYPAL*A4TRIP' on your credit card statement. |
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| Help! Why can't I download the guidebook? |
| Don't worry, just get in touch with us and we'll deliver the guidebook right to your inbox. |
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| Just how often do you update your guidebooks? |
| We try to update our guidebooks at least once a month. |
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| Have more questions about a4trip? |
| Just Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you. |
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Pattaya, which means 'south-west monsoon wind', is a city in Thailand that ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world. Once a sleepy fishing village, Pattaya experienced a boom during the Vietnam War. Since then, the city has worked hard to project a more wholesome image. As tourism is its main industry, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Pattaya. Reportedly, the city has over 35,000 hotel rooms, and counting. Visitors to the city arrive through either Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is a 1½ hour drive away or U-Tapao International Airport, which is 45 minutes away. The main modes of transport in Pattaya are songthaews (passenger pick-up vehicles), taxis, cyclos (motorcycle taxis), trains and buses.
The city's main attractions are its beaches, such as Pattaya Beach and the more family-oriented North Pattaya, Na Klua and Jomtien beaches. While pollution is a concern, they remain popular locations for swimming, jet skiing and parasailing. Pattaya is also surrounded by tranquil islands, like Coral Island, the 'Near Islands' and the 'Far Islands'. These are accessible by ferry and boats. The crystal-clear water and abundance of tropical marine life makes them a firm favourite of divers. Landlubbers need not despair, as they can visit a world-class aquarium - Underwater World Pattaya or take a ride on a tourist submarine called Vimantaitalay.
Other popular recreational activities include golfing, horse riding, go-kart racing and for the thrill seekers - bungee jumping. Of course, as a beach resort, there is also an abundance of spas, offering traditional Thai massage and reflexology. Many would say that Pattaya's seedy nightlife is its raison d'être and as such, the city is dotted with hundreds of bars, night clubs, discotheques and cabaret shows. Those who enjoy rowdy crowds may also seek out Muay Thai or Thai kickboxing matches. However, for those seeking good, clean family fun, there are many exciting places to visit.
Nature and animal lovers should swing by the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, the Million Years Stone Park, the Pattaya Crocodile Farm, the Elephant Village or the Siriporn Orchid Farm. Those who like novelties and curiosities should visit the Bottle Art Museum; the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and Mini Siam, which is a model village of the world. Fun lovers will delight in activities at the Pattaya Beach Resort Water Park and the Funny Land Amusement Park.
Meanwhile, culture vultures can look forward to performances at the Thai Alangkarn Theater and at annual events such as: the Pattaya International Music Festival, the Songkran Festival and the Pattaya Carnival. Architecture buffs should visit the gigantic wood structure called the 'Sanctuary of Truth', which is situated in the north. Built in 1981, it was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation was achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. Thanks to the rising number of expatriates and tourists, many art galleries are also thriving.
As a vibrant city that is home to and attracts a great mix of nationalities, Pattaya serves up a gastronomic feast. The area is abundant in seafood and fruits, as well as all kinds of Thai cuisine. Must try local delicacies include: chaeng lon or char-grilled coconut; khao lam or sticky rice cooked with sugar and coconut milk in bamboo; and somtum or spicy papaya salad. There are also a large number of foreign restaurants, gourmet restaurants and supper clubs to satisfy serious foodies. The city has many night markets and bazaars, but it is shopping malls, like The Village Shopping Centre, Mike Department Store, Royal Garden Plaza and Robinson's, that seem to attract the throngs.
If you're planning a visit, obtain a Visa at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. A single-entry tourist Visa (valid for 3 or 6 months) will cost about USD25. Tourist Visas will allow you to stay in Thailand for up to 30 or 60 days. They can be extended for an additional 30 days at an immigration office. Americans and nationals of some 40 other countries need not apply for a tourist visa for stays not exceeding 30 days.
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