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Gary Bembridge of\\xa0Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Pattaya in Thailand.
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This show covers among other topics:
Observations
\\nHistory
Was a small remote fishing village until the Vietnam war when in 1959 a boat load of US soldiers taken there for some R&R and had great time and more and more came .
Getting around
Things to do
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Beach
Three main sections along the beach front
Nakula Bay - more family orientated (north).
Central - busiest and most popular swimming area.
South near Walking Street (bars and focus of night life)
Swimming areas marked by plastic barriers - densely packed deck chairs and umbrella sections next to them
Water sports - paragliding - jet ski - banana boats
Constant flow of vendors
Pattaya Floating market
Various sections reflecting different regions of Thailand - 114 shops and lots of vendors - can hire boats to go from section to section
Sanctuary of Truth
Huge wooden Castle / Temple covered with carved sculptures depicting heaven and earth - 344 feet high covers area of 21,520 square feet
Nong Nuch tropical gardens
600 acre landscaped park - biggest botanical park in SE Asia - tropical plants (orchids, palms , cycads , cacti , bonsai), various cultural shows (folk dances from regions of Thailand ) and also an elephant performance show
Pairaj Elephant Village
Retirement village for working elephants
Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
Lady Boy shows
Other attractions
Teddy Bear museum
Museum of Bottle Art
Ripley\'s believe it or not
Underwater World Aquarium
Shopping
Lots of cheap souvenirs
Lots of fakes so watch out
Central Festival Shopping Mall