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Pattaya
and The Eastern Gulf of Thailand
Pristine sandy beaches, idyllic islands, succulent seafood,
exciting sea sports, inland adventures - whether wild thrills
on the waves, golf with the greats, or family fun under the
sun, this tour along the eastern seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand
has it all.
Use your Budget car to visit the host of attractions within
day trips from Pattaya, then head east along the Sukhumwit Road
(Highway 3), a fast divided highway that passes through Rayong
to the wealthy coastal provinces of Chantaburi and Trat.
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The
recommended route takes you to the scenic island of Ko Chang,
but there are diversions that include crossing into Cambodia
at Hat Lek to gamble at the casino just across the border (a
visa must be obtained prior to leaving Bangkok).
Only the outward drive is divided into days with suggested side
trips, so leave something for your return journey. Distances
are quite short, which allows plenty of time to enjoy yourself
along the way, especially as you enter the more relaxing atmosphere
of the coast beyond Rayong. |
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Your car allows you to choose. You can visit excellent seafood
restaurants, take country roads not suggested as side trips,
and even return via Sa Kaeo province to explore inland Thailand
on your own.
TOURING AROUND PATTAYA
Water sports, motor sports, exotic zoos and gardens, inland
adventures, 17 competition class golf courses within an hour's
drive and a beat that pulses through the night till dawn - Pattaya
has something for every-one. So when the pace gets too hectic,
laze sublime and let Pattaya put life in the pink.
DAY TRIPS
NORTH
(Round trip to Ang Sila and Khao Kheow Open Zoo. 120 kms.)
This drive goes north to Si Racha, where you may take a boat
trip to Ko Si Chang Island. From Si Racha follow coastal roads
to Ang Sila, or turn in-land to visit Khao Kheow Open Zoo and
Si Racha Tiger Farm. If visiting Si Chang Island avoid planning
too much for your day lest you have to return on busy roads
after dark
Start from Key Point 2 and drive to Ban Lamung, passing a fishing
village before joining Sukhumwit Road (H3) and heading north.
Just before Key Point 4, turn left into Si Racha town (see map
5).
Passenger ferries depart hourly from Soi 14 on a 45 minute trip
to the pleasant historical island of Ko Si Chang (last ferry
from island 17:00). Motorcycle taxis tour the island via the
fishing town, the San Jao Phaw Khao Yai Chinese temple and the
site of a royal palace abandoned when the French occupied the
island in 1893.
From Si Racha drive inland from Key Point 4 to Si Racha Tiger
Zoo for a shorter trip. Otherwise continue north to Nong Mol
Market, which is famous for basketry from Phanat Nikhom and
dried seafood delicacies. At Key Point 5 turn west towards Bang
Saen Beach, visiting the Institute of Marine Science aquarium
at Burapha University (2 kms from Key Point 5. 20 Bt. Entrance
Hrs: 08:30-16:30. Closed. Mondays) and unusual Buddhist sculptures
at Wat Saen Suk.
Drive north to Khao Sam Muk, where monkeys roam the peak over-looking
seafood restaurants on the north side of the point. Where the
road turns sharply inland at Ang Sila, con-tinue straight on
a narrow (one-way) lane to enter the high street of the wooden
village well-known for its stone mortars.
Two zoos will delight families on the return route inland. To
avoid dangerous direct crossings of H7 go via Key Points 6&7
or 4. Khao Kheow Open Zoo has over 300 species in a 2000 acre
drive-through park (East turn at KM.14 on H7. Hrs: 07:30-18:00.
Map available at zoo office). Si Racha Tiger Zoo specialises
in big cats and crocodiles (East turn at KM.20 on H7. Hrs 08:30-18:00.
Shows hourly).
MUANG BORAN
& BANGKOK ROUTES
The Bangkok-Chon-buri Motorway (H7) is the best way to and from
Bangkok International Airport, but the Sukhum-wit Road offers
an alter-native coastal route that passes Muang Boran (ancient
city).
Muang Boran (H3 KM.33 4 kms west of Bang Po Industrial Estate
approximately 70 kms. from Key Point 6. En-trance 50 Bt: Hrs
08:00 -last entry 17:00, closes 18:00) contains over 100 monuments
in a drive-through 320 acre park. Life-sized or reduced rep-licas
and relocated origi-nals, all with bilingual explanations, provide
an unmatched view of Thailand's historical buildings.
Overview
Day 1 Pattaya - Ban Phe,
Ko Samet & Hat Mae Phim 157 kms.
Day 2 Hat Mae Phim -
Chantaburi 80 kms.
Day 3 Chantaburi - Trat,
Laem Ngop and Ko Chang 83 kms.
Accommodation
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Cars
