Pattaya, this old but new tourism spot

Contributed by: Y.Katono/K.Kato (Member of Longstay Committee, JTBF)

JTBF's mission team spent 2 days in Pattaya (Feb.14-15, 2008). The visit to Pattaya was conducted with an endorsement of TAT Tokyo, that Pattaya is no more what it used to be and that today's Pattaya is more attractive to Japanese tourists than ever. Ref. "Visit to Pattaya"

To our observation, it looks for sure that Pattaya is no more an entertainment or a nightlife district but is changing to a city of international tourism. It is also changing to a city which can afford international events, sports or convention, as well. In the mean time, we observed that transportation infrastructure was still premature though.

Following are briefings of the sight spots where we visited. Most of them were new to us, even though all of us have known Thailand since long time ago and have visited Pattaya several times in the past.

All of us agreed that The Sanctuary of Truth was the most impressive.

The Sanctuary of Truth

Feb.14,2008 Afternoon

When you first take a look at this construction of The Truth, you will be overwhelmed by its massive presence. Then, you will be impressed by its beauty as well as beauty of contrast with the background blue sea.Some might imagine as if it were Mont Saint-Michel of Normandy. Of course, it is not. It is Thai indeed or you may call it a reflection of ancient Asian arts. You will further be surprised to know that this monumental project was undertaken by a single Thai individual named Mr. Lek Viriaphan in 1981.

• Mr. Viriaphan passed away in 2000 before seeing completion of the construction. The funeral service was held with attendance of the King and the Queen. The project is continuing under the private fund of Mr. Viriaphan's bereaved family. They say it is about 70% complete.
  
• The motif or theme of the monument is to materialize heavenly matters into the building, the walls and statues by taking in various forms of ancient art origined in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, India, China and so on regardless of religion, philosophy or culture. The monument may make you think of the relation-ship between human and the universe.
• Located in the northern end of Pattaya beech with land space 130,000 square meters, building space 2,115 square meters, height 10 meters. Building itself and all statues, inside and outside, are wooden. 170 pillars support the building of 4 steeples. 4 openings face East, West, South and North which represent Wind, Fire, Water and Earth respectively. Currently, it is public open with 500 Bahts entrance fee. Inside of The Sanctuary, you will also see 300 carpenters and 70 carvers are working.
• This fantastic spot is not well known yet. We believe it adds to Pattaya's tourism asset, or more to say, cultural asset. In the mean time, we can not stop feeling a desire that the spot will be maintained as the sanctuary in its true sense.

Horseshoe Point Resort

Feb.14,2008 Morning

This is a horse-riding leisure spot. Besides, they run variety of leisure facilities. An easy access to Siam Country Club and other outing sports also.

• When we visited, Mr. Yamaguchi, Vice President, took us around the facilities. Located 12 km east from Northern Pattaya. Land size is 3,800,000 square meters. They call it Asia's best equestrian center, with 160 horses and several riding rings, indoor and outdoor, as well as international instructors.
• Within the area, also provided are tennis courts, squash courts, swimming pools and so on for you to enjoy other sports. Located next to the main building of the hotel there is a park. There, you can find a Chinese style temple, in side of which you can enjoy "Three Kingdoms" saga in wall paintings.
• They took us to the New Siam Country Club which was to open soon in March. They emphasized an easy access and was ready to offer a package service, hotel and golf play.
• After we returned back to Japan, Mr. Yamaguchi sent me a mail asking whether Horseshoe Point was suitable for longstayers or not. If all of factors (living cost, transportation, shopping and/or availability of hospitals) are taken into consideration, it will be a difficult choice.

Royal Cliff Beech Resort

Feb.14,2008

You may call it one of the first class resort hotels indeed. Located at southernmost edge of Pattaya, segregated from the noise of the city. The hotel faces sea-shore and you can enjoy swimming at the private beech next to the hotel. We stayed there on February 14.

• Accommodations and services deserve the name of the hotel. Some Japanese may feel unsatisfactory on that no Japanese newspaper or no Japanese TV channel is available. But, Japanese are minor here. You can not argue with it.
• In the next morning, Sales Manager of the hotel introduced us to the rooms of various grades as well as Exhibition & Convention Hall (Peach). They say they can accommodate 5,800 persons (theater) down to 2,160 persons (banquette). Within this year it will be expanded to 7,600 and 3,640 respectively. It is another feature of Royal Cliff.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Feb.15,2008 Morning

Located in Sattahip, 15 km south from Pattaya. The wide garden of 243 hectare space with variety of tropical and colorful flowers, birds and animals.

• In the theater of the garden, they played the Thai cultural show, a combination of Thai dancing, Thai boxing and battle show riding on elephants. To our surprise, capacity of several hundreds seats was fully occupied in spite it was week day morning.
• Next to the Thai cultural show was the elephant show. 22 elephants perform the show. You never know elephants can ride on tricycle, play foot ball or basket ball, paint pictures. They also invite audience to join play with elephants.

This is a place you can enjoy a day with your family.

Alangkarn Theater

Feb.14,2008 Evening

Located in Jomthien 10 km south of Pattaya. 70 meters stage, 11 meters by 15 meters screen, performances in the air, special effects of sound, lighting and fire, all of them were powerful. Succeeding Thai dancing and the play of famous Rama-Yana, they bring you to historical journey back to ancient Kingdoms of Siam.

This is one of new features of Thai amusement indeed.

from a pamphlet of Arangkarn Theater