MENZZOO MAGAZINE
1. WALKING STREET
Bars & Nightlife-
Walking Street Pattaya is the biggest and busiest party hotspot in the whole of Thailand with only a couple of the top places in Bangkok being rivalries for sheer volume and variety. A full neon-lit kilometre from its high-tech gateway at the Beach Road end to the Bali Hai Plaza end, almost every building along its length is a nightclub, go-go bar, beer bar or restaurant. Each of the side streets – which span from Soi 14 to Soi 16, with a couple of uniquely-named streets in between is more of the same, making the whole southern end of the city the ultimate party zone for men looking for a good time. There are literally hundreds of venues on and around the neon-drenched strip. You can't really say you've been to Pattaya without having been to Walking Street.
Location- South Pattaya, Southern end of Beach Rd, Thailand-Open Daily from 6pm-late
2. THE SANCTUARY OF TRUTH
Culture Landmark-
The Sanctuary of Truth is perhaps the most iconic structure in Pattaya. Intricately carved entirely from teak wood, the awe-inspiring 105-metre-tall hall on the headland to the north of Wongamat Beach is a one-of-a-kind structure in the whole world.
Neither Temple or Palace,the sanctuary is perhaps best described as a monument to Thai craftsmanship, with its stunningly detailed carvings of elephants, people and scenes, creatures and deities from mythology. They pay homage to and are a reflection of the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy and they adorn every single surface – both inside and out – of the building.
The Sanctuary of Truth was conceived from the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth; created, in other words, out of goodness drawn from religion, philosophy and art. Through elaborate carvings and sculptures, it pays tribute to the seven creators man cannot exist without: Heaven, Earth, Father, Mother, Moon, Sun and Stars. Deeply embedded into all of this are ancient Buddhist, Hindu, Brahman and other spiritual and philosophical elements.
The construction of the sanctuary, commisioned by a local Bussinessman began in 1981, and is an on-going, never-ending task because because none of the wood is treated or protected from the elements, meaning that older parts gradually succumb to the rigours of the weather and climate and need to be replaced.
Location: 206/2 Moo5, Pattaya-Naklua Road Soi 12, Naklua Thailand-Open Daily 08:00 - 17:00
3. BUDDHA MOUNTAIN
'KHAO CHI CHAN'
History & Culture-
The largest engraving of Buddha in the world, the gold-embossed image was carved out of the side of a limestone mountain with a laser and is 130 metres in height and 70 metres across at its widest. The area in which it resides – commonly known as “Silverlake” – is one of remarkable natural beauty.
Location: Jomteien Thailand- Open Daily 08:00 – 17:00
4. PATTAYA VIEWPOINT
Landmark-
Pattaya Viewpoint (Khao Pattaya View Point) on Pratumnak Hill is the best viewpoint in the region and the place to visit day or night to get that classic shot of Pattaya’s sweeping, crescent bay. The main view looks north and has uninterrupted views of Pattaya Bay right up to the headland separating Pattaya beach from Naklua beach, but there are also views south looking out over Jomtien Beach and straight out to sea.
Other things of note on the hilltop include Wat Khao Phra Bat, an interesting temple which is claimed to house a relic of Buddha and a monument to Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, the founding Father of the Thai Navy, which is revered by many Thai people who leave wreaths and burn incense in his honour.
Any time day or night, this hillside viewpoint offers panoramic views of Pattaya and Jomtien but it is best visited in late afternoon or early evening when the changing lights enhance this already amazing sight, and best of all, it’s absolutely free.
Location: Soi Rajchawaroon, Pratumnak Hill Thailand-Open Daily 07.30 - 21.00
5. WAT PHRA KHAO YAI
BIG BUDDHA HILL
Culture & History-
The so-called “Big Buddha” certainly deserves its name, being the biggest in the region at 18 metres in height. Positioned nearly 100 metres above sea level, it watches over Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches from its position on the hill dividing the two. The temple complex around the highly detailed golden seated Buddha creates a reflective mood in its many visitors thanks to its many bells, burning incense, numerous smaller statues and impressive views over the area. Not just tourist attraction, the site is an active temple, with locals frequently visiting to pray.
Location: Phratamnak Hill Pattaya-Open Daily 06:30 – 17:00
6. PATTAYA FLOATING MARKET
Markets & Retail-
Correctly known as the “Four Regions Floating Market”, the sub-sections of this 100,000sqm development represent the four major areas of Thailand – the north, northeast, central and south. This representation comes in the form of shops and stalls selling souvenirs, fruits, food, art, handicrafts, postcards and clothing as well as regular cultural shows and demonstrations. Some of the 114 vendors do indeed float, selling their wares from traditional boats and canoes. The rest are built into a sturdy stilted village, with covered walkways and stout bridges connecting them.
Location: 451/304 Sukhumvit Road, Jomtien Thailand-Open Daily 10:00 – 23:00
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