By Rama Gaind
A soul-searching needs to be done before you make a decision on where to go for your holiday in Thailand as it’s not easy making the right choice.
Famous for its tropical islands, there’s a long list: Phuket, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the islands around Pattaya including Koh Larn, Koh Phai and Koh Sak.
It appears that there’s an island for every month, a beach for every week and you can lay under a new palm tree every day.
It would be unfair to name the “best” island in Thailand. That would depend on individual taste. It’s a case of you deciding what best suits your needs in Thailand.
Thailand has three main sets of islands; those to the east of Bangkok, between Bangkok and the Cambodian border; those in the southern Gulf of Thailand; and those in the Andaman Sea — off the west coast of Thailand, between the Burman and Malaysian frontiers.
Each of these groups has one or two particularly well-known islands that attract the bulk of travellers. There’s Koh Samed and Koh Chang to the east of Bangkok; Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao are in the Gulf; and then there’s Phuket and Koh Phi Phi in the Andaman.
There is a steady flow of visitors, but be selective about where you stay and what you do. Ensure that it meets your needs. A lot of these islands have their hidden gems, they’re also surrounded by other islands which may be lesser known, but they could ideally be suitable.
Do not assume that the entire island should be deserted because there are places like Phuket and Koh Samui that have totally deserted beaches that run for many kilometres,
Pattaya
Pattaya is the closest of Thailand’s major beach resorts to the capital city. Only 147km from Bangkok, it is located in a crescent on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
What makes Pattaya a big winner is the fun-filled combination of its wide beaches, water sports, a variety of attractions, sightseeing, shopping, great hotels and resorts, international dining experiences – together with a nightlife that’s talked about the world over.
Take time out to enjoy the Jomthien Beach and Pattaya Beach before checking into the eye-catching, and comfortable, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. Discovering its many haunts will be an adventure in itself!
Take time out go a speedboat excursion to Koh Sak for swimming and relaxation.
What better way to watch the setting sun than over cocktails at the Dusit Resort Pattaya.
Visit Nong Nooch Village, a half-hour drive away from Pattaya, and take in a variety show and marvel at the richly spread out gardens.
The Royal Cliff Beach Resort has a multi-functionality that’s astounding. The 64-acre parkland estate, which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam, is totally self-contained.
Although located within a minute’s walk from each other, the resort’s four hotels retain their individual charm by catering to distinct audiences and are complemented by a host of dining and leisure facilities. As well, the resort boats one of the most comprehensive range of meeting and banquet facilities in Thailand.
While in Pattaya, it is a must to attend the Tiffany Show.
Other sights
Covering an area of 100,000sqm, the Four Regions Floating Market is separated into four sections – each representing and selling items from the four major parts of Thailand (north, northeast, central and south). There are over 114 shops and water vendors selling authentic Thai food, desserts and specialties from all over the kingdom. Expect to find many eateries, fruit stalls, souvenir shops and some art galleries. There is also a cultural show every afternoon.
Other attractions in Pattaya include The Million Years Stone Park, Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park, Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, the Thai Alangkarn Theater Pattaya (cultural show), Bottle Art Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and Underwater World, an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand including sharks and stingrays.
Mini Siam is a miniature model village which celebrates the heritages of Thailand with replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai and Prasat Hin Phimai. Models of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “mini world.”
Constructed in 1976, Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan is a temple where the compound has a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha.
An astonishing array of memories!
Rama Gaind was a guest of Tourism Authority of Thailand.
