Dusit Thani Pattaya

Pattaya Overview

Think of Pattaya, and you think of beaches, shops, and a city awash with colour.

Pattaya Beach is the city's epicentre: a place to witness the stunning Thai coast during the day, and a place to experience the famous Pattaya nightlife after dark. If you are looking to escape the pack, Pattaya's other beaches, including Naklua Beach, Jomtien Beach, and the beaches at the Dusit Thani Pattaya, are quieter than Pattaya Beach yet still have much to offer. Popular beach activities include parasailing, windsurfing, surfing and scuba diving.

If the open green appeals more than the big blue, you will find Pattaya is perfect. There are several stunning golf courses in close proximity to the Dusit Thani Pattaya, designed by golf champions such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Robert Trent Jones. Likewise, if you want to spend some time away from the beach, shopping at the colourful Nong Non Market and the Chonburi Village of Ang Sila provide attractive alternatives.

Quirky and hilarious, The Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum proves a fun port of call in Pattaya, as does the incredible jungle trek at the Pattaya Elephant Village. Fascinating sights such as the temples at Wat Khao Pravai and The Sanctuary of Truth, a structure built by an eccentric billionaire, are also both just a short distance from the Dusit Thani Pattaya.

After a day exploring the city, watch the sun go down and the neon light up from the Dusit Thani Pattaya, as the bars, restaurants and nightclubs spring into life. It's the perfect way to end your day in paradise.

Pattaya Attractions Close to the Hotel

• Pattaya Beach
• Mini Siam
• The Bottle Museum
• Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat
• Three Kingdoms Theme Park
• Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham)
• Pattaya Elephant Village
• The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
• Ripley's Believe It or Not
• Odditorium
• Underwater World Pattaya
• Alangkarn Theatre
• Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)
• The Monkey Training Centre

Historical Places of Interest

• Pattaya Beach
  The half-moon-shaped 4-km-long Pattaya Beach features a road running parallel to the beach. From the mid-section to the southern end of the area, there is a vast array of restaurants, bars, department stores, souvenir stores, as well as other places of entertainment. To the north of the beach are various mini-resorts and hotels in a quieter atmosphere.
  
  
• Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat
  This is a small hill to the south of Pattaya Beach. It is accessible by an asphalt road, which leads up to the hilltop. Khao Pattaya is now the site of the Naval Radio Station where the monument of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy, is situated. A sacred Buddha image is also enshrined on the hilltop. The viewpoint on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay.
  
  
• Mini Siam
  Presenting replicas of sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand at a scale of 1 to 25, Mini Siam presents the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Anantasamakom Throne Hall, Wat Phra Srisanpet, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai, and others. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the "miniworld" area. These include the Tower Bridge, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain.
  
  
• The Sanctuary of Truth (Prasat Satchatham)
  Within the compound is a gigantic temple-like structure entirely made of wood that is 105 meters high at the highest point which was constructed to withstand wind and sunshine on the seashore. With exquisite architectural features, the sanctuary was conceived out of the vision that human civilization has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truths.
  
  
• Suan Chaloemphrakiat (Fitness Park)
  Located at the foot of Pattaya hill on Phratamnak Road. Covering a large area, the place constructed to commemorate His Majesty the King's sixtieth birthday on 5 December 1988. The gardens of the park have a wide variety of flowering plants. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging complete with standard exercise facilities.
  
  
• Underwater World Pattaya
  This new attraction which is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia with a 100-metre-long acrylic pedestrian tunnel features exotic marine and freshwater fish displays, providing every visitor the unique experience of viewing the creatures from the deep through crystal clear water. The aquarium itself houses more than 4000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare specimens from overseas.
  
  
• Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium
  Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium is not-to-be-missed, featuring one of the largest collections of oddities from every corner of the planet.
  
  
• Three Kingdoms Theme Park
  Situated close to the Horseshoe Point, the park contains several beautiful Chinese-style buildings and art objects.
  
  
• Wat Yansangwararam
  It is a hilltop temple, built as a dedication to the Supreme Patriarch Yansangworn. Surrounded by hilly landscape, the temple provides a panoramic view of Pattaya. Of note is the temple's modern Thai architecture. The temple encompasses a Mondop (a square building with a spire roof), which houses the Buddha's footprint; and also a main Chedi which enshrines the holy relics of the Buddha as well as the Arahats International Pavilions.
  
  
• Wihan Sian
  A Chinese-style structure called Wihan Sian which was built by Thais of Chinese descendants. Within the beautiful structure, Chinese antiquities and an exhibition of Chinese religious beliefs are housed.
  
  
• Bang Saen
  Bang Saen is a famous beach 13 kms away from the city of Chonburi. The beach's short distance to Bangkok makes it a popular spot for tourists who have limited time. Bang Saen is also well known for its long, fine beach, dotted by rental deck chairs and umbrellas, and delicious seafood. On the beach, you will see lots of hawkers selling snacks, drinks and favourite seafood such as grilled squid, grilled or steamed mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes.
  
  
• The Khao Khieo Open Zoo
  Covering a vast tract of forestland, the Khao Khieo Open Zoo contains over 200 species of wildlife, including domestic and imported types. Visitors can stroll around the grounds and observe animals closely, in their natural habitat, including such rare local wild animals as bulls, red cows, tapirs, giraffes, African rhinoceros, and hippopotamus. There is also a large aviary with hundreds of varieties of birds covering an area of around five rai that visitors can enter for close viewing.
  
  
• The Sri Racha Tiger Zoo
  Sri Racha Tiger Zoo has successfully bred Bengal tigers, which is a rare achievement. Also on view are crocodiles, ostriches, single hump camels, kangaroos and an aviary of exotic birds. Visitors can enjoy exciting shows by trainers' animal acts featuring tigers and crocodiles.
  
  
• Wat Yai Inthraram
  The temple, which is believed to have been built in the Ayutthaya period, clearly shows the influence of Ayutthaya-style architecture. The Ubosot and Vihan were built in their distinctive Gunwale Curve base and the Mondop were built over the Holy Footprints. The Ubosot itself was renovated during the reign of King Rama lll using glassware to decorate the gables and windows. In front of the temple stands a statue of King Taksin the Great, the only king of the Thon Buri Period.

Cultural Attractions

• The Bottle Museum
  The Bottle Museum displays an extensive collection of over 300 pieces of artwork in the form of well-known tourist attractions placed inside glass bottles. This impressive collection is by Mr. Peter Bedelais, a Dutch sculptor who painstakingly crafted the various intricate parts, and put them in glass bottles of different shapes.
  
  
• Alangkarn Theatre
  With an area of 80 rais, the entire project includes a prototype Hexa Stage Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant. Alangkarn aims at a new concept of presenting Thai Culture to tourists from all walks of life, instead of the standard Thai traditional dances that could easily be found elsewhere.
  
  
• Pattaya Elephant Village
  Pattaya Elephant Village showcases daily life of elephants and their mahout. It also offers stage shows, which demonstrate how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football, a grand war, and elephant parade.
  
  
• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
  This tourist attraction features a botanical garden, zoo and Thai Cultural Center with impressive shows. The vast area of the recreational park includes two lakes, bonsai, cactus, palm, and bromeliad gardens, a hothouse for orchids and ferns and a showcase of such animals as tigers, elephants, chimpanzees or parrots. Its Thai Cultural Center, presents traditional Thai houses and cultural shows.
  
  
• The Monkey Training Centre
  The centre brings the best out of the monkeys. Visitors can admire the intelligence of monkeys, which are trained to harvest coconuts and to perform other various activities. Additional performances include cock fighting and a snake show.
  
  
• The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm
  Occupies an area of about 100 rai, featuring a rock garden and botanical garden beautifully landscaped with various kinds of rare plants, of which the major attractions are fossil plants aged over a million years, and 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, giant animal-shaped rocks, and the grandest model waterfall in Thailand. Animal lovers can see albino bears, elephants and horses, as well as crocodile pools, inhabited by hundreds of crocodiles.
  
  
• Ang Sila
  A seaside-fishing village situated approximately five kilometers from town, Ang Sila is well known for its granite products. The fishermen are not only skilful in catching fish, but also in making implements from granite and have passed on their craftsmanship from generation to generation. Their most renowned product are mortar-and-pestle, widely used in Thai households, and decorative items such as figurines of animals such as lions, elephants and horses.

Shopping

• Nong Mon Market
  Nong Mon Market is a famous market of Chonburi, which offers a vast range of local products particularly fresh and preserved foods. Among its well-known buys are different types of dried seafood, glutinous rice baked in bamboo, spicy steamed fish cakes, deep fried shrimp cakes, sweetened banana and taro chips, sweetened fruit preserves, and others. Souvenirs and local handicrafts include quality rattan and bamboo baskets from Phanat Nikhom, a district known for its unique and intricate weaving techniques.
  
  
• Ang Sila
  Thai mortar-and-pestle of the best quality are often made in Ang Sila, an old seaside village in Chonburi. This village has long been famous for its cottage industry, producing stone mortars and animal sculptures from granite.

Sports

Pattaya is truly a centre of activities and entertainment, and its large variety of water sports range from parasailing to scuba-diving.

• Parasailing
  For a great view and thrills, take to the sky as a speedboat dangles you in your parachute along the bay. Parasailing operators can be contacted on Pattaya and Jomtien Beach.
  
  
• Wind Surfing
  Head straight for Jomtien Beach if wind surfing is your favourite sport. Tuition is widely available for beginners. The Pattaya Windsurf Club on Jomtien Beach also stages board competitions every year. The best season for windsurfing in Pattaya is from October to June.
  
  
• Sailing
  A year-round sport. Hobby catamarans can be rented at their booths on Jomtien Beach and Wong Amat Beach.
  
  
• Cable Skiing
  Speedboats can be rented at various beach locations. The most popular spots for cable skiing are in the northern and southern parts of Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Koh Lan.
  
  
• Fishing
  The main centre for fishing activity is in Bang Saray, 18 kilometres south of Pattaya. Another place is the Panark Park, a freshwater lake en route to the Siam Country Club. Manwichai, Rin and Kram islands are also popular for the pursuit of marlin, king mackerel, barracuda and others.
  
  
• Scuba-Diving
  Diving equipment available for rent, and diving tuition ranges from a one-day course to a full certificate course, simply contact the dive shops located throughout Pattaya.
  
  
• Golf
  Pattaya is also dotted with several delightful golf courses, including:

• Bangpra International Golf Club
  45 Mu 6 Tambon Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha
  Tel: +66 (0) 3834 1149 to 50
  
  An attractive 18-hole course offering open fairways and fast greens amid picturesque hills.
  
  
• Khao Khieo Country Club
  220 Mu 12 Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha
  Tel: +66 (0) 3829 8224 to 6
  
  The long 27-hole course surrounded by low hills is often windy and hilly enough as to be quite challenging.
  
  
• Laem Chabang International Country Club
  106/8 Mu 4 Tambon Bung, Amphoe Si Racha
  Tel: +66 (0) 3837 2273
  
  The 27-hole course is one of the least expensive in this area.
  
  
• Natural Park Hill Golf Course
  159/1 Mu 2 Saensuk-Bang Phra Road, Tambon Ban Muang
  Tel: +66 (0) 3839 3001 to 8
  
  An excellent 18-hole course attractive for mostly beginners.
  
  
• Natural Park Resort Golf Club
  502 Mu 10 Km 82.5 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Phra, Amphoe Si Racha
  Tel: +66 (0) 2259 4800 to 11
  
  The 27-hole golf course provides a pleasant atmosphere on a slightly sloping terrain with hilly backdrop and excellent clubhouse facilities.
  
  
• Noble Place Golf Course Resort and Country Club
  88/8 Mu 6 Tambon Khlong Kiu, Amphoe Ban Bung
  Tel: +66 (0) 1484 9066, 1484 9069
  
  Designed by Dennis Wolveridge and Peter Thomson, the Noble Place Golf Course is one of the best in Pattaya.
  
  
• Phlu Ta Luang Golf Club
  Phlu Ta Luang, Amphoe Sattahip
  Tel: +66 (0) 3870 1843, 3870 1891
  
  Set amid rocky hill, the 18-hole course is one of the oldest and most natural courses in the country.
  
  
• Phoenix Golf and Country Club
  Km 158 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Huai Yai, Amphoe Bang Lamung
  Tel: +66 (0) 3823 9391 to 5, 3823 9400
  
  The beautifully landscaped course offers most spacious green and excellent clubhouse.
  
  
• Sri Racha International Golf Club
  Moo 6 T Bung A Sriracha, Chonburi 20230
  Tel: +66 (0) 3828 4285
  
  Designed by Gary Player, the 18-hole course offers a lovely setting and a beautiful landscape.