Beaches • The Most Visited Places • Excursions from Pattaya • Nearby Islands

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Nearby Island

Ko Lan (Coral Island) 

Located about 7.5 km. west of Pattaya and 45 minutes by tourist boats, it is the largest of the archipelago off Pattaya. There are beautiful sandy beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral, especially on the western part of the island.

Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving. It is also an ideal place for water sports -- snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing and parasailing. You can find a hotel on Nuan Beach in the southern part and a lot of seafood restaurants and souvenir shops on the main beaches.

The ferry to Ko Lan leaves the pier in South Pattaya several times daily, taking about 45 minutes. Speed boats are also available for hire.

Thai name : เกาะล้าน

Pattaya & Coral Islands (Ko Lan)    (Find the cheapest ticket!)

Ko Sak

Ko Sak, about 600 meters away from Ko Lan, is a small island good for swimming and snorkelling. There is a coral reef around the southern coast.

Thai name : เกาะสาก

Ko Khrok

Ko Khrok is another neighbouring island of Ko Lan. Comprising mostly rocks, it is an ideal place for coral viewing.

Thai name : เกาะครก

Ko Phai Group of Islands

Ko Phai Group of Islands About 13 km. from Pattaya, they are currently under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight here, but can enjoy relaxing and swimming on their tranquil beaches during the daytime. All the islands are accessible by boat and charters can be arranged through your hotel tour desk or by negotiating directly with the boat owners at South Pattaya. Rentals are between 1,000 - 5,000 baht depending on the spot as well as the size and type of boat.

Thai name : เกาะไผ่

Nearby Attractions

Rayong is a province on the eastern seaboard just to the east of Pattaya. It is only 179 km away from Bangkok. Newly developed, it has clear sea water, fine beaches, colourful coral formations and several beautiful islands. The following islands are parts of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park of Rayong Province.

Ko Samet

Ko Samet The place is tranquil, the climate is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Along the seashore, there are many beaches, which make the island famous among Thais and foreign tourists. Tourist attractions on Samet Island are Hat Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Luk Yon, Ao Wong Duean, Ao Wai, Ao Kaew, Ao Pakarang, and Ao Phrao Bays.

Thai name : เกาะเสม็ด

Ko Thalu

The fine white sand beaches and unspoiled underwater world here make the serene island an interesting place and a good spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful corals and many kinds of fish can be seen under the sea not far from the island. During June and July, sea turtles will come up on the beach to lay their eggs. Another famous attraction here is a natural arch that the sea water can flow through. However, there are no accommodations on this island. Only a snack stall and a few toilets are available.

Thai name : เกาะทะลุ

Ko Kudi

This island has peaceful scenery and beautiful beaches. Marine life here is stunning with coral reefs in perfect condition and an abundance of fish, giant clams, and sea anemones. Therefore, The Kudi Island is a wonderful place for diving and camping lovers.

Thai name : เกาะกุฎี

City Tour • Doi Suthep Route • Mae Rim - Samoeng Route • Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (to Doi Inthanon National Park) • Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng Route • Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao - Fang Route

City Tour

Among the places most worth visiting in Chiang Mai are its centuries-old wats (Buddhist temples), many of them in the city area. As the city is of a moderate-size, touring around town to visit these temples by bicycle is very popular.

Wat Chiang Man

(off Ratchapakhinai Road in the northeast corner of the old city)

This is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai town which was built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. The temple is famous for its Lanna-style chedi supported by rows of elephant-shaped buttresses and an ancient and invaluable Buddha image named Phra Kaeo Khao.

For taxi : วัดเชียงมั่น  

Wat Lok Moli

Another visit-worthy temple of Chiang Mai

When in Chiang Mai, the city of old culture and sweet-mannered people, the sites where you can linger all day to admire the city's magical charm are temples dotting the city in abundance. Apart from Wat Phra Sing which is a well-known beautiful Buddhist temple where Phra Phuttha Sihing, a most revered Buddha image of the north is enshrined, Wat Lok Moli appears to be another interesting and visit-worthy temple.

MORE DETAILS

For taxi : วัดโลกโมฬี  

Wat Phra Sing (Samlan Road)

This lovely temple, built in 1345, houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded on Chiang Mai streets for local people to sprinkle scented water at.

The temple compound contains a lai-kham chapel which features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals.

For taxi : วัดพระสิงห์  

Wat U-Mong (Suthep Road)

Built in 1296 by King Mengrai, it is situated in a rustic forest setting. This famous meditation temple is unique in its large tunnel-like construction.

For taxi : วัดอุโมงค์  

Wat Ku Tao

(off Chotana Road near the Chiang Mai Stadium / see Map of Chiang Mai City)

This old temple is noteworthy for its unique Burmese-style chedi (pagoda) that consists of a series of circular layers piling one above the other and decorated with coloured porcelain pieces. As this round layered pagoda resembles a water gourd, the temple is called Wat Ku Tao, which means "Temple with the Water Gourd Chedi".

For taxi : วัดกู่เต้า  

Wat Suan Dok

(Suthep Road / see Map of Chiang Mai City)

This temple was built by command of King Kuena of Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1371.The 500-year-old bronze Buddha image, enshrined in the temple, is one of the most beautiful and largest metal images of the Buddha in Thailand. The temple ground is also a favourite spot for photographers, especially for scenes of the striking sunset.

For taxi : วัดสวนดอก  

Wat Chedi Luang

(Phra Pokklao Road / see Map of Chiang Mai City)

This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi (pagoda) measuring 282 feet high and 144 feet wide at the base. Its spire collapsed in 1545 because of an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful in the North.

For taxi : วัดเจดีย์หลวง  

Wiang Kum Kam

(5 km. southeast of the city on Chiang Mai - Lamphun Route)

The ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam, founded by King Mengrai in the late 13th century, flourished more than seven centuries ago. Then it was devastated by flood and vanished without a trace.

The entire community was buried under layers of earth and remained interred for several hundred years until the site was excavated. The main historical remains are found in several temples located in the compound, e.g. Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Chang Kham and Wat Noi.

For taxi : เวียงกุมกาม  

Night Bazaar

(Chang Khlan Road / see Map of Chiang Mai City)

This popular place is an extensive night market spreading out along Chang Khlan Road. It consists of a great number of shops and street vendors, many of whom are hilltribes. The market offers a large variety of Thai and northern Thai goods, especially handicrafts and souvenirs, at attractive prices. This is a must for shopping-oriented visitors and bargain lovers.

For taxi : ไนท์บาซาร์

Warorot Market

Warorot market, locally called Kad Luang, is Chiang Mai's first shopping centre in Chinatown and a place to see real Chiang Mai. The most famous souvenir here is northern style food. Kaeb mu (crispy pig skin), mu yo (traditional Thai pork sausage), and nam phrik num (traditional northern style green chilly paste). Beyond the market on Praisani Road are dozens of stalls where hilltribe people sell various kinds of tribal handicrafts and tropical fresh fruits and flowers from the highland farms.

For taxi : ตลาดวโรรส  

Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Market)

The Wualai community has been so far known for its fine silver and lacquer wares. On Saturday evenings, the Wualai Street is closed to traffic making it an open-air showcase for the area's famous handicrafts. It is therefore called Saturday Market. Don't miss a chance to shop for authentic northern silver and lacquer wares as well as other unique handicrafts at the venue. You are recommended to go there from around 4 p.m. on, when the weather is cooling down and most vendors have already set up shops. The market runs to 10 p.m.

For taxi : ถนนวัวลาย  

Tha Pae Walking Street (Sunday Market)

Tha Pae Walking Street runs on Sundays at Tha Phae Gate and along Ratchadamnoen Road. It hence, in the same way as Wualai Walking Street is called Saturday Market, is known as Sunday Market. The Sunday Market features shopping at reasonable prices for various kinds of goods, ranging from local handicraft products to portrait paintings. Besides, local food and music are also key attractions to both locals and tourists. Expect to find activities of all kinds alongside special theme events for young and old alike. This pedestrian market starts around 4 p.m. and runs to 10 p.m.

For taxi : ถนนคนเดิน ท่าแพ  

Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre

(Phra Pokklao Road, Muang County)  

For those whose time is limited but who still want to discover the true identity of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Centre is recommended. Established in 1997, the Centre is well located in a beautiful historical building constructed in 1924. The front part of the building is used for permanent exhibits and the rear is dedicated to other cultural activities and temporary exhibitions. Permanent Exhibits comprise 15 sections, which are divided by periods and topics.

MORE DETAILS

Information Tel. 0 5321 7793, 0 5321 9833

Open           Tuesday-Sunday (including public holidays) 08.30-17.00 hrs.

Admission Fees Adult: 90 Baht / Child: 40 Baht

For taxi : หอศิลปวัฒนธรรมเมืองเชียงใหม่ ถนนพระปกเกล้า อำเภอเมือง  

Ratchaphruek Garden

Location: 12 km southwest of Chiang Mai, in Mae Hia Sub-county, Muang County

Ratchaphruek Garden, the former site of the Royal Flora Expo 2006, Thailand’s largest international horticultural exposition, has been developed and opened to the public. It has become a great learning site for agro-tourism. Inside over 470 rai (188 acres) of land amid a mountainous terrain, the garden features various species of plants and flowers as well as many exquisite architectural styles. Examples of what to see in the garden are as follow:

Ho Kham Royal Pavilion

The symbolic structure and great photogenic site of this garden, featuring delicate traditional Northern style architecture, Ho Kham Royal Pavilion houses exhibitions in honour of King Bhumibol, wall paintings depicting His Majesty’s exceptional abilities in the country’s development and a sculpture of the tree of the ten kingly virtues.

Corporate Garden

Showing sustainability and eco-friendly agricultural techniques, the corporate gardens presented by many organizations and state enterprises are aimed at inspiring visitors to follow the king’s theories.

International Garden

Including not only innovative horticultural shows from 33 countries around the globe, the international gardens also offer showcases of each particular country’s identity through its art and architectural style.

Indoor Exhibition

This zone demonstrates hydroponics, a tissue culture nursery and features buildings that grow tropical, desert and temperate plants.

Outdoor Exhibition

The outdoor exhibition is an area comprising a large outdoor garden featuring various kinds of tropical plants, water plants, Buddhist auspicious plants and beautifully trained trees as well as a building exhibiting the history of Thai horticulture.

Rare Plants

Apart from the above mentioned plants, Ratchaphruek Garden collects some rare species like the “Royal Palm”, the “Double Coconut” and ancient pine trees.

Tram services are available at 20 baht for adults and 10 baht for children. The garden is open every day from 9.00-18.00 hrs except Monday. For now the admission is free. For more information, please contact the Ratchaphruek Garden on tel. 0 5311 4110-5.

For taxi : สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ ราชพฤกษ์ 2549 ตำบลแม่เหียะ อำเภอเมือง

Interesting Tour Package: Around Thailand 8 Days  

For your personal safety and protection by law, please use the services of travel agencies holding a TAT license only.  

City Tour • Doi Suthep Route • Mae Rim - Samoeng Route • Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (to Doi Inthanon National Park) • Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng Route • Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao - Fang Route

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Wat Lok Moli

Another visit-worthy temple of Chiang Mai

When in Chiang Mai, the city of old culture and sweet-mannered people, the sites where you can linger all day to admire the city's magical charm are temples dotting the city in abundance. Apart from Wat Phra Sing which is a well-known beautiful Buddhist temple where Phra Phuttha Sihing, a most revered Buddha image of the north is enshrined, Wat Lok Moli appears to be another interesting and visit-worthy temple.

Background

The name of Wat Lok Moli was mentioned in the Chronicle of the Lanna Kingdom when King Chai Racha of Ayutthaya (1534-1546) marched his troops to attack the Lanna Kingdom.

Wat Lok Moli is located near Chang Phuak Gate. Its front is adjacent to the road around the city moat. If you drive round the moat, you will notice its delicate patterned arch and its teak Lanna-style vihara.

Wat Lok Moli is an ancient temple of Chiang Mai but its establishing year is unknown. The name Wat Lok Moli was found in the "Legend of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep". It mentioned that in A.D. 1367 King Kuena, the sixth Lanna King of the Mangrai Dynasty who had a strong faith in Buddhism dispatched his envoys to invite Phra Maha Thera, a revered Buddhist monk of Martaban* to propagate Buddhism in the Lanna Kingdom.

*Martaban is an ancient town believed to have been founded in A.D. 573 by the first king of Pegu. At present it is a small town in Thaton District of Lower Myanmar.

Unfortunately, the monk was too old to travel. So, Phra Ananda Thera and another ten monks were sent as delegates to carry on this mission. When in the kingdom, the monk group stayed at Wat Lok Moli. Later, in 1527, King Ketklao transferred the area of Ban Hua Wiang Village to be part of the precinct of Wat Lok Moli.In 1528, he ordered the grand pagoda and the vihara to be established. When the king was assassinated in 1545, the civil servants agreed to house his relics in a pagoda at Wat Lok Moli.

 After that, his daughter, Queen Chira Prapha succeeded him. Some legends assume that she was actually the Queen of King Ketklao, not his daughter. During her reign, Chiang Mai became weak in military strength, so, King Chai Racha of Ayutthaya led his army to attack Chiang Mai. Thanks to the Queen's wits, Chiang Mai maintained its sovereignty. Afterwards, the queen officially invited King Chai Racha to make merit at Wat Lok Moli. And the king gave the queen an amount of money to renovate the pagoda housing the relics of the late King Ketklao.

After that, Chiang Mai had been Burma's vassal state for about 200 years. During the Burmese rule, many temples were burnt down except Wat Lok Moli. This was because the Burmese king ruling Chiang Mai at that time held Wat Lok Moli as a prestigious temple.

Interesting Constructions

The Pagoda

This castle-style pagoda was constructed in 1528 in the reign of King Ketklao. It was later renovated and modified several times, adding to the height of the pagoda. Inside the pagoda are King Ketklao's relics.

The Vihara

The vihara of Wat Lok Moli shows typical Lanna architectural style with awesomely beautiful naga* stuccoed figures.

* a mythical serpent-like creature
• Special thanks to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Northern Office Region 1 for arranging an impressive press tour to Chiang Mai and to Mag Media Co.,Ltd and Forty-Five Organizer & Media Co.,Ltd. for facilitating the photographing and giving us useful information.

For taxi : วัดโลกโมฬี

City Tour • Doi Suthep Route • Mae Rim - Samoeng Route • Chiang Mai - Chom Thong - Hot Route (to Doi Inthanon National Park) • Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng Route • Mae Taeng - Chiang Dao - Fang Route

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Wat Chet Yot (Wat Photharam)

Eventful Temple Boasting Exquisite Lanna Works of Art
(4 km. on Super Highway / see Map of Chiang Mai City)

Wat (temple) Chet Yot or Wat Photharam Mahavihara, a sacred temple of Chiang Mai, is situated on Super Highway (Chiang Mai-Lampang), 4 km from Doi Suthep. It is held prestigious because the eighth revision of the Buddhist Tripitaka took place here in the reign of King Tilokkarat (1442-1487) of the Lanna Kingdom. The king himself was the chairman of that event. In addition to its significance in history, its works of art are among the finest of the Lanna school. To make your visit to the temple more enjoyable, Thaiways presents to you the temple's background and some interesting aspects.

Background

In 1455, King Tilokkarat ordered to construct a temple to be the abode of a revered Buddhist monk named Uttama Panya Thera.

At the first stage of the temple establishment, a Bodhi tree, which is said to be a sapling of the Original Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka, was planted here to commemorate the Lord Buddha. Walking around it, you will see a lot of wood posts leaning against the Bodhi tree as if to support it. This is a northern tradition done as an auspicious start for the Thai New Year (Songkran Festival, 13-15 April). Besides, as the Bodhi tree is a token of Buddhism, the practice signifies that the lay people unite to support Buddhism. This is believed to be a grand merit.

Replicas of Satta Mahasathan* were built together with the temple, also as religious memorials. King Tilokkarat called the temple Photharam Mahavihara. Photha means a Bodhi tree and mahavihara means a huge monastic hall. However, the locals prefer to call it Wat Chet Yot as the main stupa has seven spires.

When King Tilokkarat died in 1487, King Yot Chiang Rai, his grandson, built a stupa to house his relics. In the reign of King Muang Kaeo (1495-1525), the temple was renovated and an ordination hall was set up.

Afterwards, Wat Chet Yot was deserted for some time. It was not until the early Rattanakosin Period (1782-1851) that King Kawila of Chiang Mai (1796) restored towns and temples including Wat Chet Yot.

Constructions in the Compound

1. The Seven-spire Stupa, which is similar to the Mahabodhi Temple or Buddha Gaya, India, shows delicate craftsmanship of its stuccoed bas reliefs in forms of sitting and standing angels. Because of the distinctive style, they became a prototype for works of art of successive ages. You will notice that the attire of each angel is different from that of the rest. Other motifs like flowers and creepers reflect the Chinese influence which was first introduced to Thailand in the form of ceramics around 1260-1368.
2. The old ordination hall is in the northeast of the present ordination hall. It was built in 1502 under the command of King Muang Kaeo of the Mangrai Dynasty.
3. The stupa housing King Tilokkarat's relics is a large castle-shaped chedi. Each of the four sides of its base has an arch in which a Buddha image was once housed.

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*Satta Mahasathan refers to seven sites where the Buddha passed seven successive weeks in meditation after gaining enlightenment. They are: 1.Bodhi Tree 2. Animesha Chedi 3. Ratana Chankramana Chedi 4. Ratanaghara Chedi 5. Ajapala Nigrodha Tree 6. Muchalinda Lake and 7. Raja-yatana Tree. The seven sites are located in the precinct of Mahabodhi Temple (Buddha Gaya), India. At Wat Chet Yot, at present, only three are left, viz. Animesha Chedi, Ratanaghara Chedi and Muchalinda Lake.
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• For more information, please contact TAT Northern Office Region 1, tel: +66 (0)5324 8604, +66 (0) 5324 8607.
• Special thanks to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Northern Office Region 1 for arranging an impressive press tour of Chiang Mai and to Mag Media Co., Ltd. and Forty-Five Organizer & Media Co., Ltd. for facilitating the photographing and giving us useful information.

For taxi : วัดเจ็ดยอด