About Thailand

Currency: Thai baht (B). ATMs are widespread with a charge of 150B foreign-account transaction. Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most shops.

Time zone: GMT +7

Visa: International air arrivals are entitled to 30-day visa, 15-day visa at land borders and 60-day tourist visa through application at the Thai Consulate.

Staying in touch: Inexpensive pre-paid SIM cards are easily available. 3G is widespread in the cities. Free wi-fi is usually available in cafés and hotels.

Electricity: Thailand uses 220V AC electricity. Power outlets most commonly feature two-prong round or flat sockets.

Tipping: Tipping is not standard, but it is appreciated. If there is a small bit of change from a restaurant bill or metered taxi, it is common to offer it as a tip.

Taxis: Taxis are convenient, but ensure the driver is using the fare meter, which starts at 35B.

Weather: Thai weather is marked by three seasons: the rainy season (May-October), hot season (March-April), and the cool season (November-February).

Attire: As Thailand is hot, sunny, and humid, visitors are likely to sweat no matter what they wear. Natural fabrics such as linen and silk are good choices to stay comfortable in the heat. Many sites, particularly temples, will enforce a modesty dress code which usually requires visitors’ shoulders, cleavage, and knees be completely covered.

About Pattaya

• Buddha Mountain: The area was once an old mine and was landscaped to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the King’s ascension to the throne. One of the mountain’s cliff-faces has an outline of a large, gold-coloured Buddha that was created by the use of accurate sketches by lasers accompanied by the marines abseiling on the cliff-face and completing the carvings. The mountain has become a famous attraction where tourists love to take pictures of the gigantic carvings. Located on the road to Wat Yanasang Vararam, 6kms off Sukhumvit Road at the 160km marker. Open daily from 6h00-18h00. Free admission.


• Pattaya Floating Market: Pattaya Floating Market features cultures and traditions of the different regions of Thailand. Traditional wooden houses show the lifestyle of Thai people in the past. Visitors can cruise around the market place and enjoy trying various cuisines such as boat noodles and pad Thai. The activities area comprises of souvenir outlets ranging from ceramics, silver ornaments, basketry, wood carvings, rattan work, clothes, and other handmade products. 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150. Daily 9h00-20h00.


• Sanctuary of Truth: The Sanctuary of Truth is a marvellous Thai-style pavilion that stuns every visitor with its delicate carvings. It is a wooden structure decorated in an oriental style showing gods and goddesses, angels, and people from Buddhist history. It is one of the most special attractions in Thailand in an outstanding coastal location where the atmosphere changes at different times of the day. 206/2 Moo 5, Soi Na Klua 12, Tambon Na Klua, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150. Daily 8h00-17h00. Admission fee 500B.


• Art in Paradise: Art in Paradise is a gallery of art containing over 140 paintings that allow visitor’s interaction. Each room in the gallery features stunning paintings of different themes, such as mirages, underwater worlds, wildlife, world-class paintings, cultural rooms, and surrealism. 78/34 Moo 9, Pattaya 2 Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150. Daily 9h00-21h00. Admission fee 150B.

• Krua Naklua
• Moom Aroy Naklua
• Rimpa Lapin
• Samosorn Reun Sak Pradoo
• Panya Restaurant
• Pla Thong
• Rua Mai Pattaya
• Wandee House