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Underwater World

Opened in July 2003 Underwater World Pattaya is the newest and biggest oceanarium in Asia. It covers a 19,200 sq.m. area and is situated in a huge marquee-like structure just south of Pattaya on the Sukhumvit Highway. On entering Underwater world, visitors are taken on a sensational journey to the bottom of the sea. From sandy beaches and rock pools on the shore, they descend past spectacular coloured corals and all kinds of extraordinary marine creatures until they reach the impressive centerpiece of the attraction: a 100 metre long, acrylic, pedestrian tunnel that winds through a wide-ranging underwater environment, containing a multitude of oceanic species. Here the visitor can experience sea life close up, with shoals of fish, marauding predators and numerous other kinds of sea creatures passing all around them. The aquarium itself is home to in excess of 4000 aquatic animals, ranging from more than 200 varieties from the local region, to a large number from other parts of the world.

Among the many attractions at Underwater World is the Touch Pool, where visitors can interact with a selection of animals found around Thailand's coastline. There is a reconstruction of an old stone temple and waterfall, with beautiful Japanese Koi carp swimming in its fresh water pool. The tropical coral reefs, with all their inhabitants, from the tiniest shrimp to shoals of brilliantly coloured fish are on show here. The striped clownfish and other anemone fish are displayed living in each of their own particular species of anemone. Blue ring angelfish, electric blue damselfish, butterfly fish, stingrays, large brown stingrays, shovelnose rays, giant groupers, huge nurse sharks, leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks and the rare sharkray, with its sharks body and fattened and rounded rays head, are just some of the sea creatures represented here too.

Underwater World also plays an important part in marine conservation, plus educational programmes are continually being developed. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and makes an outstanding day out for the whole family.

Dining Out In Pattaya

It is often said that some nationalities eat to live, while others live to eat. The latter is certainly true of the Thai people. In Thailand, life often seems to be centred on food. When they get together, or someone visits, they invariably offer food. Consequently, superb Thai food is available all over Thailand, and Pattaya is no exception. It has a vast range of Thai restaurants, curbside vendors and roving hand-drawn or motorized carts, where you can enjoy dishes such as noodles, grilled meats, seafood, corn-on-the-cob, fresh fruit and other quirky fare from the staggering variety of local and regional specialities that are available all over the city.

Due to Pattayas popularity as a holiday and retirement destination and the nearby industrial parks, that house many international companies with their ex-patriot workforces, there is a vast array of restaurants featuring cuisine from all over of the globe. Undoubtedly, Pattaya rivals some of the world's big cities for the sheer number, quality and diversity of dining places available. Luckily, because of the fierce competition between all the types of venues, the prices are extremely reasonable. It is perfectly possible to get a filling Thai meal for as little as 20 Baht. Indeed, compared to the costs in the west, here they are phenomenally good value.

Pattaya is the only sea-side city, in a verdant tropical setting, that has European, Russian, American, Australian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and, of course, Thai restaurants among the dining venues liberally distributed throughout. Everything from pasta and fresh seafood to sushi, fish 'n chips, tender steaks, kebabs, schnitzels and meat pies are available all over the town and surrounding region.

Fast food chains, such as McDonalds, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dunkin Donuts and Subway are all present. There are also many superior, first class restaurants serving excellent cuisine and fine wines located in all areas. Most guest houses and all the hotels have their own restaurants that are open to the general public. In addition delicatessens and coffee shops that serve food are found everywhere.

The visitor can even laze on the beach in a deckchair beneath an umbrella and have tasty Thai snacks, ice creams and drinks brought to them by beach vendors.

All this adds up to something of a culinary treat and one of the many pleasures found when coming to Pattaya. Even the most discerning visitors will not have any problem finding a comfortable, relaxing place with a menu that suits both their taste and pocket.

Pattaya Motorsports

If you are interested in motor racing, motorcycle racing, or just want a thoroughly entertaining day out, then this is definitely the event to experience when you are in Pattaya.

Bira International Circuit is located just 20 kilometres, or about half an hour, from Pattaya City on State Highway 36 between Pattaya and Rayong. It covers an area of 65 acres and is the only internationally certified race track in Thailand. Bira International Circuit is named after H. H. Prince Birabongse Bhanutej Bhanubandh, who was the only Formula One driver from Thailand. Its comprehensive amenities include a complete service go karting track, an off-road test track and the recently up graded 2.41 kilometre race track, which is suitable for Formula Three racing.

Bira International Circuit regularly hosts national and international motor and motorcycle events, such as the Asian Festival of Speed (AFOS) Supercar Thailand races, the South East Asia Touring Car Zone Challenge (SEATCZC) and the Asian Formula 2000 (AF2000) Since its inception in 1985 it has become one of the pre-eminent tracks of Southeast Asia. Drivers from Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Singapore, Taipei, United Kingdom, United States and, of course, Thailand have all competed in events here.

The track itself is quite technical, with a great deal of cambers and gradients, a fast, constant radius, first turn, which rises up and over a crest before descending into a tricky 180 degree bend. There is a fast twist, then two consecutive rapid chicanes followed by a curve into a double apex corner and then the main straight. The racing is speedy, with widely varying levels of ability exhibited. Bira International Circuit offers daily opportunities for speed fans to test their personal skills by driving their own vehicles round the track. National and international motor and motorcycle competitions are also arranged over the weekends.

Next to the motor racing circuit is the Bira Go Kart Facility with a 1.2 kilometre track. It was completely overhauled in 2006, bringing it up to the Commission Internationale de Karting's Standard. Karts can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on the straight, depending on the weather conditions. There are two types of kart, complete with kit, available for hire - 390 cc. RX7 and 125 Rotax 2 stroke This is a great day out for individuals and groups of up to 1000 people. The go kart facility is open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 18.00 p.m.

Bira International Circuit is an essential destination for people who enjoy adventure and speed sports. The grandstand and viewing areas can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators and is open daily from 9.30 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.  Attending the events at this stadium makes for an unquestionably memorable experience.