| An internationally well-known seaside resort, Pattaya
is a vibrant city night and day. Its population is a colourful
potpourri of mixed nationalities from near and far. A
vast range of tourism-related activities await the pleasure
of visitors, from relaxing on the beach, actively taking
part in land and sea-based sports to visiting the scores
of attractions in and around Pattaya.
Khao Pattaya or Khao Phra Bat is a small hill to the
south of Pattaya Beach. An asphalt road 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 view point on the hilltop offers a panoramic view
of Pattaya City and Pattaya Bay.
The half-moon-shaped Pattaya Beach is about 4 kilometres
long with a road running parallel to the beach. From
mid-section to the southern end of the area are 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 more quiet atmosphere. For local transportation,
the "Song Thaeo" mini-buses ply the routes
along the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road.
The Wan Lai Fair, the eastern version of the Thai Songkran,
is organised simultaneously with the Pattaya Festival
in mid-April. there are colourful Floral Float Parade,
native and water sports contests and a sand-castle building
competition. What is probably the most impressive activity
for foreign visitors is the water-throwing joined in
by both Thais and foreigners.
The Pattaya Marathon, organised during July each year,
is the fun-run type of activity attraction hundreds
of domestic and international runners.
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