#Pattaya, Bangkok: 3 Days Near Beach-City With Never-Ending Funs

The city of Pattaya, nestled on the east of the Gulf of Thailand, is a major tourism location in the country, famous for its happening beaches and vibrant nightlife. It happens to be a fun-lover's paradise and receives millions of backpackers annually, A lot of many Indians as well backpackers from other Asian countries choose Pattaya for a fun-filled escape round the year. Well, if you too are planning to visit this lovely coastal city, the following info may help you in better planning of your trip.

                               Pattaya Beach

                                  Photo Credit: th.readme.me

Pattaya is a sea-side city, about 150km southeast of  Bangkok. The city came into limelight during US-Vietnam War, when the US troops used to come to this coastal region for relax and rejuvenation.It was then a small sleepy village with a few private Bungalows. But today, the city has turned into a world-class beach resorts packed of a range of recreational amenities and splendid tourism attractions. Although the tourism industry here is attempting hard to grab attention of family visitors, the exotic activities with plenty of Go-go bars is main flavor that Pattaya is known for. Even today, most of travel guide books wouldn't advise a trip to Pattaya for family vacationers, due to the exotic nightlife scenes. Among the major attractions of Pattaya are its superbly fun-filled beaches and gorgeous theme parks. A day trip to the nearby Island groups gives a close touch of nature. Additionally, the city has some heart-winning historical gems like Sanctuary of truth, Ban Sukhawadee and Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan, which are worth visiting for family travelers. A visit to the Pattaya Elephant Village will make you know almost everything about the giant animal:how to catch wild elephants, elephant-at-work in the jungle and elephants playing football.

For a pleasurable Pattaya tour, you can book among the Thailand tour packages online. Alternatively,customized Bangkok packages with a trip to Pattaya are also available to choose from.

Bangkok in 3 Days

Though Bangkok has so many attractions that even couple of weeks is not enough to explore them all, you can sample the best of the city in three days. From gleaming Buddha temples to sparkling nightlife and cosmopolitan shopping and superb eating out - there is lot in the city's cusp to delight each and every traveler. Here is how you can have a wholesome Bangkok tour in just three days.

Day 1

Start your trip with exploring the city splendid wealth of history. The majestic Grand Palace. Temple of Emerald Buddha and Wat Arun are the places in must visit category. All these places are close to one another can be visited conveniently in a day. You can take the river cruise under the shade of twinking stars. Book a table to have pleasurable dinner with family or friends.

Day 2

Plan a Bangkok recreational tour on the second day. It is where you can enjoy a lot of family-friendly activities. Adorable animal shows at Sampran Elephant Zoo, pleasurable strolling in the Safari world and enthralling acts at Crocodile Farm would keep you enchanted all through the day.

Day 3

Fix your third day to enjoy cosmopolitan flavors of the city. Head to the city shinning shopping malls such as the all-time MBK and fashionable Central World to get your shopping bags full of exquisite items! The traditional markets like the Chatuchak Market and Chinatown Market are also quite pleasurable to shop and dine out. Don't miss to undergo the traditional Thai massage at any of the spas and massage parlors in the city. Go have pulsating nightlife spots like Patpong Article Search, Silom or RCA. (Hungry Bags)

#Art & Culture Centres

    Thai culture always interests tourists due to its simplicity. Yet it is full of beauty, making it even more interesting for visitors from all over the world. Thai culture is reflected in traditions and lifestyles which are visible anywhere within the kingdom. Culture dissemination helps foreigners to better understand the identity of regions in Thailand; the people's lifestyles and the way cultural beliefs have been passed down through generations. It also shows how people seek to entertain.

                    Songkran Festival                      

                      Photo Credit: group06pc1127.blogspot.com

#Jim Thompson's Thai House

    This remarkable Thai -style house was the work of Mr.Jim Thompson, an American who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and revived the silk industry. His later disappearance in the Malaysian jungles remains a mystery to this day. The house, now a museum, is at the end of Soi kasemsan 2 opposite the Jim Thompson's House is open every day from 09:00 to 16:30 hours and admission fee is 100 Baht. Volunteer guides are on hand to explain the collection to visitors.

                                 Jim Thompson's House         

                                 Photo  Credit: h.wikipedia.org

    National Stadium on Rama I Road. On permanent display are Mr. Thompson's collection of Asian artifacts, such as blue-white Chinaware; Cambodian stone figures; Bencharong (a multicoloured porcelain made in China); wooden Burmese statues and many other fabulous antiques. 

Ban Kamthing

    Ban Kamthing is an old house, originally constructed in Chiang Mai more than 200 years ago, that was donated to the Siam Society by its owners and reconstructed in Bangkok. A very large variety of Thai flora and fauna can be seen in the garden of the house, which is at 131 Soi Asok (Soi 21) Sukhumvit Road. Also on display are items used daily by Thai farmers and fishermen. It is open daily, except Sundays and public holidays, from 09:00 to 17:00 hours. An admission fee of 50 Baht is charged to help maintain the property and grounds.

Narayanaphand

        This is a handicraft centre, under government supervision, located on Thanon Ratchadamri. Visitors may inspect and buy selections of handicrafts from all parts of the country. Items available included Thai silk, ceramics, wood carvings, lacquerware, bronze objects and Khom masks. The store is open daily from 10:00 until 20:00 hours.

Goethe Institute

        Located at 18/1 Soi 1, Sathon Tai Road  Bangkok, the Goethe Institute is one of the 136 branches of German Cultural Institutes. The main activities of the institute are to promote the German language and disseminate its culture while participating in cultural co-operation between Thailand and the Federal Republic of Germany. It also holds art exhibitions, theaters, motion pictures and video shows. For further information on the institute's activities and programs you are invited to call 0-2287-0942.

Pots, Water jars 

Photo Credit: idotravellers.com

Ancient Mon pottery House or Kwan Aman

    This house is located in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Pak Kret has been a settlement location of the Mon community for over two centuries. People in the area have maintained their culture and simple lifestyle, making a living out of their homespun pottery industry. They produce pots for various purposes including water jars and bowls. You can reach this place overland or by river.

Saeng Arun Cultural Centre

    Located on Sathon Nua Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok, the centre organizes various fields of Thai cultural conservation activities, touching on Thai ways of living, For further information call 0-2237-0080 ext. 801-5.

Art Galleries 

    Art is the beauty of lines, colours and spaces. Thai art has its value, beauty and identity in painting, sculpture and other visual arts. They reflect Thai society from past eras. Thai art has been developed in Bangkok which is the centre from where you can appreciate the works of Thai artists. The city also serves as an international cultural exchange centre.

The Japanese Culture Centre

    This centre was established to the disseminate Japanese culture. It is located on the 10th Floor. 159 Serm Mitr Tower, Asok Road, Sukhumvit Soi 21,Bangkok. Activities organised for visitors are The Japanese Tea Ceremony, Art Exhibitions by Japanese and other Asian artists; a library and Japanese motion picture shows. Exhibitions are held from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 hours. For more information please call 0-2267-8560-4.

                        Marasi Art Hall

                                    Photo Credit: suanpakkad.com

Marasi Art Hall

    Located in Suan Pakkad Palace at 352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Ratchathewi, Bangkok. This is a venue for various types of art exhibitions. For information on the program please call 0-2245-6368.

The Alliance Francaise

    Located at 29 Sathon Tai Road, Bangkok. The Alliance was set up as a meeting place for French expatriates and is the venue for international culture and art dissemination including technical research. For further information call 0-2213-2122-3.

Kyoko Gallery

    The Kyoko Gallery is at 52/4 Soi Ton Son, Lumphini, Pathum-wan, Bangkok. This art gallery is run by Kyoko Jirathiwat who exhibits both Thai and International works of art. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday between 10:30 and 19:00 hours and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 18:00 hours. For information on the programmes you should call 0-254-1260.

                                 Silpa Bhirasri Gallery               

                               Photo Credit: museumsiam.org

Silpa Bhirasri Gallery, Faculty of Painting Silpakorn University

    The university teaches art of Various fields and is the location of art galleries, such as Faculty of Decorative Art, Silpa Bhirasri Art Gallery, and Faculty of Painting. This places exhibit works of students-mostly Thai, and occasionally foreign artists. The art gallery is in the university campus, next to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo, and is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours. For more information on the programmes please call 0-2221-7777 or 221-7760.

Vidhayatas Art Gallery Chulalongkorn University

    The university has an art gallery which exhibits works of Thai and international artists. It is a new art gallery which is currently attracting many art lovers. The gallery is open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 hours.

                                   The National Art Gallery

                                   Photo Credit: foursquare.com

The National Art Gallery

    Located opposite the National Theatre, Thanon Chao Fa, Krung Thon Bridge, Bangkok, the National Art Gallery exhibits works produced by Thai and some foreign artists. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Thursday between 09:00 and 16:00 hours, and closed on Mondays, Fridays and public holidays. For information, call 0-2281-2224.