Joanna James
Sunny Pattaya loved for its sandy beaches, glistening sea and fun vibes has many attractions for tourists to enjoy. And it's not all sun, sand and sea; hence when you feel you need a change from chilling on the beach if ever, check out some of these cool places.
Beguile your mind as you explore this fascinating gallery, offering the only deceptive artworks in Thailand. Easy to reach from your Pattaya hotel, the museum is located in the northern edge of the city centre next to the Big C Supercentre. Popular amongst visitors of all ages, this interactive museum offers one a chance to pose next to paintings which seem to come alive and step out from the confines of its frames. The place is open from 9 am to 9 pm and is accessible via mini-bus or car.
Mini Siam is, in fact, a park containing miniature replicas of iconic buildings and structures from across the world. If you are a guest at AVANI Pattaya Resort & Spa the park is less than 7kms away, and should definitely be on your list of the best Pattaya things to do. An idea conceived by Kasem Kasemkiartisakul, the buildings are built on a scale of 1:25 compared to the originals. Iconic Thai structures located there include the Phimai Stone Sanctuary, the bridge on the River Kwai, Sri Rattanasasadarm Temple, Victory Monument and more. Prominent buildings from Europe and America such as the Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pissa, Grand Canyon etc. too are included. The park is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
The iconic Wat Nong Yai is from the Ayutthaya period. The temple came into being when Chao Kun Yai fled from the invading Burmese, taking with him the bell from the temple in Ayutthaya. Arriving at Pik Bot Pier, or Nakula, he preceded onto Chonburi where he restored the then abandoned Wat Nong Yai, installing the bell brought with him and adding a prayer hall. The beloved temple was fully restored once more in 1906.
The first of its kind in Thailand, this museum displays art inside a bottle. Creations of Peter Bedelais, there are over 300 bottles within which miniature artistic creations are displayed. These objects include replicas of iconic structures from across the world, as well as Buddha images, traditional Thai homes, elegant Chinese palaces and windmills; the museum is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Prasat Satchatham or the Sanctuary of Truth is a wooden temple that sits beside the sea in Chonburi. The structure was designed by Lek Wiriyapan also responsible for the design of the Ancient City in the Samut Prakan district. Considered a wonder of modern architectural work, the temple built entirely out of wood is elegantly inlaid with carved wooden structures. Enhanced with beautiful artwork, this shrine is a fine example of the spirit and intellect shown in many an Eastern civilization.
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