Joanna James
Sri Racha embodies the unseen side of Thailand. It is more than another tourist destination on a map; it is a place to stop and explore and understand.
At the northernmost end of Sri Racha is a small island that is made entirely of rock. Called Ko Loi, this island is connected to the mainland of Sri Racha by a jetty. The island of Ko Loi is quite popular among tourists and attracts plenty of visitors. One of the key attractions of the island is the cultural festival of its Thai-Chinese temple. If you time your visit right, you will be able to witness a cultural celebration that you are unlikely to have seen anywhere else. The temple premises is a sight to behold, with its two large ponds and many turtles.
While you enjoy the luxurious comfort of a service apartment in Sriracha like the popular Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha, one group of animals that are sure to be getting their equivalent of luxurious treatment are the ones at Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The animals are many and varied. You can opt for a regular zoo visit or a nighttime safari of the open zoo, which can be quite an experience. There are golf carts to hire which you can drive on your own as you go exploring.
One of the smaller islands that is well-known for its restaurants, Roy Island is ideal for a day trip. Most of the restaurants are propped above the water, thus giving you a sensation similar to being in the Maldives but at a far less cost. In addition to the restaurants, there are several temples on the island that are worth visiting. This island, too, has quite a few turtles for you to pet and admire.
Commonly known as the Health Park among the locals, the Sea Side Park is the place to go for an evening walk or an early morning stroll. The Park also is a popular venue for aerobics workshops, some of which are public. You can simply walk into one of these public workshops. Locals use the park for jogging and working out as well, and the trees and the shaded areas facilitate these activities. There is a temple located quite close to the park if you feel like adding a bit of culture after your stroll.
If you are looking for an activity that will keep you occupied on your days off from exploring the city, Pattana Golf Course is a good option. Although the place feels like it has been around for a long time, this Golf Course is rather new. The Clubhouse is open from early hours of the morning till late evening, thus meals while playing golf will not be a problem. Although generally membership is required to use the golf course, tourists are able to negotiate a suitable deal with the administration.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
