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Besides sandy beaches, shopping centres and night-time entertainments,
Pattaya also offers a great number of interesting sports and other activities
for visitors, especially those who plan to have a long stay in Pattaya.
Here are some of them.
Diving
Pattaya is the nearest and most convenient diving location from Bangkok.
Although it may not be interesting enough to most advanced divers, it
is a very suitable place for beginners. There are many scuba diving shops
in Pattaya that offer PADI or NAUI certificate courses with competitive
prices. And the trips are centred around Ko Lan, Ko Sak and Ko Khrok.
One-day and half-day excursions to these islands are also available at
quite reasonable prices.
For accomplished divers, the outer islands of Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin
which have better visibility are offered. Also worth visiting are the
several wrecks off Pattaya's shore, especially the Hardeep and the Bremen.
The Hardeep, a 420-metre long ship that sank in 1942, is considered the
most interesting dive site in this area.
Windsurfing
Jomtien Beach is the chief centre for windsurfing. Board competitions
are organized regularly by the Pattaya Windsurf Club. The best period
for windsurfing is from October to June, when the water and wind conditions
are very good.
Water skiing
The most popular spots are the northern and southern parts of Pattaya
beach and Jomtien beach. Besides, water skiing on fresh water is also
available.
Golfing
Pattaya and Chon Buri boast an abundance of Championship class golf courses,
some of them are designed by renowned golfers. Golfing holidays in Pattaya
have become more and more popular due to the low cost, good quality service
and large choices of accommodation.
Horse riding
Located off the Siam Country Club Road at Km. 12, the Horseshoe Point
Resort & Country Club offers several kinds of riding for all levels,
including dressage, trail riding, jumping, polo and pony club riding for
children.
Outdoor Riding Stables Pattaya is located at Km. 11 on Highway 36 in the
mountainous area east of Pattaya. It provides excursions on horse back
for experienced riders and beginners as well.
Bowling
Among several bowling alleys with international standard in Pattaya, Pattaya
Bowl and PS Bowl are popular with both locals and foreign tourists. Pattaya
Bowl is located on Pattaya 2 Road and PS Bowl is on the third floor of
the PS Plaza at the corner of the Central Pattaya Road and Pattaya 2 Road.
Other sports
Other sports and activities which can be enjoyed in Pattaya include tennis,
squash, badminton, bungee jump, shooting, archery, sailing, parasailing,
gamefishing, etc.
Interested persons should contact the hotel information desk for details.
Besides sports, fitness centres are available in many hotels and health
clubs can be found easily in this city.
Traditional Thai massage & foot massage
Thai massage is famous for its therapeutic efficacy in relieving muscular
pain and stiffness. For foot massage, its benefit is curing backaches
and stimulating the circulation of blood throughout the body. If you are
tired or stressed, you are recommended to have a try to relieve your tension
and pressure. Or you may even learn the beneficial massage techniques
at numerous resorts and spas or teaching establishments.
Health spas
Like other major tourist cities in Thailand, Pattaya offers a good opportunity
to enjoy a variety of spa treatments. There are many quality spas and
hotel spas around the city and most of them also provide beauty treatments.
Learning Thai cooking
Thai food is not only delicious, it is also very healthy as its main ingredients
are herbs and spices. You can learn this culinary art at cooking schools
or Thai restaurants in any major hotel.
Learning the Thai language and culture
For long-stay travellers who are interested in Thai culture and ways of
life, learning Thai language and culture is another inviting activity
which will certainly make your stay more amusing and meaningful.
For more information about these activities, please consult Thaiways'
advertisers or your hotel or travel agent.
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