Pattaya
Pattaya forthrightness might appear somewhat audacious at first, but behind this veneer are many a delighting experiences that you will enjoy indulging in, living a pleasant leisure holiday.A certain sense of abandon underlies all that you do in this city, be it splashing around in water on Songkran, shrieking as a ghoul tries to get you at the Haunted House, screaming with giggles as the fish attack you at a fish spa, or gorging on spicy Papaya Salads.The city is a mish mash of many sights and activities. The Underwater World will take you on a journey through a tunnel as divers tempt sharks and rays with food. At Sriracha Tiger Zoo you will see the hard to digest image of tiger cubs feeding off a sow along with her piglets. A crocodile keeper places his head in a crocodile's jaws and you wonder what would happen if the croc decides to snap it shut.Mini Siam is a tribute to architecture and has miniature replicas of buildings in Thailand and Europe that have mesmerized the world. Other ways of getting around the city are less spectacular: baht buses and motorcycle taxis.The beaches draw sunbathers and diving enthusiasts. A few coral islands off the shores of Pattaya have some excellent diving ops that allow you to go beyond acrylic tunnels and really feel the life underwater. If you prefer to stay on the water, jet skiing, kite surfing and windsurfing are exciting.For more spicy and adventurous affairs, take on the Walking Street at night. Hit the go-go bars and beer bars. Fend off advances by raunchy women. Or don't. Then head to the cabaret shows- Tiffany and Alcazar have made quite an impression-for a snazzy, glamorous show by some of the most gorgeous transvestites (kathoey) in fabulous costumes. It is a fitting finale to a holiday in Pattaya.Bangkok Once nothing more than a small hamlet on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is today more than just the capital of Thailand; it is the confluence of Asia's richest cultures. With stumbling religious architecture, myths, futuristic business towers, pulsating streets and after-dark pleasures, this cosmopolitan city is a delight to the senses.Enjoy a cruise along the historical Chao Phraya River that was once used for trade, through the heart of Bangkok. Drift past the Taling Chan Floating Market and stop awhile at a floating restaurant. Bask in the warmth of Bangkok's bustling Chinatown, as you wander into a maze of excited chatter, vivacious crowds and burgeoning street vendors. Rejuvenate your senses with a traditional Thai massage in the late afternoon to soothe your tired mind. Bangkok beckons you to indulge in every temptation.Revel in ancient marvels. Unwind soon after at the rooftop of the State Tower taking in the sweeping view of the city. Ruffle your wild side at night as the city lures you into a notorious world of pleasure and fantasy at Bangkok's after-dark districts like Patpong district and Nana Plaza.Bangkok is, in many ways, more than just any other Asian city; it is an exotic visual experience that dares to defy time and traditions.20-0430-06