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The city wears the veneer of being a quiet place by the day, with a tame sea lashing on its shores and people going about their work quietly. Tourists dot the cityscape crowding in tuk-tuks, which have a seating capacity of 10 but carry up to 15 persons. Bright-coloured taxis, in pinks and oranges are ready transports. Coconut palms nod along with the pleasant breeze to beat the sharp tropical sun. Pattaya is welcoming. As you drive into
Pattaya a good guide would tell you that it is divided into three
regions, north Pattaya, south Pattaya and central Pattaya. A taxi
driver would tell you Pattaya is divided into four areas, each under
different mafias, one Russian and three Thai. Another guide may
introduce you to various cuisines and restaurants. While still another
one may take you to Sukhumvit road or Pratumunk road...broad roads
with beautiful arches or to the Walking Street, a long, not-too-broad
street that has shops, bars and eateries on either sides of it and is
awake all night to dance music and more. But neither of them would be
able to introduce Pattaya to you for it is a port city that defies any
kind of categorisation. You have to know it and you will love it.
Situated on the broad Sukhumvit road, the Underwater world is one of the largest aquariums in Asia. You walk in through an underground tunnel and see fish all around. It is amazing to see that aquatic animals come in such variety. There are sharks, not to mention fish otters, tortoise and other fascinating shapes and sizes of fish. Children love feeding
the fish with a feeding bottle that is available on asking. Shoals of
fish swim close to you for that one nipple that you point towards
them. The other place to visit is the Sanctuary of Truth. This is one
man’s vision of the common truth in all religions, the oneness of
humanity and diversity of expression. It is in a place called Naklua
but it is best to hire a taxi to take you there.
It looks like an apparition in wood that has descended from some heaven. With the elegance of Thai figures, the delicacy of carving in wood and a vision of extravaganza, this temple which is being built right on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, brings together gods from all over Asia. There are the Hindu gods, Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma not to mention their female counterparts, including Mahishasuramardini. There are Chinese deities and there are reliefs on Cambodian mythology as well. Before entering the temple there are cultural shows organised on its lawns. The beach is lovely to go to. The azure waters beckon and there are motorboats available to go to nearby islands. Some ply every half hour, others every two hours. There are three islands, but perhaps the coral island offers quite an experience. Food-wise, the street food is excellent. If, however, you are a vegetarian, just be careful if you do not know the local language. While there are some excellent salads and vegetarian dishes available, not everyone serves them. Those with children can take a walk in the Walking Street after the kids have gone to bed. You will be led into a night when the streets get into frenzied activity. Loud music blares and hookahs are filled. The dominant music is Arabian, which indicates where the maximum clientele is coming from. The ambience is raunchy while the attractive girls in western outfits are pouting. You could get a foot massage, a Thai massage or any other kind of massage, Pattaya wears a different face by night.
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