4th THAILAND OCEAN-TO-OCEAN RELAY RUNNING

" Welcome To Running Thailand " Ocean to Ocean (Sunrise to Sunset) – Relay Running 4th, From Songkhla on the Gulf of Thailand to Satun on the Andaman Coast,Southern Thailand on
6 January 2008.

Following the popularity and success of events held in previous years, the 4th Thailand Ocean to Ocean Relay Running is being staged for the fourth consecutive year on 6 January 2008. The 136.6-kilometre relay race starts from a beach behind Haad Kaew Resort in Songkhla — a coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand, facing east towards the Pacific Ocean — to Pak Bara Pier in Satun, a town on the Andaman Coast, facing west towards the Indian Ocean. The relay route will lead participants through the scenic rural countryside of Southern Thailand, dotted with orchards, rubber and palm plantations.

Course

Start off from the beach behind Haad Kaew Resort in the Singha Nakhon district in Songkhla. Proceed along the road to Highway 408. Turn left at the Highway 2068 intersection, then proceed across the bridge at Songkhla Lake (Thale Saap Songkhla) and along Highway 4111 heading for the district of Amphoe Khuan Niang. Proceed past the district of Rattapoom (Amphoe Rattapoom) toward Highway 406. Turn right at the Highway 4137 intersection and head for Khuan Kalong district (Amphoe Khuan Kalong). Proceed along Highway 416, going past the district of Amphoe La-ngu. Turn left into Highway 4052 and proceed to the finishing line at Pak Bara Pier.

Categories

Open, Mixed (not exceeding 6 males and not less than 2 females), Women (8 runners with no age restrictions) and youth (8 runners, either sex, age 8-15 years)


For details, please visit the following web sites.:
http://www.runningthailand.net/
http://www.songkhlatourism.org/
http://www.tat.or.th/


Contact information:
TAT Southern Office – Region 1 Areas of responsibility: Songkhla, Satun Tel: +66 (0) 7423 1055, (0) 7423 8518, (0) 7424 3747 Fax: +66 (0) 7424 5986 E-mail: tatsgkhl@tat.or.th


*IMPORTANT Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.

Pattaya City and Top 5 Cities in Thailand

Welcome to Thailand

Pattaya City

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand , about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Cholburi.

Meaning the “south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Patti-yah" not "Patt-eye-yah" this lively destination located roughly 150 kilometres from Bangkok ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. Although frequently criticised for its spicy nightlife, it satisfies the needs of leisure travellers in a way that few other destinations can match, anywhere.

Unlike Bangkok, Pattaya has no magical mystery hidden in aesthetic corners, and it makes no pretence of being anything more than what it is: - an unbeatable combination of essential, thoroughly satisfying holiday ingredients.

To illustrate this, some years ago a leading travel trade magazine conducted a poll of several hundred clients of different nationalities staying at a first class hotel, where the guests were predominantly couples or families. The results showed just how extraordinarily successful Pattaya is. Over 97% of respondents said they were "very satisfied", would return again, and would recommend Pattaya to friends.

Looking closer, it is not hard to see why. Pattaya is comfortably accessible from Bangkok in just over 2 hours on an excellent highway, thus avoiding the added expense of air connections. Even so, it has its own airport at Utapao, formerly built to handle B52's during the Vietnam War, can accept wide-bodied long haul charter aircraft such as 747's with ease. It enjoys year-round sunshine, and suffers few of the extreme weather conditions that can ruin holidays elsewhere. The cost of comparable accommodation in Pattaya is generally reasonable, which makes it excellent value for money. Furthermore, it features almost every water and land-based sporting activity you can think of, boasts excellent restaurants, good entertainment, and countless leisure pursuits. The bottom line is that nobody can possibly be bored in Pattaya.

Pattaya receives a large number of repeat visitors - professional people, families, and retired couples - many of whom have made it their preferred choice after spending holidays in various other resorts around the globe. If you ask them why Pattaya wins over other more exotic or fashionable places, they point to its long list of assets: climate, accessibility, location, affordability, top class accommodation, fine restaurants, plus the huge choice of sporting, leisure and entertainment choices - arguably far and away the best in any Asian beach destination.

The city of Pattaya is a self governing special municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri. However, it remains mostly a tourist city, with very light industry.

Many tourists that visit Pattaya are male, in groups or on their own, due to the town's world-famous sex industry, in which ladies and men are available as companions.. The town also offers many luxury hotels, beautiful (though somewhat polluted) beaches, friendly people, excellent shopping, reasonable prices and a wide variety of nearby tourist attractions.

However, Pattaya is second only to Bangkok in high rise buildings, as many condos for foreign residents are built, and has a modest skyline. The city's economy benefits from its relative proximity to Bangkok, as opposed to other tourist destinations.


Climate
Pattaya enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, which is divided into the following seasons: warm and dry (November to February), hot and humid (March to May), and hot and rainy (June to October). The most comfortable time of year coincides with the peak tourist season, which is over the Christmas and New Year period.

Beaches

Pattaya Beach

Thais enjoying Pattaya Beach at sunsetPattaya Beach is situated along the central city in close proximity to shopping, hotels and bars. The over-abundance of jet-skis and speedboats has contributed to the pollution of the water along the beach, as has the practice of dumping sewage in the ocean. The section of beach from Central Road (Pattaya Klang) south to the harbor is adjacent to the core of Pattaya's abundant nightlife area, hence it is less family-oriented than the North Pattaya, Na Klua and Jomtien beaches.

Most sections of the beach are covered by rented deckchairs run by local beverage vendors during daylight hours so finding an available spot of sand is rather difficult and also unadvisable due to the poor condition of the beach. (Visitors are advised to avoid the beach after dark. Although the Beach Road itself is busy and brightly lit, some criminal elements find the unlit beach useful as a cover for their activities and the local police target this area in various ongoing clampdowns.)


Jomtien Beach

Pattaya Park TowerJomtien Beach is divided from the main part of Pattaya by Pratumnak Hill, just south of the city. In contrast to Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is a popular spot for family vacationers and watersports enthusiasts. Jomtien is essentially a residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants. A wide array of watersport activities can be found, including jet-skis, para-sailing and small sail boat (Hobie Cat) rental. Dongtan Beach, just past the Avalon Beach Resort in Jomtien, is known as the gay beach, and is busy every day of the year.

Jomtien's most visible landmark is the 56-story Pattaya Park tower, part of the Pattaya Park entertainment complex which also features a water park, roller coaster, monorail and children's activities. This may soon be overshadowed by the proposed 91-floor Ocean 1 ("O1") Tower. With an overall height of 367 meters, it would be the tallest building in Thailand and one of the tallest residential buildings in the world. The Jomtien district is already home to one of the largest resorts in Asia, the 4000+ room Ambassador City Jomtien.
Other attractions

Large Buddha statue, Wat Khao Phra Bat
Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical GardenOther activities include golfing at the area's many golf courses, and there are 21 golf courses within 1 hour of Pattaya, go-cart racing, visiting the construction site of an elaborate private wooden temple known as Sanctuary of Truth, and different theme parks and zoos such as Mini Siam, and Elephant Village.

The private Sri Racha Tiger Zoo features several hundred tigers and thousands of alligators as well as some other animals. It has often been criticized for the animals' living conditions, and a worker was killed by tigers in 2004. There was a major bird flu outbreak at the zoo later that year.

The Vimantaitalay tourist submarine takes customers underwater to see corals and marine life just a few kilometers offshore. There are many boat trips from an hour to all day trips available, mostly leaving from Bali Hai Pier, near Walking Street.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is located some 15 kilometers east of Pattaya. The 500-acre site has well maintained botanical gardens and an orchid nursery. Moreover the facility has lively cultural shows in a Thai village setting. In addition trained chimpanzees and elephants are seen at the garden.

Other attractions in Pattaya: The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Elephant Village, Pattaya Park Beach Resort Water Park and Funny Land Amusement Park, Siriporn Orchid Farm, Underwater World Pattaya (world class aquarium), Alankarn cultural show, Sriracha Tiger Zoo, Bottle Art Museum, Mini Siam, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and Walking Street.

Some tourists take daytrips to nearby Rayong for beautiful beaches, as well as Koh Samet island.

Shopping

Royal Garden Plaza
In front of Royal Garden Plaza, PattayaIn recent years, new shopping malls, outlet stores and jewelry stores have opened up, which has helped in increasing the length of stay of visitors to the city. Among the shopping malls are:

Central Festival, Pattaya Second Road – Indoor mall anchored by a BigC; also has a SF Cinema City branch.
Carrefour, Pattaya Central Road
Mike Shopping Mall , Beach Road
Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road – Three-story indoor mall with a Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum and an SF Multiplex cinema. Also has a Sizzler restaurant, Au Bon Pain, KFC, McDonald's, Auntie * Anne's Pretzels, ZEN Japanese restaurant, Swensen's, Haagen Daz, Pizza Company, Delice de France, and a large food court. The Marriott Hotel is adjacent.
The Avenue, Second Road (near Royal Garden) is in the midst of a soft opening with the following either open or their spaces being fitted out: a 22 lane Bowling Alley, Au Bon Pain, McDonalds,Thanachart Bank, 8 Major Cineplex theatres, Boots, McDonalds, California Wow! a major gym/fitness spa (open for subscriptions), Shenanigans, Iberry, Pizza Pizza, 20 Nails Spa, Starbucks, Kasikorn Bank, Bank of Ayudhaya, and a 24/7 Villa Market, which carries imported goods difficult to find in other supermarkets.
Tesco Lotus, Pattaya North Road

TukCom, Pattaya Tai (South) Road, boasts a large computer/IT complex offering reasonable prices.
A major outlet mall is next to the tesco selling discount clothing from many european and american brands.
At least one other new large mall is under construction.

Pattaya has many large home improvement stores including Home Mart, HomeWorks, Home Pro, Kanyong and True Value.

The closest department store to Pattaya is Robinson's, located about 30 minutes away in Sri Racha.

There are several large nightly markets in different parts of town.


Nightlife
Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife. The city has some famous discos, including Tonys and the Marine disco, named after the US marines which still visit Pattaya for R and R. There is a new club called Hammer on walking street, which has live bands. Lucifer is also worth visiting. X-Zyte and Stardice are other places. There is also a hard rock cafe.

The city has literally hundreds of beer bars, go go bars, and night clubs/discotheques. Many of these are venues are for meeting working men or women. The nature of commercial sex varies widely; the standard system of "bar fines" is the most common, but there are many exceptions. Most notably, discos and nightclubs are venues for freelancers, independent sex workers unaffiliated with a commercial establishment. There are also several large massage parlours.

Since the "social order" crackdown of 2004, there are very few sex shows (such as the ping pong shows) although they can sometimes still be found. Depending on the enforcement climate, go go dancers may be seen fully nude, topless or in bikinis on different days or weeks.

Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches aimed at tourists can be seen at many of the open air beer bar complexes.

Another important, but understated aspect of Pattaya are the foreign restaurants. Often run by expats, most offer quality food at prices far below those found in Bangkok, Samui or Phuket.

The Boyztown, Sunee Plaza, and the Jomtien Complex areas are famous for their many gay nightclubs, cabarets and go-go clubs. Pattaya probably has the largest concentration of establishments catering to the gay community in Thailand. Many specialize in certain types of hosts (slim, muscular, effeminate), while others have a broad range of men available.

Pattaya is known for its cabaret revues featuring kathoeys (male-to-female transsexuals), with Alcazar and Tiffany's being the largest and most elaborate. There are a few kathoey bars around Walking St. and nearby (e.g. Jenny Star Bar)

References
Pattaya Official Website
Pattaya Travel Pages Information and Pictures
Map of Pattaya City - from ethailandmap.com
Pattaya travel guide from Wikitravel
Pattaya at the Open Directory Project.


My country has everything that you want when you arrives at Suvannabhumi Airport or Donmuang Airport at Bangkok , you can stay at hotel or guesthouse or Resort for comfortable and delicious foods with Thai Restaurant or International Restaurant. I introduce you can travel many places such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong,Chiangmai, Sa-mui Island, Phuket and etc..also delicious foods and somebody like to adventure you can shoot the rapids at Kanchanaburi and other place such as Chiang Rai, In the Southern have scuba dive in Krabi, Pang-nga etc..

So that I have an Article Source from: http://www.superfeature.com/
Top 5 Cities to see during a Holiday in Thailand
By: Stuart Cheese

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in Thailand during your holiday.

1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, top of the range shopping, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.
The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new ‘Sky train’ railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.
One of the largest floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greeted by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.
There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly show off their culture.

2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to show that it occurred.
Not to be missed are:
Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.

Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.

3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places in all of Thailand.
Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking to soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.
The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.

5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which is located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.
You would be happy Holiday in Thailand. I invite you to Thailand as soon as possible. you will found Paradise in Thailand. Next time I would be introduce you various place for holiday in Thailand.

Hotels In Bangkok, Thailand
By: Lawrence Westfall –

You have decided to visit Asia for your next vacation and have decided to go to Bangkok, Thailand. Your flight is booked but you are still looking for a hotel. But, how do you decide which hotel to stay at?

Your decision should be based on what you plan to do while you are “Krung Thep”. Will you be spending most of your time sightseeing, shopping or enjoying the nightlife? You don’t want to waste valuable time in a Bangkok taxi inching along Sukhumvit Road.

Siam Square area is a good place to stay if you want to have some fun shopping. There are hundreds of small shops at street level and the Siam Center and the Siam Discovery shopping centers have many up-market brand label shops. On the top floor of Siam Discovery Center there is a cinema complex with some of the most comfortable seats to be found in the world. After a hard days shopping, relax and lie down as you watch a movie!

Another great shopping mall nearby is Mahboonkrong (MBK). It will take only 10 minutes to walk there from Siam Square and you will find literally hundreds of smaller shops and stalls, selling many goods at bargain prices. Electronics and clothes are the specialties here. Both of these areas are on the Skytrain routes and are easily accessible.

If you plan on seeing other parts of the country, taking ½ and full day trips, I suggest you book your hotel near the Bangkok Airport. Make sure that you stay near the new Bangkok Airport – Suvarnabhumi and not at Don Muang. Only stay in this area if you do plan to go to Bangkok proper. Bangkok Airport hotels are conveniently located and easy to get to from Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If soaking up the Bangkok nightlife is your reason for visiting, there are a few different areas you can stay. If Patpong Road is your destination, stay either on Silom or Suriwongse Road. The Nana Entertainment Plaza is on Sukhumvit and Soi 4 (or Soi Nana) and there are a variety of hotels – everything from the JW Marriott to the Majestic Suites or the Dynasty. In the Soi Cowboy area, you can stay anywhere near Soi Asoke, Soi 22 or anywhere along Sukhumvit Road and just catch the Skytrain.

Probably, your hardest decision will be selecting your hotel since there are so many 4 and 5 start hotels in Bangkok. For the budget traveler, there are also cheap hotels in Bangkok. Some hotels that I recommend are: Windsor Suite Hotel Bangkok, Viengtai Hotel Bangkok, Radisson Hotel Bangkok, or the Amari Airport Hotel Bangkok. Another solution is to do a search for Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit in any search engine. Or visit my Thailand Link Directory.

Do your research, and look for a discount Bangkok hotel, and enjoy your stay in the Land of Smiles.
Refer: Article Source from: http://http//www.submityournewarticle.com/
Larry Westfall

Goodluck and come back to Thailand again. See you next time.


PATTAYA INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FIESTA 2007
Mayor of Pattaya city plans to organize Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007 to promote tourism before year-end.

Mr. Niran Watanasartsathorn, Mayor of Pattaya city revealed to reporters on 27 November 2007, at 03.30PM, about “Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007” which will be organized during 8 – 12 December 2007, at Thammasart University, Pattaya campus, Chonburi.

The event is one of many activities to celebrate the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King on 5th December. Ballooning is a sport that should be promoted as it is a kind of relaxing activity and also helps promoting the tourism of Pattaya. Moreover, it will support the good image of Pattaya both in sport and recreation. It is a good opportunity to organize the International Balloon Fiesta and to carry forward the event for annual activity of Pattaya city.

The idea of Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007 will be in all day activities including colourful ballooning in various kinds of shapes, as in Cake, Elephant and Cartoon figures from European and Asian countries such as: France, England, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Belgian and Dubai, all coming for competition and performing the show on ground.


Many more activities will be hovering, parachute, electronic airplane and motocross competition including a jazz band from Australia. At night, watching a spectacular show of Balloon Night Glow with light and sound, fireworks and lanterns. Besides, there will be shops and gifts for sell at the event as well.

The special event of "Pattaya International Balloon Fiesta 2007" will be from 8 – 12 December 2007 at Thammasart University, Pattaya campus, Chonburi. Admittance is free of charge.


For more information: Tel. 02-682-9880
Refer source: http://pattayaballoonfiesta.com/home.html