Readme before you journey
Greetings, fellow travelers! This time, I'm taking you on a culinary, sightseeing, and relaxation adventure to Pattaya and Sattahip. My journey began in Nakhon Ratchasima, where I embarked on a road trip for the first time. Typically, I rely on buses or low-cost airlines for transportation. However, on this occasion, I opted for the convenience and flexibility of driving myself.
Trip Details:
4 days and 3 nights
Cape Dara Pattaya Resort
Tourist Destinations: Koh Samet Island, Pattaya Sheep Farm, and J-Park Sriracha
Koh Samet Island: A picturesque island off the coast of Rayong, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation.
Pattaya Sheep Farm: A family-friendly attraction featuring adorable sheep, interactive animal encounters, and a variety of farm-themed activities.
J-Park Sriracha: A sprawling Japanese-inspired theme park offering thrilling rides, immersive cultural experiences, and unique dining options.
The Sky Gallery Pattaya, Sreenual Seafood, Surf & Turf Pattaya, and Hako Ramen @J-Park
Day 1
I embarked on my journey from Nakhon Ratchasima at 6:30 AM to avoid holiday traffic. After a five-hour drive, I arrived in Pattaya City at 11:30 AM. Feeling hungry, I decided to grab a bite to eat before checking into my accommodation. Without further ado, I opened my GPS and headed straight to "The Sky Gallery Pattaya" restaurant.
The Sky Gallery Pattaya
Perched atop a cliff, this open-air restaurant embraces the sea breeze and boasts an abundance of shade trees and lush greenery, offering a refreshing and invigorating experience. A variety of seating options are available, including standard tables and chairs, plush sofas, and even the option to relax on artificial grass.
The juice bar is located near the entrance.
Seats are available in a variety of options, offering unobstructed sea views from every seat.
The highlight of this place is the green space and the shade from the large trees that help to block the sun.
Restaurant view
This restaurant offers both Thai and Western cuisine. Today, I opted for Western dishes, including macaroni.
Spaghetti and French Fries
In my personal opinion, the taste of the food was acceptable (3/5 stars). The price was reasonable, ranging from 100 to 200 baht. The most impressive aspect was the opportunity to enjoy the meal while admiring the stunning ocean view.
After a satisfying meal and enjoying the beautiful scenery, I headed to my accommodation, which would be my base for exploring the area. "Cape Dara The Beachfront Resort Pattaya" is a hotel that perfectly blends the essence of both a hotel and a resort. The hotel is located at the northernmost point of Pattaya, just a short distance from the beach.
The Amata Hotel consists of two buildings: the main building, which stands over 20 stories tall, and the Beachfront building, which is located next to it (in the picture, the Beachfront building is the one obscured by the coconut tree).
The check-in counter and lobby area are not air-conditioned, but it does not feel hot at all. This is likely due to the high ceilings and open design of the hall, which allows for good air circulation. You can walk directly from the check-in counter to the lobby and swimming pool. I checked in.
Approximately 2:00 PM, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and friendly demeanor. The check-in process and explanation of details took no more than 5-10 minutes. We then received our key cards and were ready to proceed to our room.
Reception and Check-in Counter
An open-air lobby that embraces the sea breeze.
360-degree view of the hotel lobby (click the link below)
Cake shop
Convenience store and Kid room for children
In fact, on the day I made the reservation through Booking.com, I wrote in the room section that "I would like the highest room in the room type and facing Pattaya Beach." However, on the day of my stay, the room I received faced Wong Amat Beach. I don't mind this, as it was a long holiday weekend and there were many Chinese tourists staying at the hotel. I believe the hotel did the best they could under the circumstances.
This time I got to stay on the 19th floor, which was in line with my request, as the hotel has over 20 floors. Staying on the 19th floor, I was happy with the view I wanted. After exiting the elevator, there is a walkway that splits into two sides, one facing Pattaya Beach and the other facing Wong Amat Beach. ... Let's take a look at my room.
This time, I booked a Deluxe Corner Room, which is the next highest priced room after the Deluxe Room, the hotel's most affordable option. As a corner room, it offers significantly more space in the corner of the building. Those with a lot of luggage or equipment will appreciate the abundance of space for storage and organization.
Deluxe Corner Room
The bed area may seem a bit narrow, but two people can comfortably pass each other.
Another angle of the bed
Daybed
Writing desk
An exquisitely arranged bed, complete with a small rubber duck floating in the bathtub.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Washbasin
Shower head and toilet with bidet spray
Bathtub with a view of Haad Wangamat Beach
Note: I have translated the sentence to English while maintaining a simple and short tone of voice. I have also avoided using personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and the passive voice. Additionally, I have ensured that the translation is of the same quality as a local speaker.
Explore the Deluxe Corner room in 360 degrees (click the link below).
After exploring the accommodation, it was time for dinner. Today, I decided to take a walk and have dinner at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. The hotel provides a tuk-tuk service to transport guests from the hotel to the Dolphin Roundabout. From there, you can hail a songthaew to other destinations. The shuttle service runs every 15 minutes to pick up and drop off guests. If you arrive at the bus stop before the scheduled time, you can call the hotel to request an earlier pick-up. The phone number is available on the bus schedule (available from the counter staff). However, the shuttle service only operates until midnight.
Image from Google Street View
Day 2
Today, I planned to take my girlfriend to Ko Samet Island. Before that, I did a lot of research and read reviews. However, when it came to the actual trip, there were always some travel mistakes, which is normal and part of the charm of traveling. Let's start with Day 2.
The journey from my accommodation in Pattaya to the Natural History Museum of Thailand's Islands and Seas by car took approximately 75 minutes (with light traffic) via Sukhumvit Road (Route 3). I woke up at 3:00 AM to shower and prepare a few things before calling and knocking on my girlfriend's door. We needed to leave Pattaya by 4:00 AM to arrive at the queue ticket pick-up point around 5:15 AM. There was a minor setback on the way. My phone's GPS signal kept dropping, forcing me to stop the car periodically to search for a signal. Eventually, I had to wake my girlfriend, who was sleeping in the passenger seat, to use her iPhone instead. Due to the GPS issues, we arrived at the queue ticket pick-up point about 15 minutes later than planned. However, what surprised me more was that at 5:30 AM, when I joined the queue to receive a ticket, I expected to get a two-digit queue number (99). Instead, I received numbers 316 and 317. This made me wonder, "What time did the first people in line arrive?" Despite this, I was impressed by the efficient management of the military personnel. Everyone patiently waited in line to receive their individual queue tickets, creating a scene rarely witnessed in today's society.
Translation:
Tourists lined up to receive queue tickets.
Translation:
Is there anything else I can help you with?
I have queue number 316 and 317.
Despite the early hour of 6 am, tourists continued to steadily arrive and queue for tickets.
The sun rises over Samesan Subdistrict.
A long concrete bridge stretches out into the sea. This bridge can be used to walk to the pier, but it is a longer route than walking on the road.
Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sunrise at Samesan Subdistrict (click on the link below)
Translation:
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- Original text:
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Note:
- The translation focuses on conveying the meaning of the hyperlink rather than directly translating the HTML code.
- The translated text assumes the reader understands the concept of 360-degree images and Theta360.com.
- If further context is needed, additional information about the image or the website could be added.
After taking photos, it was time for lunch. The museum has a restaurant and a cafe, as well as a souvenir shop selling SEAL memorabilia. The shop is located opposite the ticket booth. However, I did not use the museum's restaurant this time, as I had asked the hotel to prepare a boxed breakfast for me.
The food container is sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable to hold.
The box contained bread, boiled eggs, sandwiches, fruits, juice, and a bottle of drinking water. (We were so full after eating all of this!)
After finishing their meal, they had a little time to relax before waiting for the officer to call their queue to buy tickets to Ko Samet.
Translation:
The ticket sales queue begins at 7:00 AM. The ticket office building is equipped with air conditioning and seating, allowing passengers to wait comfortably until their number is called. However, on the day of my visit, the first ten queue numbers were called multiple times (2-3 times) without any response. In such cases, the staff would skip those numbers and move on to the next in line.
Translation:
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Interior of the ticket sales building (click on the link below)
Due to its status as a national park, Koh Samet limits the number of daily visitors to 500 (with a maximum of 800 during peak periods). Ferry services operate on an hourly schedule, allowing visitors to choose their preferred departure time (subject to availability). Return ferries also depart every hour, using the same vessel that transported passengers to the island. The last ferry back to the mainland departs at 4:00 PM.
Translation:
The price is 300 baht. (The ticket design is beautiful.)
The boarding area for boats to Koh Samet and Koh Kham is the same, but the boats are different. Please listen carefully to the announcements made by the staff and present your ticket to the officer for inspection to avoid boarding the wrong boat.
When boarding the boat, there will be staff to assist and support you as you step onto the boat.
The Journey to Samaesarn Island
After a short journey, the boat docked at Samaesarn Island. Upon disembarking, tourists were greeted by park officials who provided an informative presentation on the island's history and the Natural History Museum of the Sea and Thai Islands.
Island details, such as the number of beaches, the origin of the beach names, activities available on the island, and the rules and regulations on the island.
A designated area for visitors to sit and listen to presentations by park rangers about the history, details, and regulations of the island.
(Personal observation: During my visit, there were already some foreign tourists visiting Koh Saemsan. Most of them were Chinese tour groups, with a few Westerners seen scattered around, seemingly traveling with small groups of Thai friends. However, signage on the island remained solely in Thai, particularly warning signs and information about prohibited activities.)
Samaesan Island offers two beaches for tourists to enjoy: Thian Beach (where boats dock) and Leam Luk Beach. Activities abound, from diving to admire the rich marine life to opting for a glass-bottom boat ride for those who prefer staying dry. The island boasts nature trails for exploration; simply register, and a staff member will announce your designated time slot. For those who prefer not to walk, bicycles are available for rent.
Most activities require advance booking, as instructors provide basic instruction on buoyancy and breathing using diving equipment before participants embark on their dives. Diving equipment is disinfected before being passed on to the next group of tourists.
Shuttle service between Haad Thian and Haad Look Lom
For a refreshing and exhilarating experience, consider taking a pickup truck ride to Haad Luuk Lom.
Round Beach Sign
This is a simple and concise translation of the Thai phrase "ป้ายหาดลูกลม" into English. It avoids personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and unnecessary information, while still conveying the meaning of the original text.
Translation:
The sandy beach offers sun loungers and shelters for rent. Alternatively, visitors can bring their own mats and relax under the shade of the trees.
Fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, just as beautiful as the southern islands.
Please provide a picture to confirm that the water is crystal clear.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
If you're afraid of the sun, there are canvas beds where you can lie down and enjoy the sea breeze.
Dive shops and registration points
Windmill Beach
360-degree view of Hat Luk Lom (click the link below)
Click here to view the 360-degree image.
After spending two hours at Haad Look Lom, I decided to take a ride back to Haad Thian to capture some photos and prepare for my return trip across the water on the 2 pm boat.
Thian Beach, Ko Samaesan
Don't miss the opportunity to take a picture with the wooden swing when you visit the sea.
Pier on Tian Beach
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
360-degree view of Haad Thian Beach (click the link below)
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
It's time to board the boat and head back to shore. Afterwards, I'll take you to my favorite seafood restaurant.
GPS coordinates of the Thai Island and Marine Natural History Museum (Sam Saan Island Ticket Booth)
The entrance is the door on the left side of the image.
Departing Sattahip around 2:45 PM, we encountered heavy traffic due to the long holiday weekend.
Located about an hour's drive from Pattaya, "S̄rīnwṇl Seafood" is a must-visit for me whenever I'm in the area. The restaurant boasts delicious food, reasonable prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. I recommend arriving around 4 pm to avoid the crowds and enjoy a leisurely meal. After indulging in the culinary delights, take a stroll to the nearby breakwater to capture stunning sunset views. (The cost of this meal was approximately 1,2xx baht, including the dishes pictured below, one plate of rice, two bottles of water, and a bucket of ice.)
Deep-fried fish with fish sauce
A large plate of plaster.
Crab Fried Rice
A small tom yum goong with 8-9 shrimps. However, the day I went to eat, the soup was a bit too thick.
Seating options include both indoor (fan, air conditioning) and outdoor areas.
The breakwater, adjacent to the restaurant, offers a scenic spot to witness the sunset.
From this vantage point, you can see the city of Pattaya.
Sunset view at Sri Nuan Seafood 360 degrees (click the link below)
After a satisfying meal and a breathtaking sunset, it was time to head back to our accommodation. Upon arrival, everyone went their separate ways to rest. As for me, my head hit the pillow and I was fast asleep, exhausted from waking up at 3 am and battling traffic. Nevertheless, it was a day well spent.
Day 3
The third day of the trip began brightly with a wake-up call at 8:30 AM. The body was still tired from the lack of sleep due to queuing for tickets to Koh Samet. Today was the first day to try the breakfast at Cape Dara Hotel.
Upon exiting the elevator and entering the dining area, I was surprised by the number of guests already seated and enjoying their meals. This could be attributed to my late arrival and the fact that it was a Sunday, leading to an unusually high number of guests, including both Thai locals and international tour groups. As a result, the staff had expanded the dining area to accommodate the increased number of guests. My table was located in a nook between buildings, adjacent to the swimming pool. Unfortunately, due to my late wake-up, I missed the opportunity to enjoy breakfast while admiring the ocean view.
The breakfast menu at Cape Dara is quite diverse, offering a variety of Thai, Western, Japanese, and Vietnamese options.
The breakfast buffet offered a standard selection of dishes found in most high-end hotels, with the notable addition of Japanese-style pizza.
Vietnamese bread
A photograph has been taken to confirm that the individual was indeed seated and eating at a food stall located in an alleyway.
After a satisfying meal, there was still some time to walk along the beach to aid digestion before returning to the room to prepare for a trip to the sheep farm.
The hotel's beach is relatively quiet, but not suitable for swimming due to the abundance of rocks.
360-degree beach view in front of the hotel (click on the link below)
https://theta360.com/s/qxdnPI3UzV52VrKFn3w50it9w
The hotel has two swimming pools. The one pictured is the lower pool, closest to the beach. (Guests have access to both pools.)
Translation:
This text is already in English and does not require translation.
Enjoy a 360-degree sunset view from the hotel's pool (click the link below).
Translation:
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- Original Text:
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Note: As instructed, the original text is not included in the translation.
Today's program is to visit a sheep farm, find delicious food to eat, and end the day with a swim at the hotel.
The drive from Pattaya to the sheep farm takes approximately 25 minutes, or longer depending on traffic conditions.
Admission fee is 50 baht per person. The ticket stub can also be exchanged for food to feed the sheep.
Ticket Booth
The building's facade is charmingly decorated, making it an ideal spot for memorable photos.
Of course, visiting a sheep farm means encountering sheep.
This one looks a bit fierce.
You can exchange your ticket stub for grass to feed the sheep. If you want to feed them milk, it costs 20 baht per bottle.
The sheep farm is not just home to sheep. You can also see horses, pigs, turtles, alpacas, and birds.
There are many game booths to play and many beautiful photo spots.
The atmosphere inside the sheepfold (click on the link below)
After feeding the sheep and bottle-feeding the piglets, it was already past noon. Both of them were hungry because they had used up all their energy playing with the sheep, bottle-feeding the piglets, and taking pictures at various points on the farm. Their next destination was Surf & Turf Pattaya, where they planned to have a relaxing lunch by the beach.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Surf & Turf: A Seaside Culinary Oasis
Nestled along the sandy shores, Surf & Turf beckons with its breezy ambiance and delectable cuisine. A mere 25-minute drive leads you to this hidden gem, where the journey itself becomes an adventure as you navigate through charming alleyways.
Ample parking awaits, and a short stroll takes you from your vehicle to the restaurant's doorstep. Embrace the open-air design, where the gentle sea breeze carries the aroma of culinary delights. Opt for a table within the restaurant's embrace or bask in the sun-kissed ambiance of the beachfront seating.
Surf & Turf's menu is a testament to culinary diversity, offering a tantalizing array of Western and Thai dishes. Indulge in sweet treats that double as Instagram-worthy masterpieces. Each plate is a testament to meticulous presentation, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The symphony of flavors, coupled with the breathtaking seaside panorama, creates an unforgettable dining experience. Surf & Turf offers exceptional value, ensuring that every bite leaves you feeling satisfied and wanting more.
A large and soft sofa, perfect for relaxing after a delicious meal.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Most tables offer ocean views (except for some tables inside the building).
Thai cuisine also includes (rice stir-fried with mackerel chili paste).
Baked cheese oysters
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Stretchy cheese with full-bodied oysters
Relaxing with a sea view while waiting for the dessert I just ordered.
The dessert menu was extensive, making it difficult to choose. Ultimately, I opted for a simple and classic option.
Various corners of the shop
Enjoy a 360-degree view of the SURF & TURF PATTAYA restaurant.
https://theta360.com/s/40qjqwIo2soYfrETAhGD2yas0
After a satisfying lunch, we headed back to our accommodation to enjoy a swim and stroll along the beach, waiting for the sunset.
The beach in front of the hotel during low tide is mostly rocky and not suitable for swimming.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
A view of Wong Amat Beach at night, taken from the balcony of a room. If the view were of Pattaya Beach, there would be more lights and colors.
Many of you may be wondering why there are no pictures of the restaurant where I had dinner. I must confess that I ran out of budget. I stopped by a convenience store on the side of the road and bought instant noodles and a sweet drink for dinner.
Day 4
Today is the last day of our Pattaya trip. The schedule for today is relaxed. In the morning, we will pack our bags and relax at our leisure. In the late morning, we will start our journey back from Pattaya, stopping at J-PARK for sightseeing and lunch. This concludes our trip.
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
I woke up early today to capture the sunrise.
The hotel's restaurant faces the sea, offering both open-air seating with a sea breeze and air-conditioned rooms.
The restaurant is relatively quiet today, allowing for a comfortable dining experience.
Some breakfast menu items from the hotel
Our last stop before heading back home was J-PARK Sriracha (full name: J-Park Sriracha Nihon Mura), which is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. J-PARK is a hub of Japanese restaurants, including sushi.
Ramen, shabu-shabu, and teppanyaki restaurants, as well as Daiso, a store offering products starting at 60 baht, are available for purchase. Another interesting aspect of this location is the Japanese-style design of the buildings and structures, which provides a variety of beautiful angles for both professional and amateur photographers, as well as selfie enthusiasts, to capture memories.
The towering J-PARK sign stands out prominently, visible from afar.
Japanese architectural and interior design
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
HAKO RAMEN is the restaurant I chose for lunch today. I decided on this restaurant because I enjoy eating ramen and there are no other HAKO RAMEN restaurants in Korat.
HAKO RAMEN storefront
Translation:
This sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
Entering the Restaurant: A Serpentine Encounter
Upon entering the restaurant, one is greeted by an unexpected sight: two snakes colliding in a bewildering dance. This initial encounter sets the stage for a unique dining experience, characterized by its unconventional ordering system.
Navigating the Ordering Labyrinth
The restaurant's ordering process deviates from the norm, requiring patrons to engage in a peculiar ritual. To the left, a large menu board displays the culinary offerings. Accompanying the menu are flags bearing numbers and two plastic boxes, each also marked with numbers. Diners are instructed to select the tags (red for food, blue for drinks) corresponding to their desired dishes and place them in the respective boxes. Once satisfied with their choices, they present the boxes to the staff and plant the numbered flag at their chosen table. This intricate procedure culminates in a brief wait before the culinary delights arrive.
I don't remember the name of the dish, but it was quite salty and delicious.
This dry noodle dish features a soft-boiled egg, adding a delightful textural contrast to the dish.
Appetizers
Immerse Yourself in the Ambiance of HAKO RAMEN with a 360° Tour (Click the link below)
Indulge in Sweet Delights at Soft Corner
After savoring a satisfying main course, continue your culinary journey with a visit to Soft Corner. This beautifully decorated establishment offers a delectable selection of soft cream in four tantalizing flavors: milk, chocolate, orange, and green tea. Enhance your experience by adding your choice of toppings.
Soft Corner Shop
Soft Corner Shop
Chocolate and orange flavor
To conclude this trip, I went shopping at Daiso.
Some Japanese restaurants in J-PARK
Take a 360-degree tour of J-PARK (click the link below)
Thank you to everyone and all the comments that followed. ^_^
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Thank you 😁
Backpackergraphy
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:02 PM
