Wat Khao Prayai is a small temple complex high above town to the south (go by songtaew toward Jomtien, and then hop off and climb the steep hill). The temple has excellent vistas and a 10m (32 1/2-ft.) gold Buddha serenely surveying the western sea.
Alangkarn is a high-tech entertainment complex centered on the uniqueness of being decidedly "Thai" and features a stage with laser and lighting effects. The shows include scenes from famous historical events such as an elephant battle or Thai dancing. It also has a Thai restaurant and shopping area containing local products. Alangkarn (tel. 03825-6000) is 10km (6 miles) from Pattaya at Km. 155 on the Sukhumvit Highway. The entrance fee is 1,400B (US$40/£22), and it's open daily from 5:30 to 11pm.
For something a bit more hokey, Ripley's Believe It or Not, 3rd floor, Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Beach Rd. (tel. 03871-0294), is open daily 10am to 11pm (admission 580B/US$17/£8.95). It's full of unusual exhibits and odd facts from around the globe. Just next door is the Ripley's Motion Master simulation ride. Both are great fun for kids of all ages.
The Pattaya Elephant Village (tel. 03824-9818; www.elephant-village-pattaya.com) is a not-for-profit sanctuary dedicated to saving former working elephants. To help with funding, the village offers elephant treks and a 90-minute daily show, starting at 2:30pm, on elephant-training techniques. The treks range in price from 1,000B (US$29/£15) for a 1-hour ride to 2,000B (US$57/£31) for a full-day excursion, which also includes a guided walk in the forest and a 30-minute raft trip, while the show only costs 500B (US$14/£7.70). The village is 7km (4 1/3 miles) off Sukhumvit Road: Turn left at Km144.5, follow the signs to Siam Country Club, and then turn right at the intersection for 4km (2 1/2 miles).
Another option outside Pattaya, by 18km (11 1/2 miles), is Nong Nooch (tel. 03870-9358), a 500-acre botanical garden and elephant park with shows that feature elephants performing alongside dancers, musicians, and other acts. Cultural performances, music, Thai boxing, audience participation and dozens of amusing photo ops make this a fun albeit touristy activity. Book directly and take advantage of a shuttle from Pattaya at either 8:30am or 1:15pm. The shows run four times a day (9:45am, 10:30am, 3pm, and 3:45pm daily). Tickets cost 420B (US$12/£6.45).
