A new tourist attraction in town is the largest and most modern ocean aquarium in Asia, boasting a 100-meter-long, 6.4-centimeter-thick acrylic pedestrian tunnel through an underwater environment filled with dozens of marine species.

Located just 200 meters south of Tesco Lotus in South Pattaya, the new theme park covers a total area of 12-rai and is housed in a structure similar to a large circus tent.

The aquarium itself houses more than 4,000 marine animals, comprising more than 200 different species from the region as well as some rare creatures from overseas. Top in the Visitors must-see list is the rare shovelnose ray, a hybrid between a shark and a stingray.

Admission fee for adults is 500 bahts and children is 300 bahts. Open from 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. For more information and booking, call (038) 756879, 09-9360272

Ko Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klungbadan

Two hours or 23 kilometers from Pattaya are the Ko Phai Islands, the largest of which is Ko Phai. The other islands include Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam and Ko Klungbadan. The area is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy, however, visitors are allowed to stop by during the daytime for swimming, relaxation or diving. Overnight stays are not permitted.