A seaside beach city located about 150 km east of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the not-to-be-missed locations when one visits Thailand.  A popular tourist spot for both Thai and foreigners alike, it offers all the conveniences of Bangkok plus all the sand, sea, and sun you can want.  Driving from Bangkok takes no more than 2 hours via Motorway ( Highway no.7 ) or Bangna-Trad Highway ( Highway no. 34 ).  You can take a leisurely three and a half hour train ride from Hua Lamphong Station, or a two and a half hour bus ride from either Eastern Bus Terminal, or Mochit 2 Bus Terminal, with scheduled departures every half hour from either terminal. 
Surely the main purpose of going to the beach resort town is the sea, but there are a few places around Pattaya worth exploring. 

Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม)  This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya. The sanctuary of Truth was first built in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth.  It opens daily from 9.00 a.m.-6.00 p.m.  Admission fee is 500 baht. Tel. 0 3836 7229, 0 3836 7815   www.sanctuaryoftruth.com 
 
The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา)  This popular attraction is 9 kilometres from Pattaya on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at Kms.140. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows.   The compound is open daily from 8.30 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.  Admission: 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel. 0 3824 9347-9 or www.thaistonepark.org 

Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) is located at Km. 143 on Sukhumvit Road., Highway No. 3. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites Miniature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”. The compound is open daily from 7.00 a.m.-10.00 p.m.  Admission: 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1628, 0 3872 6201-3, 0 3872 7333 for more information. www.minisiam.com

Nong Mon Market is the central market one kilometer further on from the entrance to Bangsaen. Here can be found all types of fresh and dried sea food, local sweets and fruits (both fresh and preserved) as well as fruit rattan wares from nearby Amphoe Panat Nikhom.