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Weekend Snapshot: Travel Fest in Pattaya

When my sightseeing buddies (former college roommate and son) and I visited Pattaya two weekends ago, we didn't know there was something else going on besides it's reputation as Sin City.

TAT or Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the 5 Region Thai Travel Fest. The fest is held in a major city of each region and the venue for May 1st to 3rd was coincidentally Pattaya where we were. It was a relief to witness something other than whore-filled bars that line the long street opposite the beachfront. This travel fest was organized in an effort to stimulate the economy by trying to attract tourist to experience the country. The five regions show the best of what they got.

Fruit carvings: a watermelon-turned-rose

Thai ladies at work

Thai musicians - can anyone help me name these instruments?

It's cooking.... Many of you may be aware that Thailand is famous for its Thai silk. See the silk threads ascending from the silk worms.

'Sunken treasures' at the Underwater World, one of Asia's largest acquariums

The Sanctuary of Truth, a thai billionnaire's eccentricity still in the works after more than two decades

My son is blowing candles on his 5th cake towards the end of May. I gave him his birthday present in Pattaya: a submarine ride. Vimantaitalay took us admiring the wonders of the deep. These are some of the fish we saw through the submarine window. (Note: Prices shown on the link have increased)

An accompanying diver shows us a couple of cute undersea residents. This is just a glimpse of our sightseeing galore. Come to Thailand and enjoy the place yourself. Happy weekend, everyone!
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Comments

Willa said…
the silk worm, really wow! it's truly amazing!!!
11 May 2009 at 03:26
Genefaith said…
wow ganda!...curious ako sa watermelon carved like a rose, ang galing!..i looked the price...he..he...hope to visit this city for sightseeing...
11 May 2009 at 07:17
SandyCarlson said…
That's an extraordinary place. Thanks for showing me around.
11 May 2009 at 08:21
Dora said…
Can i have that "rose"? :P
11 May 2009 at 08:57
Karen said…
Thanks for sharing these pics!
11 May 2009 at 10:03
Indrani said…
Wide range of shots. I enjoyed seeing these.
11 May 2009 at 10:09
Ebie said…
The Thai people are experts in food carving. I see them in Food Shows. The silk worm is very intriguing.
Your photos tell everybody had fun! Have a nice week.
11 May 2009 at 11:01
Marites said…
i really find the food carvings quite impressive and intricate. i would love to try the submarine ride:D btw, the Sanctuary of Truth is a temple? it looks unique.

My WS is here
11 May 2009 at 12:47
kaka said…
the jew dropped at the sight of those worms... but the pictures are awesome! parang nakapag travel na din ako sa thailand :)

one of the instruments is called kulintang, if im not mistaken :)
11 May 2009 at 13:20
Khitara said…
Love the dolphins and the silk worm photos. Cool underwater scenes as well!
11 May 2009 at 18:03
Arlene said…
Great bday and mother's day celebration, Zel!

Interesting and lovely shots! Love the top one best. :)
11 May 2009 at 18:57
Carver said…
I enjoyed this sequence so much. I would love to walk around there and see the performers, artists, crafts and cooking.
11 May 2009 at 20:47
Anonymous said…
how much po yung submarine ride? thanks! will be there in august e, really like to try the submarine ride...
2 July 2009 at 21:33
Hazel said…
Hi Anonymous, the submarine ride costs 2,000 baht for 40 minutes.
3 July 2009 at 00:02
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