>Weekend Snapshot: Travel Fest in Pattaya

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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!