I have just about had it with Thailand's made up tourist attractions, especially those in and around Pattaya, they are expensive and of a very poor standard.  They may be okay for the Chinese tourists, but for the western taste they are in my view a very poor addition to Thailand's  real attractions, temples, historic sites and natural parks an d outdoor areas. Any other views, or perhaps you know of attractions that really are up to standard and the money?    

Well that’s where the growth market is...But I do agree they are of poor taste and quality.  Try one of the many Swiss sheep farms....you won’t regret it and promise yourself never again......I promise......?

 

 

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by goldenbrwn1

LOL...it's supply and demand, don't go to them and they will fade away. I would list some horrendous ones for you, but i'd likely end up in court, nowadays you have to use websites like trust pilot, however for every negative review posted the business owners post 10 positives.

You have to remember this is a third world country and the man made attractions and their operation will be to that standard.

Me too!

So I don't go.

4 hours ago, Pilotman said:

I have just about had it with Thailand's made up tourist attractions, especially those in and around Pattaya, they are expensive and of a very poor standard.

And they are, of course, all the more expensive for us farangs in the case of "attractions" such as the Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm in Pattaya, where we are charged an enhanced admission price for the "privilege".

Not sure why you would go to these things, they do not amuse me either... sort of like going to the movies if you don't like horror or action... I like movies but in the same way, don't find many to my liking these days... 

 

Why don't you travel outside of the tourist areas, especially places like Pattaya... there is a whole country of real people in un-touristed areas who/which might/surely amuse you... 

Let's be realistic.  Tourism and western Theme park type locations are not viable here. They open and close like a night club in the US. The Zoos are OK.  The juvenile animal petting theme deals are pathetic.

 

Most come to Thailand to travel around and see some really nice beaches ( They do exist), take in some cultural activities and relax  The only viable long standing tourist businesses are sadly in the Sex business sector. It will take Years to change that image (if ever)

 

If you live here (Like I do) you learn quickly what is fun to go off an do and what to stay away from. I have found going off the beaten path and staying away from pretend western tourist locations are waaay better.  

I've always enjoyed Underwater World.

Simple, if you don't like a restaurant, an attraction, a club, a bar (or a girl !!), just don't give them your money anymore.

 

Hopefully others will feel and do the same and it will put people back in their place.

2 hours ago, Blackheart1916 said:

You have to remember this is a third world country and the man made attractions and their operation will be to that standard.

If you think Thailand is a third world country you need to travel more.

2 hours ago, OJAS said:

And they are, of course, all the more expensive for us farangs in the case of "attractions" such as the Million Years Stone Park & Crocodile Farm in Pattaya, where we are charged an enhanced admission price for the "privilege".

I'm not sure why anyone goes to any of them, including the swelteringly hot and overrun Palace and the famous Bangkok temples, more than once or twice when they first come here as a tourist. Why would you? There are umpteen more interesting things to do once one knows one's way around a little.

6 hours ago, Pilotman said:

but for the western taste they are in my view a very poor addition to Thailand's  real attractions

Yes, you can't beat western tastes when it comes to tourist attractions.

 

 

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by Suradit69

Go upcountry and get as far away from Pattaya as you can. Travel along the Mekong, it's beautiful and there are very few tourists. All my Thai friends ask me why would I bother to go there, there's nothing there. Well that is precisely it! No big mango, no fake floating market or obscenely overdone temple, no 'Tuscan' housing village etc. etc. Enjoy.

Could try the Pattaya expanding refuse Pile ? That will be next on the Chinese tourist circuit so better get in there early !

12 minutes ago, MrJohnson said:

Go upcountry and get as far away from Pattaya as you can. Travel along the Mekong, it's beautiful and there are very few tourists. All my Thai friends ask me why would I bother to go there, there's nothing there. Well that is precisely it! No big mango, no fake floating market or obscenely overdone temple, no 'Tuscan' housing village etc. etc. Enjoy.

 

having travelled to 50+ countries and worked in half a dozen i can say with certainty that by far the best tourist attractions are those you find in the natural world, they may take a bit more effort but they beat paid for destinations any time

Just now, samsensam said:

 

having travelled to 50+ countries and worked in half a dozen i can say with certainty that by far the best tourist attractions are those you find in the natural world, they may take a bit more effort but they beat paid for destinations any time

Agreed. I think it is called The Road Less Traveled. Generally the people you meet are a little more 'real' as well.

All comes down to the individual really. I have never been a beech person, I like to explore inland. I think it's because I get some degree of 'achievement' from learning something new and to me, the beech doesn't offer that. Yes, I've been out to some of the islands, done some canoeing etc. but there you are, I'm doing something. But if you are with a Thai family you'd probably find they like going from one temple to another and I admit, that can be a little boring. Having said that, if you suggest that you'd like visit a certain view or cave etc. you'd probably them enthusiastic.

Simple, if you don't like a restaurant, an attraction, a club, a bar (or a girl !!), just don't give them your money anymore.
 
Hopefully others will feel and do the same and it will put people back in their place.

Only slight problem is that you can't tell anyone for fear of a defamation case.

I generally ignore tourist promotional websites and promotional materials. A look at recommendations on Tripadvisor is often helpful. It also depends on whether you prefer popular Thai attractions or those mainly for foreigners and whether yoh like quiet, natural places or busy, lively places. I`d never go to Pattaya or Patong, Phuket or the Sukhumvit Rd shopping malls but for others these are their highlights.

1 hour ago, cycolista said:

If you think Thailand is a third world country you need to travel more.

I have travelled a lot more, and I stand by my opinion that in a lot of aspects Thailand is a third world country. This taxi/ insurance/ medical debacle demonstrates that perfectly.

5 hours ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

Well that’s where the growth market is...But I do agree they are of poor taste and quality.  Try one of the many Swiss sheep farms....you won’t regret it and promise yourself never again......I promise......?

 

 

Are their actually any sheep in Switzerland? I thought it was all cows and gnomes.

32 minutes ago, Krataiboy said:

Are their actually any sheep in Switzerland? I thought it was all cows and gnomes.

I wondered the same but they are everywhere here. When you google ‘Swiss sheep farm’, the only finds are all in Thailand ?.  I know the people here do have a weird fascination for Switzerland , which I really don’t get  but they seem to love it. 

 

Just re editing..thinking on it...it’s the Dow . More chance of the jackpot % wise per head of the Swiss population.... I suppose.

 

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by goldenbrwn1

Go upcountry and get as far away from Pattaya as you can. Travel along the Mekong, it's beautiful and there are very few tourists. All my Thai friends ask me why would I bother to go there, there's nothing there. Well that is precisely it! No big mango, no fake floating market or obscenely overdone temple, no 'Tuscan' housing village etc. etc. Enjoy.

There are only 2 tourists attractions in Pattaya, Soi 6 and walking St. Still beats the hell out of hanging by a muddy river getting mauled by mosquitoes.

1 hour ago, Blackheart1916 said:

I have travelled a lot more, and I stand by my opinion that in a lot of aspects Thailand is a third world country. This taxi/ insurance/ medical debacle demonstrates that perfectly.

Oh God, here we go again.

1 hour ago, Blackheart1916 said:

I have travelled a lot more, and I stand by my opinion that in a lot of aspects Thailand is a third world country. This taxi/ insurance/ medical debacle demonstrates that perfectly.

 

But... but... but... have you ever seen the marvellous malls here ?  1st world !!!

 

Back to topic: In my area there is a big sign with an arrow, saying

"Tourist Attraction".

If you follow the arrow you get to an enormous waterfall. 49 cm during rainy season.

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by maximillian

3 hours ago, cycolista said:

If you think Thailand is a third world country you need to travel more.

If you think Thailand is anything other than a third world/developing country, then you need to wake up. 

1 hour ago, Krataiboy said:

Are their actually any sheep in Switzerland? I thought it was all cows and gnomes.

 

There are:

In 2017 the number of sheep was 311.044. That's about one sheep on 27 Swiss people.

 

 

The number of gnomes are top secret.

Edited May 11, 20188 yr by maximillian

1 hour ago, goldenbrwn1 said:

I wondered the same but they are everywhere here. When you google ‘Swiss sheep farm’, the only finds are all in Thailand ?.  I know the people here do have a weird fascination for Switzerland , which I really don’t get  but they seem to love it. 

 

Just re editing..thinking on it...it’s the Dow . More chance of the jackpot % wise per head of the Swiss population.... I suppose.

 

 

Swiss Sheep and Dutch Windmills all over Thailand. Sooo nice.

18 minutes ago, maximillian said:

 

Swiss Sheep and Dutch Windmills all over Thailand. Sooo nice.

Isn't some tawt building an upside-down house just out of Pattaya, on the road to the vineyard?