Pattaya

Visit areas surrounding Pattaya and see the local way of life. Your tour includes a display of colourful tropical fish at the Marine Aquarium in Bang Saen, a visit to Nong Mon's local market, where you can try a local delicacy, sweet sticky rice baked in bamboo tubes, a view of the cliff where monkeys roam wild, an oyster farm, and the stone mason's village of Ang Sila. If you're learning how to cook Thai food, you will know that a mortar and pestle to grind your spices and herbs is an essential tool, and this village makes the very best stone versions in all Thailand.  On the way back you will call in at an Orchid Farm where you will see many varieties of orchids and hybrids in bloom, and a fascinating demonstration of orchid propagation and cultivation. If you have a green house or conservatory at home, it is worth taking back a small bottle of propagated young baby orchids set in jelly to have a permanent living souvenir of Thailand at home.