Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Most visitors expect a temple and leave the museum feeling like they've just left a museum. Anek Kusala Sala, the "Abode of the Gods," is a Chinese imperial palace located about 20 minutes from the center of Pattaya. The collection inside is the real highlight: life-size terracotta warriors, a jade statue of Guanyin, golden dragons, 3,000-year-old ceramics, and vessels from the Shang Dynasty. The palace was built in 1987 as a gift for the 60th birthday of the Thai king; the statues were donated by the Chinese government. This history explains the high quality of the objects on display.

Three floors, and none of them are suitable for a quick stroll. Plan at least two hours and eat beforehand, as you'll likely be there longer than you expect. If possible, definitely hire a local guide. The exhibits gain far more meaning when someone explains the dynasties and the museum's history. Without a guide, many of the pieces simply appear as beautiful objects behind glass. Not suitable for restless children.