Pattaya lies 150 kilometres to the southeast of Bangkok, less than two hours by road, and stretches for some 15 kilometres along the Eastern Seaboard. Thailands’s largest resort, shares the coast with traditional fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centres, the towns of Chonburi and Sriracha, and the port and naval base of Sattahip. Pattaya beach is a palm-fringed, sandy bay with a view of coral islands on the hoizon. Nearby are other cliffs and other bays, while inland, the region is rich in agricultural products including sugar cane, tapioca, rubber and fruit trees.

In the 1960s, Pattaya was just a little fishing village, until a few Bangkok residents began to take their weekends here and generated a modest local tourist industry. Even so, the only hotel of any size was the Nipa Lodge, other accommondation tended towards holiday bungalows and beach huts. The Vietnam War saw the start of Pattaya’s international reputation, for the fledgling resort was used as an official R&R centre for the US forces. They were flown into U-Tapao Airport which was built for American use at the time, and shops, services, bars and hotel accommodation grew to meet the demand.

Pattaya is now a city in its own right, with its own mayor and its own administration. This is not all due to tourism. The government development progamme for the Eastern Seaboard has transformed the region, and this rapid industrial and commercial expansion has led to many expatriates coming to live in the area. There is a new deep-sea port at Laem Chabang, 20 kilometres north of Pattaya with a vast industrial estate, and another development zone at Map Ta Phut near Rayong to the south. Pattaya city is well located to be a major business centre serving these two giant industrial communities. There are five international schools, and four international hospitals in the area.

Fun for all
As a beach resort with city status, Pattaya has something for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. There is just about everything you can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun. Pattaya can be whatever you want it to be. Such is its variety that it is ideal for all kinds of visitors. While there is plenty to keep the children happily occupied, there is also everything for the sport enthusiastic, for couples of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine.

After-dark, options include open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos. The nightlife centre is south Pattaya, popularly known as “The Strip”, but if this is a trifle brash and noisy for some tastes, there are alternative, quieter spots for evening fun in a more relaxed style. Shopping too, can be an evening attraction. Most establishments close late, and the dedicated bargain hunter can find all of Thailand’s best buys - silk, gems and jewellery, tailor-made clothing, handicrafts and more.

Business venue
Pattaya is an increasingly popular venue for international conventions, conferences and seminars. Several of the larger hotels are fully equipped to host meetings or receptions for a thousand or more people, and even smaller properties offer a range of well appointed function rooms. Complementing the luxury of sheer space is a comprehensive selection of state-of-the-art equipment for audio-visual pesentations and other conference-related activities.

Accommodation
Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from luxury hotels with private beaches to bayside hotels and bungalows, and inland, economy class hotels and guest houses.

Getting there
The easiest and most popular way to reach Pattaya is by bus. From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road there are departures every 30 minutes by air-conditioned bus from 5am until 9pm. The one-way fare is Bt. 90. From the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit II) there are departures again every 30 minutes from 5am to 7pm with a one-way fare of Bt. 97. Few visitors to Pattaya are aware that the city does have a railway station. It is north of Sukhumvit Road close to the Siam Country Club. One train a day leaves Bangkok’s Hualamphong station at 7am, and takes up to four hours to reach Pattaya, stopping at many stations along the way. U-Tapao aiport, which is located near Sattahip, has very few scheduled flights. Most visitors travelling this way are on chartered flights. Alternatively for those who prefer to arrive with more comfort and style, taxi companies (like for an example Image 5 Star Taxi Company) can transfer you to Pattaya, 24 hours a day.

Getting around
For getting around the main bay area, the baht buses charge a flat fare of Bt. 10 (well, the flat fare is actually Bt. 5 but baht bus drivers has come up with the idea that foreigners should pay Bt. 10. You can try to pay Bt. 5 as you are officially supposed to, but do expect some trouble). The run to Naklua is also bt. 10, and up to Jomtien Bt. 30. Drivers usually ask for Bt. 40 to travel up the hill to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Motorcycle hire will cost you between Bt. 150 and Bt. 700 a day, depending on size. Be very confident of your ability to handle the bigger bikes, including your skills in taking swift evasive action. Wear a crash helmet. A jeep from a beachside vendor is Bt. 1000 a day. Check that you have enough gasoline in the tank to get yourself to the nearest filling station, and satisfy yourself that the brakes are sharp. You will not be asked to show your driving licence, but most of these beachside hire places will ask that you deposit your passport with them. Ask where they are going to keep it, because it may simply be placed in the attendant’s pocket or shoulder bag and travel around with him. Bicycles can be hired from beackside vendors at Bt. 100 a day or Bt. 20 an hour. If you prefer to drive reputable vehicles with full insurance cover, and it is strongly adviced, Pattaya has a choice of car rental companies. Two leading names are Budget Car and Truck Rental at Thip Plaza and Avis which is based at the Dusit Resort in north Pattaya. In addition to international standards of service, these companies will also offer special deals, tour ideas, maps and other attractions to make your stay easier. If you prefer not to self drive then there are several companies who offer 1 way/return trips throughout Pattaya or hour by hour hire. They will pickup at your hotel or condo with their door to door service.

Climate
Pattaya has three seasons. November to February, when its hot; March to May, when it’s hot and humid; and June to October, when its hot and wet.

Clothing
Dress as lightly as possible. Because of the heat and humidity, man-made fibres are not recommended. Pack some cool cottons, and if you find you are changing your clothes at an alarming rate you will be able to buy locally made clothing very cheaply. Shorts and sandals are the usual daytime wear. In hotels and the more upmarket restaurants, wear smart casual. If visiting a temple the usual dress rules apply: gentlemen, no shorts please, and long sleeves are preferred; ladies, no shorts, short skirts or halter-tops.

Post and telecommunications
The Post Office and international telephone office are together in south Pattaya on Soi 15, known to all as Soi Post Office. There are also several privately run long-distance phone centres, most notably along Beach Road. These will be slightly more expensive than the government service.

Internet Services
As in Bangkok, the number of Internet cafes seems to increase every week. Most will post their rates in the window, and as competition is intense the prices are invariably low.

Health & Safety
Never drink tap water, don’t even gargle with it. Always use bottled water, which is readily available and inexpensive, particularly if you choose a local brand. The sun is strong, even during the rainy season and where there is cloud cover, so use a good sunscreen and limit your exposure time. Malaria is no threat, but mosquito bites can be a major irritant. Seafood is mostly caught locally and is of high quality, but given the spicy ingredients to almost any meal, the occasional upset stomach is a possibility. The most likely way of slowing down your vacation is by having an accident, so watch your step when crossing the road, even (or especially) at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Medicines for minor ailments are readily available at the many drug stores in the city, and a high standard of medical treatment for more serious problems can be expected from most of the clinics and hospitals. General practitioners, dentists, opticians and pharmacies are readily available.

Each of the private hospitals has its own ambulance service and 24-hour emergency facilities. Most medical specialties are represented: neurology, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, pedriatrics, internal medicine, surgery, urology and dentistry. Cardiac patients will usually be referred to Bangkok. Note that an ambulance is not routinely called in the event of an automobile accident, and if you require assistance from the government service a Thai-speaking person should dial 191 in Pattaya or 193 on the highway to arrange an ambulance service.

For information and advice, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Central Office: Region 3 (Pattaya) is open seven days a week throughout the year, including public and national holidays, from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Their telephone number is (038) 428 750 or 429 113.

Residents and lifestyles
Pattaya has many expatriate residents, and is essentially an international tourist resort and expanding city, so the Thai population is itself very internationalised. Most notices are in English as well as Thai, and you will find plenty of signboards in German and even Russian. Most vendors are used to non-Thai speakers and are ready with at least a smattering of English or German, vigorous miming, a smile, and an ever-ready calculator. Few of the Thai residents can claim to be native of the locality. Even so, they haven’t abandoned their traditional culture, and beneath the glossy city veneer you will still find evidence of underlying ethnic beliefs and customs.

Action attractions
Pattaya is one of the oldest diving centres in this part of Asia. It has a year-round diving season with good visibility, the waters have a mean temperature of 28 degrees C, and there is a rich variety of marine life and coral. There are also two wrecks which experienced divers can explore: The Bremen, a 300-foot boat, lies upright in 25 meters of water off the Thai navy town of Sattahip, while the freighter Hardeep rests in 30 meters of water in a channel between two islands off Samae San, not far from Sattahip. Pattaya offers a wide choice of well-stocked and safe PADI and NAUI operators, with competitative prices and deals. Most of them have offices along the waterfront. Costs average at about Bt. 2900 per day, including transportation, food and equipment.

Visitors can windsurf, water ski, sea walk, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring beaches such as the increasingly popular Hat Chom Thian (Jomtien) just south of Pattaya. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at the courts of leading hotels. Further entertainment includes bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting galleries, archery and much more.

Attractions outsite Pattaya City
Pattaya Elephant Village is on the road to Siam Country Golf Course. The elephants displaying their forestry skills, perform cute tricks, and even play football. There is a daily showtime. Panarak Park is to be found on the same road and has a tropical setting. The park is equipped with fishing gear and a well-stocked lake. There is also bungalow accommodation, restaurants, jogging and cycling paths, boating and water-cycling. Bira International Circuit located at KM14 on Route 36 to Rayong, offers international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2,4 kilometres circuit is ideal for Formula 3 races. If you want to experience speed, the circuit is open every day. Hat Chom Thien (Jomtien), located 2 kolometres from south Pattaya, is good for swimming. The beach has become popular for water sports and activities because it has a long straight coastline and there are less boats anchored in the area. Pattaya Park is between south Pattaya and Hat Chom Thien (Jomtien), and is a water amusement park with water slides, whirlpools and a large pool for children. Open from 9pm to 6am. Nong Nooch Village is about 15 kilometres from south Pattaya, and is a Thai village-style recreation park. The entire area of some 500 acres is beautifully landscaped, with an orchid nursery and other botanical gardens. There are also cultural performances and an elephant show. Wat Yansangwararam is a temple under the King’s patronage. Here meditation courses are offered for foreigners and Thai’s. Bang Saray, a fishing village located 2 kilometres off the main highway at KM164, offers deep-sea fishing opportunities.

Ko Lan, 45 minutes offshore by tourist boat or 15 minutes by speed boat, is the largest of Pattaya’s archipelago. Major attractions include viewing coral reefs from glass-bottomed boats, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind-surfing, skiing and parasailing. There are a lot of seafood restaurants on the island’s main beaches. Deep-sea fishing can be arranged to Ko Lan’s neighbouring islands such as Ko Khrok and Ko Sak. Beyond Ko Lan is Ko Phai, an island currently under the care of the Royal Navy. Visitors are not allowed to stay over night here, but it has fine deserted beaches that are accessible during the day. All the nearby islands are easy to get to and charters can be arranged through your hotel tour desk or by negotiating a price direct with the boat owners. Boat charters cost Bath 1,000-5,000 per day, depending on the season and size of the boat.

Tags: Bangkok,Jomtien,Ko Larn,Pattaya,Thailand
Categories: Pattaya