The history of Pattaya
History of Pattaya reveals that it was a small fishing village in the Gulf of Thailand. Initially it was called Pad Tha Ya, meaning, wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast before the commencement of the rainy season and it finally came be known as Pattaya. It was since 1960 with the discovery of Pattaya as a great retreat for repose by the local Bangkok city dwellers that the skyline of Pattaya started undergoing a change. Moreover the American GIs who based their camp in Nakhon Ratchasima as well as the US navy men from Sattahip found Pattaya an official center for rest and relaxation. Hotel accommodation, restaurants, bars and shops mushroomed in Pattaya and since then it has developed into one of the leading beach resorts in the world. History of Pattaya traces out the development of an unspoiled fishing village of Thailand to a world-renowned beach resort.
Pattaya’s location finds mention for the first time in the history of Thailand when in 1767 Phraya Tak who was later coronated as King Taks paraded to Chanthaburi and crossed the area after the decline of the erstwhile capital Ayuthaya. Pattaya’s increasing popularity among the tourists both local as well as people from the European countries, made the national government in 1978 grant it a city status. The city celebrates its anniversary every 29th of November. With its steady development the infrastructure of the city kept pace. Bangkok’s new airport at Suvarnabhumi is only about an hour’s distance from Pattaya.
With the immense growth of the city from 1960, history of Pattaya draws out a brief sketch of the village of Pad Tha Ya into a city called Pattaya.
HOW TO GET THEREBy car
Pattaya can be reached in a 2.30-hour drive along
Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri
and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon
Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new route of
Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong or motorway from
Rama 9 Road.
By bus
Air-conditioned and non-aircon coaches regularly
depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai),
Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) on Kamphaengphet
Road and Southern Bus Terminal on Borommarat
Chonnani Road throughout the day.
Departure times and fares may be obtained from:
| For taxi : Eastern Bus Terminal |  |
• The Northern Bus Terminal, 0 2936 2852 to
66, 0 2936 3666
| For taxi : Northern Bus Terminal |  |
• The Southern Bus Terminal, 0 2894 6122
| For taxi : Southern Bus Terminal |  |
There are also air-con buses that go directly from
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. Buses run daily
from 6.30 to 19.00 hrs. For information, contact the
Public Transportation Centre at Suvarnabhumi
International Airport, tel. 0 2134 4099, 0 2132 9171.
Besides, there are bus services to Pattaya available
at most hotels in Bangkok. Contact the tour desk at
your hotel for details.
By train
The State Railway of Thailand offers a train service
departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at
06.50 hours. (Mon-Fri). The journey takes about
3.30 hours.
For details, callthe State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010,
0 2220 4444 (RSVN),
0 2220 4334, 0 2621 8701.
| For taxi : Hualamphong Station |  |
PATTAYA AT A GLANCE
Location
h
o
Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the
country at latitude 13° N and longitude 101° E in
the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 km. from
Bangkok. It lies parallel to Sukhumwit Road on its
east and the coastline on its west.
Area
Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is
divided into 53.44 sq. km. of land and 154.66 sq.
km. of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 km. long.
Climate
The climate of Pattaya can be divided into 3 periods:
cool to warm (from November to February),
hot and humid (from March to May), and hot and
rainy (from June to October).
Topography
Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high
mountains on its south. The area on the east slopes
down toward the sea on the west.
Population
The total population is 104,318 (end April 2007)
with 49,386 males and 54,932 females. They consist
of Thai-Buddhist, 80%; Muslim, 16%; Christian, 2%;
and others, 2%.
**Note** The total population includes only permanent
residents.
Administration
Pattaya city has been administered under a special
autonomous system since 1978. It has a status
comparable to a municipality and is separately
administered by the mayor of Pattaya city who is
responsible for making policies, organizing public
services, and supervising all employees of
Pattaya city administration.
Language
Standard Thai language. English is widely used.
Products
90% of labour in Pattaya work in tourism that is
the highlight of Pattaya. Tourist attractions including
land and marine destinations, and nighttime
entertainment. There are no native products.
The Most Famous Beach Resort on the EastPattaya is 147 km. southeast of Bangkok and adjoins
the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand's premier and
most successful beach resort which annually attracts
hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors
from all over the world.
Being close to the sea, the adjoining beaches of Pattaya
City, from Naklua Bay to Wong Phrachan
(Crescent Moon) and Wong Amat beaches in the north
down to Jomtien beach in the south, cover a total length
of about 15 km. But only the area of Pattaya Bay plays
an important role in the tourism aspect, and this area is
called "Pattaya Beach".
For the past centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing
village almost cut off from the outside world. But
after its beauty was discovered by the first group
of American servicemen from Nakhon Ratchasima
in 1961, the sleepy Pattaya gradually became a
famous beach resort. Fishermen's huts along the
beach were replaced by a full range of
accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows
and mini-pocket guesthouses. And the quiet powdery
\ golden beaches are frequented by swimmers and
sunbathers from various parts of the world.
Moreover, with the recent establishment of the
industrial estates of Laem Chabang to the north
and that of Map Ta Phut to the south, Pattaya
has been developing to be a major business centre
and pleasing residence for western expatriates.
The Place for All Tastes
For sun lovers and water-sports fans, Pattaya's sunny
climate provides ideal conditions for swimming and all
other imaginable water activities, including jet-skiing,
boat sailing, speed-boating, water-scooter riding,
water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and windsurfing.
For those who do not want to get drenched, Pattaya
also has gyms and health clubs for exercise and many
kinds of land sports and games to choose from, such
as shooting, car racing, horse riding, archery, golf,
bowling, tennis, go-kart, paintball, etc.
 Shady footpath along Pattaya Beach | |
For shoppers, fashionable boutiques and shops
of ready-made garments, silk, paintings, handicrafts,
gemstones, jewellery and trinkets are centred in the
main streets of Central and South Pattaya and also
in the luxurious hotels. And the prices are fair.
For gourmets, Pattaya's cookeries offer at reasonable
prices a wide range of superlative fresh seafood and
various styles of cuisine -- Thai, Chinese, Japanese,
Korean, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Mexican,
American, Indian, Russian, etc. And for night owls,
Pattaya's lively nightlife caters for every taste.
The most brightly colourful spot is South Pattaya
where all kinds of nightly entertainment are offered.
In short, Pattaya is the place for all. No wonder it has
remained popular among those who come to spend
their holidays from far and near alike.
| Pattaya Beach |
 |
Starting from Dusit Resort Hotel in the area called
North Pattaya to the small hill in the South, Pattaya
beach and its parallel beach road is about 3 kilometres
long. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, the beach
also offers excellent facilities for watersports
enthusiasts of all kinds.
 The Walking Street of South Pattaya |
|
A charming view of Pattaya Bay at night
The northern part is a more quiet area of resorts
while the southern part is a place of hustle and bustle,
where both sides of the street are lined up with
department stores, restaurants, discotheques,
bars and nightclubs and shops of all kinds.
For taxi :
| Jomtien Beach |
The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving
beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is
highly recommended to those who seek a quieter
resort, where the golden sand, bright sun and blue
clear sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.
 |
 | |
It is a good place for relaxation with modern
comforts and accommodation. Its long straight
coastline of 6 kilometres with a fringe of coconut
and palm trees offers vacationers pleasant
atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting
in the sea. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming
and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year.
Jomtien Beach is especially the best spot for windsurfing
and instruction is widely available for beginners.
For taxi :
| Dong Tan Beach |
 Dong Tan Beach |
Adjacent to Jomtien Beach (to the north), the quiet
1-km-long Dong Tan Beach is situated. The plants
found here are tropical almonds.
 |
| Wong Amat beach |
 Wong Amat Beach |
Wong Amat beach is recommended for those who
are seeking for a nice place to relax and sunbathe,
since it is one of the cleanest and most secluded
beaches in Pattaya. The beach is adjoining to the north
of Pattaya beach.
TRANSPORTATION
Travelling around Pattaya is most convenient by
minibuses (songthaews) that continually ply the
Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road in counterclockwise
circuits. There are also minibuses running to Naklua
and Jomtien areas. Fares are from 10-30 baht depending
on the distance. Just hop in and pay the fare
when you get off.
Pattaya Beach Bus
Designed to help tourists get around the city, the
Pattaya Beach Bus service consists of three lines –
Green, Red and Yellow, covering the main streets
of Pattaya, Naklua and Jomtien.
Each line has been assigned
a different colour to make it
easier for passengers to
identify the routes. Bus
stops are also colour coded and numbered so
passengers know where to board and disembark.
There are fixed clockwise and counter-clockwise
routes for each line, served by three buses per
route from 06.00 to 02.00 hours the following day.
All buses are air-conditioned and contain 34 seats.
A 30-baht one-way ticket can be used on any of
the routes. Visitors will also be able to purchase
one-day passes at 90 baht, three-day passes at
180 baht, and one month passes at 900 baht.
The passes are available at most hotels and major
supermarkets (Tesco Lotus, Carrefour, Big C, etc.).
For those who wish to be independent and explore
Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at
leisure, there are many vehicle rental places offering
various types of motorcycles, jeeps and cars. Visitors
are advised to shop around and consult local tourism
publications as each company offers different prices
and conditions.
Anyway, renting a car from leading car rental
companies is strongly advised as they provide
international standards of service as well as
information and maps of tourist attractions.
WHERE TO STAY
Pattaya, the enchanting beach resort of Thailand that
holds immense tourist attraction is one of the hot
spots for travelers all over the globe. The white sand,
the pristine blue water and the amazing sea beaches
entice many to spend their vacations or weekends here.
Cut out for people who enjoy water sports Pattaya
offers a gamut of sporting activities including
adventurous sports live water skiing, windsurfing,
scuba diving, parasailing and water scooter. Since
Pattaya is just not known for its sprawling beaches
but also for its nightlife, food and wildlife many
accommodation in Pattaya have mushroomed offering
numerous choices to the tourists. Pattaya
Accommodation enlists luxurious hotels, and budget
hotels that cater to every traveler.
If you would prefer the luxury hotels of Pattaya you
can avail accommodations such as Pattaya Marriott
Resort and spa. Located in the center of the Pattaya
city, it is one of the best luxury hotels of Pattaya offerin
g you modern amenities. Crown Pattaya Beach Hotel,
located a few meters from the beach and all the major
shopping centers is an average hotel that offers
comfort and good services. If you would prefer to
spend your vacation in charming individual
accommodations in Pattaya you can easily avail the
services of Rabbit Resort. It is a charming traditional
Thai style resort with individual homes having private
lovely gardens, hand carved wooden balcony, antique
furniture and butterflies and colorful birds all around.
If you prefer a budget hotel you can seek lodging in
The Champ Hotel Pattaya, a boutique resort hotel
located in a secluded area and amidst natural scenery
in the Pattaya city.
Few examples are as follows:
There are plenty of more hotels from luxury to budget
meeting every budget / requirement.
What Where to Eat in Pattaya
What/where to eat In Pattaya is a major question which very often comes in the minds of the tourists and to help them out comes this page full of hopes for them. In Pattaya, restaurants and food vendors are to be found everywhere. Local cuisine is catered at a range of budgets and restaurants serving French, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Arabic, German, Scandinavian, and Korean food at almost all the commonplace venues. There are also a large amount of hamburger joints, steak places, and curry houses while in the centre of the town there is a whole street serving Arabic cuisine.
Visitors from the U.K. should also know that they won’t be disappointed as there is also a local 'chippy' serving a host of deep-fried delights. There are also a number of coffee shops and small food courts serving food in Pattaya while most guest houses will have their own restaurant, as will all the hotels. What all this amounts to is something of a dining extravaganza which is one of the main attractions of visiting Pattaya.
Some of the leading restaurants and food joints are as follows:
- Amor Restaurant, Pattaya
- Sugar Hut Restaurant at Sugar Hut Resort
- Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Restaurant
- Pig and Whistle Restaurant, Pattaya
- Pink Lady Restaurant Pattaya
- Ruen Thai Restaurant, Pattaya
- Thai House Restaurant, Pattaya
- Patrick’s Belgian Restaurant & Café
- Casa Pascal Restaurant, Pattaya
- Mata Hari Restaurant, Pattaya
- Tequila Reef Restaurant, Pattaya
There are plenty of restaurants of various thai, oriental, continentinental cousines.
Pattaya sight seeing
Pattaya’s sights are mainly modern, much reflecting
the town itself. Sights often double-up as activities
but there’s still an array of interesting things to see,
especially if you’re willing to travel a little. The beaches,
several impressive temples and entertainment venues
all combine to make Pattaya sight seeing a worthy activity.
While it may not have the traditional grandeur and
historical relevance of many places in Thailand, Pattaya
has a lot of more contemporary attractions to keep
travellers amused. Some popular outings include
Underwater World (marine aquarium – near Tesco,
Thanon Sukhumvit), the Museum of Bottle Art
(near bus station, Thanon Sukhumvit), showing miniature
art such as Dutch windmills and Thai temples, all inside
the confines of glass bottles. The entertaining
Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum (Royal
Garden Plaza, Beach Road) is home to host of exhibits
from the traditional to the bizarre.
There is something of a replica theme in Pattaya,for besides the bottle art, there are several other
attractions which are miniature replicas of larger,
well-known architectural feats. The first is the hugely
ambitious Sanctuary of Truth (Naklua Soi 12).
Built on a 1:1 replica scale, the structure is designed
to mirror the great buildings of Angkor Wat in
Cambodia. The work is still in progress but, visitors
are permitted. The daw dropping beauty of the main
temple makes it worth the hefty entrance fee. The
other main replica tourist sight is that of Mini Siam
(Thanon Sukhumvit) – a 1:25 scale collection of both
Thailand, and the world’s most renowned monuments
Come along and have yourself picture in front of the
Statue of Liberty.
For more traditional cultural sightseeing in Pattaya,
you can travel 18kms down Thanon Sukhumvit to
Nong Nooch Village where you’ll be met by
traditional dancers, pleasant natural scenery and
playful elephants who’ll be willing to let you enjoy the
thrill of a ride. The orchid garden here is reputed to be
the world’s largest, so if you like flowers, it may be worth
the trip for this alone. The Elephant Village
(7kms down Sukhumwit road) provides more long
distance travel via elephant back, offering 90-minute
mini-treks around its own park, and offers
whitewater rafting also.
Most hotels, guest houses and travel shops in Pattaya
offer trips and tour packages to almost anywhere
within reason, and usually at a reasonable rate. For a
half-day trip like Nong Nooch Village, you can
expect to pay around 500 baht for transport from
your hotel, entrance and lunch. Other Pattaya
sightseeing tours are on offer like the Pattaya
Discovery Tour, which takes in a Buddhist temples,
Monkey mountains, beaches, aquariums, stonecutting
villages, and orchid farms. For information on these
trips and more, contact your hotel or local travel shop
on arrival in Pattaya.
Pattaya’s sights may not be complete without a trip to
Koh Larn. Only 40 minutes from Pattaya by boat,
the island has beautiful white sand, and clear blue
swimming water. A day trip here is a nice respite
from the hustle and bustle of the Pattaya town while
still offering good facilities and activities. You can r
elax on the beach, or go swimming, snorkelling,
water skiing, or even parasailing here. There are
also several decent restaurants serving a
variety of cuisine.
Pattaya activities and
sports
The city of Pattaya has a wide variety of activities to
suit all ages and preferences.
Here in Pattaya the activities on offer include:
para-sailing, jetskiing, bungee-jumping, elephant
back riding, deep-sea, shore and freshwater fishing,
scuba diving, sailing, swimming in the pool or the sea,
golf, motor racing, polo, gyms and fitness training,
shopping, cycling, bowling, running, tennis, snooker,
shooting, archery, cooking courses, yoga, kick boxing,
tai chi, meditation, beauty and relaxation spas, tropical
gardens and just walking by the sea.
Adventure activities
Pattaya, being a tourist resort by the sea, offers an
exciting selection of unique and fun activities which
can be arranged either through one of the many tour
agents scattered around the city or often through your
hotel or condo. Jet skis can be hired directly from most
beaches in Pattaya for around 1000 baht per hour and
fast speedboats can be hired by the hour or day for 1500
to 5000 baht. Para-sailing takes place offshore,
depending upon wind and sea conditions, throughout
the year, with pick up boats from the New Pier at the
end of Walking Street or from the Pattaya beach.
Pattaya is also one of the oldest diving centres in this
part of Asia. It has a year-round diving season with
good visibility, and a sea temperature of around 28C
which means that there is a rich variety of marine
life and coral. Most of the diving companies have
offices along the waterfront and in Walking Street.
Many of the speedboats plying their trade from the
Pattaya area are specialist game fishing boats which
are out for the big fish further south in the Gulf of
Thailand. They are all for charter, hire or offer day f
ishing. The fish go to over 1000lbs. There are many
agents along the coast roads and specialist shops
dotted around. Fishing from the shore is very popular
with both the local Thais and visitors alike.
Extreme Sports
Away from the sea there are other exciting opportunities
on offer. Bira International Racing Circuit, 14kms outside
Pattaya on Route 36 hosts international motor and
motorcycle races. The 2.4 km circuit is ideal for
Formula 3 races and is open every day (02-522-1731-8)
. In Jomtien, the Pattaya Kart Speedway (038-422044)
is one of the first built in Thailand and meets international
standards. There are three tracks catering for all ages and
standards of driving. Not far away, next to the small lake
in Jomtien, is a 50-metre bungy-jump with international
jump-masters and a bar for recovering from the rush
afterwards (06-378-3880).
Pattaya City is clogged with small motorbikes but you
can hire a Harley-Davidson, a big Honda or a similarly
powered machine in several places along Beach Road,
Sois 2, 8 and 13/1 and on Sukhumvit. Some of them go
very fast and the laws and local traffic should be
seriously noted. Many companies restrict the use
of these bikes to 50kms per day and do make sure
the insurance is in order. A big bike will cost you
around 1500/2000 baht a day unless you bargain.
Swimming and fitness
Pattaya can get pretty hot at times. Being by the
sea means a more even climate than in most of
Thailand and the refreshing sea breeze is welcome
the closer you get to the beaches. Most hotels and
condos of any size have at least one swimming pool.
Alternatively, if yours hasn’t, others are happy to
have you as a daily guest of their pool for a small
charge. Most people who come to this seaside resort
also enjoy swimming in the warm tropical sea.
You can keep yourself in shape during your stay
here at one of the many gyms that admit people on
a daily/weekly or monthly basis. Tony’s on 3rd Road,
South Pattaya and also in Walking Street is the most
famous and offers modern equipment, swimming,
tennis, Thai boxing and more. Sitpholek Sports Centre
off Sukhumvit in North Pattaya also has top class facilities
(09-934-5001 for English speakers). There are a good
number of smaller gyms all round Pattaya and many of
the larger hotels have their own facilities for guests
although some of these have only basic equipment.
The Hash House Harriers have a busy programme and
details can be obtained from the local English-speaking
press or from the Scandi Bar on Beach Road. They
usually meet on Mondays at 15:30 from this same
venue, with a large and social group that has been
going for more than 20 years.
Golf and tennis and outdoor
activities
Pattaya is a golfer’s paradise with over 20
international-standard courses within very easy reach.
Many people come from all over the world to Pattaya
just to play golf on top quality courses for a fraction of
the cost at home. Tournaments, both domestic and
International, are played at various courses. Green fees
]start at 300 baht in low season, but the best courses
will charge 1000 to 2000 baht, caddies cost
250 baht, golf cart fees are 500 baht.
Tennis is popular in Pattaya and most of the larger
hotels have an available court for visitors. Dusit
Resort Pattaya (03-842-5611) and Amari Orchid
Resort (03-842-8161) both have excellent facilities
as does Tony’s on 3rd Road.
Horse riding can be enjoyed at various stables,
including Horseshoe Point Riding Academy
(03-8735050) and trekking near the Bira Circuit
(01-302-0814), with free transport. The International
Polo Ground, just outside Pattaya, is visited by the
King and Royal Family, as is the Royal Varuna Yacht
Club, which hosts World Championships throughout
the year off Jomtien.
Indoor pursuits
Indoor bowling is very popular with both locals and
tourists with several alleys to choose from around
the city, the one above Tops Supermarket on the
corner of 2nd Road and Central Pattaya Road is a
favourite with both locals and tourists. Snooker halls in
Pattaya are everywhere, as are pool and billiard bars.
There are also a pistol shooting gallery, clay shooting
range and archery range. Theatres, cinema, festivals
and live music for all tastes are listed in the local
community magazines and newspapers.
Metaphysical and new age
pursuits
In Pattaya other activities include the many relaxing
spas and beauty treatments, yoga classes, courses
on cooking, Thai language schools, massage, meditation,
tai chi and the opportunity to visit the wonderful tropical
gardens in the area. Details of all these are in the regular
local English newspapers and magazines
Pattaya water sports
Pattaya’s location on the Eastern seaboard and its
reputation as a seaside resort with a tropical climate
mean the town lends itself ideally to water sports.
Here you can find most types of water sports from
jet-skis to snorkelling; parasailing to deep-sea diving;
water-skiing to yacht racing; sailing in a dinghy; diving in
beautiful coral coves and swimming in the warm
tropical waters.
For parasailing, the boats will pick you up from the
Bali Hi Pier and take you out to the pontoons where
instruction to novices and experts alike will be given.
This pursuit cannot be undertaken on windy days, and
safety is a key factor. A parasailing experience, however,
will give you an unforgettable and fabulous view of
Pattaya Bay.
Sailing is very popular in Jomtien, where various
national and international regattas take place and
smaller boats are readily available for hire. Many
sailors like to sail over to Koh Larn or one of the
smaller islands for the day and return in the afternoon.
The yacht clubs in Jomtien are all mentioned in the
local English directories available in Pattaya; however,
you can also rent a dinghy by the hour from the beach.
Diving is a very popular pursuit on the Eastern seaboard
and Pattaya has several specialist companies with five
star PADI instructors and supervisors. There are many
dive sites around Pattaya and with an all year round
diving season, the profusion of coral and fish, a sea
temperature of around 28 degrees and cheap prices, t
his is a favourite venue for many divers from all over
Swimming in the sea is very popular with both
Thais and Europeans. Don’t be surprised if the
Thais go in fully clothed. They are not used to
showing intimate areas in public, and it’s warm
enough to dry off very quickly when they get out.
With the sea at roughly the same temperature
as the air, swimming in the sea is very pleasant,
and in the hot season in Pattaya the same 28
degrees in the sea seems very cooling.
Deep sea fishing is another good activity in Pattaya
if you fancy your hand at landing a big fish. Several
operations run daily trips and often return with
some impressive catches. Not quite the Hemingway
Cuban adventure but worthwhile if you’re into big
game fishing. Sail fish, queen fish, barracuda, marlin,
cobia and shark are all caught in these waters, but
you usually need to charter the entire boat, so put
together a group.
There are several fun water and beach activitiesoffered from Pattaya bay, such as banana boat rides,
jetskiing (in the right places!), volleyball, beach f
ootball and more. Simply show up and you’ll find
companies present, offering various options.
Koh Larn, the offshore island also has some
facilities in a nice environment, including snorkelling
equipment rental and clear waterso
Fishing in Pattaya
Surprisingly, fishing in Pattaya is a recommended
and rewarding activity that is gaining popularity.
Several local companies are satisfying big game
fishing desires among the throngs who come to
Pattaya for other reasons, but there is also the
choice of spear fishing, freshwater fishing, kids fishing
trips and even competitions.
From Pattaya ocean fishing trips typically fish for
sail fish, queen fish, barracuda, marlin, cobia, shark,
sting rays and others. Freshwater fishing in Pattaya
is also very good, and Thailand is considered a world
hotspot for carp. Local lakes and fishing ponds are well
stocked with this species as well as tilapia and catfish,
up to 30kgs. November is considered the best time of
the year to go fishing.
Charter sea fishing trips leave early (6am), but
generally charge a daily rate for the boat (about $350),
so it’s a good idea to get a group of your mates together.
Some companies might put together a boat for
individuals but it’s not usually a well organised network
among tour agents, as big game fishing is still catching on.
Boats typically take six people, and the fishing isn’t
limited to experienced fishermen. Women have been
known to land some impressive fish, but you do need to
be fairly strong and fit to fight a large shark. For
conservation purposes however be prepared to cut
and release when you land some species, particularly shark.
An alternative, if you don’t care to charter a whole
boat and potentially come back empty handed, is to
join the daily casual fishing trips offered by some
companies, which fish shallow waters offshore for smaller fish.
Spear fishing is also offered by some diving companies
and this is a completely different experience, but you do
have to be an experienced diver in possession of
a PADI certificate.
Fishing competitions also take place monthly and these
can be quite fun. For more details however you will need
to enquire with local fishing companies, as dates vary.
Pattaya Fishing is perhaps the most recommended
and organised outfit in Pattaya and has a good program
of options and reputation.
Shopping in Pattaya
Pattaya has a fabulous range of shops and markets
catering for all tastes. From the very expensive to
the incredibly cheap (particularly by Western
standards), you can find it all here. While the
quality of some of the goods can vary greatly from
stall to stall and shop to shop, even those who usually
hate shopping will find a bargain here. It’s pretty
difficult to leave Pattaya without some extra luggage,
whether you’re looking for local handicrafts, precious
gems or just a fake Rolex to show off at home.
Remember, however, that you get what you pay for
and the quality of goods here is far lower than you
would expect at home. Money-back guarantee is a
vague concept, so check the goods thoroughly first
and avoid buying the cheapest models.
Pattaya’s geography as a seaside resort makes
shopping particularly easy for visitor and ex-pat
alike. Most of the tourist type shops are located
on Beach Road or the parallel Second Road, and on
the many sois (lanes) in between, particularly in
South and Central Pattaya. Here you will find
bewildering displays of local handicrafts, ceramics,
carving, Buddhist art, clothing for all tastes and the
occasional real antique. But be prepared to bargain,
particularly in the tourist areas where the opening
gambit is always several times more than you should
be paying.
Running the entire block between Beach Road and
Second Road are Mikes Shopping Mall, next to Soi 11,
and Royal Garden Plaza, between Soi Post Office and
Soi Pattayaland (Soi 13/1), which both have free toilets
and air-conditioning. Here you’ll find a mixture of
traditional craftwear, fashionable labels, clothes shops,
an English bookshop, internet café, camera stores,
endless mobile phone vendors, and even a Boots
pharmacy. Be warned however, bus tours from Taiwan,
China, Korea and Japan deluge the place from 7 pm
until about 10 pm.
Regardless of what you are shopping for, Thailand is very
cheap, and this includes clothing, electronic goods and
general household items, which is why the shopping
malls are tourist attractions themselves. Big C is a large
mall opposite Soi 3 on Second Road and consists of four
air-conditioned floors with a Multiscreen cinema, large
supermarket downstairs (catering for Thai and foreign
customers) and a large retail area with everything from
the latest TVs to some very reasonably priced designer
clothing. The rest of the complex is full of small and large
shops and stalls full of clothes, cameras, mobile phones,
handicrafts of all types, printers, pictures, good
restaurants and pretty much everything ‘buyable’.
It’s open until 11.00 pm.
Walking Street, more famous as the ‘International
Meeting Place’ at night, transforms during the day
to a quiet street with some very expensive shops
catering for the more discerning antique lover, and
has some really lovely up-market establishments
full of exquisitely carved jade, Buddha statues, high
class jewellers, delicate wooden ship models and more gold.
If you thought of overhauling your business wardrobe,
then Thailand is your answer, and you can get a
tailor-made suit made up in less than 24 hours for
knock-down prices. While the quality does vary,
some of the best (and more expensive) tailors can
be found in Walking Street, and there are also some
very good tailors on Beach Road and Second Road,
South Pattaya. They can make almost any style
(even the famous labels) and offer a wide range o
fabrics to choose from. Tailors here usually promote
a set which includes three suits, and a couple of
tailored silk shirts, plus ties thrown in for as little as
$250. Thai silk is not only good quality but
comparatively cheap. Thais are superb craftsmen,
and this applies to clothes just as much as the more
traditional skills. These tailors certainly are good
value and able to replicate any famous label design
(chosen from a catalogue) within 24 hours.
Don’t forget to bargain hard!
weekend in Pattaya
A convenient beach getaway for Bangkokians, an
infamous ‘sin city’ for many and a child-friendly,
thriving playground for some, Pattaya is really all
that. With a magnificent array of cultural heritages,
natural wonders and endless activities to choose from,
all just 90-minute away from Bangkok, this bustling
city is ideal for both those wanting to laze around on
the beach and the hearty bunch who want to get into
action, seedy or otherwise.
Planning a weekend in Pattaya is always fun and
invigorating. The only brain-teaser is how you are
going to squeeze everything into your two-day agenda.
Here are some highlights of the city that you can’t
afford to miss, even if you have to sober up 500 feet
in the sky on one of Pattaya’s famous parasail.
To make the most of your weekend in Pattaya, start
the day early. Or at least early enough to get some
fresh, dirt-cheap seafood for lunch at one of many
local open-air eateries. Your first day should be
dedicated to sightseeing, and Pattaya is home to
several cultural gems.
Those into miniature wonders should make their
way to the renowned Museum of Bottle Art, with
impressive collections of mini-sized Thai temples
and Dutch windmills, while Mini Siam unveils a
myriad of teeny-tiny replicas of world famous sights.
The Sanctuary of Truth, boasting the architectural
grandeur of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, is also not
to be missed.
If you are travelling with young children, it might
be a good idea to limit your cultural intake. Instead
of museum-hopping, you might opt for some of
Pattaya’s child-friendly venues. Ripley's Believe
It or Not features many quirky displays and themed
galleries, while Sri racha Tiger Zoo is home to more
than 200 Bengal tigers and countless crocodiles.
When the sun goes down, it’s time for adults to have
some fun. Put your children to bed and sneak out to
experience Pattaya’s nightlife scene. The most famous
area is Walking street in South Pattaya, where endless
girlie bars and discos dot the street. Avoid making eye
contact with the smoky-eyed go-go girls if you aren’t
interested. The girls here tend to be overly-friendly,
even if you are already walking hand-in-hand with your
wife or girlfriend.
If you rather take your children to one of the many
spectacular shows in Pattaya than enjoy the dodgy side
of Pattaya’s nightlife by yourself, there are a few to
choose from. Pattaya’s signature Tiffany show boasts
quality musicals by skilled transvestites. Another good
option is the awesome, state-of-the-art theatre Alankarn,
which offers a variety of cultural and musical
performances every night.
After partying or a fun evening out with your family,
Sunday should be dedicated to relaxing. Pattaya
has some of the most famous beaches in the region,
fully equipped with facilities for tourists.
Pattaya Beach is the most popular with a number
of water sports available here including parasailing,
jet-skiing, and windsurfing.
If you enjoy quieter beaches, head to Jomtien Beach
which is less crowded and has better quality water.
Heart-stopping bungy-jumping is also on offer here.
Serious sun loungers however might want to opt for
a nicer and more serene beach, such as those found
on Koh Larn. Only a short ferry ride from the mainland,
this exquisite island has crystal clear waters and
plenty of white sand.
If you aren’t much of a beach bunny and are afraid
of getting a handful of sand in your bikini bottom, there
are a few places that give the feel of a beach town all
the same. Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Water
Park is a worthwhile venue both for those anti-sand
and saltwater and those travelling with children.
Underwater World Pattaya is a good choice if
you want to get up close and personal with fascinating
underwater creatures. An array of fish tanks and a long
Plexiglas tunnel will make you feel as if you were
walking on the bottom of the sea.
Diving in Pattaya
Pattaya offers year-round diving with a diverse
selection of sites and excursions at comparatively
low prices. A water temperature of around 28C all
year round makes this a popular sport with both
experts and beginners.
watersMany beginners come here especially to learn at one
of the several five star diving centres for a fraction
of the cost of the equivalent training in their home
countries. Courses range from one to four days,
depending upon the proficiency you wish to reach
and the type of diving you wish to learn.
If you already have a proficiency certificate, a day’s
diving will normally cost you just under 3000 baht
with equipment supplied. Night diving with three dives
will be about 3500 baht. Various options are also
open for experienced divers, including specialist days
as a boat diver, drift diver, underwater naturalist,
underwater videographer, and also nitrox diving.
These will cost 4500 baht for two dives and instruction.
Two day speciality dives available from Pattaya
include deep diving, wreck diving, underwater
photography and night diving. These are normally
priced at around 8000 to 9000 baht for two days.
For the beginner or the intermediate diver who
wants to learn or improve, PADI courses are readily
available. An open water dive course over four days
will get you your PADI certificate for around 14,000
baht ($350 or £200), with an advanced open water
diver two day course at 12,000 baht with five dives. T
here are also day-long introductory dive classes
if you are short on time.
A 21 day dive master course is around 28,000 baht,
and some people stay on to teach diving at one of the
centres, which are often keen to employ new
instructors.
Pattaya dive sites
There is a large selection of diving sites within
easy reach of Pattaya, and most boats leave from
either Pattaya or Jomtien. The most convenient and
popular areas to dive are around the various offshore
islands only a few kilometres from the mainland. The
islands further from the shore take longer to get to but
tend to be a lot quieter and do not suffer from the
speedboat and jet-ski traffic of the islands closer to Pattaya.
The main dive sites in the area include:-
Koh Sak: has two main sites starting in a sheltered
bay so it’s ideal for beginners and those who have not
dived for a while. There are lots of hard corals and fish i
n this shallow (12/14 metre) diving area.
Koh Larn: is the largest island near Pattaya. I
t is a popular day trip for tourists and there are
therefore quite a few dive spots. Shark Point, as the
name suggests, is the place to see young sharks as
well as the odd turtle or cuttlefish with soft coral to
22 metres. Koh Larn Vak is most notable for a half
built restaurant which was so badly sited that it sank
during its construction, leaving some interesting small
caves and new coral on the concrete. Golden Bay also
on Koh Larn is a multi-purpose dive site with a deep
drop off to around 50 metres and coral down to about
25 metres. Some very good hard coral at between 7 and
10 metres provides some intriguing diving.
Koh Krok: is a small island on a tidal flow and is ideal
for drift diving.
Koh Rin: is one of the ‘far islands’ situated about
15 kilometres off Pattaya and which takes 90 minutes
or so to get to. It has three main dive sites; the one at
Koh Rin Bay being a relaxing dive away from currents,
while Hin Ton Mai and Hin Khao (Northern and
Southern Rocks) are very popular for the diverse variety
of fish and coral.
Koh Man Wichai: is another ‘far island’ and is a
favourite with returning diving visitors. The two
excellent dives here bring many people back year
after year with a variety of environment in each dive.
The nearby Koh Hu Chang is a tiny island with good
coral and a profusion of small fish, with a relaxing
10 metre depth.
Koh Phai: or Bamboo Island is controlled by the
Royal Thai Navy, who restricts the use of the beaches,
but the small sheltered bay at the south of the island is
ideal for beginners.
Samae San: and the surrounding sites have some
of the best diving in the region. The Hardeep Wreck
of a freighter that sunk in 1943 is the reason why most
divers come to this site, but at 27 metres it is not one for
beginners. There are two very pleasant coral dives nearby.
Koh Chuang: near Koh Chan and Submarine Rock,
provide three areas of diving interest not far from
Samae San, with different corals and fish at each site.
o
Night life in Pattaya -
night life guide
Pattaya is internationally famous for its nightlife,
and has a reputation as Thailand’s naughtiest city.
Many flock to Pattaya for the party atmosphere
where the nightlife characterises the city and self
gratification is on the menu wherever you go.
Whatever you are looking for, Pattaya nightlife
has it all, from pub restaurants with sedate music
to go-go bars and from trendy packed discos to world
famous transsexual cabaret shows. Pattaya is also
a great place for a pub crawl with very little distance
between them, and many different bar types located closely.
Probably the most famous nightlife area of Pattaya isWalking Street in South Pattaya. From the evening
until the next morning this road is closed to vehicles.
The street itself and its adjoining lanes, known as sois,
are all packed with go-go bars, massage parlours, beer
bars and restaurants. It is crowded daily and the noisy
bustle attracts those from all over. A walk down the
street gives a visitor an eye opening experience of what
Pattaya nightlife is all about. Apart from ubiquitous
girly bars, Walking Street also has an Irish style pub
and
hseveral discos which are usually packed and loud.
Most of the action continues until two in the morning i
n this area. Central Pattaya around sois 7 and 8 down
to the beach is not as raucous as South Pattaya, but
there are still a mass of beer bars, restaurants and
other bars to contribute to the nightlife in Pattaya.
This is an area frequented by many of the foreign r
esidents of the city, and is more suited to a combination
of drinking and chatting. As with all bars in the town,
girls will happily sit with men if provided with a drink.
Pattaya night life guide
Nightlife in North Pattaya is quieter still, but even
here there are probably a hundred bars. There are
also restaurants and pub-restaurants with a variety
of music from Thai folk to covers of modern western
rock and pop performed by local bands and singers.
North Pattaya is also home to the famous
Alcazar Cabaret and the even larger Tiffany Cabaret,
both of which feature beautiful transexuals who mime
to both old and modern music while dressed in glitzy
costumes. These remain extremely popular with tourists.
For the gay nightlife scene Pattaya has Boyz Town
centered round Soi Pattayaland 1 and 3. This noisy and
popular area has many gay go-go bars and beer bars.
The adjacent Sunee Plaza is similar but both quieter
and more private. Gay bars can also be found in other
parts of Pattaya that cater for a more mixed crowd in
usually quieter settings. Jomtien Beach is another gay
meeting area.
Apart from the raucous side, Pattaya also has a number
of other night time venues. Thai kick boxing known as
Muay Thai can be seen at a number of bars scattered
around Pattaya. These do not host events every night,
so it’s best to ask at your hotel for information on where
to go on a particular night. Pattaya also has two cinemas
featuring English soundtrack movies. These can be found
at Big C in North Pattaya and Royal Garden Plaza in
Central Pattaya. The three bowling alleys can be found at
Jomtien, on Second Road and in South Pattaya. Ripley’s
Believe It or Not also opens fairly late with a number of
entertaining attractions in addition to its bizare exhibitions.
Sometimes, a walk down the Pattaya bay promenade,
simply people watching can be an entertaining and more
low-key way to enjoy the nightlife, although you are
likely to be accosted constantly by ‘freelancing bar girls’
who can be quite annoying with their persistance.
It’s all part of Pattaya’s atmosphere. There are however
, plenty of decent, quiet restaurants and pubs to hide in
if the whole scene becomes a bit too appalling to
your sensibilities.
h
Recommended hotels in
Pattaya for bachelors
Not all hotels in Pattaya allow guests to bring back
‘unregistered companions’. Others will try to charge
you an extra fee if you come back with a bar girl.
We’ve taken the trouble of finding out which ones
don’t mind, and allow whoever you want to accompany
you to your room. This isn’t an indication of their
respectability, each hotel has different policies as
long as you’re discreet. Since we’re the only site
that’s taken the trouble to find out this handy
information, we encourage you book here, and
enjoy the same discounted rates and availability
as most other hotel booking services.
Note! High season rates quoted, discounts up-to
40% apply between May and October.
Siam Sawasdee Pattaya (from: $21/680 baht)
Pattaya’s famous nightlife district is only ten minutes
away from this very affordably priced hotel.
There’s a small pool area and onsite restaurant as well.
The Siam Sawasdee is a good value hotel…
Jomtien Beach House & Spa (from: $29/965 baht)
This friendly budget hotel with comfy rooms and a small
spa is located within a short walk of Jomtien Golden Beach.
Pattaya’s bustling entertainment zone is just
a 10-minute drive away…
New Day-Night (from: $28/915 baht)
From this hotel in South Pattaya you can reach the
beach and the bustling nightlife zone easily on foot.
Guests can relax by the swimming pool. All of the
simple but comfortable guestrooms are equipped
with basic amenities…
Pattaya Garden Hotel (from: $29/965 baht)
Boasting a nice garden swimming pool, the Garden
Hotel is located in North Pattaya within a short drive
of the naughty nightlife area. All of the comfortable
guestrooms come with basic amenities…
Naris Art Hotel (from: $30/990 baht)
This artistic hotel is situated about 10 minutes
from the nightlife zone between Jomtien and
Pattaya beach. The Naris Art Hotel features a
swimming pool and spacious, tastefully
Flipper Lodge Hotel Pattaya (from: $34/1,115 baht)
Positioned downtown in the core of the booming
Soi 8, the Flipper Lodge is offers very suitable and
affordable lodging for the nightlife lover. In addition,
this friendly hotel boasts a fantastic rooftop swimming
pool offering scenic bay views…
Sawasdee Sea View Hotel (from: $35/1,120 baht)
Centrally located nearby the beach and within walking
distance of Pattaya’s main adult entertainment area, the
Sawasdee Sea View has 69 guestrooms that are facilitated
Nirvana Couture Rooms Hotel (from: $41/1,350 baht)
Just a short stroll away from bars, shops and Jomtien
Beach while Pattaya’s pulsating red light district is just a
15-minute drive away, this venue offers trendy rooms
Camelot Hotel (from: $42/1,390 baht)
Offering good value for money and ideally located
within a short stroll of the lively Pattaya Beach and
numerous girlie bars, the Camelot has a nice pool and
161 comfortable and well-equipped rooms…
Jomtien Garden Hotel
& Resort (from: $43/1,420 baht)
This venue boasts a spacious swimming pool
and enjoys a location nearby restaurants, shops and
entertainment venues. Rooms are nicely designed and
equipped with basic comforts. Within 20 minutes
guests can reach Pattaya’s naughty nightlife area…
Cosy Beach Hotel (from: $45/1,500 baht)
Enjoying a wonderful cliff top location between
Jomtien and Pattaya beach, this hotel is surrounded
by peaceful green areas and pretty gardens. The
modestly-sized rooms are comfortable and facilitated
with standard features. An ideal spot for those seeking
relaxation while the main entertainment area can be
reached within ten minutes…
Natural Park Resort (from: $45/1,480 baht)
Located at a stone’s throw from Jomtien Beach and a
15-minute drive away from the main nightlife scene,
this hotel offers well-appointed rooms and includes a
pool and gorgeous surrounding gardens…
Sunshine & Residences (from: $48/1,570 baht)
Located directly in the heart of the naughty Soi 8 nightlife
zone, this hotel is also within close range of all the
principal tourist attractions. Guests will enjoy the
peaceful pool area. All of the rooms are clean,
comfortable and facilitated with standard amenities…
The Loma Resort & Spa (from: $50/1,800 baht)
Located in North Pattaya, 10 minutes by tuk tuk to
the girlie bars. Comfortable and modern with nice pool
and gardens, decent sized rooms offering good value for
money if you prefer being away from the action…
Baboona Beachfront Living Hotel
(from: $52/1,720 baht)
Positioned on the vibrant Beach Road within walking
distance of Pattaya’s go-go and other nightlife
entertainment venues, Baboona offers comfortably
furnished rooms that are facilitated with many
amenities. An ideal place for nightlife lovers…
Sunshine Garden (from: $55/1,800 baht)
This three-star hotel’s centre features a spacious
pool and gorgeous garden. Located in North Pattaya
about a ten-minute ride away from the lively red light
district, Sunshine Garden offers 134
comfortable guestrooms…
Crown Pattaya Beach Hotel (from: $55/1,830 baht)
Located just a stone’s throw away from restaurants
and many shops while the vibrant nightlife area can be
reached within a ten-minute drive, the Crown Beach
features a swimming pool and 123 clean and comfortable
rooms that are equipped with standard facilities…
LK Metropole Pattaya (from: $56/1,850 baht)
Strategically located in the heart of Pattaya, the LK
Metropole is within close range of many attractions.
This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant
and business centre…
Sunshine Vista Serviced Apartments
(from: $64/2,100 baht)
Strategically positioned nearby the heart of the city
with its numerous restaurants, shops and go-go beer bars,
Sunshine Vista has a rooftop pool and bar area that
offers nice city views. The comfortable and clean rooms f
Mantra Pura Resort & Spa (from: $72/2,390 baht)
Boasting a magnificent swimming pool and many other
enjoyable recreational features, the luxury Mantra Puru
is just a 15-minute stroll away from the bustling and
naughty nightlife entertainment in Central Pattaya…
Best Western Bella Villa Cabana
(from: $75/2,470 baht)
Facing the beach, this reputed venue is set amidst
tranquil gardens. The main tourist hotspot South
Pattaya is just a 20-minute drive away. This hotel
features a spacious, wonderfully positioned swimming pool…
Residence Garden (from: $76/2,500 baht)
Just a 10-minute stroll away from bustling Walking
Street with its numerous go-go venues, girlie bars and
other nightspots, the Residence Garden offers 60
well-appointed rooms along with a nice outdoor
Tim Boutique Hotel (from: $97/3,210 baht)
Located at a stone’s throw from Pattaya’s most popular
shopping mall and within a 5-minute stroll of the beach
and the bustling entertainment zone, this hotel offers
54 stylishly designed guestrooms. Guest can relax by
Avalon Beach Resort (from: $110/3,360 baht)
Boasting a superb beachside swimming pool and
located just 10 minutes away from the bustling nightlife,
this resort offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms…
Siam Bayview Hotel (from: $117/3,870 baht)
Located in Pattaya Bay’s centre, the Siam Bayview
is within convenient walking distance of shops and the
bustling nightlife entertainment zone. The comfortable
rooms feature a full set of modern guest comforts.
Guests may enjoy many leisure amenities including the
Montien Pattaya (from: $120/3,960 baht)
This four-star hotel enjoys a central location facing
Pattaya Bay. All of the well-appointed guestrooms
offer balconies with sea views. Guests may relax by the
large swimming pool. The town’s main nightlife
is just a short distance away…
Siam Bayshore Resort & Spa (from: $125/4,120 baht)
Tranquilly located on Pattaya’s southern tip, this resort
is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The main nightlife
area is just a short taxi ride away and can be reached
within a 15-minute walk as well. This hotel offers superb
rooms with balconies along with many great leisure facilities…
Rabbit Resort (from: $183/6,040 baht)
Wonderfully set amidst lush tropical gardens about a
15-minute drive away from downtown Pattaya
with its world-famous nightlife. This four-star hotel
includes two swimming pools and offers rooms with
comfortable furnishings and stylish designs that are
well-equipped…
Other hotels
Nirvana Place (from 1,100 baht, plus 400 for your
guest), central, good value, includes a pool…
White House Resort Pattaya (from 1,230 baht,
plus 500 for your guest), peaceful location, includes
nice pool, well-appointed rooms with private balconies,
red light district is 15 minutes away…
Asia Pattaya (from 1,400 baht, plus 600 for your
guest), near the beach, nice hotel, decent rooms…
Grand Jomtien Palace (from 1,360 baht, plus 500 for
your guest), has three pools, location opposite beach,
comfortable guestrooms…
Golden Beach Pattaya (from 1,520 baht, plus 600
for your guest), nearby Pattaya Beach and nightlife, has
spacious swimming pool, budget-friendly guestrooms…
Jomtien Thani Hotel (from 1,720 baht, plus 500
for your guest), has rooftop swimming pool, good
business facilities, comfortably furnished rooms
with balconies…
Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya (from 2,030 baht, plus
600 for your guest), located nearby girlie and go-go
bars, includes nice pool, well-appointed rooms
have private balconies…
Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel & Resort (from 2,095
baht, plus 500 for your guest), nearby sandy Jomtien
beach, includes superb pool, well-facilitated rooms…
Royal Cliff Beach Resort (from 5,145 baht, plus
660 for your guest), beautiful headland location,
extensive recreational amenities, luxurious
Note! These hotels above claim to charge an a
dditional fee for ‘unregistered’ guests, but it’s likely
the security guard won’t notice when you come home
late, or you can argue your way out of it.
HAVE A NICE TRIP
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