Pattaya
Lying approximately 150 miles southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the largest and most popular beach resorts in the region. The area has a long history of tourism and has become increasingly popular with families over the last few years. Visitors are drawn here by the white sand beaches, tropical climate and huge range of accommodation. However, it is most famous for its naughty nightlife and some might find its abundance of in-your-face, unapologetic girlie scenes somewhat sleazy.
However, the water-sports, diving and golf on offer in Pattaya are all of the highest standard, with the various amusement parks, botanical gardens and museums providing entertainment for the whole family. The beaches aren’t too bad, though not quite the postcard perfect tropical beauties found in Krabi and Phuket. However, the tourist services are well provided and a day spent on the beach of Pattaya bay, with drinks brought periodically to your beach lounger, is far better than being stuck in Bangkok traffic. There are two distinctive beachfront areas to Pattaya – Pattaya bay, which fronts the main tourist centre of the city, and Jomtien, which lies to the south beyond a hilly peninsula and is lined with hotels and popular with tour packages of Russians.
After the sun sets, Pattaya really comes alive. Top quality restaurants vie for custom with English-style pubs and glittering clubs. Although the night-life in Pattaya has gained a somewhat deserved reputation for its large number of go-go bars and ‘girly’ venues, there is still a good selection of restaurants, night shopping, movies and simple people watching along the promenade.
Most the action, however, is found down the numerous lanes leading off the beachfront road, which are packed with bars full of friendly young girls. Either you can buy them a drink, take them home for the evening or simply ignore them to watch the sports on TV, play pool or relax. The whole atmosphere is fairly easy going. The Walking Street is another area of night time focus where evening shoppers, diners and punters alike mingle. It too has an eye-popping concentration of ‘beer bars’ and lady hostesses.
By day Pattaya does have a few attractions worth seeking out. The most obvious is the temple on the hill to the south of the bay, which offers a good view of the whole town. To the north, on the Naklua peninsula is the startling form of the Sanctuary of Truth – a breathtaking traditional Thai structure of religious importance developed by the same curator of Thai art and culture that developed the Ancient City historic park south of Bangkok. Off shore from Pattaya are several islands that can be visited for a day trip of snorkelling and peaceful respite.
Just half a century ago, Pattaya was a small, sleepy fishing village. The only thing notable about the area was that is was resting place for the troops of King Narai in the 13th century. It was during the Vietnam War that Pattaya as we know it really began to take shape. Thailand’s principal airbase at Sattahip is just south of Pattaya and was used extensively by the US army and marines during the Vietnam War. Many of the GIs were brought here for R&R, turning the place into a men’s playground and fleshpot of self gratification (as well as self enrichment for the ladies who arrived in droves from the poor Isaan region in the northeast of the country).
Ever since then, Pattaya has continued to grow in size and popularity. Today it is a huge resort town that welcomes visitors from every corner of the globe. The range of accommodation on offer in Pattaya is huge and the rapid industrial development of this part of the coast has led to a construction and property boom in Pattaya. Whether a guest wants somewhere cheap to leave their bags or a 5-star haven to truly recharge batteries, Pattaya can fulfill every need.
As with much of South-East Asia, Pattaya endures a monsoon season which sees heavy rainfall, a cool season and a hot/dry season. The best time to visit Pattaya is probably from November-April, when temperatures are not too hot and the rain is almost non-existent. From May to October, the area does see a lot of rainfall, particularly is September and October.
Getting to and from Pattaya is a very straightforward task. From Bangkok, Pattaya is an easy two-hour drive away. As you travel along the Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Highways, Pattaya is clearly signed and easy to reach. Air-conditioned coaches leave regularly all day from the Eastern Bus Terminal.
Pattaya is also reachable by train and air. There is a daily train which leaves Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station at 06:55 and takes approximately three hours to reach Pattaya. Direct flights have now been introduced between the airbase at Sattahip (30 minutes’ drive to the south) and Phuket and Singapore.
Getting around while in Pattaya is also simple. There are a large number of mini-buses that drive around the main areas of Pattaya and the fares are all relatively cheap. The drivers around Pattaya usually have a good knowledge of English and will be able to take you wherever you want to go.
See our full online guide to Pattaya – 1stop Pattaya
