Pattaya

Welcome to Pattaya

Pattaya is always switched on and fun. This vibrant coastal city shot to fame in early 1980s, and stayed there. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya’s beaches are constantly brimming with life, as water sports lovers and sun worshippers take to the waters.

Overview

The resort of Pattaya lays to the east of Thailand in Chonburi Province, just to the south of the Thai capital, Bangkok. Original discovered by American GIs on leave, Pattaya has grown into Thailand’s most developed resort town.

In the early 90s, Pattaya was infamous for its littered beaches and lurid sex scene. However today Pattaya has cleaned up its act and emphasizes its family-friendly attractions. As a resort, it is renowned for having the best selection of water sports, dive schools, and golf courses in Thailand. Topped with excellent nightlife and fantastic family pursuits - you have holiday heaven.

The main beach of Hat Pattaya forms the gorgeous half-moon of Pattaya Bay. It is lined with numerous things for holidaymakers to see and do with food stands, souvenir stalls, bars, and a wide range of water sports. Hat Jomtien just to the south is a relatively quieter option, while Hat Naklua to the north is the most family-friendly beach.

The resort Pattaya is all about having a great time. This purpose-built resort town is superb at creating holiday memories that you’ll treasure forever.

Weather

Pattaya experiences a tropical climate, with the temperature rarely dropping below 27°C year-round. There are two main seasons; high season from November to April which is hot and dry and low season from May to October when it is cool and wet.

The average monthly temperatures are:

°C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Day	31	31	32	33	32	32	31	31	31	31	31	30
Night	22	24	26	27	26	27	26	26	25	24	23	22

Shopping

There are plenty of shopping opportunities to be had in Pattaya. To help guide you to the best places, the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) produce a bi-monthly complimentary shopping guide which includes maps of the main shopping areas and shopping tips.

There are numerous shopping malls in Pattaya the biggest two being Mike’s Shopping Centre and The Royal Garden Plaza. Others include Big C, Carrefour, and The Avenue. Here you will find a mix of international merchandise and western clothing.

If you prefer to browse for something a bit more unusual, there are plenty of markets dotted around the resort. Here you can pick up Thai handicrafts, silk products and items incorporating semi-precious stones as well as the obligatory Buddha figures.

entertainment

South Pattaya is where you’ll find “The Strip” an area packed with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Of course, the seedier side of Thai nightlife is still present in Pattaya, although now moved to slightly less conspicuous areas so if you still, fancy trying a go-go bar, you can.

Not to be missed are the varied, extravagant and colorful cabaret and drag shows. Try Alcazar or Tiffany’s for its famed transvestite cabaret. Also, Alangkarn theatre is famed for its extravaganzas.

There are also numerous Irish pubs such as Shenanigans or Kilkenny. Other pubs also double up as clubs and pool halls such as Tony’s and Green Bottles and the Hard Rock Café.

For life music try the Blues Factory or if you’re a jazz fan, Hopf Brewery on Beach Road is the place to go.

excursions

Pattaya is ideally placed for several excursions. Many holidaymakers enjoy these to get away from the hustle and bustle of Pattaya and to enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding area. Once refreshed they are ready to throw themselves back into Pattaya life once more.

Your hotel will be able to provide you with details of possible excursions. Below are a few to get you started.

Chantathan Waterfall
Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Koh Samet Island
Marine Science Aquarium & Museum
Sattahip Butterfly Gardens
Sanctuary of truth
Sriracha Tiger Zoo
Wat Yansangwararam
Islands of Ko Larn, Ko Krok and Ko Sak

Health & Safety

The tap was is unsafe so you should always buy bottled water and drink plenty to avoid dehydration. Don’t eat any raw vegetables and fruit as they may have been washed in tap water. The food in most of the restaurants is unlikely to cause stomach upsets but the same can’t be said for the many street stalls. If in doubt avoid the meat and seafood and stick to the cooked vegetable dishes.

Always ensure you use plenty of high factor sun cream and stay out of the midday sun to avoid sun stroke and burning.

Pattaya is a safe place however you should always take the usual precautions with your valuables, watch out for pickpockets in busy areas and never leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

Drug offenses are taken very seriously in Thailand. Possession or smuggling drugs carry heavy custodial sentences or even the death penalty. Therefore always pack your own bag and never agree to carry someone else’s bags for them.