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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
