Pattaya makes no pretense of being anything other than just what it is - one of the worlds most successful and popular beach resorts!
Once a laid back fishing town, Pattaya shot into prominence during the Vietnam War as an R&R site. Since then, it has been desperately trying to change its reputation. But if you think that Pattaya is only for giddy pleasure seekers, you'd be quite wrong. In the last few years, families, business travellers and groups have discovered the charms of Pattaya's verdant botanical gardens, top-notch sports facilities and quaint museums.
Unlike many other famous holiday spots, the cost of accommodation in Pattaya will not eat into your budget. From sheer opulence to stark simplicity, there is a wide range of Pattaya hotels. High-end luxury hotels in Pattaya with private beaches, bungalows and bayside hotels, guesthouses and 'inland' economy-class Pattaya hotels are all easily available, depending on your pocket's capacity.
The name Pattaya derives from the words 'Thap Phraya' which means the Phraya's Army. It commemorates the time when Phraya Tak, who later came to be known as King Taksin the Great, got Nai Klom's army to yield to his might without even putting up a fight. Pattaya is situated about 147 kilometres to the southeast of Bangkok , a mere two-hour drive. The new Suvarnabhumi Airport, towards the east of Bangkok along the Pattaya highway, has made Pattaya even more accessible, and transportation in Pattaya is both cheap and varied.
Once you get there, there is a lot of things to see and do in Pattaya. You could spend your holiday lounging on the three major beaches of Pattaya: the Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Beach and those on the Coral Island (Ko Lan). The beaches are dotted with an array of umbrellas and recliners, that see holiday makers basking under the Thai sun from sun up to sun down. More often than not, you'll be surrounded by a battalion of hawkers selling just about everything from fruit to ice cream and seafood. You will also be approached with ceaseless offers of 'in-house' drinks.
Being a beach resort, there are a host of delightful watersports in Pattaya to partcicipate in, such as jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and kite surfing. And if you are not the adventurous kind, you can still have an enjoyable time swimming and sunbathing. Those with a lust for adventure can scout around and discover even more exciting pastimes. For instance, many tourists hire water scooters, motorcycles or jeeps and sail off to investigate the offshore coral islands and neighbouring beaches and Pattaya Bay.
Apart from being a famous beach resort, Pattaya is also well known for its shopping, nightlife and other recreational activities. Golf, bungee jumping, horseback riding, karting and shooting are just some of the tours and activities in Pattaya that tourists indulge in.
For those interested in sightseeing, there is a lot to see in Pattaya . The Phra Tamnak Hill offers a spectacular view of Pattaya Bay, while the Wat Yannasangwararam is a regal Buddhist temple that evokes a distinctly Chinese aura. The Bottle Museum features more than 300 miniatures of famous monuments in bottles and is eagerly visited by thousands of tourists every year. Yet another attraction is Ripley's Believe it or Not, a museum stocked with incredibly weird and fantastic things.
There are also numerous Pattaya tours and many travellers also enjoy the scenic cruise to the offshore island of Ko Lan, also called the Coral Island. Typically, the cruise is taken in a glass-bottomed boat, allowing sightseers to fully appreciate the wonders of the underworld. Other places worth exploring are the Nong Nooch Village, a tropical garden famed for its numerous traditional and cultural performances; the Million Year Stone Park with its almost prehistoric flora and fauna; and the crocodile farm and Mini Siam, which is a miniature replica of the celebrated palaces and temples of Thailand.
The Sri Racha Tiger Zoo with its huge population of Bengal tigers and other interesting animals is a thrilling place. The pig races in particular hold tourists enthralled. The Elephant Village is yet another delightful spot, and the mammoths delight the thousands of visitors with their antics. If you like watching dances and other performances, don't miss the Alcazar Cabaret Show. You'll be mesmerised by the galaxy of charming actresses on stage, but try not to be too shocked when you realise that, actually, they are all males!
For the enterprising shopper, Pattaya presents a mind-boggling array of garments, handicrafts, silks, gemstones, paintings, souvenirs and sportswear. Most amazing of all are those who offer to provide you with massages, tattoos, manicures and pedicures. However, prepare to be persistently persuaded to buy flowers, perfumes, sunglasses, CD's, lottery tickets, watches, newspapers, toys, clothes, herbs, handicrafts, gems, souvenirs and many more sundry items. At the end of a few hours of shopping in Pattaya, you'll probably end up buying a very dark pair of sunglasses and pretending to be enjoying your snooze!
Food lovers will have plenty of reasons to rejoice in Pattaya. Experiment with French, Swiss, Hungarian, German, Italian, English, Scandinavian, Indian, Japanese, Muslim, Chinese and of course Thai cuisines! The seafood in particular is absolutely mouth-watering, with many restaurants in Pattaya specialising in it. Fast-food restaurants and steak houses are other popular options.
Pattaya has a vibrant nightlife and affords a variety of amusements that cater to different types of holidaymakers. Whether you want to visit a bar, discotheque, karaoke bar or coffee shop, you are not likely to suffer from a lack of choices! Most of the entertainment spots are located in South and Central Pattaya.
In the last few years Pattaya has been on a roll. TAT estimates that 5,338,000 tourists visited Pattaya in 2005, a 6.5% increase since the previous year. Over five million tourists visit Pattaya annually from all over the globe, with the result that it offers an incredible sense of variety, right from the Pattaya restaurants to the available forms of entertainment and Pattaya hotels.
Whether you are visiting Pattaya on your own or with your family, it has all the makings of a truly unforgettable holiday. We have included a Map of Pattaya to help you plan your holiday or tour in Pattaya. For more general information regarding Thailand Please visit our Thailand site.
[more info]
