Pattaya Information

About Pattaya / Jomtien

Pattaya lies 150km to the southeast of Bangkok, less than two hours by road, and stretches for some 15 km along the Eastern Seaboard. Thailand's largest resort, it shares the coast with traditional fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centres, the towns of Chonburi and Sri Racha, and the port and naval base of Sattahip. Pattaya Beach is a palm- fringed, sandy bay with a
view of coral islands on the horizon. Nearby are other cliffs and other bays, while inland, the region is rich in agricultural products including sugar cane, tapioca, rubber, and fruit trees.

Pattaya occupies most of the coastline of Banglamung (one of the eleven districts that comprise Chonburi Province). It is divided into a larger northern section which spans the areas to the east of Naklua Beach (the most northern beach) and Pattaya Beach (the main beach) plus the Buddha Hill headland (immediately south of Pattaya Beach), and a smaller southern section covering the area to the east of Jomtien Beach (which lies directly south of Buddha Hill) including Dongtan Beach. Jomtien's beaches are much broader and generally in better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented, than at Pattaya Beach.

Pattaya was simply a small fishing village until it was discovered as a beach resort by Bangkok residents in the 1960s. Soon thereafter, servicemen from all over Southeast Asia, including the United States Air Force base at U-Tapao in neighbouring Rayong province began using the area for "rest and recreation" (R&R), causing a huge boom. They were flown into U-Tapao Airport which was built for American use at the time, and shops, services, bars and hotel accommodation grew to meet the demand.

Pattaya is now a city in its own right, with its own mayor and its own administration. This is not all due to tourism. The government development program for the Eastern Seaboard has transformed the region and this rapid industrial and commercial expansion has led to many expatriates coming to live in the area. There is a new deep- sea port at Laem Chabang, 20 km north of Pattaya with a vast industrial estate and another development zone at Map Ta Phut near Rayong to the south. Pattaya City is well located to be a major business centre serving these two giant industrial communities. There are five international schools and four international hospitals in the area.

In recent years the city has pushed hard to clean up its image, and family-focused entertainment is increasingly available; however, the core sex-industry has ensured that Pattaya retains its position as one of the world's most renowned party destinations. In Pattaya and it has seen a large increase in family tourism in recent years, thanks to efforts to present a more wholesome image. Despite these efforts, Pattaya's repuation for the sex industry is the city's raison d'être. Pattaya is an especially popular vacation destination for families from Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Pattaya also has a large international expatriate population, especially British and Russian residents.

Fun for all:
As a beach resort with city status, Pattaya has something for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all out attempt to provide the best of everything. There is just about everything you can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun. Pattaya can be whatever you want it to be. Such is it variety that it is ideal for all kinds of visitors. While there is plenty to keep the children happily occupied, there is also everything for the sports enthusiastic, for couple of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine.

After dark options include open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos. The nightlife centre is South Pattaya, popularly known as "The Strip". but if this is a trifle brash and noisy for some tastes, there are alternative quieter spots for evening fun in a more relaxed style. Shopping too, can be an evening attraction. Most establishments close late and the dedicated bargain hunter can find all of Thailand's
best buys - silk, gems and jewellery, tailor made clothing, handicrafts and more.

Business Venue:
Pattaya is increasingly popular venue for international conventions, conferences and seminars. Several of the larger hotels are fully equipped to host meetings or receptions for a thousand of more people, and even smaller properties off a range of  well appointed function rooms. Complementing the luxury of sheer space is a comprehensive selection of state-of-art equipment for audio-visual presentations and other conference related activities.

Climate:
Pattaya has three seasons. November to February, when it's hot; March to May, when it's hot and humidl and June to October, when it's hot and wet.

Clothing:
Dress as lightly as possible. Because of the heat and humidity, man-made fibres are not recommended. Pack some cool cottons, and if you find that you are changing your clothes at an alarming rate you will be able to buy locally made clothing very cheaply. Shorts and sandals are the usual daytime wear. In hotels and more upmarket restaurants, wear smart casual. If visiting a temple the usual dress rules apply; gentlemen, no shorts please, and long sleeves are preferred; ladies, no shorts, short skirts, or halter-tops.

Post and Telecommunications:
The Post Office and international telephone office are together in South Pattaya on Soi 15, known to all as Soi Post Office. There are several private run long-distance phone centres, most notably along Beach Road. These will be slightly more expensive than the government service.

Internet Services:
As in Bangkok, the number of internet cafes seems to increase every week. Most will post their rates in the window, and as competition is intense the prices are invariably low.

Health and Safety:
Never drink tap water, and don't even gargle with it. Always use bottled water, which is readily available and inexpensive, particularly if you choose a local brand. The sun is strong, even during the rainy season and when there is cloud cover, so use a good sunscreen and limit your exposure time. Malaria is no threat, but mosquito bites can be a major irritant. Seafood is mostly caught locally and is of high quality, but given the spicy ingredients to almost any meal, the occasional upset stomach is a possibility. The most likely way of slowing down your vacation is by having an accident, so watch your step when crossing the road, even (or especially) at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. Medicines for minor ailments
are readily available at the many drug stores in the city, and high standard of medical treatment for more serious problems can be expected from most of the clinics and hospitals. General ractitioners, dentists, opticians and pharmacies are readily available.
Each of the private hospitals has its own ambulance service and 24-hour emergency facilities. Most medical specialties are represented: neurology, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, urology, dentistry. Cardiac patients will usually be referred to Bangkok. Note that an ambulance is not routinely called in the event of an automobile accident, and if you require assistance from the government service a Thai speaking person should dial 191 in Pattaya or 193 on the highway to arrange an ambulance service.
For information and advice, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Central Office: Region 3 (Pattaya) is open seven days a week throughout the year, including public and national holidays, from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Tel (038) 428 750 or 429 113.

Residents and Lifestyles:
Pattaya has many expatriate residents, and is essentially an international tourist resort and expanding city, so the Thai population is itself very internationalised. Most notices are in English as well as Thai, and you will find plenty of signboards in German and even Russian. Most vendors are used to non-Thao speakers and are ready with at least a smattering of English or German, vigorous miming, a smile, and an ever-ready calculator. Few of the Thai residents can claim to be natives of the locality. Even so, they haven't abandoned their traditional culture, and beneath the glossy city veneer you will still find evidence of underlying ethnic beliefs and customs.

Action Attractions:
Pattaya is one of the oldest diving centres in this part of Asia. It has a year-round diving season with good visibility, the waters have a mean temperature of 28 degrees C, and there is a rich variety of marine life and coral. There are also two wreaks which experienced divers can explore: The Bremen, a 300-foot boat, lies upright in 24 meters of water off the Thai navy town of Sattahip, while the freighter Hardeep rests in 30 meters of water in a channel between two islands off Samae San, not far from Sattahip. Pattaya offers a wide choice of well-stocked and safe PADI and NAUI operators, with competitive prices and deals. Most of them have offices along the waterfront. Costs average at about 1,500 baht per day, including
transportation, food and equipment. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, sea walk, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya Bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring beaches such as the increasingly popular Hat Chom Thian just south of Pattaya. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at the courts of leading hotels. Further
entertainment includes bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting galleries and archery.

Attractions outside Pattaya City:
Pattaya Elephant Village is on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course. The elephants displaying their forestry skills, perform cute tricks, and even play football. Daily showtime is 14:30pm. Panarak Park is on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course, and has a tropical garden setting. The park is equipped with fishing gear and a well- sticked lake. There is also bungalow accommodation, restaurants, jogging
and cycling paths, boating and water- cycling. Bira International Circuit located at KM14 on Route 36 to Rayong, offers international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2.4 kilometre is ideal for formula 3 races. If you want to experience speed, the circuit is open everyday. Hat Chom Thian, located 2 kilometres from South Pattaya, is good for swimming. The beach has become popular for water sports and activities
because it has a long straight coastline and there are less boats anchored in the area. Pattaya Park is between South Pattaya and Hat Chom Thian, and is a water amusement park with water slides, whirlpools and a large pool for children. Open from 9:00 - 18:00 hrs. Nong Nooch Village is about 15 km from South Pattaya, and is a Thai village style recreation park.