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Overview of Pattaya

Set beside a glorious sweeping bay and a white sand beach, Pattaya is a favorite destination for those wishing to flee Bangkok at weekends and for long-haul travelers seeking fun in the sun. Fabulous Thai and international restaurants provide world-class dining opportunities. The city offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from simple guesthouses to luxurious five- star resorts. There are also many quality houses and condominiums available, and the town's continued popularity has seen many foreigners decide to make Pattaya their second home.Pattaya is 90 minutes south of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Pattaya Weather

Pattaya’s climate is tropical and humid for the majority of the year. The best time to visit is November-February, when it is slightly cooler. The hottest time to visit is April/May, with temperatures reaching 38 C. The wet season runs from late May-October with frequent heavy but brief downpours.

Attractions

Pattaya Beach and the beaches to the north and south are very pleasant, and although nothing compared with those further south, extremely popular. As many speed-boat and jet-ski companies operate here swimmers are advised to stay in designated areas.Jomtien, south of the main town, has the same facilities as Pattaya Beach and is particularly popular with Western visitors.

Jomtien Beach is also good for sailing, windsurfing and other water sports, with equipment and boats available for hire. To find quieter beaches, head north. Here, there are several quiet coves with adjoining hotels and condos. The beaches are not as crowded or commercial as in the town due to the slight effort it takes to get to them.

Underwater World is located on the Sukhumvit-Nong Prue Road. The aquarium holds a collection of marine species found mainly in the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming in the 180 degree area. The tunnel is 105 meters long divided into four zones.

Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Tower at Chom Thian feature a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. Open daily from 10.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m. The entrance fee in the tower is 200 baht for adults. Visit www.pattayapark.c0m for more information. Ang Sila is a seaside fishing village north of Pattaya and five kilometers from Chonburi. Most of villagers are skilled in making sculpting in granite. Items made are mainly the mortar and pestle widely used in Thai households and now exported worldwide, and figurines of animals such as lions, elephants and horses as decorative items.

Pattaya Activities

In Pattaya, there are both submarine and semi-submarine tours for tourists to admire the beauty of the coral reefs underwater in the areas of Koh Lan and Koh Sak. Pirom Submarine is located at 311/7, Moo 10, Pattaya Tai Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, The sub can dive to a depth of around 25-30 meters to admire the coral reefs in the waters around at Koh Sak. It costs 2,000 baht for an adult and 1,500 baht for a child.

Bira Circuit is located a short distance from the centre of Pattaya and is the only internationally certified racetrack in Thailand. Named after the famous Prince Bira, the first and only Thai driver to race in Formula One, the extensive facilities include a full-service karting track, an off-road test track, and a recently renovated and FIA certified 2.41km racetrack. Bikers can learn to ride like a pro at the track’s school.

Chong Samaesan Village offers good opportunities for fishing. It is located some 17 kilometers from the Sattahip deep-water port. There are bungalow-type accommodations and tourists can charter boats to enjoy fishing around the nearby islands.

Pattaya is also a paradise for golfers. With over two dozen superb courses in the area, golfers are spoilt for choice. All the international standard courses are within an hour drive of Pattaya and the town makes an excellent holiday destination for golfers. Many of Pattaya's courses are located at country clubs and have been designed by Nicklaus and Faldo. Players can expect manicured greens and delightful saddles.

Dining

Diners with a taste for Italian flavors will be delighted by the menu at Terrazzo, a welcome addition to the Pattaya's eclectic dining scene. The lively trattoria serves pizza and fresh pasta dishes, all complemented by a selection of fine wines. Holiday Inn Pattaya. 1 Beach Road, Pattaya.

The brand new Havana Bar, also on Beach Road, is a cool design-led bar to meet, greet and relax in style. Here, guests can enjoy delicious tapas and light bites, exotic cocktails, beers, fine wines, and listen to live music in the sophisticated environment.

Mantra Restaurant & Bar on Beach Road serves Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Western, Mediterranean, charcoal grill and seafood dishes from seven open kitchens. Highlights include tandoori, fresh from the oven and sushi that is prepared as you watch at the sushi bar. The 180-seat restaurant is open from 5 pm. to l a.m. every day and for Sunday Brunch from 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Moooore Bar & Grill is a sports bar with large screen TVs, a pool table and nightly live music. The bar serves a selection of lusty appetizers, grilled meats and fish, and Thai dishes. Accessed from the main road, the bar attracts a lot of passing trade and is open until 2 a.m. 218 Beach Road, Pattaya.

Getting There

The easiest way to get around Pattaya is in a tuk- tuk but fares can be high and add up to a lot over the course of a holiday. Another option is to hire a motorcycle or a car. There are many shops hiring vehicles in the city.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, there is a regular bus or taxi service to Pattaya. Tickets can be purchased in the arrivals hall. Two limousine services also offer transport to and from the airport, From Ekamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok, air-conditioned buses leave for Pattaya every 20 minutes.

New Places to Explore Koh Sichung is a small rocky island just off the coast of Sriracha, north of Pattaya. It is a delightful spot offering enough of interest for several relaxation-filled days. The island has a great deal of character and charm, and little in common with other Thai resorts and beach towns. Ferries leave regularly from Sri Ratcha. The island’s close proximity to Bangkok and the cooling breeze that often brushes the rugged shores attracted Thai royalty here in the past. A fine teak palace erected at the southern end of the island was frequently used by Rama V, King Chulalongkorn. Although this magnificent building was dismantled and relocated to Bangkok in 1910, the old palace grounds are well-maintained and other restored royal buildings and an old sanatorium are open to the public. The road leading to the palace grounds also passes an excellent little maritime museum and Chulalongkorn University’s Marine Research Center.

Koh Larn (Larn Island) is located eight kilometers from Pattaya, about 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the island. Hat Thonglang and Hat Ta Waen are popular beaches for the bustling atmosphere, water sports, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samae offer a more restful atmosphere. Visitors can go out in glass-bottom boats or snorkeling to view coral reefs in front of Laem Thian. A ferry service departs Laem Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya to Koh Lan daily.Koh Man Nai is the location of the turtle conservation station initiated by Her Majesty the Queen. The project conserves the breeding of hawksbill turtle and olive turtle. Tourists can make a visit from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Various bays are good for relaxing such as Ao Ton Makham, Ao Hin Khot Ya, Ao Kongkang, and Ao Na Ban, which have also coral reefs.

Turtle Conservation Center is designed to educate visitors on the life of the sea turtle. The centre includes a lecture, VDO presentation and exhibitions. Visitors can admire sea turtles in the nursery ponds. The center is open daily from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.