Pattaya – Sin city!
Sawasdee (Hello in Thai)!
Known for its go-go and beer bars, Pattaya is coastal resort on the coasts of the Gulf of Thailand. It is around 150 km away from Bangkok. Sex tourism is the main attraction here; however this resort city is also visited by local families and travelers from all over the world.
The vast range of hotels and guest houses here make it a popular weekend retreat that offers a wide range of things to do and a myriad of multi cuisine eating options. It is mainly populated by a vibrant fusion of various cultures from all over the world. The family-friendly Jomtien Beachnearby is recommended if the visually raunchy feel of Pattaya does not appeal you.
Best Season to visit Pattaya
November to April are the most favorable months to visit Pattaya. You may look at the cool season between December and March when the humidity is low, the skies are clear and the rain is minimal.
Highlights (Things to Do inPattaya)
- Experience the spectacular transvestite cabaret show at theTiffany’s Show.
- Be enthralled by the structure atThe Sanctuary of Truth, made entirely of teak wood and one that is a testimonial to Thai workmanship.
- Haggle at thePattaya Floating Market, an extensive market place functioning entirely on boats and floating structures.
- Go around the world in around two hours at theMini Siamwhere you have replicas of nearly hundred world famous structures on display here.
- Defy your perception at theRipley’s Believe It or Not, with over 300 exhibits.
- Get dunked in water at the world’s largest water fight, during theSongkran or the Thai New Year.
- Ride an elephant at theElephant Village, experience how they are tamed and see demonstrations of training techniques.
- Walk down any of the various Street Markets and experience a mix of cultures, cuisine and artifacts being sold there.
- Be one among the fishes and sea life at theUnderwater World, one of the largest aquariums in Asia.
- Get hugged by a Bengal Tiger at thePattaya Tiger Zoo.
- Take a stroll at theNong Nooch Tropical Garden, walk across different landscapes based on different civilizations.
- Pray at theViharnra Sien, a beautiful three story Chinese temple.
- Get picked up atWalking Street, probably one of the most (in) famous street in Pattaya, known for the Go Go Bars, discos and Cabaret shows that line the street.
Hotspots of Pattaya
You can check out these places if you are looking at the top Pattaya Tourism places to visit.
- Na Kluea
Sanctuary of Truth –This structure has been made totally with teak wood. Even metal nails have not been used to hold it together. With a spiritual view of the ocean, the Sanctuary of Truth is considered to be an unrealistic setting: it seems like a fusion of art, religion and culture. It has four dedicated sections with carvings from the Thai, Chinese, Indian and Khmer origins.
- Sattahip
Anek Kusala Sala (Viharn Sien) –Though the official name is Anek Kuson Sala, it is also known known as Vihara Sien because of the Chinese saints housed here. This grand three-storied temple is a place of worship, as well as a museum. It contains over 300 remarkable pieces of Chinese artefact, made of bronze and brass. Buddhist deities can also be found here. This temple was built as a friendship and bonding venture.
- Hat Ko Lan –This is a small island around 7km off the coast of Pattaya. Weekends attract the crowds and all five beaches are jam packed.
- Khao Phra Tamnak –The best way to find this place would be to look for a giant golden seated Buddha on top of a forested hill. This statue has been here since the time Pattaya used to be a small fishing village.
- Tiffany’s Cabaret Show –The only transvestite cabaret show in this part of the world, Tiffany’s show is arguably one of the most recommended tourist destinations here. The show has been going on for over 28 years and has been one of the front runners to contribute the most in the growth of Pattaya as a tourist destination.
- Elephant Village –This is a non-profit organization taking care of former working elephants. It is around 7km away from Pattaya. Here you can see training techniques, elephant shows and also go on elephant treks.
- Underwater World– Walk through the clear glass tunnels running across the walkthrough aquarium to be mesmerized by the vibrant aquatic life around you.
- Pattaya Floating Market –Seen both as an attraction and a place for shopping, the floating market is a culmination of traditions and culture from all corners of Thailand. Traditional Thai food is offered by most merchants here when you visit their shops.
- Mimosa Pattaya –It is a new upcoming attraction and shopping area near Pattaya. The place provides a good and beautiful location for relaxation and is also a favorite haunt for photography. You will also find massage centers and cafes around here.
- Pattaya Park –A well-known tourist attraction known for its panoramic view which also offers activities to jump off the view point.
- Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm –One of the largest farms housing crocodiles and rare animals like albinos, it is all set among a beautifully landscaped flower and rock garden. You also get to come close and play with the animals here.
- Khao Chi Chan –It is a sculpture erected in the honor of his Majesty King Bhumibol during the 50 th anniversary of his ruling. The sitting figure called Pang Man Wichai is over 100 meters high.
Shopping in Pattaya
A favorite pastime among tourists and locals alike, it is easy to go to Pattaya without any luggage, but impossible to leave without extra baggage. You have numerous shopping malls along the beach road and you can get anything under the sun here, from handicrafts and souvenirs, to counterfeit goods and cheap ‘ made in china’ clothes.
You can buy literally anything here with some cash and credit cards and at considerably cheaper rates than your home country.
Few of the top areas to shop in Pattaya are:
The Avenue –Known for the best life style and sportswear stores, it also has an 8 screen multiplex and numerous restaurants and eateries.
Royal Garden Plaza –You cannot miss this building because of the red airplane sticking out of the building. It is known for its chain stores eateries and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Walking Street –with only pedestrian access, this street sells antiques, souvenirs and jewelry. The main attractions here in terms of shopping are the custom tailor shops which would make clothes are cheap rates.
Pattaya Floating Market –This is the place to visit for items that are culturally and traditionally from all corners of Thailand. Buy the local produce or savor the local delicacies at the local merchants,
Street Shopping –It is here that you will get tacky good and beach wear all across Pattaya. You would also get a wide array of goods which could traverse the likes of surf shorts, fake football shirts, flick-knives, bikinis, Buddha statues, ethnic crafts, hardcore porn DVDs, rude T-shirts, and even stun guns and Samurai swords.
How to reach Pattaya
Land –
- Bus –You have bus service running between Bangkok and Pattaya all day at regular intervals.
- Train –One train travels daily between Bangkok and Pattaya.
- Car –Pattaya is just about 150 km from Bangkok and transit time would not exceed two hours. You can rent cars after reaching SuvarnabhumiAirport in Bangkok and head to Pattaya by road.
Air –
- U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport –You have good connectivity with major cities in Asia and other parts of the world. You can take mini buses or airport shuttle taxis from the airport to the main city.
- Alternatively you can also transit throughSuvarnabhumi Airportor theDon Muang Airport, in Bangkok and travel by road to Pattaya.
How to get around in Pattaya
- Songthaew –These are the main public mode of transport here. Blue in color and basically pickup trucks converted to buses. They are also called Bhat Buses. Cost varies from 5 to 10 Baht depending on your travel time and destination.
- Beach Bus –The Beach Bus basically runs a circular route across the Pattaya coastline. The ticket costs around 30 baht.
- Motosai (Motorcycle Taxi)– One of the fastest ways to get around the city is on two wheelers. You can hail them at any of the Motosai Stands scattered around the city or even flag one down that is passing by. Potentially cheaper than Songthaew, however not safe as the drivers are pretty reckless.
- Taxi –Even though metered taxis are a common sight around Pattaya, none of them want to go as per the meter. Most of them are from Bangkok who come to drop travelers off to Pattaya and stay back to get a good fare. They are a lot more expensive than Songthaews.
- Rentals –You can rent four wheelers and two wheelers all across the city and you also have some of the popular rentals around the world serving here. However be aware of the traffic here as they can get very erratic and confusing.
Top Areas in Pattaya
Central Pattaya –You will find the highest concentration of hotels here. Accommodation is cheap and all places you would like to visit are a stone’s throw from here. But the place can feel congested and claustrophobic for many.
Jomtien Beach –Located around 3kms south of Pattaya, this is one of the cleanest beaches in this region. It is a 6km long beach which has the Beach Road running along the shore. Families prefer this location in Pattaya as it is a bit sobered down when compared to Pattaya Beach. Most of the mid-range accommodation can be found here.
Pattaya Beach –It is a crescent shaped beach, roughly 4km long and has the Beach Road running along with it. Most of the higher end accommodation options can be found around here.
Phra Tamnak Hill –It is a small hill between South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the crescent shaped bay. You can find plenty of mid-range accommodation here.
South Pattaya –You will find a lot of cheap accommodation options here. It lies on the way to Jomtien Beach from Pattaya.
Naklua Beach –If you are looking a clean secluded beach with luxurious accommodation, this is the place to head to. You have a lot of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels around here.
Koh Larn –It is a 4km long island off the coast of Pattaya. It is around 8km away from the mainland and it takes about 40 minutes to reach there. Accommodation around here is cheap.
Khaup Kun (Thank you in Thai)!!
