Welcome to Pattaya

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Many visitors refer to Pattaya (พัทยา) as ‘sin city’ and there is no denying that this reputation is somewhat deserved. Love it or hate it, this is the most popular destination in Thailand. It is hard to believe that less than fifty ago all that was there was a sleepy fishing village. In fact it wasn’t until the American army began using it as a place to go for rest and relaxation that tourism in the area took off. Before that the only real tourists were Bangkok honeymooners. The Pattaya we know today is the one consequence of the Vietnam War that few would have predicted. These days the area still gets visits from retired GIs, but it has also become the favorite destination of people from every part of the planet.

Pattaya has its detractors; those people who believe it is all just about cheap booze and sex. This is selling the place short though as there is a lot in the city to please every taste. Pattaya is also a popular destination for families and there are plenty of activities available for both young and old. Pattaya also boasts some of the top hotels in the country and the shopping is second only to Bangkok. The arrival of the new Central Department Store right on the sea front has made it even more of a shopping destination.

It is easy to see why Pattaya has such a wild reputation. Visitors who arrive for the first time tend to feel a bit bowled over by the number of entertainment options. There are almost a thousand bars to choose from and these provide entertainment of every variety – much of it adult entertainment. Those who come to Thailand looking for romance should have no problem finding this in Pattaya; love may be harder to find but it does happen. The majority of the drinking establishments are hosted by ‘bar girls’ who will usually be willing to form a relationship, of short or long duration, for a fee. These relationships might only last for a few hours, but many will last for a whole trip. Some visitors even end up marrying the ‘bar girl’ who they first met while looking for fun in Pattaya.

As well as being a popular holiday destination, Pattaya has also become home to a large population of ex-pats. Many of these are retired but others have come to make their fortunes in a location that has captured their hearts. Every day new businesses open and old businesses close, as ex-pats try their luck with the local economy. Some manage to make a real success of it, but most will end up leaving Pattaya a lot poorer than when they arrived. This really is a city where dreams come true and are broken on a regular basis.

Many visitors to Pattaya have being going there for years; some have never even been to any other part of Thailand. It can seem to the outsider that the city is its own little universe; many of those who live there would probably agree with this. At first glance Pattaya might seem a bit too wild and crazy, but it is hard to stay in the town for any length of time without falling in love with the place. The one thing that is definitely true is that there is never any excuse for feeling bored in this city.

Pattaya Arrivals and Departures
There are a few different transport options for the journey to and from Pattaya. It is only just over an hour away from Suwannaphum Bangkok International Airport, and about two hours away from central Bangkok – depending on traffic.

Plane
The nearest airport to Pattaya is U-Taphao which is about 30kms for the city. There are flights available to and from Koh Samui, Phuket, and Siem Reap in Cambodia. U-Taphao is a very basic airport and there are not many flights in and out of here.

Taxi
Many people traveling from Suwannaphum will just jump into a taxi. These are quite reasonably priced compared to the cost in western countries. The trip from the airport to central Pattaya is about 1,500THB. If the taxi is not using a meter you should always agree the price first; many people prefer to use the meter.

Bus
There are many regular buses from Bangkok to Pattaya. Ekkamai bus station has something leaving every half an hour for most of the day. You can also get a bus from Morchit Bus Station or the Southern Bus Terminal. Most other cities in Thailand will have buses going to Pattaya; there are frequent ones coming and going from Issarn (North East Thailand).

Train
There is one train going to Pattaya each day from Hulamphong Station in Bangkok; it leaves at 6:55 am each weekday morning. This is not a popular choice for tourists because the train runs so infrequently and it takes over three hours to make the journey. The train back to Bangkok leaves at 14:30.

Getting Around in Pattaya
Pattaya is an easy city to get around and there are plenty of cheap transport options. Traffic can sometimes be a problem so leave plenty of time if you want to get somewhere in a rush.

Renting Motorbikes, Jeeps, or Cars
Many visitors to Pattaya end up renting a vehicle and this gives people a lot more freedom. You will find plenty of places renting vehicles spread out around the city. Be warned though that there are frequent road accidents in Pattaya and many foreigners have lost their lives. The traffic can be crazy and many people just don’t bother with the normal rules of the road. There is a lot of drunk driving and you will have to deal with people on motorbikes who are not experienced at handling them. For this reason driving around the city can be quite stressful, and probably best avoided if you want a peaceful time of it. It can also be difficult finding a parking space in the busier parts of the city.

It goes without saying that motorbike helmets should be worn at all times and drunk driving should be avoided. In recent years the police have attempted to toughen up on people breaking the rules of the road; they need to as so many people are getting involved in fatal accidents.

The Thai Baht Bus
One of the favorite pastimes of people who regularly visit the city is to complain that they were overcharged on the baht bus – or at least so it can seem. The baht bus should cost 10 baht for short journeys and 20 baht for longer journeys. You can also hire a baht bus just for yourself (similar to using it as a taxi) and you then need to negotiate the price – usually around 100 baht. All the main roads in Pattaya have a baht bus service.

Motorcycle Taxis
You will find motorcycle taxis everywhere in Pattaya and these will deliver you to wherever it is you want to go. The different motorcyclists wear different shirts and this signifies the ‘win’ they belong to. A ‘win’ is a group of motorcyclists who are based in the same area and work as a group.

What to See in Pattaya
There is a lot to see in Pattaya but those with a bit of time on their hands should be able to discover a lot of what the city has to offer. As well as attractions in Pattaya city there is also a lot to see in the local area as well.

Pattaya Walking Street
Walking Street is considered the top area for entertainment in the city. Here you will find plenty of go-go bars, and open live music venues jammed in right next door to air-conditioned theme bars. It is almost impossible to not be swept up by the party mood if you come here at night; every inch of the street seems directed at fun. There is probably no other 1,000 meters on the planet that is so packed full of adult entertainment. Some people have described Walking Street as Disney World for adults – this is a fair description.

Pattaya Klang / Pattaya Beach
Pattatya Klang (pronounced more like Glaang) is an area that almost all visitors to the city will spend some time. Klang (กลาง) in Thai means the center and here this is an area where many visitors are based. The area includes Beach Road and is the location of some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. There are many accommodation options here and they cover a wide variety of budgets. This is also the place to go if you want to get in some shopping. Pattaya Klang also has recently seen the arrival of the Central Department store.

Naklua
Naklua is to the north of Pattaya Klang and is the location of some nice resorts. The name Na Klua means ‘salt field’ in Thai and this is what this area once was. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in this part of Pattaya as well, but nowhere near as many as you will find the nearer you get to Walking Street. Naklua is a good choice for families and there are a couple of small beaches here. The local beaches can get busy but not to the same extent as Pattaya Beach. When people first arrive in the city they tend to want the fast-paced craziness of Beach Road and Walking Street; Naklua offers a welcome break from all of this.

Jomtien
Jomtien is often considered as being separate from Pattaya, but the fact that this area has become so developed means that for all intents and purposes they are treated as the same. Jomtien beach is slightly quieter than Pattaya beach but you still find all the same beach activities and vendors. There has been a lot of development here in recent years and this is also a part of the city where you will find a lot of ex-pats have set up home. Jomtien also has its own bars, restaurants, and hotels. Most of those who are staying on Jomtien beach will tend to spend a lot of their time partying in Pattaya. Jomtien can be found 3km south of Pattaya beach in the next bay.

Lake Mabprachan
Lake Maprachan is about a fifteen minute drive east of central Pattaya and is well away from all the craziness. This area has only seen a bit of development, but here are a few resorts available nearby. The lake itself is a nice place to go for a walk, and you won’t see many other tourists here. There are also a couple of bars and restaurants nearby but if you want something lively you will need to head back into the city.

Islands that are Off the Coast of Pattaya
There are a few islands right beside Pattaya that make ideal destinations for day trips. The nearest is Koh Larn (Coral Island) which is only about twenty minutes away by boat – about 7.5 km away. Koh Larn has a lovely white sand beach and is a great place to visit if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the city. There are also a few tiny islands locally where you can spend an hour or two feeling like Robinson Crusoe; the most popular of these are Koh Sak and Koh Krok. There are many tourist travel agents in Pattaya offering tours to all the local islands.

What to Do in Pattaya
Party the Night Away
There is probably nowhere else on the planet that deserves the name ‘party town’ like Pattaya. Phangan may compare one night a month, the Full Moon Party, but the rest of the time Pattaya reigns supreme. At night almost the whole city turns into one huge entertainment complex; especially places like Walking Street and Pattaya Klang. First time visitors tend to be a bit shell-shocked by the pure hedonism of the place – it can feel like anything is possible. Up until a few years ago there was no real closing-time for bars, but this has all changed recently. For those determined though, there will be no problem finding somewhere to party until dawn. As well as great nightlife you will also find people who start partying as soon as the bars open in the day.

Eat
Pattaya is home to some of the best international restaurants in the whole of Thailand and you should never get bored with what is on offer. From traditional British fish & chips to American Steaks it is all covered. Of course one of the reasons to visit Thailand has to be to try the local food and you will find an abundance of Thai restaurants. If you are looking for Thai fish dishes I would suggest trying one of the local places in Naklua. If you want the best Thai food the best advice is to see where the locals tend to eat and follow them.

You will also find a lot of street food available day and night. Some people might feel a bit cautious about this type of food, but food poisoning is extremely rare in Thailand. In fact a lot of Thais in the city seem to more or less live off street food; it’s cheap and it’s good.

Shop ‘till You Drop
Pattaya is a great place to shop and is second only to Bangkok when it comes to choice. Many of the top name shops have outlets in the city and you will also find plenty of markets where you can find more unusual items and bargains. The new Central Department Store on Pattaya Beach is impressively large and can take hours to walk around. One of the best markets can be found on Soi Buakaow which runs off South Pattaya Road. This is a fun place to visit because you get a glimpse of how local people like to shop.

Water Activities
You will find almost every water activity imaginable on Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach; and to a lesser extent on the beaches around Naklua. These beaches all get incredibly busy, but despite this they are relatively clean and the water is nice to swim in. In fact when you compare it to the popular resorts where Thais like to visit, places like Bang Saen, it can actually seem impressively clean. There are jet skis everywhere though and swimmers need to be cautious because of this. You will also find that there is an almost constant procession of vendors along the beach front; although these people are not too pushy. A walk along the path next to the beach can be lovely in the mornings and early evenings. It is not recommended though that people walk here late at night as muggings are not uncommon.

Traditional Thai Massage
As well as the massage parlors that offer ‘special soapy massages’ there are also plenty of places where you can get a traditional Thai massage. This is part of traditional Thai medicine and can be used to treat a number of different medical conditions. These massages are also very relaxing and can leave you feeling good for hours afterwards.

Learn Thai
There are many Thai language schools in Pattaya. Many visitors are eager to learn the language; especially if they have fallen for one of the locals. Learning the local language means that they can now have a conversation with their new partner that involves more than just smiles and pointing at things. The local language schools are able to get you started in the language and there are also many advanced courses as well.

Get a Tattoo
There are a surprising number of tattoo parlors in Pattaya and you will see many tourists walking around with newly created body art. The tattoo artists do have a good reputation but always make sure that hygiene precautions are being complied with.

Learn Thai Cooking
There are many places in Pattaya where you can learn Thai cooking. These can be one day course or longer. The nice thing about this activity is that you get to eat your efforts.

Learn to Teach English so That You Can Stay in Thailand
Many people fall in love with Pattaya, or more commonly with someone they met in Pattaya, and just don’t want to return home. The easiest work for a native English speaking tourist to get is probably teaching their language to others. In the past almost anyone could find this type of work but things have toughened up in recent years. If you now want work it is probably necessary to have a college degree; although you still hear people finding work without this. The TEFL course is a great way to get your foot in the door of teaching in Thailand and many of these will lead to a job at the end – or at least the course organizers will help you look for a job. There are now many places in Pattaya that offer TEFL courses; they usually last about six to eight weeks.

Watch Muay Thai
Muay Thai is the national sport in Thailand and is fascinating to watch. There are a couple of bars in Pattaya where you can actually watch fights on the premises. This is an exciting way to spend the evening and it is hard not to get caught up in the action. If you are really inspired you might want to learn the art; there are a few gyms locally that cater for people of all levels.

Learn to Fly
Pattaya is a great place to take to the skies. It is possible to get lessons for how to fly a plane, and these can work out remarkably cheap compared to elsewhere in the world. If you are not interested in piloting a plane you still might like to just go up in one for a private tour – this is a nice way to see the city.

Sex in Pattaya
Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but it is easy for visitors to forget this when arriving in Pattaya. In fact there seems to be sex on sale everywhere. It is almost impossible to walk more than a couple of steps down somewhere like Walking Street without somebody offering to perform some erotic act for you. The fact is though that a lot of what goes on is very unlike prostitution in other parts of the world. While many people do go ‘short time’ with a bar-girl or bar-boy many end up staying with the same person for their whole holiday. It is common for the two parties to act like a couple, and some even decide to get married. Some people can be quite quick to make moral judgments about what goes on in Pattaya but it can be a far more complex issue than a lot of people might like to admit.

Conversations in Pattaya among the visitors and ex-pats will often focus on the misadventures of individuals who came to the city and lost it all after falling in love with a bar-girl. Some of these stories can be quite horrific and you won’t have to search hard in Pattaya to find somebody with a broken heart. Relationships between sex workers and their customers can sometimes work out, but they are notoriously difficult. Trust can be a big issue for both sides in the relationship, and there are many stories of bar-girls who soon returned to their previous profession because they missed their friends and the excitement of the bars. People should think twice before entering into this type of relationship.

In most of the Pattaya beer-bars there is a bar-fine system in operation. This means that if a customer wants to take a girl away from the premises it is expected that they compensate the bar. The logic being that the bar is going to be missing a member of staff for a few hours. This is usually a few hundred baht, but prices vary between the different venues. Those who want to stay with the girl for their whole holiday will usually need to pay a bar-fine every day. It is also usual that while talking to one of the girls on the premises the customer will buy them ‘lady drinks’; this is to pay for their company and these drinks can be a bit more expensive than the standard drinks. Any customer taking one of the women off the premises will be expected to also negotiate a fee with her as well.

The fact that sex seems so much on display in Pattaya can leave some people feeling a bit intoxicated by it all. They can even begin to view all Thai women as bar-girls; this is a huge mistake that has gotten people in big trouble in the past. Only a tiny minority of Thai women will have any connection to the sex trade and most are embarrassed by it. There have been reports in recent years of westerners offering Thai women they saw in the street, or working in shops, money for sex. In a few instances these men ended up in jail because of it; some even got a beating from angry locals. A lot of visitors to Pattaya do find love with a local woman or man due to encounters away from the bar scene. These relationships develop in much the same way as they would in other countries – in fact many Thai women can be quite reserved in the beginning.

Bars and Restaurants in Pattaya
There are an overwhelming number of bars in Pattaya and it is doubtful that even the most dedicated bar-fly would have the stamina to visit them all. There is also a huge selection of restaurants to choose from. Here are just some of the most popular bars and restaurants at the moment.

Restaurants
Beach Front Seafood & Steak (Rim Talay)
Soi 18 Naklua
This is one great choice if you are looking for a romantic dinner right beside the beach. There is an impressive menu that covers international as well as Thai food. Many of the tables overlook the beach. There is also usually some type of entertainment supplied for free in the evenings.

Henry J. Bean Bar & Grill
Pattaya Beach Road
This is the number one choice for Tex-Mex food in Pattaya. You get big portions here and you can get steaks and burgers made exactly to your requirements.

Mantra
Pattaya Beach Road
If you are looking for something a bit more sophisticated then Mantra might be a good choice. As well as Thai food the menu also includes Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and European dishes. You will also find a good selection of wines on offer. The restaurant itself has a Moroccan feel to it.

Pinnacle and Meridian Revolving Restaurant
Pattaya Park Beach Resort (towards Jomtien)
This is situated in Pattaya Park where you will also find a water park and small amusement park. The revolving restaurant offers an amazing view of the whole of Pattaya Bay; it is on the 52nd Floor of Pattaya Park Tower. This place gets very busy so make sure you make a reservation in advance. If you are arriving in Pattaya for the first time then this is certainly a place worth visiting.

Rosie O’Grady’s
Soi 7 Pattaya Beach Road
This is a popular place to go for beer and food. The breakfast selection is particularly impressive; many people come here just for the all-day English breakfast. The bar itself isn’t too lively but it is a nice place for couples to go to relax for a few hours.

Bars
Derbyshire Inn
Soi 6 Pattaya Beach Road
This British style bar is well liked by ex-pats who come here for the pub quizzes and friendly atmosphere. This is a nice place to go for a chat or just soak in the atmosphere.

Jade House
Thappraya Road Jomtien
This is one of the most popular bars in Jomtien; especially during the daytime. It is actually part of a larger hotel, but the outside bar area attracts a lot of customers from the area.

Shooters
Soi Diamond
Shooters sells food but it is most known for the number of friendly bar-girls that are normally on duty. The music is quite lively but not so loud that you can’t enjoy a pleasant conversation. If you want to start your evening off in a party mood then this might be a good first choice.

Pattaya Beer Garden
Pattaya Beach Road (near entrance to Walking Street)
The view from this bar is about the best of the city; you are right overlooking Pattaya Bay. The bar is also well known for not having any ‘bar girls’ or ‘bar fines’. Instead what is there are a good number of freelance Thai women who are willing to make private arrangements with customers. It is also possible to go to the bar and just enjoy the view.

The Kennel Bar
Pattayaland (Pattaya Beach between Soi 1 and Soi 2)
This bar is quite small but gets busy because of its popularity with ex-pats and returning visitors to the city. This is a friendly bar that is owned by a Scottish ex-pat. As well as a good place to go for a chat there is also a lot of sport shown in the bar –mostly English Premiership football.

Go-Go Bars
Baby Dolls Pattaya
Soi 15 (between Walking Street and 2nd Road)
Baby Dolls has been going for a few years but it has managed to remain one of the most popular go-go bars in the city. This bar owners are proud of the fact that the girls actually know how to dance and don’t just hold onto a pole and shuffle about a bit.

Far East Rock
Soi Post Office
This is another go-go bar and a particular favorite of ex-pats and people who have been coming to Pattaya for a few years. This is also a good choice for those who want to watch sports on a large screen as well as girls dancing around a poll.

The Windmill Club
Soi Diamond (off Walking Street)
This is one of the most popular go-go bars in Pattaya, but it is usually not too busy. If your aim is to sit around enjoying a few beers while looking at dancing girls then this might be a good choice.

Off the Beaten Track in Pattaya
Most visitors to the city will only scratch the surface of what is on offer in the local area. Here are just a few of the places that most people miss.

Buddha Image Mountain
Buddha Image Mountain can be found about half an hour from Pattaya along Sukhumvit Road. It is within a beautifully laid out park that has been created as a tribute to the Thai Royal family. The mountain itself is only about 70 meters high, but the golden outline of the Buddha that covers one side is quite impressive to see. Buddha Image Mountain is a nice place to spend a few hours in the afternoon.

The Sanctuary of Truth
This has to be the most amazing building in the whole of Thailand. The object of the architects was to recreate heaven on earth and most people who see this structure will agree they did a good job. The whole building is made from sculptured wood and follows ancient Thai design; it is 105 meters high. The Sanctuary of Truth is on Naklua Road not too far from the city.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is about 30 miles from Pattaya and is well worth a visit. There are about 8,000 animals to see and the Zoo has received praise from around the world for its humane practices. A few of the animals there are on the endangered species list and this is a great place to catch of glimpse of these. The night safari is great fun and there is also a children’s zoo.

Wat Sam Sian
Wat Sam Sian is a Chinese temple that is dedicated to three deities. It can be found Phra Tamnak Hill which is not far from Pattaya City. Some of the structures are quite impressive, but it can get quite hot if you come here during the day. The best time to visit is probably early morning or late afternoon.

Emergencies in Pattaya
When it comes to crime, Pattaya does have a bit of a bad reputation; although it is safer than most cities around the world. The amount of crime that does occur is not surprising really considering the amount of intoxicated people who are wandering around the city at all times of the day and night. The vast majority of people who visit Pattaya will not experience any problems, and those who take sensible precautions are even less likely to have difficulties. There is no need to be paranoid but being aware of your surrounding is always a good idea. Avoid walking down quite streets at night and don’t show off your money in public. Never get into an argument with a Thai and definitely never attempt to physically hurt them. The majority of Thai people are generally placid but if they are provoked they will attack; they will also tend to attack as part of a mob.

If you are the victim of crime then it is probably best that you deal with the tourist police. These officers are especially trained to deal with foreigners and most can speak reasonable English. In recent years they have been assisted by foreign volunteers whose main job is to act as interpreters. If you have an emergency then the tourist police number is 1155.

If you become unwell or have an accident in Pattaya then there are a few options as for where to go. The cheapest option are the government hospitals like Banglamung hospital (038 429 244) or Chonburi Hospital (038 282 008). For higher quality care the best choices are Bangkok Hospital Pattaya (038 259 999 or emergency number 1719), Pattaya International Hospital (038 428 374), Pattaya Memorial Hospital (038 488 777), or Chonlavej Hospital (038 284 354-5). The emergency ambulance number in Pattaya is 1554. If there is a fire you should dial 199.

Other Useful Numbers in Pattaya
As well as the normal emergencies there are also other problems that some people experience while staying in Pattaya. This can often be as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or getting involved in a destructive relationship. Every year there are a significant number of foreigners who commit suicide in the city. Here are another couple of useful numbers.
Alcoholics Anonymous 02 231 8300
The Samaritans 02 713 6791

Highlights in Pattaya
- Partying the night away on Walking Street
- An afternoon exploring Buakaow market
- A visit to Koh Larn
- Visiting a fish restaurant in Naklua

Where to Next?
- If you want to experience some island life then Koh Samet is the nearest large island. This is a beautiful location but the rooms can get booked up quickly – especially on long weekends.
- Many visitors to Pattaya will move from there into Northeast Thailand (Issan). Many of the women working in the bars come from this area, and so they will often offer to act as tour guides. Issan is a beautiful part of Thailand and well worth visiting if you get the chance. Seeing village life is also highly recommended; it contrasts starkly with life in Pattaya.
- Of course you are just a short trip away from Bangkok, so if you are craving an even bigger city experience why not head north to the capital of Thailand.