About Pattaya    The most visited places in Pattaya    Excursions from Pattaya

About Pattaya...

History
For the past centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, the sleepy Pattaya became Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. Fishermen's huts along the beach were replaced by a full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats. And the quiet powdery golden beaches are frequented by swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.

Location
Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13° N and longitude 101° E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 km. from Bangkok. It lies parallel to Sukhumwit Road on its east and the coastline on its west.

Area
Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. km. of land and 154.66 sq. km. of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 km. long.

Climate
The climate of Pattaya can be divided into 3 periods: cool to warm (from November to February), hot and humid (from March to May), and hot with occasional rain showers (from June to October).

Transportation
Travelling around Pattaya is most convenient by minibuses (songthaews) that continually ply the Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road in counterclockwise circuits. There are also minibuses running to Naklua and Jomtien areas. Fares are from 10-30 baht depending on the distance. Just hop in and pay the fare when you get off.

Shopping
For shoppers, fashionable boutiques and shops of ready-made garments, silk, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewellery and trinkets are centred in the main streets of Central and South Pattaya. And the prices are fair.

As a leading tourist centre in the East, Pattaya is also loaded with department stores, shopping centres, street shops and stalls. Anyway, they are specially concentrated on Pattaya 2 Road, Beach Road and the area between Central and South Pattaya.
Whatever you are looking for - gems, silk, garments tailor-made suits, tailor-made suits, leatherwear, furniture, handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts, etc. - you'll easily find a wide selection of them just a few steps away.

Dining
Pattaya offers not only a great number of food shops and restaurants, but also a wide variety of cooking styles and generally at reasonable prices. Whatever kind of food you'd like to eat, from Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Mexican, American, Indian, Russian, etc. you'll surely find it here.
There are plenty of food shops along Pattaya 2 Road and Beach Road, while seafood restaurants cluster around South Pattaya, where marine animals are attractively displayed in front of the shops for clients to choose. Prices (charged by weight) are quite moderate, especially when compared with those in Western countries.
In addition, fast food franchise restaurants are available in several department stores

Nightlife
And for night owls, Pattaya's lively nightlife caters for every taste. The most brightly colourful spot is South Pattaya where all kinds of nightly entertainment are offered.
In short, Pattaya is the place for all. No wonder it has remained popular among those who come to spend their holidays from far and near alike.

Beaches
Wong Amat beach
Wong Amat beach is recommended for those who are seeking for a nice place to relax and sunbathe, since it is one of the cleanest and most secluded beaches in Pattaya. The beach is adjoining to the north of Pattaya beach.

Pattaya Beach
Starting from Dusit Resort Hotel in the area called North Pattaya to the small hill in the South, Pattaya beach and its parallel beach road is about 3 kilometres long. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, the beach also offers excellent facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all kinds. The northern part is a more quiet area of resorts while the southern part is a place of hustle and bustle, where both sides of the street are lined up with department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs and shops of all kinds.
                    
                    

Jomtien Beach
The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is highly recommended to those who seek a quieter resort, where the golden sand, bright sun and blue clear sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.

It is a good place for relaxation with modern comforts and accommodation. Its long straight coastline of 6 kilometres with a fringe of coconut and palm trees offers vacationers pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting in the sea. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year. Jomtien Beach is especially the best spot for windsurfing and instruction is widely available for beginners.
                      

Dong Tan Beach
Adjacent to Jomtien Beach (to the north), the quiet 1-km-long Dong Tan Beach is situated. The plants found here are tropical almonds.