Pattaya, Thailand
Pattaya, in the province of Chonburi, is the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi area. It is located near the eastern seaboard which is a heavily used shipping conduct for Thailand.
Many of the people who live and work in Pattaya are not counted in the population numbers since they remain registered in their home towns. Pattaya, like Bangkok, is a favorite city for people from rural areas to travel to for work.
This city is divided into two beach areas including Pattaya beach and Jomtien beach, which is in the southern bay. This part of Thailand is a favorite tourist holiday spot for many Thai people from Bangkok who come for holiday or weekend fun. Tourism is the main industry in Pattaya with its reputation of wild nightlife due to its vast numbers of go go bars and massage parlors, which all contribute to the prevalent sex industry. Pattaya is also Southeast Asia’s largest gay scene with flamboyant transsexual “lady boys” featured in cabaret shows. The cabaret shows are a “must see” for everyone including families.
When we go to Thailand, we always make it a point to visit here. This city has some of the best shopping, both western mall style, and traditional Thai style. Be sure to visit the Made in Thailand market on Second Road where many locals sell their hand made wares.
We prefer Jomtien beach over the Pattaya beaches since they are less populated, have better sand, and more family friendly. There are some great hotels at affordable prices.
One of the highlights of Pattaya is Walking Street. At night, the street is blocked to all traffic, and is lit up with neon lights, street performers, people selling flowers, hats, and other stuff. Plus the bars are staffed with beautiful Thai girls urging you to come in and have a drink.
Not far are places to do Elephant trekking, and the Tiger Zoo is great fun.
There are several small islands off the coast which are easily accessible by speedboat in less than 15 minutes. There is also a water shuttle that leaves from Pattaya Bay that takes you to a couple of islands for less money. But they are slow, and you must wait for the shuttle to get a ride back to Pattaya. We always pay the extra money to get a speedboat so we have the flexibility to come and go, plus you can pop around to some of the other small islands. A day on the beach of one of these small islands is a “must do” for tourists. The beaches are even nicer, and the water is clear and green.
The best way to get to Pattaya is to take a taxi from Bangkok which is about a 2 hour drive for a cost of about 1,500 baht.
Location: Central east coast of the Gulf of Thailand; 165 km (102.5 mi) southeast of Bangkok
Population: 105,000
Area: 22 Sq km (8.6 sq mi)
