Pattaya the Most Popular Tourist Destination in Thailand

Where is Pattaya?
Pattaya lies 150km to the southeast of Bangkok, less than two hours by road, and stretches for some 15km along the Eastern Seaboard. Thailand's largest resort, it shares the coast with traditional a fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centers, the towns of Chonburi and Sriracha, and the port and naval base of Sattahip. Pattaya beach is a palm-fringed, sandy bay with a view of coral islands on the horizon. Nearby are other cliffs and other bays, while inland, the region is rich in agricultural products including sugar cane, tapioca, rubber, and fruit trees.

Getting to Pattaya

Getting There
The easiest and most popular way to reach Pattaya is by bus. From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Eakamai) on Sukhumvit Road there are departures every 30 minutes by air-conditioned bus from 5am. until 10pm. The one-way fare cost 90 Baht. From the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit II) there are departures again every 30 minutes from 5am. until 7pm. with a one-way fare cost 97 Baht. Few visitors to Pattaya are aware that the city does have a railway station. It is north of Sukhumvit Road close to the Siam Country Club. One train a day leaves Bangkok's Hualamphong Station at 7am.,and it takes up to five hours to reach Pattaya, stopping at many stations along the way. U-Tapao airport, which is located near Sattahip, has very few scheduled flights. Most visitors traveling this way are on chartered flights. Alternatively, from the Bangkok National airport has buses or limousines by the Thai Airways. If you have your own car, it's very easy to drive to Pattaya along Sukhumvit Road. Transportations

By Car
Pattaya can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive along the Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Highways (Highway No. & Highway No 3) via Bang Pakong, and Si Racha. One can also avoid a lot of traffic on Bang Na-Trat Highway by opting for Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri - Pattaya route).

By Bus
Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned coaches regularly leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road throughout day.

Departure times and fares may be obtained by telephoning the Eastern Bus Terminal (391-9829) for air-conditioned coaches and 391 -2504 for regular coaches and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal at 936-3509 for air-conditioned coaches.

By Train
The State Railways of Thailand offers daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 6.55 a.m. The journey takes about 3.30 hours. Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020
Thai Airways operate an air-conditioned limousine service between Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport and Pattaya. Booking in Pattaya may be made by telephoning (038)423140-1

By Air

Air Andaman

Bangkok Airways

Getting Around
For getting around the main by area, the minibuses and the fare charge for one person is 10 Baht, for extra way will be more. The run to Naklua also cost 10 Baht, to Jomtien cost 30 - 40 Baht. Motorcycle hire will cost you between 150 Baht - 700 Baht / Day depending on size. Please don't forget to wear the helmet when riding a motorbike. A jeep from beachside vendor is about 1,000 Baht / Day. Check that you have enough gasoline in the tank go get yourself to the nearest filling station. Bicycles can be hired from beachside vendors at 100 - 120 Baht / day. Pattaya has a choice of car rental companies. Avis is based at the Dusit Resort, in the North Pattaya. Budget Care and Truck Rental, and VIA Rent-a-car are two other leading names. If you prefer not to self drive, you can find many rent care vendors or you also the Image 5 Star Taxi Company offers 1 way/ return trips throughout Pattaya or hour by hour hire. They will pickup at your hotel or condo with their door to door service.


Pattaya History

In fact only 40 years ago Pattaya as we know it today, didn't even exist. On the stretch of coast between Sriracha and Sattahip, there were only a small number of fishing villages and in Pattaya bay itself, there were just a few fishing families who had settled here because of the calm waters and the safety of the bay, protected headlands to the North and South and by mountains behind. Their nearest neighbors lived just around the headland to the north, where, in the old days salt used to be produced (Naa-Klua = salt fields) but where there were now mainly fishing families. People traveled about by foot or by bullock carts because, except of the main road from Bangkok to Sattahip, only a few dirt roads and tracks existed.

Nevertheless, the bay and nearby islands provided good, safe fishing and more and more families came here to settle down, Gradually a village developed. At first was know as Tupphraya the general name for the area which dated back to the time when Pharaya Taksin (Duke Taksin) camped near here with the followers he had gathered to help free Thailand from the Burmese (Tupphraya - the Pharaya' - army)

As the village grew, the villagers wanted to give it a separate identity, so they adopted the name of Pattaya,which was the name they used for the strong winds which came from the South West at the beginning of every rainy season.

The pace of life was slow and it seemed as if Pattaya would remain an out-of-the-way place forever. Even up to 30 years ago there were only a few buses serving the 100 or more families who lived here and visitors from elsewhere were few and far between. But things were destined to change and as usual, it was a war (the Vietnam War) which changed them. The U.S.A. sent soldiers to build the air base at U Tapao and many of these took to spending their leisure time and money in Pattaya.


The beaches were clean in those days and the sea breezes made it pleasant and cool. People in the surrounding areas were quick to spot the business opportunities and bars guesthouses begun to spring up. The fisher - folk probably resented this intrusion, but it provided a good market for their catches and they soon got on the bandwagon by offering fishing trips to Koh Larn for about 50 Baht per head. Gradually, visitors from Bangkok also begun to use the resort at weekends, although the trip was a tiring 3 to 4 hours on the two-lane road.

Later the US Military based in Thailand begun to use Pattaya for rest and recreation (R&R) and bigger hotels and entertainment places (including the oldest profession of them all) were built to cater for them. Thus the' 60s and' 70s saw the most rapid change and development. In 1964 in view of its new importance, Pattata was raised to the status of a village and in 1979, elevated to that of a Teasban Nakhon (Municipality), responsible now for its own administration.

Today Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and attracts annually more than a million tourists from all over the world. Pattaya provides high standard hotels, restaurants, sports, entertainment and shopping facilities. The resort is Thailand's most important diving center and the east coast is also a paradise for golfers.


Pattaya Nightlife

Discotheques
Pattaya has many top class discos, most of which pound on until dawn. They make a great place to meet friends, organise parties, and just hang out.
Jenny Star Bar, Walking Street under Marine Disco. Tel: 0-3825-0251-3 ext 8105.

Batman, Sukhumvit Road/South Pattaya Road. Tel: 0-3842-1428-9.

Dice Cafe, Pattaya-Naklua Road. Tel: 0-3842-6073.

Disco Duck, Central Road. Tel: 0-3842-8065.

Hollywood, South Pattaya Road. Tel: 0-3842-4975 I

Palladium, Second Road, North Pattaya. Tel: 0-3842-4933

Planet Rock, Soi Pattayaland 2, Second Road. Tel: 0-3871-0835

Pub & Bar
Cotton Club
Located in Naklua. Go past the Dolphin Roundabout, pass the bridge and school and make a left on Soi 12. Look for the Garden Restaurant. This is what Pattaya for the single guy is all about. Years ago this favorite hangout for locals and those who had insider information was a landmark in Pattaya. Now the tradition continues with a newly renovated club. Great atmosphere and over 30 of Pattaya's most beautiful and fun hostesses who really enjoy having a great time. Worth finding.

Crazy Daves Bar & Diner
Located on Soi Chaiyapoon between Soi Buakhao and Third Road
Tel: 09-0925035
AU Major Sporting Events Shown
B 65 Breakfast Served All Day
Homemade Desserts: Whisky Trifel, Bread Pudding, Apple Crumble with Ice Cream. Bread & Butter Pudding.
Happy 5 Hours: 3 PM till 8 PM Thai Whisky with Mixer Only B 25 Carlsberg & Heineken B 45 Beer Chang B 35 All Day All Night
Wednesday Night: Whisky Night
Free Whiskey Shots with Every Beer 1/2 Bottle Thai Whisky + 2 Mixers Only B 150 Normal Price B 200
Friday Night: Crazy Daves Cocktails B 100 Buy 5 Get 1 Free
Sunday Night: Spanish Night
Sangria & Paella (Spanish Style Rice & Chicken) 1 Litre Sangria B 180
Open 9 AM till late

Diamond Escort Service
Tel: 09-9351002
Are you bored of buying lady drinks in the go-go bars trying in vain to find your perfect companion? Well now you don't have to, this service will deliver you the person of your dreams within I hour of your call. They have a large selection of beautiful ladies and handsome men, you simply tell them what you want and wait for your new friend to visit you. They also have a birthday gift service, where you can order for a friend a birthday surprise they will never forget. For a guarantee of satisfaction we recommend you try this company. You can call anytime, they are open 24 hours a day.

Giligin's
Located on Soi 1 -Look/or the biggest neon sign on the street. You might ask, Giligin's is a Party Bar a second of a famous Party Bar in Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.A. The specialty, knowing it's guests as friend and family, as is the staff. We are particular in giving the people what they want, shots, pitchers, women everything you want that we can give. A new style of bar in Thailand, Giligin's will introduce a style of party atmosphere everyone will be interested in, from Grandma to Grandchild, from virgin cocktails to the heaviest liquor poured in the country. If you and your group want a couple of pitchers of frozen Margaritas, Giligin's fabulous rockstar bartenders will make you a satisfying sweet style of a tequila quencher. Come by and ask for Elvis and we will give you a FREE Draft on us.

High Class Escorts
Tel: 01-4401019,01-7044573
This is an escort service for those people who appreciate the finer things in life. This company offers you the chance to have a sexy new friend come and visit you in your home or your hotel. Whatever your preference, High Class escort has a companion for you, be it a sexy girl, good looking man or anything you may desire. All you have to do is call them and allow them to arrange a sensational experience for you, they can arrange for you to meet your new friend within 45 minutes of your call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you are interested give them a call, pleasure is only a phone call away.

S B I Superstar Action Karaoke
Tel: 0-3837-0674
S B I Superstar Action Karaoke is a night out you don't want to miss! Two giants in the world of Karaoke Entertainment have teamed up right here in Pattaya to offer a new and exciting style of Action Karaoke. Whether you are a Karaoke fan or not you will be entertained, amused, and down right tickled at the combination of entertaining sights and sounds found here at S B I Superstar. This is truly an International Karaoke, probably the only one in the world offering more than 20,000 song titles in 20 different languages. You can join in the fun in the main room, balcony, or take your group into one of the beautiful V I P Rooms where you will have privacy and given the S B I Superstar V I P service. Thirty-three years of combined entertainment experience guarantees you we know how to have fun. Come out and see! Give it a try. You never know who you might see at SBI Superstar Action Karaoke. Tel. 0-3837-0674

Tahitian Queen 2
The Tahitian Queen 2 (TQ2) Rock 'n Roll
A-Go-Go on Soi B.J. -South Pattaya, Walking Street is under American and English management... but of course EVERYONE can come in and party with our beautiful dancers! We especially welcome the Military -The JTF-FA, US Navy Seals, II Paras, SBU, EOD, Force Recon Marines, and the U.S. Special Forces all make TQ2 their home away from home - Military ID's = 10% Discount (on all bills over B500). TQ2 sponsors the Pattaya Hash House Harriers, and we have more certified scuba divers then any bar in town.
Metal, Rock'n'RoD, Blues -We play the heaviest music in town Mettalica, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Staind and plenty of Kid Rock! TQ2 also has The Longest Happy Hour in Town -7:00 -10:00 P.M. every night.

The Blues Factory
Located on Soi Lucky Star off Walking Street opposite Marine Disco
A high quality live music venue featuring a 7 piece band with members from the U.S., Russia and South East Asia featuring Thailand's No.1 rock guitarist Lam Morrison. Together they are considered by many the best band in Pattaya. Every night Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all spirits from 9.00 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. and lucky number draws for everyone every time you order a drink. Friendly beautiful staff and The blues Factory Dance Show every night. Reasonable priced drinks and cocktails. Come with your wife or girl friend for a great night out!