#19 Pattaya – The Nineteenth Most Visited City in the World

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Pattaya is an important tourist destination about 102 miles south east of the capital city of Bangkok.

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Pattaya is a part of the larger Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan area and the population of the city of Pattaya is just above 100,000, according to the census of 2008. Though, with each passing year the population is increasing with leaps and bounds. Being a sea side town, Pattaya has a tropical wet and dry climate with moderate temperatures that make it a preferred destination especially in the winter months. Pattaya is a fun city – the beaches and party atmosphere adds to its charm.

Fast Facts

In 1767, Phraya Thak, who later became King Taskin, marched his army from Ayuttha to Chantaburi, just before the Thai provincial capital fell to the marauding army of the Burmese invaders. The name Pattaya is derived from this famous march of 1767. King Taskin gave a tough fight to the huge Burmese army and the Burmese leader Nai Klom was so overwhelmed by the sheer discipline and organization of the King’s army that when they confronted each other Nai Klom decided to surrender without any bloodbath. The place where Pattaya is today was the place where the official surrender took place. It was called Thap Phraya which meant the army of Phraya. Later it was renamed to Phattaya which in Thai means ‘the place where the wind blows from south west to north east during the onset of monsoon’. Today the city is internationally famous as Pattaya which is a derivation from the word Phattaya. Till 1961, Pattaya was a small fishing port, but everything started to change when the American soldiers headed to and from Vietnam, landed in Pattaya for relaxation. In time Pattaya became an important seaside resort town and started attracting tourists from all over the world. The fishermen’s huts along the beach were slowly replaced by swanky hotels and beach resorts. From being a sleepy fishing hamlet, Pattaya started to develop into one of the most visited sea side towns in Asia. Huge shopping malls and star hotels started springing up in Pattaya and within the next 20 years Pattaya became one of the most visited sea side resorts in the world.

Pattaya Travel Tips

Like the rest of Thailand, Pattaya experiences three distinct seasons – Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Located very near the Equator, Pattaya is warm and tropical and never very cold. The summer months last from mid-February to the end April. Pattaya is dry and hot during the summer months but tropical thunderstorms and torrid rains descend in May to cool the city. This may be the time to avoid Pattaya as the tropics get really humid. February and Sugust may be great for off season discounts. The Thai New Year, Songkran is celebrated with gusto in April and the city is decorated very colorfully.

Pattaya is a rather small city, connected internationally by the U-Tapao International Airport. Within the city the bus services are excellent but considering that the taxis are very cheap it may be wise to hire the regular taxis. Insist on using the meter.

Haggling is part of the shopping culture, especially in open markets. Do try some of the tasty tropical fruits when you are in Pattaya.

Tourist Attractions In Pattaya

Pattaya has more than just glitzy hotels and scenic sea beaches. From thrilling oriental temples to panoramic view points to museums and orchid gardens, you have many choices, if you do not want to simply spend all your time lazing by the sea. Take a trip to the Sanctuary of Truth. It is an elegantly designed gigantic wooden construction rising up to about 105 meters. It is a strange fusion of religion, philosophy, art, and culture. It is not a temple, or a palace but an amazing monument of exquisite Thai craftsmanship. The inspired carvings and wooden sculptures pay homage to the ancient vision of Eastern philosophy. Another unique place that must be visited is the Pattaya Floating Market. This is a floating market spread across an area of 100,000 square meters and is divided into four regions. Each region specializes in shops from the four different regions of Thailand. The market has fresh food, eateries, and oriental sea food shops. It is a unique experience. You could hire a boat with a boatman to row you around this unique floating market. The Underwater World of Pattaya is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Asia. It is divided into three zones – coral reefs, sharks and stingrays and the giant Siam. The aquarium houses over 200 different species of marine life. Experience the pleasure of swimming into the aquarium, with dolphins and baby sharks. The live feeding shows and the dolphin performances are not to be missed. A visit to the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Jomtien is strongly suggested. It is a beautiful landscaped garden set in an area of 2.4 square kilometers. There are individual theme parks and various replicas of monuments from all over the world. A leisurely stroll through the park is like a journey through different parts of the world. Whether it is a 17^th century designed French garden or the Stonehenge of England, the theme park showcases the world within the limits of this botanical garden. Commissioned in 1997, the Pattaya Zoo is an interesting place where you will find the Royal Bengal tiger and the wild dogs living together. This is possible due to the unique feeding program devised by the Pattaya Zoo authorities. Rarely would you be able to find a tiger and a dog living in a common habitat. The feeding shows and the dolphin performances are worth a watch. There are also various different species of birds in the zoo. Last but not the least a visit to the Tiffany’s Cabaret Show is suggested. This is a 30 years old extravaganza held in Pattaya. There are three shows every night, where surgically and hormonally enhanced trans-genders perform. The performances are breathtaking and so are the lady boys who with their painted nails and feminine grace not only look lady like but act like graceful females too.

A Fun Pattaya

Though shopping is a pastime in Thailand with tourists from all over the pouring in to shop. Shopping in Pattaya is not a frenzied one like in Bangkok or other towns of Thailand, maybe because there are so many things to do in Pattaya or shoppers are full to their brim shopping in Bangkok. However there are a great many shopping options in Pattaya too. The Avenue Pattaya is one of the most frequently visited shopping zones of Pattaya. This shopping area designed liked the J Street of Bangkok and has hip fashion wear at a bargain. The Royal Garden Plaza and Central Festival Beach Pattaya is famous malls that serious shoppers’ cannot give a miss. The street shopping experience is very unique in Pattaya. Bargaining is a trend in Thailand and you too must bargain to get the best deal. A visit to the floating market is also a great shopping experience. At the floating market it is welcome break to change from pushing trolleys at the supermarkets to be rowed around in a boat. Nightlife is a rave in Pattaya. Being a tourist oriented sea side resort town, Pattaya has all to offer for the adventure seeking nocturnal party-goer. From Bars, pubs, nightclubs, strip shows to beach parties in Pattaya you can experience it all. The beach parties on Jomtien beach, Nakula Beach and Pattaya Beach are a must go for the night revelers. The Tiffany’s show is another great option for a night show. Few of the famous night clubs are Kitten Club Pattaya Night Club Bar AGoGo – 325/61 Moo 10 Soi Pattayaland 2 (Soi 13/4), Pattaya Beach Road, Banglamung; Billabong Hotel – 33/92-93, Soi L.K. Metro; and Teazers Pattaya – Walking Street, 186/3, Moo 10, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chon Buri. Remember a visit to Pattaya is like a long holiday of partying, shopping and sightseeing.

Eating Out in Pattaya

Casa Pascal

485/4 M.10 Pattaya Sai Song  Bang Lamung, Chon Buri 20150

Tel: 66-38-72-36-60

http://www.restaurant-in-pattaya.com/

Bruno’s Restaurant

306/63 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, 20150

Tel: 66-38-36-46-00

www.brunos-pattaya.com/

Rim Talay Seafood Restaurant

18, Naklua Beach Rd., Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi 20150

www.rimtalayseafood.com/

The Glass House

Moom Talay

Pattaya Beach Road, North Pattaya

Tel: 66-38-362-370

Hotels In Pattaya

Luxury Hotels –

Dusit Thani Pattaya

240/2 Pattaya Beach Road,Pattaya City, Chonburi 20150

Tel: 66-38-42-56-11

http://www.dusit.com/dusit-thani/en/dusit-thani-pattaya.html

Hilton Hotel Pattaya

333/101 Moo 9 Nong Prue Banglamung, Pattaya Chonburi, 20260

Tel: 66-38-25-30-00

http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/thailand/hilton-pattaya-hotel-BKKHPHI/index.html

Economy Hotels –

Pattaya Hotel Hard Rock

429 Moo.9 Pattaya Beach Rd., Nongprue, Chon Buri  Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150

Tel: 66-38-42-85-55

pattaya.hardrockhotels.net/

Eastiny Residence Hotel

327 / 2 Moo 10,  Pattaya Beach Rd; Soi 10, Pattaya City 20510

Tel: 66-38-71-11-58

http://www.eastinypattaya.com/residence/

Budget Hotels –

Inn House Hotel

Pattaya City Hall  Pattaya Nuea, Na Kluea, Pattaya, Chon Buri 20150

Tel: 66-38-415-709-16

www.innhousegroup.com/

Areca Lodge

198/21, 198/23 Moo 9, Soi Diana Inn, Pattaya Sai Song Rd.,

Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260

Tel: 66-38-41-01-23

www.arecalodge.com

Last Updated on June 20, 2012