Pattaya is a seaside resort on the east coast of Thailand, about 147 km southeast of Bangkok. Pattaya is especially famous for beer and go-go bars. While the sex industry and sex tourism remain the city's main source of money, the resort also attracts families. If scenes of a fat old man walking arm in arm with a young Thai woman disgust you, this city is not for you.
With a reputation as a "city built on sex", Pattaya is trying to change its image, give it a more respectable look. With over 5 million visitors a year, Pattaya has a wide variety of entertainment options, aquatic species sports (scuba diving, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing), a number of interesting theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, cabaret shows, shopping, bungee jumping, ATV tours.
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How to get around in Pattaya
Firstly, Sukhumvit Road is the main street of the city, leading along the highway to the capital Bangkok. This street connects 3 main streets of the city - North Road, Central Road and South Road. All these 4 streets are two way.
3 other main streets - Third Road, Second Road and Beach Road - run parallel to Sukhumvit Road. These 3 streets intersect with North Road and South Road and are adjacent to Beach Road. Beach Road and Second Road are one-way streets. Beach Road is adjacent to the city's beaches.
Beach Pattaya Road and Second Pattaya Road are connected by a large number of small lanes (soi). The main soi are numbered from 1 to 16 from north to south. Soi 1-6 are between North Road and Central Road; soi 7-13 are between Central Road and South Road; soi 14-16 are south of South Road. Most of these soi are one way lanes.
The section of Beach Road from South Road to the south is closed to traffic from 18:00 to 02:00 and is called Walking Street. This is the main tourist area of Pattaya, where the most famous nightclubs, beer bars, go-go bars and shops are concentrated.
There is a new pier at the south end of Walking Street, commonly referred to as Bali Hai Pier (sometimes "Pattaya Pier" or "South Pier"). The old jetty at the other end of the bay is still on most maps, although it has been dismantled since 2006.
Beaches
Pattaya Beach, almost 3 km long, adjoins Beach Road. Due to the proximity to hotels, restaurants and shopping centers, the beach is crowded with vacationers from morning to evening. Huge littering fines help keep the sand clean, but the sea inside the city is quite dirty.
Another beach, Jomtien Beach, is located 3 km south of the city and is separated from the main bay by a hilly cape. Jomtien Beach is more calm and serene compared to the crowded Pattaya Beach, the water is clearer here.
The beaches are served by an army of hawkers offering food (especially seafood, fruit and ice cream), massages, manicures, pedicures, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, jewelry, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs and other trinkets. Once you've turned down one offer, another will soon be offered, and so on. It offers tourists trips on a banana boat, water skiing, jet ski, sailing, water parasailing and the like. Through the efforts of local authorities, the quality of local beaches has been improved, but they are still of poor quality by Thai standards.
Jomtien or Jomtien Beach (Jomtien Beach, Chom Tian is often written on road signs and maps) is a small town located about 3 km south of Pattaya. Many high-rise condominiums, beach hotels and restaurants have been built here. Thappraya Road is the main road connecting Pattaya and Jomtien. Many Russian-speaking and Scandinavian people live in this area. Jomtien Beach is known for its water sports and annual sports events and festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. The 265-meter stretch of Jomtien Beach (known as Dongtan Beach) is Pattaya's only gay beach. In general, Jomtien Beach is much cleaner and tidier than in Pattaya.
Trips to nearby islands
Ko Lan is the largest of the "near islands" off the coast of Pattaya, located 8 km from the coast. This hilly island, about 4 km long, is covered with tropical forest, the highest point reaches a height of 205 m. There are two small villages on the island: Ban Ko Lan and Ban Krok Makhan with restaurants and hotels. Ferries depart daily from the island to the mainland. Local tour operators in Pattaya organize lunch and snorkeling at Ko Lan, where the atmosphere is relaxing and good beaches. Small shops with restaurants are built along the beaches, the menu of which is based on fish and seafood. The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes. Ferries depart from Bali Hai Pier daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. Ferries return from Koh Lan to Pattaya between 06.30 and 18:00.
Ko Khrok is located 2 km east of Ko Lan. This is an isolated rocky islet with one 100-meter sandy beach with beautiful coral reefs.
Koh Phai and the other islands in this group (Ko Klung Badan, Ko Luam, Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin) are popular destinations for diving, fishing, snorkelling. The island is administered by the Thai Navy, so overnight stays are not allowed. The distance to Pattaya is about 23 km or 2 hours by boat.
Museums
Anek Kuson Sala(Anek Kuson Sala). This museum displays a number of rare Chinese artifacts and antiques. The museum is interesting with figures of terracotta warriors and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the golden throne of the Chinese emperor, old paintings, ceramics, and a large-scale copy of the Great Wall of China. The founder of the museum has such good connections with members of the Chinese government that he was allowed to use the original statues of the terracotta army on a permanent basis. On upper floors there is an exhibition of Thai houses various styles, downstairs there is a small garden and a restaurant. The building is located at: Na Jomtien Km 160, Sukhumvit Road. It is almost 20 kilometers from the city of Pattaya, near Wat Yansangwararam. The best way get there by taxi. On the road from Bangkok, turn left at the 160 km sign of Sukhumvit Road. The road follows the Wat Yansangwararam temple, before reaching the temple, you need to turn right and drive about 5 km more. There will be a sign on the road indicating the direction to Anek Kuson Sala.
Ripley's Museum Believe It or Not(Ripley's Museum Believe it or Not!) is located on the 3rd floor of the Royal Garden Plaza shopping center. The building attracts attention when an airplane crashed into a wall. The Ripley Museum consists of 10 individual themed galleries with more than 300 exhibits collected from all over the world. These extraordinary items are divided into a number of categories: optical illusions, a peculiar lifestyle of strange people, human torture devices from ancient times, etc. The museum also includes three attractions: a room of fear, mirror room and 4D cinema The museum is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, website www.ripleysthailand.com.
bottle art museum(Bottle Art Museum). In fact, this is the only bottle art museum in the world. The exposition demonstrates more than 300 beautiful miniatures (models of world-famous monuments) in bottles of various colors. Museum Address: 297/1-5 Moo 6, The Kingston Park Building, Sukhumvit Rd | Naklua, Banglamung, site www.bottlemuseum.net
Theme parks
In the village Mini Siam(Mini Siam) contains over 100 copies of the most famous architectural objects in Thailand and around the world, made in 1:25 scale. This is one of the most famous parks with copies of the best achievements of world architecture. Conventionally, it can be divided into two main parts: Mini Siam and Mini Europe.
The most famous Mini Europe objects: Neuschwanstein Castle, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Chaillot Palace, Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Sydney Opera theatre, Tower Bridge, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain (Italy), Johann Strauss Memorial (Austria).
Theme park of the three kingdoms(Three Kingdoms Theme Park). This is a park with pagodas, murals, sculptures and drawings that appear in the Chinese epic poem "Romance of the Three Kings". It includes the longest wall-painted corridor in the world, illustrating the story of three ancient Chinese kingdoms. The park is unlikely to be of interest to visitors who are not familiar with the plot of the epic poem. The Three Kingdoms Theme Park is located near the Horseshoe Resort Point, about 20 minutes drive from the center of Pattaya. Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, address: 100 Moo 9, Tambon Pong, website www.3kingdomspark.com
orchid farm(Siriphon Orchid Farm) has 1,500 orchid species native to Thailand and other Asian regions. Many types of plants can be purchased from the farm. Siriphon Orchid Farm is open from 08:00 to 18:00, located at 235/14 Moo 5, Noen Phlap Wan Road.
silverlake is a 30 minute drive from Pattaya. The beauty of the local landscape is given by steep hills and a beautiful lake. Well-groomed bushes and flowers with sculptures, fountains and a square are reminiscent of an Italian garden. Grapes are grown here and local Thai wine is produced. There is no entrance fee, but the bus ride through the park is chargeable. They have a restaurant, cafe, souvenir shop and a bar where local wines are tasted. It is located next to the big Buddha Mountain. Website www.silverlakethai.com
Zoos and Aquarium
Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm(The million years stone park & Pattaya crocodile farm). In addition to petrified trees over 1 million years old, dwarf trees, a beautiful park of rare trees and flowers, the exotic zoo is home to thousands of crocodiles, giant catfish, tigers, bears, elephants, camels, lions, deer, more than 20 species of ostriches and other animals. Crocodile shows and other performances take place 7 times a day from 09:00 to 17:00. Open daily from 08:30 to 18:30. Located 15 minutes drive from the center of Pattaya, address: 22/1 Moo 1, Nongplalai, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Website www.thaistonepark.org
IN elephant village(Pattaya Elephant Village) has been inhabited since 1973 by animals that, due to poor health, cannot be used for hard work in the jungles of Thailand. Tourists can choose from tours of 3.5 hours (elephant ride, jungle trek, lake crossing, and return by carts) and one hour (elephant ride through local farmland and return by Land Rover). One hour tour available from 08:00 to 17:30, 3.5 hour tour from 10:00 to 15:30. Elephant show daily from 14.30 to 16.00, includes the process of bathing these animals, transporting huge logs of teak wood, elephants play football and more. At the end of the show, the opportunity to take a short ride on an elephant. Site www.elephant-village-pattaya.com
Khao Kheo Zoo(Khao Kheow Open Zoo). Khao Kheo is currently one of the largest open zoos in Thailand. It covers a total area of 800 ha and is divided into three parts: Animal Habitat (160 ha), Visitor Recreation Area (80 ha) and Research Area (560 ha) used for the breeding of endangered animal species. It is the first zoo in Thailand to receive international recognition and become a member of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums). The park offers its visitors introductory programs, jungle trekking, elephant rides, night safaris, zip lines.
Underwater World Pattaya(Underwater World Pattaya). This is a relatively small aquarium that features fish from the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the walking acrylic tunnels and watch the marine animals. The tunnel is 105 meters long and is divided into several zones. Aquarium experience begins in the shallow part of the "Touch Pool" with starfish, algae, colored corals, etc. The Reef Zone showcases the world of coral reefs. Next comes the "Sharks and Rays Zone" with sharks, manta rays and other species. The "Shipwrecks Zone" features groupers, breams, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles that live around miniature shipwrecks. One area is special, it features fish from the Amazon River. In each zone, the process of feeding fish is clearly demonstrated both on the surface and under water. There are exciting diving tours in the aquarium (more details at this link http://www.diveinpattaya.com/diving_v_akvariume.html). Underwater World is located at: 22/22 Moo 11, Sukhumvit Road. Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, feeding times: 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Website www.underwaterworldpattaya.com
Show cabaret
Pattaya is famous for its transvestite and transgender cabaret shows. The two most famous are the Alcazar or Tiffany.
Tiffany(Tiffany Show) is a transgender cabaret show. The show takes place in a building designed for 1000 spectators, more than 100 professional performers take part. Three performances per day: 18:00, 19:30, 21:00. Show at 19:30 is considered the best. After the show, a photo session with transsexuals for an interested audience (for photos with transsexuals you need to pay with a tip). If you wish, you can visit their shooting range in the basement. Address: Second Road, site www.tiffany-show.co.th
In May, Tiffany organizes the Miss Tiffany's Universe Pageant (www.misstiffanyuniverse.com) contest, a beauty queen contest among male-born contestants.
Alcazar(Alcazar Cabaret) - cabaret show of transvestites. Performances are held in a room with a capacity of 1200 people, the show lasts about 45 minutes. Show time 18:30, 20:00, 21:30. Immediately after the show, a photo session with transvestites for an interested audience (for photos with transvestites you need to pay with a tip). Address: Second Road, opposite soi 5.
Venue Cabaret Every evening it presents a cabaret in the style of Broadway productions. Transsexuals and young dancers take part in the show, starting at 21:45. This cabaret show is located in Jomtien at 413/24-28 Thapparaya Road | Jomtien Complex More on this site
Massage
Thai traditional massage restores physical strength, mental and spiritual balance, inner harmony, promotes comprehensive relaxation, keeps the body young. Traditional Thai massage is characterized by gentle pressure, stretching and twisting to stimulate the energy channels. The objects of massage are feet, palms, thumbs, elbows and knees. The following tour operators offer traditional Thai massage:
Fish spas can be seen on many streets in downtown Pattaya. It consists of a glass water tank with several hundred small colorful fish. You just take off your shoes, bare your legs to the knees and dip them into the aquarium. The fish begins to eat the dead skin on the feet and shins. The skin feels very good after visiting such a spa.
Thai boxing
Muay Thai Academy Pattaya. A popular Muay Thai (Thai boxing) learning center is open for classes and training for everyone. Accommodation is offered on site, instructors speak different languages. Address: Soi 7 North Road, website www.pattayamuaythaiacademy.com
Diving
Like most coastal cities in Thailand, Pattaya is a good diving destination. Diving mainly takes place on the nearest islands of Koh Lan, Koh Sak, Koh Krok. Occasionally diving includes the remote islands of Koh Rin and Koh Wichai. Specialized companies also offer wreck dives. Prioritize morning tours as water visibility decreases in the afternoon.
Aquanauts Dive Center is one of the oldest dive centers in Pattaya, daily trips and dives on the nearest islands, remote islands, in places of sunken ships. It also offers snorkelling tours and diving training. Managed by British-Dutch management, site www.aquanautsdive.com
Pattaya Diving & Fishing, in addition to diving, offers spearfishing tours in Pattaya. This is the only company offering such tours in the city. Tours lasting 8, 12 and 24 hours. Courses from Beginner Training to PADI Instructor. Some employees of this company speak Russian. Located behind the Bali Hai pier near the "Pattaya City" sign on Walking Street. Site www.pattayadivingandfishing.com
Dive in Pattaya. In addition to a number of standard tours, this company offers a dive in the aquarium Underwater World Pattaya (Underwater World). You do not need to be a qualified diver to take advantage of this opportunity. Dive in Pattaya will teach beginners the basic skills and then dive in an aquarium with sharks and rays under the supervision of instructors. Tour participants can swim holding on to a shark's fin, stroke a tiger shark, touch turtles, feed stingrays - it's unlikely that all these things can be done in the open ocean. Website www.diveinpattaya.com
Other tour operators offering diving tours:
Festivals and holidays in Pattaya
Chinese New Year widely celebrated by the large Thai - Chinese community in Pattaya with dragon parades, lion dances and fireworks, celebrated from late January or early February.
Burapa Pattaya Bike Week takes place in Pattaya every February, attracting bikers from all over Southeast Asia and beyond.
Pattaya International Music Festival is held annually in March. It draws huge crowds to the established stages along Beach Road and Bali Hai Pier. Different styles of live music performed by Thai and foreign performers.
Songkran - Thai New Year. On this day, passers-by pour water on each other in the streets. Songkran in Pattaya differs from the celebrations in other regions of Thailand in several ways. Officially, Songkran in Pattaya is celebrated at a later date (April 18-19) than in most other regions of the country (April 13-15). It also includes beauty contests, performances by musicians, cultural shows, fireworks, water sports competitions. During this period, many hotels and guest houses are overcrowded, especially many vacationers arrive by bus from Bangkok. Expect to be splashed with water in the streets. The atmosphere of the holiday in the streets calms down with the onset of darkness.
Sailing boat racing take place in late April and early May.
Miss Universe Tiffany pageant(Miss Tiffany's Universe Pageant) takes place in mid-May every year. During the 4-day competition, the most beautiful transsexuals in Thailand compete with each other. The final stage of the competition takes place in the evening in live on Thai television, the contest's audience is estimated at an average of 15 million people.
Marathon Pattaya(the competition has no race categories) is held every year in July.
Classical Guitar Festival Pattaya held annually on the last weekend of October under the auspices of the Guitarists' Society of Thailand.
Loy Kraton g is celebrated on the full moon days of the twelfth month in traditional Thai lunar calendar. It usually falls in November and is widely celebrated throughout the country. This evening, people float krathongs (a small raft made of folded banana leaves) with candles and flowers.
Every year in November, Pattaya hosts Miss International Queen is an annual international transgender competition. In 2007, the event was watched by about 25 million viewers on national television. Miss International Queen has been held annually in Pattaya since 2004.
gay pride held in Pattaya every year at the end of November, culminating in a parade on December 1st, World AIDS Day. All proceeds from the event go to charitable causes for HIV/AIDS patients.
shopping
Shopping centers.
Central Festival Pattaya Beach. This is one of the largest shopping centers in Asia. It attracts customers from all over the world, adding to the traffic chaos on Beach Road, where it is located. This is a seven-storey shopping center with an area of 200,000 m². There are more than 370 shops, an entertainment complex, from the shopping center there is direct access to 302 rooms of the Hilton Pattaya hotel. Central Festival Pattaya Beach is open from 11.00 to 23.00 every day. The mall is located along Beach Road roughly opposite soi 9. Easy to find, just look out for traffic. Website www.centralfestival.co.th
Remember that Pattaya has CentralFestival and Central Festival Pattaya Beach, and these are completely different shopping centers.
Central Festival Center. A large shopping center is located on Second Road opposite soi 2. Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.
Mike Shopping Mall. On the ground floor there are many small clothing stores, souvenirs and many other inexpensive goods; above is a department store, on the 5th floor are eateries (fast food), and on the top, 10th floor - a swimming pool. Located on Beach Road between soi 11 and soi 12, website www.mikeshoppingmall.com
P.S. Plaza. A supermarket and cafe occupy most of the first floor, there is a billiards, massage services, several other shops on the ground floor, a bowling alley on the second floor. Located at the junction of Second Road and Central Road.
Royal Garden Plaza. This shopping and entertainment center is located next to the Pattaya Marriott Hotel on Beach Road between soi 13/2 and soi 13/3. Attention to the building is drawn by a plane crashing into the wall, website www.royalgardenplaza.co.th
Gem Factory Shop. This is a large factory-shop selling jewelry made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, gold, silver, precious stones and bijouterie. A visit to this store consists of several stages:
Upon arrival, all visitors are greeted by Thai girls dressed in traditional clothes;
a short trip in a mini-train and a story about the history of diamonds, gold, the process of mining precious stones;
then a demonstration of how gold is processed, stones are inserted, etc.;
visiting a large store with a wide selection of jewelry;
if you do not want to purchase precious items, you will be taken to the costume jewelry sales department.
And finally, they will treat you with a free drink - coffee, tea, soft drinks.
The owners of the enterprise pay a commission to bus drivers, taxi drivers, guides who bring tourists here, so everything here is very expensive. Address: 555 Mo 6 North Pattaya Road.
Markets
Thepprasit Market is the largest market in Pattaya. It attracts locals and tourists, and is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. It is famous for selling pets and local dishes such as fried beetles and scorpions. Located on Thepprasit Road near the junction with Sukhumvit Road.
Floating Market Pattaya(Pattaya Floating Market) is divided into 4 parts, symbolizing the main regions of Thailand: North, Central, Northeast and South. The market is interconnected by a network of canals and bridges. The market has over a hundred outlets where you can buy traditional handicrafts from all over Thailand.
At the Floating Market, you can buy souvenirs, try exotic cuisine (for example, crocodile meat), watch a free show. But all the goods on the market are clearly overpriced, the entrance is now paid, not everyone is delighted with this.
The floating market is located on the outskirts of Pattaya on the way to the city of Sattahip. Since March 2012, a red bus (Beach Bus) has been running from the Pattaya Bus Terminal to the Floating Market. 5 flights daily at 10:00 12:30 15:30 17:00 and 20:00. The ticket costs 30 baht. Schedule and details on this website
General information about drinking establishments
The minimum age for visitors to drinking establishments is 20 years. In Pattaya, this rule rarely applies to foreigners, but often to Thais. The police conduct raids from time to time to check if there are underage workers (especially in go-go bars) and if there are drunk underage patrons (especially in discotheques). Foreign tourists are not the targets of these raids, usually being asked to show identification (photocopies of the photo of the passport page are usually sufficient) and then released. Sometimes drug testing is done.
Pattaya is well known for its nightlife, attracting those interested in paid sex. But every year more and more tourists come just to see what kind of city it is. There are plenty of places to dance, drink and watch the action. Avoid hotel bars and go for downtown Pattaya, where famous nightclubs, drag queen cabarets, karaoke bars, and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for tourists' wallets. Most of these establishments are located along Beach Road, Second Road and in the southern part of the city.
Beer bars and go-go bars
Pattaya is especially famous for its beer bars, which employ "girls for hire" for tourists who relax there. Beer bars can be found throughout the city, but are most concentrated along and around soi 7, soi 6, soi 8 and soi 13/2, Walking Street, at numerous locations on Beach Road, Second Road, and to a lesser extent throughout the city.
The staff of a typical beer bar is usually girls. If the client liked the girl, he must pay a "penalty bar" (money paid to the establishment so that the girl can leave work and go with the customer). While some of these bars cater to sex-seeking clients, no one minds patrons who just want to drink and watch.
Go-go bars are different from beer bars as they have bikini-clad girls dancing around a pole on stage. The main concentration is along Walking Street, Beach Road and Second Road. The use of cameras in go-go bars is strictly prohibited. Signs prohibiting photography are striking, some establishments require their visitors to deposit their cameras and camcorders. This rule is strictly observed: if caught filming, the visitor is thrown out into the street and may even be beaten.
The official closing time in "entertainment areas" is 01:00, although in practice it is usually somewhere between 01:00 and 03:00, depending on the location. The term "closing" is defined as turning off the music and the main lights, which is why many beer bars stay open until early in the morning. So, you have visited Pattaya and have some free time, but where to go? The most popular beer bars and go-go bars are as follows.
Walking Street(Walking Street), translated as Walking Street. Almost all the best that Pattaya has to offer tourists is concentrated here, including about 100 beer bars and at least 30 go-go bars, many restaurants. Worth seeing during the daytime but best visited in the evening when it comes alive with music and people fill the streets to experience a nightlife unique in every way in this city. On maps, the street is often referred to as Pattaya Sai 1. The official website of the street is www.walkingstreetpattaya.com
boyz town. Bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, fitness center, go-go bars, shows and entertainment in the area are mostly gay oriented. Site www.boyztown-pattaya.com
Soi L.K. Metro consists of various bars, hotels, go-go establishments, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, Internet cafes. Soi L.K. Metro is the longest stretch of walking street in Pattaya. District website www.pattayasoilkmetro.com
Soi 7 And soi 8. There are about 120 beer bars for every taste, there are several go-go bars, hotels, travel agencies and shops.
Soi Yodsak(Soi 6). One of the most colorful streets in Pattaya has about 50 bars. This is a one way street. It is much more "sex tourism" oriented than "tourism". In a pub with an interesting name "Hi Boss! 2002 Pub", transsexuals hang out, there is one go-go bar "Mandarin" (dancing from 17:00 to 01:00). The nearby lane soi 6/1 has a few "regular" open air beer bars.
second road at the intersection with Soi 2 and Soi 3. On the west side of Second Road, opposite the Central Festival Center, there are about 35 very popular beer bars that start to fill up with visitors from 16:00, and some of them remain open after 01:00 at night. Atlantic Bar is especially popular in the area.
Other establishments
Casino Club somewhat unusual go-go bar. Here the girls dance in clothes and without a pole. The Casino Club puts on several shows every evening in which girls dance topless. Despite the name, this is not a casino, but rather a combination of disco and go-go bar. Live atmosphere, techno music. Located in soi Diamond alley, opening hours: 21:00-07:00, website www.casinoclubpattaya.com
Peppermint Palace, perhaps the largest go-go bar in Pattaya. Several stages for the performances of young girls in various forms of clothing. Always crowded with visitors (when too many visitors block the entrance). Peppermint Palace is located on Walking Street.
Tim Bar Beer. Get here early as this is a popular spot and as the evening draws in, the company of dancers thins out before your eyes. There is an outdoor bar, a large screen for watching live broadcasts of football, cricket, rugby, Formula One. Tim Bar Beer is located on Second Road (opposite soi 12), website www.timbarpattaya.com
Carousel Beer Bar is a series of circular open bars that circle from 17:00 to 03:00. This al fresco beer bar is a unique attraction in Pattaya, being the city's only revolving bar. Carousel Beer Bar is located in the Diamond Arcade on Walking Street. More information on this website
Siren Bar Complex. This beer bar is an open-air row of racks surrounding a boxing ring. Demonstration fights take place at intervals between 22:00 and 01:00, the institution is open from 16:00-03:00. Siren Bar Complex is located at the end of Beach Road, in front of the Walking Street archway.
Popular cafes and restaurants
Cafe des Amis. This is one of the most popular restaurants in Pattaya. Cafe des Amis is located in a Thai house surrounded by beautiful garden. The atmosphere here is great, the service is very good and the food is just great. The menu is mainly French and Western, but there is a selection of traditional Thai food. After dinner, you can relax in the cozy lounge bar, enjoy coffee, cocktails or other drinks. Book a table in advance as this is a very popular place. Closed on Sundays. Address: 391/6 Moo 10, Thapphraya road 11, Pattaya, website http://cafedesamispattaya.com
Indian By Nature. Indian By Nature specializes in Indian food. The dishes on offer seem to represent all regions of India. The owner of the restaurant tries to always be in place, talking to visitors, always ready to help with the choice of dishes and combinations. Having tried several Indian restaurants in Pattaya, this one is the best due to the quality of food, service and atmosphere. They also have a lot of fusion food. Address: 306/64-68, Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Road, Pattaya, website www.indian-by-nature.com
Mantra Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant is part of the Amari Orchid Hotel. You can safely call it a restaurant of multinational cuisine, the menu includes Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian food. The advantage is that you can try a wide variety of dishes in one place. The impressively designed restaurant is located on two floors and can accommodate 180 guests at a time. Visit the wine cellar with over 160 branded wines from around the world, including rare bottles of wine. The service is excellent as the restaurant is in a 5 star hotel where service always comes first. Address: North Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya, site www.mantra-pattaya.com
Beefeater. One of the meanings of the word "beefeater", translated from English - "meat-eater". As the name suggests, the restaurant specializes in meat dishes. If you get tired of spicy Thai food, be sure to try their delicious steaks. A good choice drinks and many beers. Given the extensive menu, high quality and the reputation of this institution, the prices are not cheap. Located within walking distance from Central festival, Pattaya's largest mall. Address: 216/30-31 Central Shopping Arcade, Soi Diana Inn, | 2nd Road, Pattaya.
La Bocca Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria. This is an Italian restaurant and wine bar in Pattaya. In addition to traditional Italian dishes, there is a lot of Thai food on the menu list. Big choice wines are displayed for review on racks along the wall, you can choose according to your taste and budget. For smokers and non-smokers there is an open terrace in front of the restaurant. "La Bocca" also offers the delivery of their dishes. La Bocca is located on the left side of Theppraya Road from Jomtien Beach, opposite Jomtien Pig & Whistle Pub. Open daily from 17.00 to 23.30. Address: 315/172 Thappraya Road | Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, site www.laboccapattaya.com
Froggy's French Bistro. There are few cheap French restaurants in Pattaya with quality French cuisine. The advantage of this restaurant is that the prices are still low, and the food, service and decoration are more high level than any competitor. Try it and you won't be disappointed. Address: 145/42 Soi Paniac Chang 2, Pattaya, website www.froggyfrenchbistro.com
Au Bon Coin. This small restaurant is known for excellent French cuisine. It is advisable to book a table in advance, because the popular restaurant is almost always crowded with visitors. Au Bon Coin is located on Pratumnak Hill in Soi 9, website www.auboncoinpattaya.com
Bruno's Restaurant and Wine Bar. This is one of the most expensive restaurants in Pattaya and never lacks visitors. It specializes in dishes of European cuisine. A wonderful wine bar, a huge selection of wines for every taste and budget, is considered to be a feature of the institution. If you are not having dinner, you can relax in the lounge bar, try cocktails, strong alcohol, beer, at the service of guests free wifi Internet. Open for lunch from 12:00 to 14:30, dinner from 18:00 until late. Address: 306/63 Chateau Dale Plaza, Thappraya Rd | Nongprue, Pattaya, site www.brunos-pattaya.com
Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant. The menu of the restaurant "Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant" is dominated by Thai cuisine, there is also a special selection of European dishes. The restaurant caters to a lot of foreigners who are less spicy compared to the traditional very spicy Thai food. This unusually named restaurant is located within the Birds & Bees Resort in Hu-Kwang Bay. To access the restaurant, you follow a path through a tropical garden with ponds, streams, and footbridges. As soon as you reach the reception, you will see three mannequins wrapped in colored condoms. Tables are set under the crowns of tropical trees, illuminated by lanterns. Dine in a romantic al fresco setting overlooking the beach. The menu is illustrated with images of various dishes with descriptions in English and Thai, making it easy to order dishes thanks to the pictures. Address: 366/11 Moo 12 Phra Tamnuk Soi 4 Road, Pattaya, resort website www.cabbagesandcondoms.co.th, restaurant details at this link
Mata Hari. The fashionable Mata Hari restaurant specializes in European and Thai cuisine and has been attracting many foreigners for many years. The quality of food here is always excellent. Prices compared to other establishments of this class in Pattaya are the most reasonable. The restaurant is usually crowded, so reserve a table in advance. Address: 482/57 Moo 12 Thappraya Road | Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya, site www.mataharirestaurant.com
blue olive. This is a popular Mediterranean restaurant. Usually very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, so either arrive early (before 7pm) or make reservations. There is only one downside to the restaurant: it's not exactly easy to find, take a taxi to get to it. Address: 62/346 Moo12, Thepprasit Soi 8, Pattaya, website www.blueolivethailand.com
L "Arc. Stylish French restaurant with a pleasant atmosphere in the heart of the Jomtien complex (Jomtien complex), stands out from the many Thai eateries. A small restaurant always makes a good impression with the quality of French cuisine. Address: Jomtien Complex, Pattaya.
Temples and sacred places
Phra Tamnak Hill located on the border of Pattaya and Jomtien. A visit to the top of the mountain is included in most sightseeing tours of the city. From here opens best view on the bay of Pattaya in the shape of a crescent. At the top of the hill is Wat Khao Phra Bat, a Buddha statue and a monument to the founding father of the modern Thai Navy, Kromluang Chomponketudomsak. Phra Tamnak Hill is open to the public from 07:00 am to 10:00 pm. The entrance is free.
Khao Chi Chan. The laser beam engraved image of the Buddha on the Khao Chi Chan rock is not only a Buddhist shrine, but also the largest relief portrait in the world. The name in literal translation sounds like "Buddha the prophet who enlightens and shines like a diamond." The image is 130 meters high and 70 meters wide.
Temple of Truth. In 1981, billionaire Khun Lek began a grandiose construction, which he dubbed the Sanctuary of Truth. The main feature of the temple, 105 meters high, are numerous wooden sculptures. The monument is entirely made of wood. This is the main reason for the long construction, which is scheduled for completion in 2025. The Temple of Truth is located on a rocky coast 3 km north of Pattaya, in the small town of Naklua. More precise address: Soi 12, Naklua Road. This is an unfinished project, but is already open to the public from 09:00 to 18:00. As you wander through the Temple of Truth, marvel at the rich carvings that adorn every square inch of the building inside and out.
Wat Yansangwararam. This modern temple is located next to a beautiful lake, about 12 km south of Pattaya and 3 km from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Anek Kuson Sala Museum and Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan) are in close proximity. Open for visits daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What to do, tours by local tour operators
Quite an unusual attraction in Pattaya. It consists of a ball - a catapult attached to two towers with special cords. 2 participants sit in the ball. With the help of cords, participants at high speed rise into the air to a height of 50 meters at a speed of 100 km per hour. Located on Walking Street in the Bali Hai Plaza area, site www.2skypattaya.com
Descent on the ropes(zipline) in the rainforest called the Flight of the Gibon (Flight of the Gibbon). Two tours per day: the first one starts around 07:00, the second around noon. The total time, including the trip from Pattaya, is approximately 5 hours, of which about 2-3 hours will be spent in the forest. With a length of over 3 km and with 26 platforms, it is the longest zip line in Thailand. Located on the territory of Khao Kheo Zoo, 45 minutes from Pattaya. Site www.treetopasia.com
Skydiving from Thai Sky Adventures. Parachute jump in tandem with an instructor. First, a minute flight to a height of 4000 meters, then a jump and free fall at a speed of 200 km per hour for about 60 seconds, opening a parachute at an altitude of 1300 m above the ground. Those who wish are offered courses to learn skydiving. Site www.thaiskyadventures.com
Motorcycle trips by Enduro Madness Pattaya. Enduro Madness Pattaya offers motocross from one to eight days. Motorcycle trips in the vicinity of Pattaya, routes for 95% are on dirt roads. Tour participants have the opportunity to observe picturesque landscapes and Various types relief - waterfalls, high mountains, jungles, deserts, farms, pineapple plantations. This is an interesting tour to the jungle and countryside of Thailand. Various trails for every skill level. Site http://www.enduro-madness.com/
bungee jumping from a height of 60 meters. There are two bungee jumping towers in Pattaya, but this one is located in the very center of the city, so it is easy and convenient to get to it. In addition, it is considered the highest bungee jumping tower in Thailand. A beautiful panorama of the city and the bay opens from above. For an additional fee, they make videos and photos on CD. Second jump half price. Website www.pattayabungyjump.com
YachtPro Sailing School. Sailing to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Choose from a day trip, a night cruise, an entertaining regatta for a group of up to 80 participants. Site www.sailing-pattaya.com
Climate
The weather in Pattaya is hot all year round. The average temperature is + 29 ° C, the climate is conditionally divided into three seasons.
From November to February the weather is most favorable, with very little rain and not too hot (medium heat+31 °C, medium low +21 °C +22 °C). This is the peak of the influx of tourists, with high prices for accommodation and services.
March, April and May are the hottest months, with an average high temperature of +33 °C and an average low of +25 °C +27 °C. The intense heat is partially softened by the sea breeze. It often rains a little, refreshing the air, especially at the end of April and in May.
Intense but usually brief showers occur between June and October. This is the off season for tourism. The temperature fluctuates between a little over +30 °C during the day, and around +25 °C +27 °C at night. Bars and beaches are deserted, prices are minimal.
How to get there
Airplane
Tourists visiting Pattaya use the three nearest airports.
Suvarnabhumi airport(Suvarnabhumi Airport, www.suvarnabhumiairport.com) is located 110 km from Pattaya (40 km closer than Don Mueang Airport). A taxi ride will take between 90 and 120 minutes, much longer during rush hour. Airport taxis must be metered, air conditioned and less than five years old. The driver must have the appropriate airport license. When leaving the arrival hall of Suvarnabhumi Airport, visitors are surrounded by private taxi drivers offering to take them to any place in Thailand, but it is advisable to use the official airport taxi.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya can be reached by bus. To do this, you first need to get on a free bus from the arrivals area to the Airport Transport Center (Transport Center), and there already buy a ticket for one of the buses departing for Pattaya. Buses leave every two hours. Buses arrive at the terminal on North Road.
Arrange in advance with the hotel administration to meet you at the airport (or elsewhere in Bangkok), and take you to a Pattaya hotel, but such a service is not cheap.
Alternatively, you can use the services of the following specialized companies:
Utapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport(U-Tapao-Pattaya International Airport) is located about 30 km south of Pattaya, near the city of Sattahip (Sattahip) on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This is the military-civilian airport of Thailand, serving the cities of Rayong and Pattaya. The easiest way to get from Utapao to Pattaya is by direct minibus flight. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Or by railway. Travel time about 40-50 minutes, departure from Sattahip at 13:30, arrival in Pattaya at 14:21; departure from Pattaya at 10:18, arrival in Sattahip at 11:00. But be aware that there are no trains on Saturdays or Sundays.
Alternatively, you can use Don Mueang International Airport(Don Muang Airport, www.airportthai.co.th), it accepts international and domestic flights. The easiest way to get there is by taxi; the cheapest alternative is to travel by bus via Bangkok North Bus Station (Mo Chit) or by train.
How to get from Bangkok
Bus. The 1st class buses from Bangkok are air-conditioned, have a toilet and most importantly, a direct (non-stop) route. Departure from the East (Ekamai) and North (Mo Chit) bus terminals every 20-40 minutes, depending on the time of day, more often on weekends, the trip usually takes 2-2.5 hours.
Departure time:
From Bangkok East Terminal (Ekamai) to Pattaya: first flight at 04:30, last flight at 23:00;
from Pattaya to Ekamai East Terminal: first flight at 04:30, last flight at 23:00;
from the largest northern terminal of Bangkok (Mo Chit) to Pattaya: the first at 05:00, the last at 20:00;
from Pattaya to Bangkok North Terminal (Mo Chit): first flight at 05:20, last at 20:00
Buses from the South Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) depart much less frequently and take longer.
All 1st class buses to/from Bangkok arrive at the bus terminal on North Road. Tickets are sold at the bus station, it is not possible to book a bus ticket in advance. The longest queues for departure from Pattaya in the morning. The fact is that morning buses travel before the peak of traffic, and the trip can take as little as 90 minutes.
Second class buses (air-conditioned but without toilets) do not use the expressway. They make frequent (and sometimes long) stops, which means the journey takes significantly longer than a 1st class bus, which will stop once or twice to get passengers off at different places in Pattaya itself. Second class buses stop at the terminal on South Road. If you go to Jomtien, take the second class bus, many of them stop in Jomtien.
Train. The cheapest way to travel between Pattaya and Bangkok is by train. From Monday to Friday, once a day, the 3rd class (non-air-conditioned) train departs Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station at 06:50 and arrives at Pattaya Main Station at 10:18 to Sattahip City. He returns to Pattaya at 14:21 and arrives in Bangkok at 17:40.
Pattaya has two train stations, both east of Sukhumvit Road:
Pattaya Train Station is the main station. Buses await the arrival of the train and take them to any place in the beach area for 30 baht per person. At the station you can buy light snacks, chilled drinks, the station ticket office sells city maps.
Pattaya Tai Train Station is a small stop about 3 km from the main station. Since Pattaya Tai station does not have a ticket office, passengers board here without a ticket, which they purchase already on the train.
At the main railway station, tickets must be purchased before boarding. One train to Bangkok per day, no flights on weekends. Tickets to other cities in Thailand can be purchased in advance (maximum 60 days in advance) at the railway station from 08:00 to 16:00. Alternatively, tickets can be booked through Pattaya agencies, which will add 200-300 baht to the ticket price.
Traveling by train is the cheapest, but slower. The trip takes up to 3.5 hours, by bus from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
How to move around the city
Most of the hotels, nightclubs, bars, malls and shops are concentrated in an area spanning several kilometers, so the tourist area of the city is within walking distance.
songthaew. Pattaya, unlike the capital of the country, does not have tuk-tuk transport and most of the passenger traffic in the city is carried out by a flotilla of more than 700 songthaews. This is the most popular form of public transport, with a capacity of 12 passengers (10 in the back and 2 in the front). The fare is 10 baht for trips within Pattaya and Jomtien. There are several "buzzers" in the rear "salon", press the button in the right place to exit, if they do not work - knock on the roof.
Taxi. The fastest, cheapest, but not quite safe way movement around the city - motorcycle-taxi. They are easy to identify by the colored vests of the drivers with the number on the back. They wait for their clients near busy intersections in the city center, attracting attention by shouting and clapping their hands. Some of them carry two (or even more) passengers, although this is illegal. The cost of a short trip starts from 30-40 baht, agree on a price before the trip and pay when you reach your destination. If you wear gold jewelry, put it in your pocket or leave it in a hotel safe. Thieves can rip off gold jewelry from the neck right in the direction of travel in front of passers-by.
While there are metered taxis in Pattaya, very few use them. As a rule, they are all from Bangkok. Taxi drivers bring passengers from the capital, and then work around the city, trying to find a client for the return trip. Always bargain before you travel. The minimum fare for foreigners, even for a 1 km trip, is 150 baht. Not everyone understands English well. In order to avoid misunderstandings, indicate the desired location on the city map.
Accommodation
Hotels by attractions
Jomtien beach(Jomtien Beach), description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
At Oaking Street(Walking Street Pattaya), description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
Show Cabaret Alcazar(Alcazar Cabaret), description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
Koh Lan Island(Ko Lan Island), description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
Koh Sak island(Ko Sak Island), description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
Koh Krok Island(Ko Khrok Island), description of hotels in Russian on booking.com
Recommended hotels in the Pattaya North area, a description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
Recommended hotels in the Pattaya South area, a description of hotels in Russian on the booking.com website at this link
One of the most popular resorts in sunny Thailand, along with Phuket, Krabi province and Khao Lak, is Pattaya. It is visited by tens of millions of tourists all year round. Here, as in all of Thailand, the weather is always beautiful, juicy fruits, palm trees, sea, sun, a large number of hotels for every taste and budget with a good level of service. In our article, we will advise with whom and how best to travel around Thailand, as well as recommend private Russian guides in Pattaya.
Choosing this resort as their place of rest, tourists usually count on desperate adventures, a fun party, night walks, and during the day they either bask in the sun by the pool and swim in the sea, or go to meet something new - to explore the corners of Pattaya. It has everything for outdoor activities at sea - rental of water transport, paragliding, banana and bun rides, a lot of children's water activities. There is a great youth party in Pattaya - you will always find someone to meet and plan a vacation with, even if you arrived alone. But do not forget about getting to know the historical part of Thailand, visit the temples and caves, Buddha Hill and enjoy the views of the Gulf of Thailand!
Where to find a Russian guide in Pattaya
Thailand and in particular Pattaya are quite popular resorts and you will find a great variety of offers for excursions, sea cruises and tours. But how great is the demand and how great is the supply, at the same time, there is a great risk of getting into low-quality service, poor organization, one-day offices and unverified guides. We came to your aid and collected the top private guides in Pattaya, time-tested, by us personally and by many tourists who left their feedback on individual excursions published on the site.
Here are collected all the best Russian-speaking guides in different countries world and Pattaya guides are no exception. You will find the best deals on tours, guided walks, unusual excursions on non-tourist routes, as well as classic tours of the most famous attractions in Thailand.
TOP 3 private Russian guides in Pattaya
Ordering a guide in Pattaya and walking according to an individual program is now easier than ever, no need to fuss on the spot and frantically choose offers for excursions. You can in advance, while still at home, familiarize yourself with the dossier of each private Russian guide in Pattaya and book a tour in advance. All guides in Pattaya are collected for you. Next, we will introduce you to our most favorite guides.
TOP 3:
- 1 place —
An individual guide in Thailand, has been living in the country for a long time and has become a professional personal guide, well acquainted with the culture of the country, the nuances of life. Excursions with this guide in Pattaya are always safe, well organized, and the program is thought out to the smallest detail. If you value quality, experience and want to immerse yourself in the culture of the country, learning the most unusual and non-traditional places where you can’t get with a regular guide, Russian guide in Pattaya Sergey is your godsend. You can order a personal tour with a guide and work out your own route, designate in advance those places that are of interest to you and take a leisurely walk through them. Tourists of this private guide are always satisfied with the level of service and organization of each tour.
View a couple of the most popular tours with a Russian-speaking guide in Pattaya: or.
- 2nd place —
This individual guide in Pattaya has been organizing private tours for Russian tourists for more than 7 years. Your personal guide, caring and attentive to details, is more likely to be your best friend for one day. With zeal and curiosity, he tries to immerse you in the atmosphere of ancient Thailand, show you the most non-tourist places, he collected a lot of interesting facts about life in the country, about the life of the local population and strange features. Sergey is an excellent choice if you are looking for a guide in Russian in Pattaya, the relaxed atmosphere of his tours will appeal to you if you are traveling as a couple, as a family and if you have children with you.
- 3rd place —
The Russian guide in Pattaya represents a whole team of professionals - personal guides in Thailand. The guys love their job and have been creating high-quality individual excursions in Pattaya at an attractive price for many years. Their task is to surprise and entertain you, explore historical and modern Pattaya, walk through all the hidden streets and not typical areas where real life is in full swing, sometimes hidden from tourists. Breathtaking lookouts, where you will see the whole panorama of the city, and you can create amazing photos for memory. Interesting stories and legends, traditions and customs, these guys know their stuff and will help you get to know and love the “land of smiles”.
View details of Yuri's most popular route: .
Any questions about renting a house, moving around the country of smiles and organizing your leisure time, I take over.
In addition, you get a personal Russian-speaking guide - photographer for the entire period of your stay. I can offer ready-made routes or make an individual program. It all depends on your desires and capabilities.
Why you should contact me:
1. Because I traveled all over Thailand. I know local rules and regulations. Live here
2. Because I will not take you to a factory or pharmacy, as is customary in travel agencies.
3. Because I don't take money in advance. You pay for all third-party services yourself and see their real cost. My fee is discussed separately.
4. Because I love to travel and take pictures. Not only that, I can do it!
5. Because I will help you to reduce your expenses for a decent vacation.
6. Because I tried all the routes on my friends and relatives, and now I'm ready to take you on!
Description:
About 25 excursions!
One of them .... My trip with tourists along the route: San Xien Chinese Temple, golden mountain Khao Chi Chan, floating market, golden buddha mountain, Sanctuary of Truth, herbal steam rooms (Sursee massage). Everything seems to be good. The tour seemed to work out. But as they say, not without a fly in the ointment. The floating market is now paid - 200 baht per person. And around the Temple of Truth they arranged a park and now to enter the temple you have to pay 500 baht from your face. It looks like the leading Russian tour operators in Thailand are lobbying their interests. So for 50 baht per person, they took a picture of this monumental building from the observation deck. Everything else went well and the tourists were very pleased, especially the final wellness event with herbal steam rooms and a swimming pool.
Friends! In this story, my impressions of a trip to Pattaya and a little practical advice(Even though no one asked me for them).
First, I'll talk about the city itself. Whatever they say, I liked Pattaya! The first thing I felt was the smell, the smell of various spices, it was everywhere, it seemed to me that even my toothpaste, brought with me, smells of the same spices. However, the next day everything went back to normal. And the smells weren't that strong.
I lived in the center, not far from the famous WalkingStreet, in the 3* Beverly Plaza Hotel. About the hotel a little later. I have no regrets about being in this place. Nearby was everything you need. No problems with transport (tuk-tuks, taxis, bikes) at any time, during the day and late at night. A lot has already been written about WalkingStreet by tourists. She comes to life in the evening around five or six hours. The street becomes completely pedestrian. Here you have cafes and bars and discos and various depraved establishments, barkers at every turn, illumination, dancing girls, Thai boxing, magicians, in short, everything to break away or just stare. After passing through WalkingStreet, if you manage not to get stuck in some haunted or not very haunted place, you can go to the embankment. There are also cafes, shops and shops, souvenir shops. Swimming in this area is probably not possible, because. there is a pier for all kinds of watercraft, there are also floating restaurants, a road passes very close by. In short, this part of the coast should not be perceived as a beach at all. But in the evening it’s nice to take a walk here, a fresh breeze blows.
For those who live in the center like this, the closest thing is to take a tuk-tuk to the beach in the Pattaya Park hotel area, the tower of the Pattaya Park hotel can serve as a guide.
In general, the beaches in Jomtien are not bad for the city.
But this is if for some reason it was not possible to get to the island beaches. Which, by the way, is not a problem at all. You want by ferry, you want by boat. Ferry to about. Ko Lan costs only 30 baht. The boat costs something around 3000 baht. Another reason why I settled in this particular area is the proximity to the pier from which the ferry departs, only 7-10 minutes. walk from the hotel.
In general, I highly recommend arming yourself with a map. And as little as possible to believe everything that you hear from the guides, because. almost everything they say is a lie. I will also write about this below.
Everyone knows that the highlight of a holiday in Thailand is seafood. There is no shortage of them in Pattaya. The prices are very different. If we talk about cafes and restaurants in the WalkingStreet area and in general in the center, then it is very expensive here (this is by my standards, of course). But a little further from the center, for example, in the area of the same Pattaya Park, prices are lower. It's simple - the farther from the center the prices are lower. Also throughout the city, day and night, you can see mobile trays (from someone I heard such a name as “makashnitsa”) on which food is prepared and sold. Here you can try fish and seafood.
And don't be afraid to do it, the food here is fresher and better than in some cafes. Fruits are also sold from the same mobile trays, fruits are more expensive than in the markets. Throughout the city there are cafes and restaurants with completely different cuisines: Thai, Indian, European, McDonald's and KFC, and for those who managed to miss borscht, okroshka and kebabs, there is a fairly large selection of cafes with Russian cuisine. You can also taste seafood and fish in the markets: choose live crabs, oysters, mussels, huge shrimps, etc. and they will cook them for you right there, there are tables nearby, and you can buy alcohol, juices, fruits on neighboring stalls.
And, of course, Thailand is associated with massage for everyone. To deny yourself this pleasure is simply a sin! There are a lot of massage parlors in Pattaya. The pattern is the same as with restaurants: further from the main streets, cheaper. The types of massage are very different, this is the famous Thai massage, aroma massage with oils, after-sun massages, foot and head massages and spa treatments, etc. This is real bliss! Do not deny yourself this pleasure. I could never walk past a massage parlor in the evening. Again, do not listen to anyone who will assure you that this is all “not a real massage” and “all points will not be massaged for you there”, I don’t know what “all” points are and what kind of massage is “real”, I won’t argue with great connoisseurs, but I felt very good. I went to different salons and was satisfied absolutely everywhere. And once, after a sunburn, a massage with aloe vera balms came in handy as never before. The sun is very active. Therefore, we must be more careful. Very good protective and after-sun products can be bought at local pharmacies and shops.
Shops with everything you need (food, drinks, cosmetics, hygiene items) literally at every step. This and 7 Eleven and Family Mart are open around the clock. There are large shopping centers, for example, "Festival" clothing, shoes, etc., as well as a food court.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night markets open in Pattaya. No problems with currency exchange (points at every step), or withdrawing money from ATMs. You can quite easily change rubles directly. A profitable exchanger is located next to the Beverly Plaza Hotel, to the right of the entrance, in the same room with a jewelry store.
I also really liked the buffet restaurant at Pattaya Park Hotel. This is the same round tower. You pay 600 b and enjoy various seafood delicacies. I gave myself this little celebration the night before I left. In the same tower there is an observation deck, and the restaurant itself rotates.
Now a little about the hotel. Beverly Plaza is an ordinary 3* hotel with tolerable breakfasts that start at 6 o'clock and finish at 10, I think. Fried eggs, sausages, ham, cheese sandwiches, yogurt, cereal, bread, toast, croissants, jam, butter, fruits (usually one thing - pineapple, bananas), in addition, there is rice, chicken, some potato balls, vegetables, drinks : tea, coffee, milk, juices. For people accustomed to five *, this is perhaps a bit poor, but for me it is quite normal. I had a superior room on the 4th floor. The bed and towels were changed every day, they were cleaned quite cleanly, I have no complaints, a clean sanitary unit, new sanitary equipment. The furniture in the room, however, is quite simple and not very new, a wardrobe, a double bed, a flat-screen TV (a bunch of music channels, there are information channels in English, and local channels), a table, a spacious chest of drawers, a couple of chairs, bedside tables. The air conditioner worked fine. The window of the room overlooked the courtyard overlooking the pool, unfortunately. it did not open, but there were no problems with drying bathing accessories, they could be hung either in the bathroom or on the bar window frame With inside. Wifi in the room worked fine. The room has a mini-bar fridge. I didn't find any bed bugs or anything else in the room.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that when you check into the hotel, they will ask you for $ 50 as a deposit, when you check out, after checking the room, making sure that you have not broken or broken anything, the money will be returned to you.
The staff speaks English, so there will be no problems asking to prepare a lunch box, handing over a note to someone, accepting and handing over purchases delivered from the store. Although, there is a very funny accent, but then you get used to it. There is a free safe at the reception.
The pool is quite good, it seems, it doesn’t look dirty (although I never swam in it), there are sun loungers, towels, some greenery around. If you suddenly did not go to the beach, you can sunbathe here perfectly.
A lot of Indians come to the hotel, they sometimes talk quite loudly, gather large groups, for myself, again, I didn’t feel any discomfort because of them, but several times I heard from other hotel guests that they were worried about this. I can’t say anything, because. I didn’t spend much time in the hotel during the day and in the evening, and my sleep is sound, perhaps because of my thick skin, I didn’t get it.
Now I want to dwell on the work of the tour operator (I used the services of Coral Travel) and the features of the excursion programs.
For the first time, I encountered such rudeness, lies and unprofessionalism on their part. On the way from the airport, we were accompanied by a guide who did everything so that the tourists who arrived realized that they had made a mistake by choosing given place for relax. And, of course, it is possible to fix a ruined vacation in advance only by buying a bunch of excursion programs from this tour operator (and, as it turned out later, a lot of people resort to this practice of lies, intimidation and misinformation. Similar stories were told to me by tour operators of other operators).
Airport transfer was terrible. I arrived in Bangkok at 8 am local time, and could only get to the hotel at 3 am. On the way from the airport, we had one "technical" stop in a very expensive and dirty cafe, we spent about an hour there. Probably, they tried to force us to buy food and drinks there at exorbitant prices. Then, when we arrived in Pattaya, we circled around the city for a long time, while tourists were taken to hotels. And for a very long time it went on in the center, the driver made a mistake and turned to those hotels, the guide could not agree on the sequence of the route with him, there were no announcements that “there will be such and such a hotel, get ready for such and such guests” was not! It is possible that the guide himself was not very well oriented. As a result, due to the confusion, a lot of time was lost: no one could understand which hotel was next, which hotel they were approaching now, while the guide continued to grind nonsense. The only thing he did was hand out maps of the local mobile operator and brochures indicating the time of the meeting with the hotel guide. I put the SIM card in an old phone and safely forgot about it, I used my usual number in roaming perfectly, which for me was 60 rubles a day and 20 minutes of incoming calls for free. If you don’t plan to contact anyone in Thailand, then you shouldn’t deposit money on such a “donated” card, firstly, there is some kind of minimum threshold, and secondly, if you don’t say it, the money will simply remain.
The meeting with the hotel guide wasn't helpful either. Again, lies, intimidation with all conceivable and unthinkable horrors (like warnings in case you dare to escape from the tenacious hands of the tour operator), from poisoning to arrest for loud conversations on the street, aggressive imposition of expensive excursions, which in fact turn out to be no excursions, but simply shop tours.
Do not rush to buy excursions from guides (!!!), compare with the options for excursions in street bureaus, there are a lot of much more interesting and sometimes cheaper options, especially for a trip to the river. Kwai and all kinds of fishing, diving, elephant riding and other active programs. And do not listen to the guides' crazy stories about how “one woman went with us and was forgotten at night in the jungle”, these bureaus value their reputation much more than tour operators.
Probably, for many, the cost of the tour includes a “free” sightseeing tour of Pattaya, I strongly advise you NOT to go on it. Because the main part of this trip is shops with all sorts of rubbish and even a real estate agency (!). Don't be fooled by such names as "spice garden", "bee farm". These are just ordinary stores with very expensive products and a small decorated courtyard around the store. It turned out very funny with this very “bee farm”, I bought into the proposal for an excursion to the zoo, which I regretted very much, because. the zoo itself was only an hour and a half there, the guide drove the group at a crazy pace, not letting them linger and see at least something, and there was something to see at the zoo:
and much more.
As it turned out later, in order to have time to visit 4-5 stores. First on the list was the "bee farm". A store specializing in the sale of honey and all sorts of things related to the honey theme, such as bee bread, some kind of mead tinctures, and so on. In the yard, against the backdrop of several beehives, the group was met by an extremely talkative peasant, he endlessly went and talked nonsense, made non-existent diagnoses right and left, mixing it all up with jokes from the “below the belt” category. Our guide disappeared to no one knows where, and the group was taken to one of several auditoriums, seated at tables, and the same man began to lecture on the benefits and uniqueness of the goods offered. Here, one after another, he took out jars of “royal jelly” (no less than a liter in volume!), then “unique” honey, then boxes of “pollen”, he smeared all this on his hands and faces, which became somber from such impudence of tourists, offered to try some kind of muddy slurry in cups. He declared all the men present to be impotent, and the ladies, respectively, to be barren, frigid, wrinkled climactic, children lagging behind in development. In short, if you've ever had the "happiness" of meeting Herbalife sellers and Jehovah's Witnesses, you'll know the tricks without fail. After the lecture, the thirsty audience was finally released to the coveted counters, where everyone could satisfy their needs for "royal jelly", "nectars", "balms" and other drugs that had become so essential in their lives. At the end of the second hour of stay in this institution, the guide finally showed up. The people, fairly overstocked with beekeeping products (which, apparently, cannot be found in Russia even during the day with fire), began loading onto the bus. The next in the “excursion” program was a certain coffee shop, where, according to stories, visitors were offered to buy coffee, which was eaten and almost digested by some rodents and also gave a lecture. Personally, I interrupted the “excursion” and went to the beach, fortunately, I guessed in advance to take the necessary things with me.
All the same things that are imposed on you in these shops, and not only, you can easily buy in the evening, walking around the city. There are enough shops and large shopping centers in Pattaya. Otherwise, you will simply lose precious time that can be spent much more usefully on the beach or in a massage parlor. In addition, many large stores specializing in some kind of products such as "latex factory", leather goods stores, jewelry stores provide free transfers for those who wish.
Previously, I did not have to deal with the approach when a shop tour is sold under the guise of an excursion, I consider this an ordinary deception on the part of the tour operator.
Everything else, such as a crocodile farm, temple complexes and a viewing platform, you can visit on your own. The same applies to other places in Pattaya. Taxi and tuk-tuks will cost you much cheaper than a "tour". Especially if you are traveling with family or friends. In addition, you do not have to dangle in a huge bus. The cost of local excursions starts somewhere from $ 30 per person, which is not at all low at today's rate. I bought another local excursion to Nong Nooch, which I simply refused to go on, of course it’s a pity for money, but I didn’t want to lose a precious day of warmth, summer and gentle sea. For no reason did I fly from Moscow for 10 hours (and even with a flight delay) to sit in a locked auditorium and listen to vulgarity.
In general, all these Nong-nuchi, "crocodile farms" are just parks with well-designed landscape design, trees, mini-zoos (very good), pebbles, of course, it’s not bad for photographs.
I would also like to note that during the visit to numerous shops and shops there is absolutely no opportunity to eat something normally or buy water. Tourists sometimes just had to sneak out to buy some hamburger or water. From the guide, in response to complaints about this, you will hear only grins. So think about what it would be like if you went, for example, with a child. You were picked up from the hotel before breakfast, or you only had time to eat in a hurry, because the buses are large, and picking up from different hotels is not a fast thing. In the courtyards of shops, as a rule, there are small tents with food, or buffets, but there, firstly, it is very expensive, and secondly, not everyone wants to eat in dry food, and, by the way, this dry food will be at the price of a festive dinner.
As for the boat trip, I can’t express any special admiration either. But, of course, it pleases that at least visits to shops and real estate agencies were not included here. And the guide at the beginning of the tour announced: “This day belongs only to you, today is your day of rest!” As if all other days were not supposed to belong to tourists, although, indeed, can one really consider sitting at a desk in the audience as a rest, or running around real estate agencies with the impossibility of even having a full meal once in 8-9 hours.
So, we visited 2 island beaches on a speedboat, one on the small island of KO TALU,
the other, located in the hotel zone, on the island of Koh Samet.
The excursion program included a buffet (nothing special, just a snack), and also in the hotel area you could relax in a sun lounger or on the terrace, take a walk in the hotel park and take a shower after swimming. We visited good beaches: on the first island of fish in clear water; a little further from the shore, white sand corals begin. But, I can’t say that the beaches of these islands are much more beautiful and better than on about. Ko Lan. By the way, the road from Pattaya to about. Koh Lan on a ferry is much more like a boat trip than hitting the fifth point on a speedboat. Meanwhile, during the meeting with the hotel guide, and on the way from the airport, what horrors did I hear about the island of Koh Lan! According to representatives of the tour operator, this is just a garbage dump, a tourist will be able to see the sea and beaches only if he buys tickets for trips to the islands. I have nothing against trips and various programs, and the beaches on the islands are undoubtedly good, but you can’t lie like that.
Yes, here is another one of the so-called lies (as one literary character): when we arrived at the small island of KO TALU, the guide recommended that we go up to the observation deck and take a picture of the view, told us that a good road leads there through the forest, no special shoes are needed to climb, and even instead of a railing, a rope is stretched along the entire road. There was a rope. But there is no need to even talk about any observation platform. On this road, very steep (without proper shoes, you risk falling off and breaking your legs, and even if you have it, you also need to be able to walk on steep slopes) you will find yourself at a great height, the edge of a cliff, quite dangerous. Sea views are always beautiful, especially from a height, but to recommend people without equipment and skills, who just came to the beach, to sunbathe, you can’t climb such a dangerous top! From the forest, you immediately go out to the crumbling edge of the cliff, just take a step out of the thickets (from where you can’t really see anything) and you are over the abyss. Spin at this moment a person's head, he will immediately fly down to the stones.
You can judge for yourself from the photo.
It was a good trip to Bangkok. Although the program included a visit to the new one instead of visiting the old palace. It's certainly beautiful - royal gifts, jewelry, golden thrones, embroidered silk fabrics, paintings on silk, which struck me so much, and all that. There is also a wooden palace not far away, nothing interesting, old wooden house with large window frames, galleries and terraces, and also with a bunch of guards, such well-trained aunts in uniform, vigilantly watching visitors. I never understood what was so heavily guarded in this junk. There is nothing special to tell in this carved wooden dacha. Some portraits hung on the walls, old photographs of members of the royal family, and other miscellaneous items: dishes, albums, figurines, etc. But in the large palace there really was something to see. Its building itself was built in the European style, there is a park nearby, inside, it resembles a huge cathedral, and, as I wrote above, a lot of beautiful things are collected there. Here, no one accompanied us, we were simply given an audio guide. Volunteers are on duty in the halls of the palace, who will answer any questions (they have quite normal English). Photography is not allowed inside the palaces. I still understand why you can't take pictures inside this wooden house, simply because after looking and realizing that there is nothing more to do here, tourists will not come, but I don’t know why it’s forbidden to take pictures inside the large palace. In general, a strict system of admission to the territory of the palaces is something, everyone is examined for compliance with the dress code, they check the presence of phones and cameras (they must be handed over to the storage room), in short, it seems that you are not going to the museum, but as part of a group of observers to the production facility of some company that is terribly afraid that its secrets will be learned by competitors. As for the dress code, everything is also as usual: in those places where a large number of assorted visitors try very hard to force it to be observed, it turns out to be a homeless uniform. Compromises, in the form of aprons given out at the entrance and beach pareos stocked up in advance with them, point-blank not wanting to look like the outfits of court ladies and gentlemen, which, of course, would be more appropriate in these interiors, for some reason are considered more aesthetic than jeans, T-shirts, skirts above the knee and shorts. For some reason, the sight of a shantrop tied with rags and in slippers (but with "closed noses") does not bother the eyes. Well, be that as it may, it is better to wear or take with you something that covers your shoulders, shorts are also prohibited, and applies to both boys and girls. If you forget, no problem. You can buy such a large apron with strings at the entrance and do not forget about closed shoes. Also, take your socks. In a wooden palace, you will have to take off your shoes altogether, and you have to do this far enough from the entrance to a special room, so if you don’t want to grab a fungus (it’s all too early for a palace, it’s not a palace), it’s better to play it safe, they will also come in handy in temples, they also take off their shoes there (if anyone doesn’t know).
Then we visited the temple, which has a statue of Buddha made of gold.
And then we visited the tallest building in Bangkok - the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, where we had a very good lunch on some seventy floors, it was a buffet of various delicacies, including sea ones; sweets; fruits; drinks. From the windows of the building offers a stunning view of the capital! Like skyscrapers in the palm of your hand, with gardens and swimming pools on the roofs; road junctions in several levels! Here we climbed to a rotating observation platform.
The next number was again ... a store ... We spent almost 2 hours in duty free. Again, maybe someone will find it useful, but in this case it could be given to those who do not want to wander around the store, free time and arrange a meeting place. But no, we were just unloaded near the Dutik building, the guide disappeared again. Of course, you could just wander around somewhere. Which is what I did.
But in the evening there was the culmination of the trip - night riding on a pleasure yacht along the river. The program included a show of transvestites, a buffet and, of course, stunning views of Bangkok at night.
On excursions like the river. Kwai (2 days), or Cambodia (4 days) I did not go. It's too lazy for me. And I didn’t want to go far from the warm sea. Maybe if the vacation was 25-30 days, it's a different matter.
In addition to what was written above, I myself rode around Pattaya, the temple of truth, an aquarium, a night observation deck on a hill (for me it’s night, because it made me crazy to go there late in the evening),
traveled to several beaches on about. Ko Lan.
I will write a little about Fr. Ko Lan. This is an island with white sand and clear water, in some places there are a few pebbles. The sea carries various shells and coral fragments. All beaches have very good cafes, relatively clean toilets and showers, everywhere you can rent a sun lounger (80-100 baht), or stay in the shade under the trees for free. I liked the beach called Monkey, where you can see monkeys. Once I watched from the sea as they descended from the forest along the slope, made their way to the beach, they say sometimes they carry bottles with leftovers of alcohol, but I did not see them go further than the edge of the beach, where tourists who came running photographed them and fed them with bananas. There is a monkey island near Pattaya, I didn’t go there, but they say they just go in flocks there.
still very good on Thien, although it is not very deep there and you have to walk a little, but a cool view
also on this beach there is enough shade from low trees and there I saw such huge and beautiful butterflies, it’s a pity that I couldn’t take a picture of them, the smallest Ta-Yai beach is located on the northern tip of the island, there are very few people here. You can get to any beach from the pier either by tuk-tuk (30 baht) or with a driver on a motorbike (I went that way and highly recommend) the cost is 50-70 baht (depending on the distance).
I left for the island in the morning at 7 o'clock, by the first ferry. I went to the pier through WalkingStreet, in the morning it has a completely different look. After a night out on the steps of establishments, customers who have gone over with alcohol fill up their sleep, representatives (and representatives, why be modest) of the oldest profession are driving around on motorbikes after a hard night, there is a terrible smell, the whole street is vomited, littered with garbage and rose petals (this is what is left of yesterday's bouquets that street vendors sell to visitors, these are not even bouquets, whole armfuls of roses). And at this time you can meet here Buddhist monks they go begging. Once I saw such a picture: in the middle of all this bidlam and stink, in front of the entrance to some cafe, there are four monks, a woman kneels in front of them (apparently, an employee of this cafe), she reads some kind of prayer, folding her hands, and then gives the monks food and they go on. For some reason I felt embarrassed to film this scene. A frame would be interesting.
You can also watch how the locals take care of the “houses of spirits” early in the morning, this is something like altars with figurines of deities and animals. In size, these houses are completely different, from huge, near hotels and large stores, to the tiniest, I saw these in small street cafes. These houses are decorated with garlands of flowers and offerings are placed to them - food, drinks, incense. In large shopping centers, jewelry stores, these offerings are very rich. There are several types of meat and expensive alcohol, and fruits (well, I'm talking about food again). In simpler places, the offerings are appropriate. It can even be a cup of rice and a bottle of fanta. There will definitely be chopsticks nearby, and a cocktail straw will be stuck into the bottle, or the drink will be poured into a glass (in fact, spirits cannot eat with their hands and not drink from their throats). Even if there is no altar, there can still be such a plate and a drink next to a tree, or just on a step.
There are almost no tourists on the first ferry, but many locals. They also carry boxes, bags, boxes, packages with all kinds of provisions, souvenirs, things, flowers. The road to the island takes about 30 minutes. By the way, you can take good photos with views of Pattaya from the ferry.
On the island, not far from the pier, there is a 7-eleven shop, nearby the market sells swimwear, slates, masks, etc. The tuk-tuk stop is very close to the store (to the left of the exit), there will be motorbikes right there. Call the driver the beach you need, and he will take you. To get your bearings, there is a map and pictures with views of the beaches nearby. If you take a tuk tuk, then you may have to wait, because. for example, many people quickly gather on Samae, but on small beaches, the driver will wait for passengers.
In the morning, there are very few people on the beaches (I don’t mean Samae). This is the perfect time for those who like to pose for photos against the backdrop of the sea and palm trees without the presence of someone's beer belly or cellulite in a beautiful frame, or for those who just want to shoot landscapes, although the early hour does not guarantee that a couple of ubiquitous Chinese will not fit into the frame.
On the beaches, both on the island and on the city, there are all kinds of sellers of souvenirs, ice cream, masseurs. They also offer pearls, the prices for it are different, you can bargain, and you need to look at the quality. Sometimes in the store you come across a thing that is less interesting than what is offered on the beach. There are a lot of pearls grown in Thailand, so you can hardly run into a fake. I hope that no one will be deceived by the offer to buy a belt made of crocodile leather, or a purse made of stingray, these things are really better to buy in stores.
On about. Ko Lan, in principle, there is an opportunity to meet sea urchins but I've only seen them at depth. This is absolutely no reason for the fear that guides love to catch up with them so much. Telling that only with a tour you can get to the beach, "which is cleaned from sea urchins." I do not think that on the small island of KO TALU someone with nonsense or manually caught them. But if you are already very suspicious, then it is enough to take coral slippers with you, by the way, you can walk on pebbles in them.
On all beaches, including small ones, there is a rental of jet skis and all sorts of skiing there. I know that 30 minutes of riding a jet ski will cost around 1 thousand baht, people are somehow bargaining.
Cafes on the beaches Ko Lan is also good, the prices are quite normal. There is a choice, as elsewhere, you can eat fish and chicken or this famous tom yam soup with shrimp, I am completely delighted with it. You can sit at a table in a cafe, or you can bring an order to a sun lounger if you wish. As elsewhere they make fruit mixes with ice, alcoholic cocktails, they sell fruits.
You can also go back to the pier either by tuk-tuk or by bike, during the day they are spinning all the time even on the smallest beaches. The last ferry from the island leaves at 6 pm. Ferries run every half hour, I think. Well, at least once an hour.
The markets have a very large selection of fruits, I don’t know if it’s possible to try everything. I really liked the mangosteen, it's such a thing that looks like a small and medium persimmon, in a hard skin that needs to be peeled, and inside there is a pulp that looks like a head of garlic, very tasty. Only this mangosteen is very expensive, as much as 300 baht.
A very good thing is a fruit mix with ice, several types of fruits (although there are one or two) in a blender are mixed with a small amount of ice. You can drink the mix instead of any soda. Oh useful. It is sold almost everywhere, like ice cream.
So, summing up, I am quite satisfied with the time spent in Pattaya. I hope that from what I have written you can learn at least something that can be useful for those who will come to Pattaya for the first time.
As for my complaints about the tour operator’s approach, I want to say the following: I have nothing against shop tours, many people need them, everyone knows how it happens in Greece, for example. No one drags you into fur shops by deceit, offering a trip to some monastery. In the same Greece, there are trips related to real estate, but they are announced as they are, and are sometimes even free. And they are used by people with relevant goals, and not by those who wanted to take a picture with an elephant at the zoo, but instead ended up at a lecture at a real estate agency or at a factory producing orthopedic mattresses.
I will certainly go to Thailand again, but, most likely, in this direction, as well as in others, I, or my relatives and friends, are unlikely to ever use the services of Coral Travel, since not professionals work here, but boors and dishonest people. And if they, instead of their long-term clients (and I used their services for several years and recommended them to relatives and friends before), they need all sorts of second-rate rubbish sellers, let them stay with them.
When I was going on a trip to Thailand and specifically to Pattaya for the first time, I turned to the Internet in search of travel information and practical advice, but I was faced with a huge number of disparate reviews that completely confused everything. So the idea came up to write your thesis review, on the most relevant aspects of the trip, which may interest every tourist.
(at the time of the trip - spring 2015, 1 baht cost 2 rubles, so just multiply the price in baht by 2)
Let's go in order:
1. Flight
Direct flight Moscow - Bangkok was 6.5 hours. Back - 8 hours (due to the rotation of the Earth, if anyone is interested J). Once again, I was convinced that flying at night, although practical in order to save daytime time, is completely inconvenient, since you hardly sleep and then the whole day is broken, so it’s better to fly during the day.
2. Bangkok Airport
One of the main transit centers of the region, therefore quite large, but well organized, so it is quite difficult to get lost. Immediately at the airport, guests are met by transfers and taken to hotels (everything is standard).
3. Sea
A very common opinion is that the sea in Pattaya is dirty, the beaches are garbage dumps, and you can’t run into good places. This is only remotely true. It must be understood that we are talking about a large port city, so swimming in the center is better not worth it. The beaches within the city are quite clean, but the water is not very good, but even in this form the sea is not inferior to the resorts Krasnodar Territory. There are surprisingly few water activities, as well as beach cafes. There are quite a lot of sea urchins in the sea, especially near the rocks, so you have to be extremely careful, especially at low tide. The best sand and the cleanest sea, of course, on the islands.
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4. Islands
There are special excursions around the islands, including distant ones. But everyone swims to the big island opposite - Koh Lan. There are several beaches on this island and 2 of them are served by ferries from the port of different prices and speeds. The best solution is to sail to any of the beaches and move around the island from beach to beach, either by tuk-tuk or by moped. There are many cafes on the island, in which prices are the same as on the mainland and there are hotels where you can stay overnight. Another way to travel is to rent a boat on the beach near the hotel. Its cost is 2500 baht and it sails to any of the beaches at the request of the client, from where it then picks up passengers at the agreed time. This way of visiting the island, although more expensive, is much faster and more pleasant, and fellow travelers can always be found on the beach, fortunately, it accommodates 8-10 people and the price per person is, as a result, low. There are 2 more small islands nearby, with lonely beaches, but you can also visit them only by boat.
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5. Moves
Tuk-Tuks go around the city - these are blue ISUZU pickups, where people crowd and ride, like in a minibus, only in an open body and get out on a bell. They are cheap - 10-40 baht, but catching such a tuk-tuk is quite difficult, since for the most part they stand on the side of the road and carry people just like a taxi at a completely different rate - 100-200 baht in the city. But there is a more pleasant and cheaper way - it's a moped taxi. For 100 baht, he will take you with a breeze through half the city without standing in traffic jams.
6. Moped
You can rent a moped anywhere and quite inexpensively - 150-300 baht per day + a deposit of 500-1000 baht. Gasoline is sold in roadside stalls in 1.5-liter whiskey bottles. One such bottle costs 40-50 baht and lasts for 60 kilometers.
For the first time in my life I rode a moped, and even on the road with left-hand traffic. It's easy enough to manage. And at difficult intersections, where you can get confused, you just drive like everyone else. I managed to ride both in the center and on the highway, and I must say that it’s nice and very comfortable to ride a moped, unless you get stuck behind a smelly bus, although it’s already hard to drive a long distance without stopping. Here I would like to emphasize that the Thais, contrary to the warnings of the guides, drive quite well, are not nervous on the road and always let them through. In short, riding a moped is a pleasure if there is no goal to go to distant lands.
7. Pattaya City
Big tourist city main resort northern coast of the country. The city is stretched along the sea, and you can drive it completely by car in an hour. The city is divided into several districts, the most crowded of which is central Pattaya. To the north of it is an area for a relaxing family holiday. And to the south of the center there are more cheerful areas, they are also more “Russian”, although all the hectic life, especially at night, takes place exclusively in the central part.
8. City sights.
Apart from the famous Walking street and various shows, there are only 2 interesting objects. This is a Buddhist temple of truth, located in the very north of the city, on the shore. Very beautiful and colorful wooden temple, worthy of attention. And Buddha Hill, which is a park on the slopes of the hill, a complex of temples of various religions with a pond and several gilded Buddha statues on the top of the hill, from where beautiful view to the city. An interesting place to walk for a couple of hours.
9.Walking street (Walking Street)
Pedestrian street in the central part of the city, which starts near the port. Clubs, bars, striptease, cafes and other establishments are concentrated here. Crowds of people, music from all cracks, all kinds of fragrances, trances, Thais in search of love, it's all here. I must say that on the transverse streets, the same assortment, only on a smaller scale. In general, debauchery and nightly fun are here. If you are looking for such a holiday, you definitely come here. If this is alien to you, it is better not to come at all, even for the sake of interest.
10. Trances, lady-boys and other living creatures.
This goodness is in abundance here, although most of all are ordinary local girls who please Western men in years who come for a long time in large companies to find a young girlfriend. For these purposes, there are special institutions designed for such acquaintances. More exotic locals are also found, but less often, although many come to communicate with them. In general, if you don’t walk late at night on Walking Street, then you won’t meet any excited trances and annoying prostitutes (as they say) on other streets.
11. Guides and excursions
Everything the guides say is absolutely untrue:
- buy only our excursions, they will throw you around the corner!
- do not take a car, Thais do not know how to drive;
- you take a moped, they will instantly knock you down;
- it is dangerous in the evening, they will rob;
In general, excursions are not cheap. Nearby ones cost about 800 - 1000 baht, and those that are for a couple of days 2200-3500 baht. Street firms offer about the same choice of places, but a little cheaper. I describe the most popular ones, based on the numerous reviews of tourists with whom I managed to talk (I don’t remember the prices for all).
Flight of the Gibbon is an up close and exciting bungee ride into the jungle. Everyone really likes it, but a little expensive - 2500 baht.
On a yacht through the islands - the name speaks for itself. Interesting, beautiful and expensive.
Millennium Stone Garden- not far, but boring, although in the evening there is a beautiful backlight.
Khao Kheo Zoo- a large and interesting zoo, especially interesting for those with children. It's close, but it's hard to get there on your own. The price is about 700 baht.
Samet Island is considered the best island in the region. It's a long drive, so it's better to spend the night. In essence, this is the same island of Koh Lan, only bigger and more interesting. Price - 2200 baht.
Bangkok - day tour to the capital. Everything is obvious here. If you are interested in a metropolis with an Asian flavor, then welcome. About 800 baht.
Ayutthaya - the ruins of the ancient capital and temples. In my opinion, such trains will appeal to those who are really interested in history and architecture. If you're not one of them, it's probably not worth the trip. The price is 1200 baht.
River Kwai - according to many, the absolute best excursion. An informative and varied trip to the jungle with an overnight stay and visits to various natural sites. The price is 2500 baht.
Cambodia - visit the temple complex of Angkor Wat. Very interesting,
but too vain tour. In general, you can get to Cambodia on your own. And if time permits, it makes sense to go there for a couple of days, just do not forget that you need to apply for a visa there via the Internet.
A separate topic is a free tour, as a gift. Under the pretext of visiting a crocodile farm or a garden of local plants, they take you on a real shopping tour for the whole day, to all partner stores at once, where the world's best cosmetics, leather, jewelry, pillows, etc. It's nice, of course, to go for free at least for a small, but informative excursion, but then shopping for half a day is no longer fun.
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12. Where to go on your own?
Almost all interesting places outside of Pattaya are either too far away or inconvenient to get to. Based on these factors, the Wat Yan temple complex and the golden Buddha turned out to be the optimal object for the visit, where we went together on the same moped. You need to go to the main highway in the north of the city, turn south and go to the Wat Yan sign or ask the locals. The trip took a little over an hour.
In general, Wat Yan is a large park and temple complex, where temples of different faiths and cultures are located. Lots of really beautiful and colorful buildings. But the Chinese big temple, which stands on the opposite shore of a picturesque lake, stands out in particular. It is necessary to allocate separate time for it to inspect the countless different Chinese statues inside. Not far from the temple there is a rock on which the outline of a seated Buddha is laid out in gold. The building impresses with its scale and is located in a picturesque area.
In truth, you can go to all the tourist spots by taxi. They even have special prices and routes for the same sightseeing sites and prices are slightly lower than excursions, but they are incomparably more convenient, although there is no travel information.
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13. Where to go in the evening?
In addition to numerous cafes, restaurants, clubs and bars, you can visit various events in the city, such as the X show, for example, with a deeply erotic bias, or the Alcazar and Colosseum transvestite shows, where selected shemales parade in outfits to music. You need to pay about 500 baht for such a dubious pleasure. There is also a stadium at the entrance to the city, where Thai boxing fights take place daily. This is more of an entertainment for the locals, but tickets for this event come across in local excursion shops.
14. Thai massage
Salons are just around the corner, not to mention hotels. Average price of a standard general massage- 300 baht. I tried 5 different types massages in 5 different salons. Nicely relaxing, but nothing supernatural. After listening to enthusiastic stories, I was expecting something more, although to get an hour massage for 600 rubles. probably good enough in and of itself.
15. Local cuisine
Everything is very sharp. This must be borne in mind and always ask without spices. It is unrealistic to eat a standard local dish. A couple of delicious soups had to be left behind. In general, the choice of dishes is quite large, although the main ones are rice, chicken and seafood. The king of all dishes is Tom Yan soup and its many variations. Very tasty, satisfying and inexpensive, especially when you remember its pathetic semblances in Moscow sushi restaurants. Shark and crocodile dishes were not surprising, but it was interesting to try. From drinks they offer local light beer and various smoothies, for some reason no one makes ordinary juice. I was pleased with the local wine made from local fruits.
The price of an ordinary lunch in a cafe, without alcohol, is about 400-500 baht for two.
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16. Fruit
A large selection that is definitely worth a try. The most expensive of all, Mangosteen, stood out in particular. It looks like a small burgundy apple, the cloves are like garlic, the taste is very unusual. Particularly noteworthy are mangoes, which are inexpensive, while incredibly tasty and juicy.
The famous stinky fruit Durian is really stinky and has an inexplicable taste, although it is most interesting to try other things with its taste, such as ice cream, cookies, chewing gum, sweets, which are especially sold at the airport.
In general, the fruits did not seem cheap. Although they are exotic, they are grown there on nearby plantations. At the same time, slicing mango (as we have slicing cheese) will cost 50. Plus or minus. The rest of the fruits are about the same price category. Everything costs less by weight, but this way you also pay for branches, bones, peel.
Usually everyone buys fruit on the way back and picks up special baskets that are sold in any fruit tent. Such baskets can be taken in hand luggage, on an airplane and there are no problems with them, unless you put Durian in there).
17. Shopping, markets and prices.
Huge selection of beach junk and souvenirs in the resort area. There are many small evening and night clothing markets scattered around the city with bags, glasses, caps and other nonsense. A large selection of local cosmetics and all sorts of healing ointments, it may be interesting, but you can’t check the quality in any way. As for branded Thai goods, I somehow especially liked the local toothpaste - a dense mass with a strange taste, in a box, like shoe polish - a rather unusual and cheap product. We enjoy brushing our teeth at home, it is very refreshing. In the big markets (Jomtien) there are also eateries with local products where you can try a lot of new things.
The prices are not to say low. You can only bargain if you take a lot of everything. It is difficult to get a discount on one or two things. In general, due to the depreciation of the ruble, in the spring of 2015, Thailand did not appear to be a cheap country for a wild holiday. Many prices were quite within the limits of Moscow. Therefore, you should not have any illusions that the main thing is to buy a tour, but you can take the minimum amount of money with you, it will not work out, the rest has become very expensive.
Conclusion :
If I happen to go to Pattaya again, I would organize the trip in a completely different way. I would take the cheapest tour just to drive into town and take the River Kwai tour the next day. After it, I would go for a few days to the island of Koh Lan to a local hotel, and from there I would already go on an independent trip to Cambodia, and from there you can immediately go to Bangkok on your own plane. At least, I got the impression that such a trip program would be the most interesting.
