Pattaya Hotels

You don’t have to dig deep to uncover the cultural wonders of Pattaya – it doesn’t really offer any. But what this city lacks in virtuosity it makes up for in vibrancy and unapologetic self-indulgence. Pattaya wants you to spend the day sunbathing or jet-skiing, then dine in luxury on Jomtien Beach before watching the moon dance on Pattaya Bay.

It wants you to have your back massaged on Naklua and to sip martinis well into the night at a bustling Walking Street bar (where more than a massage is always just a suggestion away). It wants you to get baked in as many hedonistic ways that occur to you.

Like many cities in Thailand, Pattaya doesn’t care if you sleep through the sunrise, or if you don’t get a photo from the top of Big Buddha Hill – the only requirements are that you’re not too offended by the sight of a young girl (or boy) on the arm of an ageing foreigner, and that you wake up in time to live the excitement all over again the following evening.

PATTAYA’S TOP 10

PATTAYA LOCAL

There’s always something to do in Pattaya, whether it’s mid-morning or 4am. So deciding where to spend the day, if you don’t sleep through it, can mean seeking an escape as well as seeking something to explore. The best experiences lie off the beaten track, although there’s always still time to return to the inner-city excitement by nightfall.

Pattaya Nua

North Pattaya includes the centrepiece of Pattaya’s not-so-virtuous vibrancy – Pattaya Beach. Embrace the brash atmosphere of one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand by visiting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium, or have a more relaxed meal at The Balcony Restaurant and Bakery before returning to the beach to catch an after-dark cabaret. Despite Pattaya’s reputation – deserved, it has to be said, as Sin City, this area is relatively tame and is not a bad place to take young children for a beach holiday, although the waters are constantly being churned up by water sports enthusiasts.

Pattaya Tai

South Pattaya’s main beach, Jomtien Beach, is a little quieter than the sands further north. Regardless of whether you see that as a good or bad thing, it’s certainly a refreshing change. South Pattaya is also home to the aptly named Walking Street, which is anything but quiet. Experience the uniqueness in all its unruly glory at Soi Pattayaland, known locally as ‘Boyz Town’, or at the open-air go-go bars of Soi 7 to 8. And for the record, this is definitely not the place to be taking young children.

Pattaya Klang

Not far from Pattaya Tai is Pattaya Klang, or Central Pattaya, which shares its neighbour’s taste for late-night bawdiness. Places like Amy Bar, Cocktail Bar and Paddy’s Bar have relatively unspecific names, but most people know what they’re in for. During the day, Pattaya Klang offers more respectable activities such as the Central Pattaya Market and the Elephant Village.

Naklua

Even further north than North Pattaya is Naklua, which is as popular with German visitors as it is with those who feel they have seen one too many young Thai boys linking arms with overweight old men. The main beach here, Naklua Beach, is by far the smallest in the Pattaya region and is neither as over-developed or over-sexed as those to the south. Naklua Market is also a main attraction in this more morning-appropriate district, as are cultural sites like the Sanctuary of Truth.

Big Buddha Hill

The Buddha Hill and the Big Buddha overlook the city as the protectors of Pattaya. Whether or not you think Big Buddha is doing a good job, he’s as high as a three-storey house and rather phenomenal to behold. The area also encompasses the Admiral Hill Viewpoint and Pratamnak Hill, which both offer amazing views of the city, plus the Chinese Temple and a still-active Buddhist Temple.

PATTAYA EAT & DRINK

PATTAYA EVENTS

Thailand’s huge Chinese population means the Chinese New Year (January/February) is one of the biggest festivals in Thailand. Of course, it’s the most fun in Pattaya.

If you find Pattaya’s vibrancy a little overwhelming, it’s probably best to avoid the Pattaya International Music Festival in March.

The focus of April’s Wan Lai Festival is water-pouring activities – if anyone can make this exciting, it’s the Pattayans.

You don’t need to have Thai ancestors to enjoy the Ancestral Spirits Ceremony Festival (also in April), which is accompanied by folk performances and local cuisines.

April is a busy month. It’s also when Pattaya puts on its most festive face for the Pattaya Festival, held to promote the city’s energetic reputation – not that it needs to.

Dedicated sports enthusiasts put their partying on hold in July for the Pattaya Marathon – one of the toughest events in Thailand.

It’s not just the impassioned races themselves that draw crowds at October’s Chonburi Buffalo Races – local ladies vie for the enviable title of ‘Miss Farm Maiden’.

Neon bar lights are replaced with candles and moonlight in November for Loy Krathong, one of the most recognised festivals in the country.

Pattaya lifestyle not fast enough for you? Experience the end-of-year Bang Saen Speed Festival, a huge street racing circuit with class drivers and racing cars.

The date of Boon Klang Ban is determined by one of the village elders, but whenever it falls it’s marked by merry making, folk games and sharing of meals. So if you’ve spent all your money on those nice people in Walking Street, this could be your saviour!

WHEN TO GO

· Prices escalate during the high tourist season, which runs from November until February.

· The wet season runs from June through October, though rain has never been known to dampen Pattaya’s spirits.

· Temperatures hover between 22 and 32°C (72-90°F) for the year, so winter is actually a rather pleasant time to visit.

WHAT TO MISS

· Pattaya is raunchy enough as it is and really doesn’t necessitate a trip to the red light district – even if just for the photo ops (honest!).

· Street stalls are fun, but the ones lining Pattaya Beach Road should be avoided unless you want to be ripped off.

· If you want to hire a jet ski, do it somewhere less crowded than Pattaya Beach – isn’t the point to be able to go fast?

GETTING AROUND

· More adventurous travellers can rent a motorbike relatively cheaply.

· The most common form of transport is a songthaew, although riding in these pick-up trucks is more expensive for tourists.

· Taxis are useful if you’re travelling more than a couple of blocks, but you’ll have to negotiate a price in advance.

Pattaya Information

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