History

Known as " The Rivera of Thailand " Pattaya started life as a small, insignificant fishing village. In the 13th century it was the R&R (rest and relaxation) spot for soldiers of the great King Nari during his campaign against Burmese invaders, but other than that it continued to doze, until the 20th century.

In 1950, Pattaya was still little other than a small fishing village . It regained popularity with the armed forces in 1959 when a group of American GI's visited for R&R . After renting a house on the beach, spending an enjoyable time with the locals, they returned and the word was out…Pattaya was “The” place to holiday.

New groups of Marines arrived and it is from this simple beginning that the city grew. In just 40 odd years it has developed into one of the most renowned of all Thailand's holiday spots , locally, and world wide.

By the late 70's, hotels, shopping centres, entertainment houses and the like had shot up. Industry developed as did tourism and with the opening of the motorway from Bangkok to Pattaya, it became a two-hour drive from the country's capita l.

Pattaya's popularity grew so rapidly that the local government couldn't cope with its administration. So in 1976 Pattaya and nearby Naklur became one administrative district. Then in 1978 Pattaya was declared a city in its own right.

Transport

Getting to Pattaya

The Pattaya Airport is more like an airstrip, also called U-Tapao airfield, located about 30km south of Pattaya. There are no Bangkok flights; however, there are daily flights between Koh Samui on Bangkok Air.

Pattaya Airport offers joy flights and aerial sightseeing tours on a variety of small planes. They also offer a DOA approved ground course for the Ultralight Pilot License. Experienced pilots can charter their own plane.

Airport mini van is probably the best means of economical transport from Bangkok 's airport. Shared mini-vans charge around 200 Baht one way from Bangkok 's Don Mung Airport directly to Pattaya. There are both buses and vans operating as “Airport Limousines” (Bus) so don't be put off if you think you are choosing the wrong vehicle in which to travel. Time tables vary, but generally leave the airport at 9am, 12 noon & 7pm. Driving time is around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Hiring your own taxi is the most comfortable way to travel between the airport and Pattaya. Set fares are around 1500-2000 baht one way. Use the licensed taxis at the stand directly outside the main terminal doors. Decide on the fare before departing. Other, more luxurious taxis such as Mercedes are available as well, for a higher rate of course. These booths are found inside the airport terminal, after leaving the baggage claim area. Driving time is around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

Bus services link Pattaya and Bangkok directly from/to Bangkok 's Don Muang Airport . These also serve Naklua, immediately north of Pattaya, and Jomtien to the south of Pattaya. Driving time is around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

From within Bangkok , the Eastern bus terminal , commonly called Ekkamai, serves Pattaya, Rayong and Trat. Driving time is around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

There is a weekend excursion train on Saturdays and Sundays only, departing from Bangkok 's HuaLamphong Station at 6:20am. Journey time is about 4 hours.

Within Pattaya

Transport within Pattaya is most convenient by passenger truck/bus (otherwise referred to as mini-buses or songtaews). They continually ply the Pattaya Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road in counter clockwise circuits. Fares beyond the main bay area have to be agreed upon before starting the trip. It makes a difference whether one just boards a passenger pickup and drives along its route while the or whether the trip is individual. The rates for individual trips during which the driver does not pick up additional passengers are much higher.

Those who wish to be independent or to explore Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, can hire motorcycles, jeeps and cars . The visitor should shop around, for different companies offer different prices and conditions. It's best to rent from a reputable company such as Avis or Budget . Many street shops don't fully insure. You will also need a drivers license from you home country or an International Drivers License. Bring a copy of your passport too. Keep in mind Thailand has a very high rate of road accidents. Stay alert at all times. Thai law requires the driver and front seat passenger to wear seat belts.

Motorbikes can be fun for short distances. Thai law requires the driver to wear a helmet, but if you're riding pillion, it's a good idea to ask for a second helmet for the passenger too. Motorbike rentals are not insured.

Activities

With palm fringed shores, miles of beach , the sea and sunshine, Pattaya certainly knows how to entertain the young and young at heart. There's so much on offer not only for children but the entire family. From elephant rides to go-karts, from sailing to sand castles, there is something to do, any time, any weather, any day or night.

Activies for children

Beach activities are plentiful in Pattaya such as sand castle building, volley ball, beach tennis, cricket, and the like to entertain the children. There are simply so many things one can do on a beach besides catching a tan.
 

Bungee jumping is located at Jungle Bungy Jump just 5 a minute drive from Jomtien Beach in a pleasant lakeside setting. You can jump 165 feet from a custom built Bungee-tower with a "rigid" electronic lift-platform rated at 750 kg. All operations are overseen by a New Zealand-certified jumpmaster.

Diving and snorkelling are fun ways to explore the beautiful sea in Pattaya. It's recommended that children don't learn to scuba dive before they are 13 years old but snorkelling can be done by anyone. If you or your children can't swim, don a life jacket and join in. Visit this site for further information regarding diving in Pattaya .

Elephant rides are great fun if you like views and heights; there's no better way to survey the jungles of Pattaya than atop one of these magnificent creatures. Even if you don't want a ride, you can buy bananas from the elephant venue and hand feed the animals. Don't forget to take pictures of the kids and these new found friends!

Go-karts are popular in Thailand and Pattaya has many go-cart competitions. When the tracks aren't holding international events, the general public may rent the vehicles and try the sport out for themselves. There are beginner, advanced and an off-road track.

Horse riding is another wonderful activity for the entire family. There are three centres catering to this activity and even the youngest or complete novice can join in. If you've never ridden before, livery staff will always lead you or be there to lend a hand. Beach rides are a favourite and the jungle rides are perfect for hotter weather.

Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm is a magnificent forty acre natural garden containing gigantic stones, 200 year old bonsai trees and a zoo with an array of crocodiles in their natural surroundings. It's a popular spot for children of all ages and a good venue for those days when you need a break from the beach.

Mini Siam near Pattaya Klang is a theme park displaying Thai heritage in miniature and proves popular among all ages. The third largest in the world, it brings together models of important buildings and objects of Thai culture and civilization of various periods from ancient time till present.

Parasailing is another high-flying sport. Done here with the aid of a powerboat, this is definitely a ‘bigger' boys and girls activity. Operators for these high-flying views can be found along most of the west coast beaches from November to April.

Pattaya Bottle Museum is located on Sukhumvit Road in Pattaya. This is the place to go to see ships in bottles and other strange items.

Sailing is fun for the whole family, what better way to really discover Pattaya's coast and offshore islands, other than on a boat? There are a number of sailing dinghy and catamaran rental outlets on most beaches in the area. If you would rather spend the day being taken by boat rather than having to play with sails and ropes, you can always charter a speed boat to get the family around on the water.

Theme Parks abound in Pattaya. Pattaya Water Park Beach Resort is a water amusement park, located between South Pattaya and Jomthien Beach . Waterslides, whirlpools and shallow pools suitable for small children make the park popular with families. There are restaurant facilities, a fast food outlet and there is easy access to the beach should visitors prefer to swim in the sea.

Activities and sports

Bungee jumping is located at Jungle Bungy Jump just 5 a minute drive from Jomtien Beach in a pleasant lakeside setting. You can jump 165 feet from a custom built Bungee-tower with a "rigid" electronic lift-platform rated at 750 kg. All operations are overseen by a New Zealand-certified jumpmaster.

Diving and snorkelling are fun ways to explore the beautiful sea in Pattaya. Join a tour or rent your own equipment. PADI certification courses are available for novice divers or for those who want to advance their diving credentials.

Fishing boat charters can be hired from many owners along Pattaya Beach Road . Some are equipped with speed engines. The waters around Ko Manwichai, Ko Rin and Ko Khram prove popular. Fresh-water fishing is offered at Panarak Park on the Siam Country Club Road , Jomtien Fishing Park on Jomtien Beach Rd and at the Banglamung Shrimp Farm.

Golf is catered to by four courses of international standard. The Siam Country Club, the Panya Resort Golf Course, the Royal Thai Navy Golf Course and the Bangphra Golf Course, all within 30 minutes from Pattaya.

Discotheques , transvestite cabarets, nightclubs, coffee shops, open-air bars, amusement arcades and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention. Most establishments are located along the Pattaya Beach Rd and in South Pattaya , the resort's major shopping area. Pattaya is home to one of the largest cabarets in all of Asia .

Parasailing is offered along Pattaya Beach , Jomtien Beach and at Ko Larn.

There are several Theme Parks scattered around Pattaya. Pattaya Park , between South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach is for water amusements. It has colourful water slides, whirlpools and large pool for the young at heart.

Water-skiing is offered along Pattaya Beach , Jomtien Beach and at Ko Larn. Rental includes boat hire, driver and skis.

Dining

Pattaya has a l arge number of Thai and international restaurants , located in all corners of the city. If you're a fan of fresh seafood, you'll be in heaven. Many restaurants have live seafood tanks where you can choose among live crabs, lobsters and fish, at a fraction of the price you'd pay at home!

If you have never tasted Thai cuisine before, it owes much of its appeal to exotic spices, and herbs from China , India , Java and Portugal . The final art of the country's cuisine comes from the skill and ingenuity of cooks.

Although some Thai dishes are quite spicy , many are mild. If you don't want spicy food, it's a good idea to learn the words "My pet" meaning, “Not spicy”.

Shopping

Shopping in Pattaya for many is an exciting and pleasurable experience. Whether you are bargain hunting or designing your own custom tailored suit, shopping in Pattaya is fun. From endless street vendor stalls to modern malls, you're likely to find what you're looking for.

South Pattaya is the main shopping area of the resort city. The city's major jewellery, silk, cotton, handicraft shops, tailors and boutiques are all in the vicinity, or adjacent to major beachside hotels. Pattaya 2 Road also has several handicraft and silk shops.

A multi-million Baht shopping complex on North Pattaya Road , patterned after the Chiang Mai night market , includes a handicrafts centre, bazaar and shopping arcade with small bars, nightclubs and an outdoor seafood restaurant.

Pattaya events and festivals

Chonburi Festival in mid-April is an annual activity organised by the people of Chonburi since 1932. The festival combines the festivals of Puttha Sihing, Songkran and the Red Cross Fair together into one. Its activities include a procession for venerating the Pra Puttha Sihing Buddha image, water pouring for the elders, folk games, Khon or classical masked-dances from the Department of Fine Arts, cultural performance, exhibitions and stalls. The festival aims to conserve and promote local customs as well as to instill a sense of value for the cultural heritage. Well worth a visit if you are in the area and Chonburi isn't that far of a drive from Pattaya.

Pattaya festival puts on its most festive face for this annual event, held in April at the height of the summer season. The festival involved an extensive calendar of sporting events and contests such as a Grand Prix and go-kart racing, sailing regattas, windsurfing, fishing and beauty competitions as well as stalls selling local food and crafts, and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach.

Songkran is a wet and wild water festival held in mid-April. Songkran was traditionally celebrated by bathing Buddha images and the showing respect to monks and elders at the Lunar New Year. It has since evolved into a frenetic national water fight for anyone who decides to venture outdoors. This has to be one of the friendliest, though wet, festivals anywhere and a great way to make new friends.

Tip

Don't leave cameras or cell phones unprotected…nothing is spared during Songkran if you happen to get a dousing.

May

Buddha's Birthday is the 15th of May. Local Wats (Buddhist Temples) celebrate by holding candlelit processions. A tourist may take part in these parades and it can prove great fun.

August

Queen's Birthday is the 12th of August and also Thailand ' s Mother's Day. As with all royal anniversaries this celebration guarantees a display of fireworks and lights.

October / November

Buffalo Racing Festival is an age-old tradition in the Province of Chonburi held annually on the full moon in October. Farmers proudly bring in their best buffalos, draped with multicolored satin cloths and gather on the lawns of the Chonburi Provincial Hall. The buffalos compete in races, and best-decorated as well as other contests. Young women also compete in a beauty contest where girls vie for the title of "Nong Nang Ban Na" Farm Maiden.

Loy Kratong is held on the full moon in either late October or early November. This is one of the most picturesque and endearing festivals of Thailand All over the country, little floats (kratong) are made from banana trunks, flowers and candles and set afloat on the water. This symbolizes the casting away of troubles and a call for a happy future. As the moon rises in the evening people converge around bodies of water throughout the country to release their kratongs.

December

King's Birthday is the 5th of December and a national holiday. The King is much revered and the majority of the country holds candles while singing the King's anthem that evening. His birthday is celebrated by all Thais, while homes and buildings are adorned with lights and fireworks light up the night's sky.

Official National Holidays

January 1 - New Year's Day
February (full moon day) - Makka Bucha
April 6 - Chakri Dynasty Day
April 13 - Songkran, Thai Lunar New Year
May 1 - Labour Day
May 5 - Coronation Day
May 7 – Royal Ploughing Ceremony
May (full moon day) - Visakha Bucha
July (full moon day) - Asanha Bucha commemorates the first sermon of Buddha
August 12 - Queen's Birthday
October 23 - Chulalongkorn Day
December 5 - King's Birthday
December 10 - Constitution Day
December 31 - New Year's Eve