PATTAYA ( HOME OF THAISHOP2YOU.COM )

Pattaya is the most active of the three, a crowded crescent of sand where jet-skis and power boats slice the surf and parasails billow over the palms all day long.

Sunburned Europeans jam the beachfront road in rented jeeps and motorbikes.

According to recent TAT statistics, an average one third of foreign tourists in Thailand visit Pattaya; in a typical November to March season Pattaya recieves around one million visitors each year, and it still continues to attract a loyal following of Bangkok oil company expats, conventioneers and package tourists, aswell as families.

Pattaya got it's start as a resort when American GI's from a base in Nakhon Ratchasima began visiting the one-time fishing village on a regular basis in 1959.

U.S Navy men from nearby Sattahip added to the military influx during the Indochina War years.

There are still plenty of sailors around, but of many nationalities.

National and international convention-goers make up another large segment of the current market, along with Asian golfers seeking out the twelve local golf courses, including courses designed by Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus.

Pattaya is also acclaimed for its fantastic and large variety of seafood restaurants and greatly underpriced generally by international standards.

One of the best things the Pattaya area has going for it is the diving centres.There are over a dozen nice islands off Pattaya's shore. If you're a snorkelling or scuba diving enthusiast, equipment can be booked at any of the several diving shops / schools at Pattaya Beach. Ko Laan, the most popular of the offshore islands, even has plenty of places to stay if you wish.

INFORMATION

TOURIST OFFICE

The Pattaya TAT office, at the midpoint of Pattaya Beach Road, keeps an up-to-date list of accommodation in the Pattaya area, and is very helpful.

The tourist Police office is situated in Pattaya Second Road.

At the moment there is no regularly scheduled air service to Pattaya from Bangkok.
Two airlines, Tropical Sea Air and Bangkok Airways, have each tried this route, but decided it was not cost effective enough for them to continue their services.
Direct road transport from Bangkok international airport to Pattaya is available, and there are many taxis, and buses outside the airport for hire, to take you straight to Pattaya and your place of residence there.

Getting Around

Information about Pattaya