Pattaya is 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. Pattaya is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors. Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambient is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.

Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed beachside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses. Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, gamefishing and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia. Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members.

And, after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, nightclubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets. Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything an authentic international beach resort can.
 

Local culture:
Within twenty years, Pattaya has been transformed from a sleepy fishing community into an international resort often referred to as the 'Thai Riviera'. Pattaya is literally a place where East meets West , both in colour and character, and is probably the most cosmopolitan place in Thailand after Bangkok


The Place for All Tastes
For sun lovers and water-sports fans, Pattaya's sunny climate provides ideal conditions for swimming and all other imaginable water activities, including fishing, boat sailing, speed-boating, water-scooter riding, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and windsurfing.

For those who do not want to get drenched, Pattaya also has gyms and health clubs for exercise and many kinds of land sports and games to choose from, such as shooting, car racing, horse riding, archery, golf, bowling, tennis, go-kart, paintball, etc.

For shoppers, fashionable boutiques and shops of ready-made garments, silk, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewelry and trinkets are centred in the main street of Central and South Pattaya and also in the luxurious hotels. And the prices are fair.

For gourmets, Pattaya's cookeries offer at reasonable prices a wide range of superlative fresh seafood and various styles of cuisine -- Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Mexican, American, Indian, Russian, etc. And for night owls, Pattaya's lively nightlife caters for every taste. The most brightly colourful spot is South Pattaya where all kinds of nightly entertainment are offered.

In short, Pattaya is the place for all. No wonder it has remained popular among those who come to spend their holidays from far and near alike.


Major Beaches and Islands

Pattaya Beach
Some 4 kilometres long, this beach faces Pattaya Bay, the major venue from where boats visit Pattaya's offshore islands. The beach curves from north to south and is largely paralleled by a treelined promenade and beach road which is lined, in the northern and central parts, by hotels and restaurants. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil, while the central and southern parts become increasingly lively, thanks to a position of shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and nightclubs. The central area of the beach is a major shopping area, while the southern end is one of Pattaya's major nightlife areas.

Starting from Dusit Resort Hotel in the area called North Pattaya to the small hill in the South, Pattaya beach and its parallel beach road is about 3 kilometres long. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, the beach also offers excellent facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all kinds

The northern part is a more quiet area of resorts while the southern part is a place of hustle and bustle, where both sides of the street are lined up with department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs and shops of all kinds.


Jomtien Beach
This 6-kilometre long, largely straight beach, some 4 kilometres south of Pattaya, is the most notable of several beaches south of the resort. The beach is popular with windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping island from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than is Pattaya Bay. Jomtien is also a major residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants.

The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is highly recommended to those who seek a quieter resort, where the golden sand, bright sun and blue clear sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.

It is a good place for relaxation with modern comforts and accommodation. Its long straight coastline of 6 kilometres with a fringe of coconut and palm trees offers vacationers a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting in the sea. Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year. Jomtien Beach is especially the best spot for windsurfing and instruction is widely available for beginners.


Ko Lan (Lan Island)
Some 15 minutes by speedboat from Pattaya Bay, Ko Lan is the largest of Pattaya's offshore islands and is a popular venue for watersports such as windsurfing, water skiing, snorkelling and scuba-diving. Viewing coral reefs through glass-bottomed boats and parasailing are other popular activities. Island beaches are lined with souvenir stalls selling colourful beachwear and decorative handicrafts, foodstalls and restaurants. Visitors seeking greater tranquility can travel to Ko Pai (Bamboo Island), some 35 minutes by speedboat from Pattaya Bay. Quiet, pristine beaches and clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling characterize this uninhabited island.


Travelling to Pattaya

By car
Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By bus
Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66.

There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111.

In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By train
The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.

By Air
Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).


Travelling in Pattaya
Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Chomthian. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Chomthian. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Chomthian with the Hill.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated through the use of special cars (song taew), customized pickup trucks with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, known as Bahts-Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. They circle around the city and are allowed to stop anywhere. In addition to motorbike-taxis, the Bahts-Buses are the only form of public transport permitted in Pattaya. If not occupied, they also can be hired as private taxis. In fact, they are private vehicles in most cases belonging to the drivers. There are so many of them that they end up looking for passengers.

This compact city consists of 3 major roads that parallel each other. Right along the beach is Beach Rd., which is a one-way road from the north to south that is a few kilometers long. Second Rd. is a hundred or so meters away and carries city transport mainly from the south to north, although it is partly a two-way road. The last road is Sukhumvit Rd, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets called Soi(s) cross the roads. And it's advisable to walk some of the small streets, which are enumerated from north to south, although some have names. Second Rd. continues on to South Pattaya and turns to Chomthian reaching Chomthian beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Chomthian beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.

Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Chomthian area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.

Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sport and passenger cars are offered for rent. A driver's license is not required for driving around Pattaya and vicinity, so many tourists are tempted get behind the wheel. It should be noted that in Thailand drivers drive on the left lane, as in England and Japan


Distances from Amphoe Muang or Chon Buri Town to other districts:
Ban Bueng 14 km.
Phanat Nikhom 22 km.
Phan Thong 24 km.
Si Racha 24 km.
Ko Sichang 35 km.
Bang Lamung (Pattaya) 45 km.
Nong Yai 51 km.
Bo Thong 56 km.
Sattahip 86 km.

Distances from Chon Buri to neighbouring provinces:
Chachoengsao 43 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Samut Prakan 64 km.
Rayong 98 km.
Chanthaburi 164 km.


Car
By Car: Chon Buri is one-hour drive from Bangkok along Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat). Alternatively, a faster trip can be made by taking Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri Route).


Bus
By Bus : The 1.30-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on regular buses originating from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). Air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 40 minutes from 5.30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 9829. Non air-conditioned buses leave Ekkamai every 30 minutes from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Tel: 0 2391 2504.

There are also air-conditioned buses leaving the Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road from 6.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. Call :0 2936 2852-66 for more information. Si Racha Tour Tel: 0 2936 4029 also operates air-conditioned bus services to Chon Buri and Bang Saen.


Pattaya Attractions

The Sanctuary of Truth - North Pattaya, Thailand
he Sanctuary of Truth is a gigantic wooden construction which covers the area of more than two rais. The top point of the building is about 105 meters high. It was constructed to withstand the wind and sunshine on the seashore at Rachvate Cape, Tumbon Naklea, Amphur Banglamung, Chon Buri Province.

The Sanctuary of Truth - Pattaya Thailand
206/2 Moo5 Naklua 12 Naklua Rd.,Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand
Tel. +660-3836-7229, +660-3836-7230, +660-3836-7815
Fax. +660-3836-7845 www.sanctuaryoftruth.com


Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden - The Most Fascinating Land in Pattaya
It's a paradise on earth for an amazine variety of plants in huge garden setting Daily cultural shows include folk dance and elephant show.
Nong Nooch Tropical Boanical Garden offers newly built "Nanta Hall" accommodation in standard rooms and Thai style house " with excellent service".

The garden is easily accessible from Bangkok in less than 2 hours and a day can be easily spent there with all the activities available for adults or children:

- A lake with swan boat rides
- Numerous flower beds
- Various restaurants
- Huge collection of palms
- Orchid display garden
- The butterfly hill created out of 50,000 flowers
- The butterfly house
- A collection of Cycads
- A collection of Bromeliads
- Gardens of Wrightia Tomentosa
- A French style garden
- Statues of mythical characters of Thai literature
- Steel walkways connecting the different gardens
- The Stonehenge stone circle
- An European garden
- The Hortus Botanicus, classified plants
- The cultural performances
- The elephant show
- The mini-zoo with its miniature railway
- Seminar facilities
- Lodging in Thai style houses


Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden
34/1 Moo 7 Na-Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi 20250, Thailand.
Tel. +66 3870-9358-61 Fax. +66 3823-8160 www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com


Thai House Restuarant - Dinner & Show Restaurant in Pattaya City Thailand
We know how to add that special Thai touch to dining. Our menu offers a wide selection of Thai, Chinese, European and seafood dishes. Thai House is located in a traditional Thai style pavilion with spacious facilities and seating for up to 800 guests for a seminar, birthday party, incentive or group tour visit.

Enjoy music & traditional Thai Shows to make the evening a special occasion.
Open daily from 11:30 - 23:30 hrs
Show time 19:00 - 23:30 hrs
No Cover Charge


ALANGKARN - Extravaganza Show Pattaya Thailand
ALANGKARN’s vision is aimed to provide entertainment to clienteles by showing the unique concept of being “Thai” to foreigners. Instead of presenting a traditional Thai performance where easily found anywhere, a new concept was applied by using a modern style of dance combined with multi-dimension colored laser, lighting and real surround sound system.

ALANGKARN is located on Sukhumvit road 155 KMs, Jomtien, Pattaya with an area of 80 rais. The entire project includes Theatre, Cultural Rostrum and Restaurant.
Show Time : 18:30-20:30 Hrs 20:30-22:00H:20:30-22:00Hrs

www.alangkarnthailand.com E-mail info@alangkarnthailand.com
Tel: 038-256 000, 038-256007 02 – 216 1869

Pattaya Hotels