Fun for all:
As a beach resort with city status, Pattaya has something for
everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural
surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all out attempt to
provide the best of everything. There is just about everything you
can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun.
Pattaya can be whatever you want it to be. Such is it variety that it
is ideal for all kinds of visitors. While there is plenty to keep the
children happily occupied, there is also everything for the sports
enthusiastic, for couple of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and
for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine.

After dark options include open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows
and discos. The nightlife centre is South Pattaya, popularly known as
"The Strip". but if this is a trifle brash and noisy for some tastes,
there are alternative quieter spots for evening fun in a more relaxed
style. Shopping too, can be an evening attraction. Most
establishments close late and the dedicated bargain hunter can find
all of Thailand's best buys - silk, gems and jewellery, tailor made
clothing, handicrafts and more.

Business Venue:
Pattaya is increasingly popular venue for international conventions,
conferences and seminars. Several of the larger hotels are fully
equipped to host meetings or receptions for a thousand of more
people, and even smaller properties off a range of well appointed
function rooms. Complementing the luxury of sheer space is
a comprehensive selection of state-of-art equipment for audio-visual
presentations and other conference related activities.

Accommodation:
Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every
pocket. Facilities range from luxury hotels with private beaches to
bay-side hotels and bungalows and inland economy class hotels and
guest houses.

Getting There:
The easiest and most popular way to reach Pattaya is by bus. From
the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok,
there are departures every 30 minutes by air conditioned bus from 5
am until 10 pm. The one-way fare is Bt 100. From the Northern Bus
Terminal (Morchit II) there are departures again every 30 minutes
from 5 am to 7 pm with a one way fare of Bt 105. Few visitors to
Pattaya are aware that the city does have a railway station. It is
north of Sukhumvit Rd close to Siam Country Club. One train a day
leaves Bangkok's Hualamphong station at 7 am and takes up to five
hours to reach Pattaya stopping at many stations along the way.
U-Tapao, which is located near Sattahip, has very few scheduled
flights. Most visitors travelling this way are on chartered flights.
Alternatively for those who prefer to arrive with more comfort and
style, Taxies and limos are available direct from the Bangkok airport
24 hours a day.

Getting Around:
For getting around the main bay area, the minibuses and baht buses
charge a flat fare of Bt 10. The run to Naklua is also Bt 10 and to
Jomtien Bt 30. Drivers usually ask for Bt 40 to travel up the hill to
Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Motorcycle hire will cost you between Bt
150 and Bt 700 a day, depending on size. Be very confident of your
ability to handle the bigger bikes, including your skill in taking swift
evasive action. Wear a crash helmet. A jeep from a beachside vendor
is about Bt 1000 a day. Check that you have enough gasoline in the
tank to get yourself to the nearest filling station and satisfy yourself
that the brakes are sharp. You will not be asked to show your driving
license, but most of these beachside hire places will ask that you
deposit your passport with them. Ask where they are going to keep it
because it may simply be placed in the attendants pocket or houlder
bag and travel around with him. Bicycles can be hired from beachside
vendors at Bt 100 a day or Bt 20 an hour. If you prefer to drive
reputable vehicles with full insurance cover, and it is strongly
advised, Pattaya has a choice of car rental companies. Two leading
names are Budget Car and Truck Rental at Thip Plaza and Avis which
is located at the Dusit Resort in North Pattaya. In addition to
international standards of service, these companies will also offer
you special deals, tour ideas, maps and other attractions to make
your stay easier. If you prefer not to self drive you can hire cars
with drivers to drive you to the destination of your choice for an
agreed upon price.

Climate:
Pattaya has three seasons. November to February, when it's hot;
March to May, when it's hot and humidl and June to October, when
it's hot and wet.

Clothing:
Dress as lightly as possible. Because of the heat and humidity,
man-made fibres are not recommended. Pack some cool cottons, and
if you find that you are changing your clothes at an alarming rate
you will be able to buy locally made clothing very cheaply. Shorts
and sandals are the usual daytime wear. In hotels and more
upmarket restaurants, wear smart casual. If visiting a temple the
usual dress rules apply; gentlemen, no shorts please, and long
sleeves are preferred; ladies, no shorts, short skirts, or halter-tops.

Post and Telecommunications:
The Post Office and international telephone office are together in
South Pattaya on Soi 15, known to all as Soi Post Office. There are
several private run long-distance phone centres, most notably along
Beach Road. These will be slightly more expensive than the
government service.

Internet Services:
As in Bangkok, the number of internet cafes seems to increase every week. Most will post their rates in the window, and as competition is
intense the prices are invariably low.

Health and Safety:
Never drink tap water, and don't even gargle with it. Always use
bottled water, which is readily available and inexpensive, particularly
if you choose a local brand. The sun is strong, even during the rainy
season and when there is cloud cover, so use a good sunscreen and
limit your exposure time. Malaria is no threat, but mosquito bites can
be a major irritant. Seafood is mostly caught locally and is of high
quality, but given the spicy ingredients to almost any meal, the
occasional upset stomach is a possibility. The most likely way
of slowing down your vacation is by having an accident, so watch
your step when crossing the road, even (or especially) at traffic
lights and pedestrian crossings. Medicines for minor ailments are
readily available at the many drug stores in the city, and high
standard of medical treatment for more serious problems can be expected from most of the clinics and hospitals. General ractitioners,
dentists, opticians and pharmacies are readily available.

Each of the private hospitals has its own ambulance service and
24-hour emergency facilities. Most medical specialties are
represented: neurology, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology,
pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, urology, dentistry. Cardiac
patients will usually be referred to Bangkok. Note that an ambulance
is not routinely called in the event of an automobile accident, and if
you require assistance from the government service a Thai speaking
person should dial 191 in Pattaya or 193 on the highway to arrange
an ambulance service.

For information and advice, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Central Office: Region 3 (Pattaya) is open seven days a week
throughout the year, including public and national holidays, from
8:30am until 4:30pm. Tel (038) 428 750 or 429 113.

Residents and Lifestyles:
Pattaya has many expatriate residents, and is essentially an
international tourist resort and expanding city, so the Thai population
is itself very internationalised. Most notices are in English as well as
Thai, and you will find plenty of signboards in German and even
Russian. Most vendors are used to non-Thao speakers and are ready
with at least a smattering of English or German, vigorous miming, a
smile, and an ever-ready calculator. Few of the Thai residents can
claim to be natives of the locality. Even so, they haven't abandoned
their traditional culture, and beneath the glossy city veneer you will
still find evidence of underlying ethnic beliefs and customs.

Action Attractions:
Pattaya is one of the oldest diving centres in this part of Asia. It has
a year-round diving season with good visibility, the waters have a
mean temperature of 28 degrees C, and there is a rich variety of
marine life and coral. There are also two wreaks which experienced
divers can explore: The Bremen, a 300-foot boat, lies upright in 24
meters of water off the Thai navy town of Sattahip, while the
freighter Hardeep rests in 30 meters of water in a channel between
two islands off Samae San, not far from Sattahip. Pattaya offers
a wide choice of well-stocked and safe PADI and NAUI operators,
with competitive prices and deals. Most of them have offices along
the waterfront. Costs average at about 1,500 baht per day, including transportation, food and equipment. Visitors can windsurf, water ski,
sea walk, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral
islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya Bay, and
motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring beaches such as the
increasingly popular Hat Chom Thian just south of Pattaya. Tennis
enthusiasts can enjoy themselves at the courts of leading hotels.
Further entertainment includes bowling alleys, snooker halls, shooting
galleries and archery.

Attractions outside Pattaya City:
Pattaya Elephant Village is on the road to Siam Country Club Golf
Course. The elephants displaying their forestry skills, perform cute
tricks, and even play football. Daily showtime is 14:30pm. Panarak
Park is on the road to Siam Country Club Golf Course, and has a
tropical garden setting. The park is equipped with fishing gear and a
well-sticked lake. There is also bungalow accommodation,
restaurants, jogging and cycling paths, boating and water-cycling.
Bira International Circuit located at KM14 on Route 36 to Rayong,
offers international motor and motorcycle racing. The 2.4 kilometre is
ideal for formula 3 races. If you want to experience speed, the
circuit is open everyday. Hat Chom Thian, located 2 kilometres from
South Pattaya, is good for swimming. The beach has become popular
for water sports and activities because it has a long straight
coastline and there are less boats anchored in the area. Pattaya
Park is between South Pattaya and Hat Chom Thian, and is a water
amusement park with water slides, whirlpools and a large pool for
children. Open from 9:00 - 18:00 hrs. Nong Nooch Village is about 15 km from South Pattaya, and is a Thai village style recreation park.