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Pattaya [M] (พัทยา) is a popular tourist resort on the North Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, located 150 km south-east of Bangkok [M]. Pattaya is most famous for its go-go and beer bars [S], but local authorities has made efforts to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities [S], and specialist conference and golfing facilities. Although the sex industry is still going strong and sex tourism remains the key money earner for Pattaya, the resort also attracts local families and holidaymakers from far and wide. If you are going to be offended by the sight of fat old European men hand in hand with young Thai girls (and/or boys), then Pattaya is probably not the place for you.
Efforts by the local authorities over the past few years have improved the quality of the beaches, but they are still lacklustre by Thailand's standards, and over-development has long since destroyed some of the natural charms the area once had. However, the plethora of hotels and guest houses, and easy access from the capital and airport, make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over five million tourists yearly, Pattaya [M] is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see. Its population is a colorful mix of nationalities and ethnicities from near and far.
"Greater Pattaya [M]" occupies most of the coastline of Banglamung (one of the eleven districts that comprise Chonburi Province [S]). It is divided into a larger northern section [S] which spans the areas to the east of Naklua [S] Beach (the most northern beach) and Pattaya Beach (the main beach) plus the Buddha Hill [S] headland (immediately south of Pattaya Beach), and a smaller southern section [S] covering the area to the east of Jomtien [S] Beach (which lies directly south of Buddha Hill) including Dongtan Beach. Jomtien's beaches are much broader and generally in better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented, than at Pattaya Beach.
For information about Jomtien, see the Jomtien guide. [S]
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South is central, Central is north [S] Pattaya's sub-district names sometimes cause confusion, usually when the official Pattaya [M] Bay area titles (North Pattaya [S], Central Pattaya [S], South Pattaya [S]) are misunderstood. These names don't relate to Pattaya as a whole, instead they refer to the sections of Pattaya Beach to which each sub-district is aligned. |
Pattaya's coastal side is divided longitudinally into five contiguous sub-districts (or six, if also including Jomtien [S]). Each one is named after the section of beach or headland at its seaboard.
In the middle are the three Pattaya [M] Bay sub-districts, which share the main Baht Bus route (so most places are within 5 minutes / 10 baht of most other places, at any hour) and have much else in common, and hence in combination make up the main quasi-downtown zone:
Flanking the Pattaya [M] Beach sub-districts are:
In practice, exactly where each sub-district ends and the next begins is a very grey area as none of the boundaries lie along major roads (and none of the many readily available tourist maps attempts to define boundaries at this level); nevertheless they do provide a handy rough guide to approximate latitude. Further inland, the sub-district names are used less, and locality/road names take precedence - for example, an address might state "Sukhumvit, Naklua [S]" which is useful in that it makes it clear the location is to the north of the Sukhumvit / North Pattaya [S] [M] Road intersection, however the exact same place would not normally be described simply as being "in Naklua" as that would give the misleading impression of it being in the main beachside/tourism area further west.
Pattaya's name was originally "Thap Phraya", meaning Army of the Phraya - commemorating the surrender of Nai Klom's army to that of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin the Great), without a fight. Thap Phraya became Phatthaya (the name of the north-easterly wind at the beginning of the rainy season), and then Phatthaya (the true phonetic spelling).
The Vietnam War and its warriors made Pattaya [M] a well-known recreational centre, especially among American [S] GI’s. From its beginning in 1959 with a small private bungalow where American officers on leave took turn to come and rest, this sleepy village by the sea has grown and changed dramatically into one of the world’s tourism hot spots. The opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport [S] (located to the east of Bangkok [M], alongside the expressway to Pattaya) has made visiting easier than ever.
Pattaya [M] is popular not only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife and shopping, but also for the broad selection of pastimes it caters for, from golf [S] and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting - not to mention a wide variety of watersports such as scuba diving [S], jet-skiing [S], sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and a whole lot more. Pattaya is also very popular as a conference, convention and seminar venue, and the grapevine hosts rumours of future developments of varying degrees of plausibility, such as a horse racing track, casinos, and a tram system.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) [1] Information Office is just outside the centre, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya [S] [M] Road - proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side-soi. Worth a visit if you're in Pattaya for an extended period and want to browse for fresh ideas for new things to do/see. Open daily 8:30AM-4:30PM, tel. +66-38428750 / 8990 / 7667 or use the TAT freephone number: dial 1672 or e-mail: tatchon@tat.or.th
Pattaya's downtown area is easy to get around [S]. Running north-south, a few hundred metres apart, are Beach Road [S] (Thanon Hat Pattaya [M], sometimes also referred to as First Road) which borders the main beach (Hat Pattaya), Pattaya Second Road [S] and Pattaya Third Road [S] (with the smaller but busy Soi Buakhao [S] in between), and the main Sukhumvit Road [S] coastal highway. Beach Road is one-way (southbound), likewise Second Road (northbound).
These are connected by the three major east-west aligned roads: North Pattaya [S] [M] Road (Thanon Pattaya Nua), Central Pattaya Road [S] (Thanon Pattaya Klang) and South Pattaya Road [S] (Thanon Pattaya Tai). North Pattaya Road [S] is a dual carriageway and carries the highest volume of traffic to and from Sukhumvit Road [S].
Also connecting Beach Road [S] and Second Road are a large number of smaller streets or "sois". The main sois are numbered from 1 to 16, from north to south. Sois 1-6 are between North Pattaya [S] [M] Road and Central Pattaya Road [S]; sois 7-13 are between Central Pattaya [S] Road and South Pattaya Road [S] (including the "Pattayaland [S]" sois, immediately north of South Pattaya [S] Road); sois 14-16 are south of South Pattaya Road. Most of these east-west sois are (in theory at least) one-way.
Beach Road [S], Second Road, and North Pattaya [S] [M] Road (plus Naklua [S] Road to the north) all meet at the Dolphin Roundabout [S] landmark. Heavy traffic and frequent accidents here have resulted in a semi-permanent diversion being set up which, at peak times, prevents vehicles (except motorcycles) from continuing around this roundabout any further than the North Pattaya Road [S] exit, pending the installation of traffic lights some time in 2006.
Second Road south of South Pattaya [S] [M] Road becomes Pratamnak Road, which shares a junction with both the southern end of Third Road and the northern end of the main road to Jomtien [S], Tappraya Road.
Beach Road [S] south of South Pattaya [S] [M] Road is closed to vehicles in the evenings (currently 18:00-02:00) and is called Walking Street [S]; it's the main tourist area, both for nightlife and shopping. Other major tourism areas include the section of Second Road between sois 1-4, and the sois immediately north of South Pattaya Road [S].
At the southern end of Walking Street [S] is the New Pier, usually called Bali Hai Pier (sometimes "Pattaya [M] Pier" or "South Pier"). The Old Pier, close to the junction of Beach Road [S] and South Pattaya Road [S], is still shown on most maps but was dismantled and removed at the beginning of 2006.
Pattaya [M] is located 147km from Bangkok [M] and can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive. There are two convenient ways to get there.
Most visitors arrive by road from or via Bangkok [M], many having flown in to Suvarnabhumi (the "new" BKK). Much smaller numbers arrive direct by road from the north and east, by rail from Bangkok [S], and by air via U-Tapao from Ko Samui [M] or Phuket [M] in Southern Thailand or Siem Reap in Cambodia.
A surprising number of visitors inquire about ferries across the Gulf of Thailand - however no such services exist. Those determined to go by sea may find that local dive shops can help, if cost is not a consideration.
U-Tapao Airport [S] [2] (IATA: UTP | ICAO: VTBU | tel: +66-38245295), often known somewhat inaccurately as "Pattaya [M] Airport", is at Sattahip [S], just off the main Sattahip - Chanthaburi [M] (Sukhumvit) highway, 30km south of Pattaya. Primarily a military facility, it's the closest airport fielding commercial passenger flights, but only to a handful of destinations. There are no commercial passenger flights connecting U-Tapao directly with Bangkok [M].
Schedules (all daily, as at January 1st 2006):
Bangkok [M] Airways (PG) [3] flies to/from Ko Samui [M] (USM) and Phuket [M] (HKT) - UTP-USM & USM-UTP flights are usually slightly less expensive than BKK-USM & USM-BKK flights
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When booking flights to U-Tapao... [S] ...consider pre-booking onward transport at the same time, as competitively priced door-to-door transfer services may not be available on arrival at U-Tapao on an ad-hoc basis. |
The easiest way to transfer between U-Tapao and Pattaya [M] is by direct door-to-door minibus - driving time is normally about 30 minutes (200-250 baht per person [S] for pre-booked services).
If speed and convenience don't matter, the ad-hoc option is to hop on virtually any bus on Sukhumvit Road [S]. Going south, if it's a bus that terminates at Sattahip [S] you'll have to swap buses or finish the journey by songthaew [S]; if it's going further east (eg Rayong [S], Chanthaburi [M] or Trat [M]) it'll drop you off at the airport entrance as it goes by. Going north, wait for a bus that's going further than Sattahip and then you won't need to transfer. Alternatively, the white songthaews [S] that ply Sukhumvit Road between Pattaya [M] and Sattahip charge just 20 baht.
Or to buck the trend big time, go by rail (3rd class, weekdays only) between Pattaya [M] and Sattahip [S], get off just before or after the line crosses Highway 3, and connect with the airport by songthaew [S] or bus. The fare for the 40-50 minute train ride is 6 (yes, six!) baht - depart Pattaya 10:18AM, arrive Sattahip 11AM; depart Sattahip 1:30PM, arrive Pattaya 2:21PM - but don't forget, no trains on Saturdays or Sundays.
Suvarnabhumi Airport [S] (BKK) is Bangkok's shiny new successor to Don Muang. Only 110km from Pattaya [M] (40km closer than Don Muang), transfers by road are inexpensive and quick (currently around 80-90 minutes in dry weather, 120 minutes in wet weather) and getting quicker as the upgrades to the connecting highway are completed. Taxis are a fairly inexpensive way to travel, especially at night. Fares are around 1200 baht, one way, plus toll booth fee for the two tolls enroute cost that 30 baht each. Be aware that non-licenced taxis may try to solicit business from you, and it is important to note that these drivers do not have proper accreditation. Time to Pattaya takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes during non-peak hours, and can take double this in the day.
Don Muang Airport [S] (new code: DMK) was superseded by Suvarnabhumi on September 28th 2006, subsequently re-opened on March 24 2007, and currently handles Nok Air, One-Two-GO, PB Air and most Thai Airways domestic flights. The easiest way to transfer is by taxi; the most economical alternatives are to go by bus via Moh Chit (Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal), or to go by train via Hualamphong (only practicable in the Pattaya [M] to Don Muang direction).
1st class buses from Bangkok [M] to the North Pattaya [S]
Departure times & fares (as at June 2006):
Fares may vary slightly depending on the route taken - for example, at busy times when the Moh Chit service uses the elevated express tollway, a marginally higher fare applies - however exact prices [S] are always clearly posted at the official ticket counters.
All 1st class direct services to/from Bangkok [M] use the recently redeveloped bus station on North Pattaya [M] Road. These buses are usually full when they depart, and must be boarded at the terminus. Tickets are sold at the bus station; it's not possible to pre-book these services more than an hour or so in advance. Usually, if the bus that's due to leave next is already full, there will be seats available on the next one. The longest queues are for the very early morning departures from Pattaya - to get a seat on the first bus of the day you need to be in the ticket queue at least 30-40 minutes early; however the bonus is that these pre-rush hour services can take as little as 90 minutes to get to Bangkok [S].
From the North Pattaya [M] Road bus station songthaews [S] (a cross between a pickup truck, a share-taxi, a local bus and two pews) depart when full (every few minutes). The fare to anywhere on Beach Road [S] ("the beach") is 20 baht; press the buzzer button on the underside of the roof when you want to get off.
Pattaya [M] to the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal: if requested, this bus will stop at the On Nut Skytrain [S] Station (station map [4]) on Sukhumvit Road [S]. Depending on your final destination and the traffic conditions, you may want to transfer to the Skytrain (system map [5]) there; if so, wait until the bus departs Pattaya and then confirm with the crew that you want to be dropped off at "On Nut". NB: this bus does not stop to pick up passengers at On Nut (or anywhere else) on the outbound leg. Also on request the bus will stop along the Bangna-Trat Expressway opposite the Central Department Store Bangna.
Pattaya [M] from/to the Southern (Sai Tai Mai) Terminal: if the direct bus is fully booked, take the Eastern (Ekamai) Terminal bus instead, and use the #511 (air-con, every 30 minutes 24/7, 20 baht) bus to connect between Ekamai and Sai Tai Mai.
Pattaya [M] from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport [S]: Bell travel Tel 038-370-0556, 02-747-4673 to Airport: 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00 and to Pattaya: 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00. Their bus travels directly from the terminal building to the northern bus station. This service includes delivery/pick up to/from your hotel in the 200Bt price(Feb 2009), although they will not go to hotels located at Sukhumwit rd or at Chayapreuk rd or further. You need to go to Bell Travel's website [6] to book your travel from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. They don't accept walk-in requests.
Pattaya [M] from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport [S]: Governmental bus[7] 124 bath (as of August 2009) to Pattaya: 07:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 21:00. The bus departs directly from the airport at level 2 and makes stops along Sukhumwit rd at Pattaya Nua (north), Pattaya Klang (middle), Pattaya Tay (south), its bus station at the lower end of Theprasit rd and the bus station at Chaiyapreuk rd. Departing from the bus station at the lower end of Theprasit rd to the airport at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00. It is also possible to board the bus 20 minutes prior to its departing time at the bus station at Chaiyapreuk rd. No other stops are made.
2nd class services (air-con, usually no on-board toilet) don't use the expressways, and make frequent (and sometimes lengthy) stops, hence they take considerably longer than their 1st class counterparts (which at worst will only halt momentarily once or twice to let passengers jump off on the final approaches to their destination). As at June 2006 the 2nd class fare is 100 baht, so the difference in price doesn't amount to much.
Many 2nd class buses from Bangkok [M] continue on to Jomtien [S], so may be worth considering if that's your final destination and you're not in a hurry. For travel from Jomtien to Bangkok [S] they have the advantage that they can be flagged down and boarded as they crawl along Jomtien's seafront road (Jomtien Beach Road [S] - Thanon Hat Jomtien), avoiding the need for a preliminary trip to the bus station.
The terminus for 2nd class services to/from Bangkok [M] and other short-haul destinations is on South Pattaya [S]
The New airport bus service, not very well advertised, from SUWANNAPUMI airport,is brand new,as are the buses,DIRECT from the airport,and terminates at Jomtien [S] beach road & Soi Chiaproek,it costs 112 bt (approx 4 us$). Currently 5 return trips either way per day.You won't get too much info on this service,as it is not a private company, it is run by government employees,and you will be directed to the taxis and mini-buses,by the touts at the airport.Upon arrival at Jomtien, (1 hour or so ) there are many guest houses,and hotels,prices [S] vary from 550bt, ( Maggie Mays ) to 3,500bt( Nusa Playa ) cheap and cheerful,to luxurious.
It's also possible to travel by minibus to Hat Lek [S] (for the southern-most border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia) but not every day of the week; this service may or may not go via Laem Ngop [S], depending on overall demand. As at January 2006: depart 7:30AM, arrive around 2PM, 700 baht, Tuesday and Friday only - but liable to change, so enquire locally for the latest schedule details.
Travel agencies (ubiquitous throughout Pattaya [M]) plus many hotels/guesthouses sell minibus tickets, and tourist-oriented services such as these invariably include collection from your hotel/guesthouse/wherever (allow extra time for this - times quoted above are approximate transit times and make no allowance for the vagaries of the collection process).
Public taxis serving the airport must have a meter, be air-conditioned, and be less than five years old. The driver should have an Airports of Thailand certificate.
To Bangkok [M] - widely advertised in Pattaya [M] at 800 baht (the lower price is because it'll be a Bangkok [S] cab returning home), and easily arranged through most travel agencies and hotels/guesthouses. Minibuses can also be chartered taxi-style from around 1800 baht.
From Bangkok [M] - prices [S] range from 1500 baht (the official meter-taxi rate) to 1000 baht; arranged car services will tend toward the higher end, but licenced meter-taxis should be negotiable to the lower end of the range. Allow about 90-120 minutes, depending on where in Bangkok [S] you're coming from; more around rush hour.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport [S] - the official meter-taxi price to Pattaya [M] is 1050 baht (1100 baht to Jomtien [S]) plus the 60 baht highway ("motorway" or "expressway") toll. Allow around 80-90 minutes in favourable conditions.
Scams [S] to watch out for when headed for Bangkok [M] by taxi include being told that the pre-paid price is fully inclusive, but then, on arrival at the first toll booth, being told that the expressway fees are extra.
Many of the more upmarket hotels can arrange (for an additional fee) to have you met at the airport gate by a personal driver with a limousine, thus avoiding the need to negotiate with taxi drivers, or you can book a limousine in advance online [8]
Provided it's a weekday, the most economical way to travel between Pattaya [M] and Bangkok [M] by public transport is by rail - the one-way fare is just 31 baht, and if you've never experienced a 3rd class Thai train, this can be an interesting experience.
From Monday to Friday, a single daily 3rd class (non-aircon) train departs Bangkok's Hualamphong Train Station [S] at 6:50AM and arrives at the main Pattaya [M] station at 10:18AM, before continuing on to Sattahip [S]; it then returns via Pattaya at 2:21PM and terminates back in Bangkok [M] at 5:40PM (on Saturdays and Sundays it turns back to Bangkok [S] at Chachoengsao [S], so is of no practical use for getting to or from Pattaya at weekends). Regardless of direction, simply turn up and buy a ticket at the station - this train can't be pre-booked.
Pattaya [M] has two train stations, both just east of Sukhumvit Road [S]:
At the main Pattaya [M] Train Station, tickets must be bought before boarding and are only sold in the final 30 minutes prior to departure. The fare from/to Bangkok [M] is 31 baht, from/to Sattahip [S] 6 baht.
As the Pattaya [M] Tai halt has no ticket office, passengers are permitted to board here without tickets and then pay on the train (32 baht to Bangkok [M]).
The surcharge for transporting a bicycle (up to 20 kg) between any two points on this line (ie Bangkok-Sattahip) is 80 baht.
Tickets for other journeys can be purchased (up to a maximum of 60 days in advance) at the Pattaya [M] Train Station ticket office between 8AM and 4PM; the same tickets can also be arranged through Pattaya agencies, who will add on a 200-300 baht markup to cover their assistance and the cost of sending a moto-taxi to collect the tickets from the station.
By road: Sukhumvit-route 2nd class aircon buses operate from Bangkok's Eastern (Ekamai) Bus Terminal and pick up and drop off on Sukhumvit at the Pattaya [M] Nua / Pattaya Klang / Pattaya Tai traffic lights. Fares from/to Pattaya are Sattahip [S] 20 baht, U-Tapao (Sukhumvit traffic lights, does not access the airport itself) 35 baht, Rayong [S] (bus station) 50 baht, Ban Phe [S] (Sukhumvit traffic lights, does not detour into the town) 60 baht, Chanthaburi [M] (bus station) 115 baht, and Trat [M] (bus station) 165 baht. Some terminate at Chanthaburi, however it's easy to transfer between there and Trat.
By road: for most (if not all) destinations in Isaan [S], it's not necessary to go via Bangkok [M]. If a direct service isn't available, it's usually possible to connect via Nakhon Ratchasima [M] (Khorat).
Tickets get sold very quickly! But it beforehand, a day or two ahead, seriously.
Nakhonchai Air Co. [9] (tel. +66-38427841 / +66-38424871) provides "VIP", 1st class, and non-aircon passenger services (plus parcel services) to Ubon Ratchathani [M] (~11 hours) as follows:
Roong Reuang Coach operates five Isaan [S] services from the bus station on North Pattaya [M] Road (the 1st class Bangkok [M] bus terminal), all of which are air-con and go via Aranyaprathet [M] (1st class 209 baht / 2nd class 162 baht / ~5 hours) and then either Buriram [S] and Roi Et [M] or Surin [S] and Yasothon [S], and then terminate at Mukdahan [S] (~13 hours) as follows:
By rail: it's possible to take the train from Pattaya [M] to Chachoengsao [S] (weekdays only) and switch there to a train to Aranyaprathet [M], or vice-versa, but either way the connection can only be made by spending the night in Chachoengsao. For trains to Nakhon Ratchasima [M] (Khorat), Buriram [S], Surin [S], Si Saket [S], Ubon [S], etc, connect via Bangkok's Hualamphong station.
By road: it's possible to travel direct to/from numerous locations in Northern Thailand, however it's often quicker overall to go via the Northern (Moh Chit) Terminal in Bangkok [M]. Much depends on final destination, time of travel, and available services; but if in doubt, the safest bet will usually be to stick with the 1st class buses and go via Moh Chit.
Nakhonchai Air Co. [10] (tel. +66-38427841 / +66-38424871) provides "VIP", 1st class, and non-aircon passenger services (plus parcel services) to Chiang Mai [M] and Mae Sai [M] from premises on the southbound side of Sukhumvit Road [S] (30/7 Moo 9), one block south of the junction with Central Pattaya [S] [M] Road.
To Chiang Mai [M] (approx. 13.5 hours):
To Mae Sai [M] (approx. 15 hours):
It's always worth considering pre-booking long-haul bus tickets, however more often than not seats will still be available an hour or so prior to departure.
By rail: it may be possible to use the one daily (weekdays only) train to/from Pattaya [M] to connect with a northern line overnight train at Bangkok's Hualamphong station (pre-booking is advised for berths on overnight trains; this can be arranged at or via Pattaya Train Station [S]).
The options for Southern Thailand are to fly to U-Tapao (near Sattahip [S]) direct to/from Ko Samui [M] or Phuket [M], or else to go via Bangkok [M]. Note that a direct bus service between Pattaya [M] and the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok [S] was introduced in 2005; also that it may be worth considering using the one daily (weekdays only) train to/from Pattaya and connecting with a southern line overnight train at Bangkok's Hualamphong station (pre-booking is advised for berths on overnight trains; this can be arranged at or via Pattaya Train Station [S]).
The city-produced "Official Map of Pattaya [M]" is available at Pattaya City Hall, and may also be available from the Pattaya Police, the Tourist Police [S] and the Immigration Police.
Songthaew is also known as public passenger pick-up vehicle.
Apart from a handful of privately operated examples, Pattaya [M] has no tuk-tuks [S] and most ad hoc local transport is undertaken by a flotilla of over 700 dark blue coloured songthaews [S] - pickup trucks converted to buses, also called Baht Buses [S]. The official "bus" fare is 5 baht for trips within Pattaya, however foreigners are universally expected to pay 10 baht. Having the correct change is by no means essential, but does keep the potential hassle factor to a minimum. Flat fares only apply when operating as a bus; beware the driver of an otherwise empty songthaew [S], especially one that's parked up at the roadside, who might presume (or decide on your behalf) that you want to charter - in which case expect a much higher fare of 100 baht or more, depending on your negotiating skills.
The busiest route is the beach circuit: from the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya [M] Road, north along Second Road to the Dolphin Circle roundabout; then south along the full length of Beach Road; then briefly east along South Pattaya Road [S] to complete the loop. Frequency is virtually non-stop, and even at the most unlikely hours, average waiting time is literally no more than a few seconds.
The routes sometimes vary - for example with a left turn (from Beach Road or Second Road) into Central Pattaya [S] [M] Road; or no left turn at the Dolphin Circle roundabout (where Second Road, Beach Road and North Pattaya Road [S] meet) and going straight on to Naklua [S] (or even a right turn towards the bus station and Sukhumvit). The only way to know the route for sure is to ask (but don't let the driver mistake your asking as a charter request). Sometimes the driver will just decide to turn down a random soi for no apparent reason, or because he's just been hired as a taxi, but you'll still be expected to pay your 10 baht if you've ridden for more than a soi or two - however surprises such as these are few and far between.
It's also easy to catch songthaews [S] along South Pattaya [M] Road, Central Pattaya Road [S], and North Pattaya Road [S]; in the case of the latter, there's often a songthaew [S] waiting at the Dolphin Circle roundabout (they depart from here at regular intervals, or when full, and the fare to the bus station is 10 baht) and there's also a free songthaew service to the Tesco-Lotus supermarket on North Pattaya Road.
For Jomtien, songthaews [S] wait at the beginning of Pratamnak Road (the continuation of Second Road, from the South Pattaya [M] Road crossroads), and charge 10 baht.
For Naklua [S], take a songthaew [S] up Second Road to the Dolphin Roundabout [S]. If the songthaew turns left or right at the roundabout (ie it's not one of the few that continue straight on to Naklua), disembark immediately and cross to the north side of the roundabout, and either walk or take a north-bound songthaew (10 baht) from there.
White coloured songthaews [S] ply Sukhumvit Road [S], going as far as Si Racha [S] and Sattahip [S]
If you're overcharged by a songthaew [S] driver, note the three digit vehicle number (top left corner of the windscreen, also stencilled on both sides and in the back) and report the problem to:
After long delays, a government-subsidised public bus system charging 30 baht/trip, 90 baht/day, 180 baht/3-day and 900 baht/month was test-launched in August 2005. The long-term plan is for six routes (three clockwise, three anticlockwise - map [11]), with three air-con 34-seat buses per route making scheduled stops from 06:00 to 02:00 at 20 minute intervals. The introduction of facilities for wheelchairs, and additional open-top sightseeing buses, have also been proposed.
As at mid-2006 the green line has been suspended, the frequency on the remaining routes has been extended to 30 minutes, and the one-trip fare reduced to 20 baht. How temporary or permanent these changes are is unclear, but in the meantime, be aware that Pattaya [M] now has a lot of shiny new bus-stop signs which make no attempt to tell prospective passengers that they are not in use. Brochures with details of the routes/stops (but not times) are available from the bus drivers; for updates, try dialing 038757340 /1 or e-mail pbb_bus@yahoo.com.
The quickest way to get around [S] is by motorcycle (motosai). A moto-taxi will be less expensive than a songthaew [S] charter, but arguably less safe. Roadside moto-taxi stands are scattered throughout town, and waiting drivers usually clap their hands or sometimes call out to attract the attention of potential passengers; alternatively just flag down the next available one that cruises by, as the drivers are easily identified by their coloured vests. Some will carry two (or more!) passengers - although this is illegal. Foreigners can expect to pay around 30-40 baht for trips around the inner parts of town.
Meter-taxis are a common sight in and around Pattaya [M]. All are from Bangkok [M]; their drivers bring passengers from the capital, and then operate locally until a return fare becomes available. There are also some car services and non-metered taxis that operate on an on-call basis; minibuses can also be chartered. These services are suited primarily to longer trips outside the core of the town or to another city, and can be arranged through most travel agencies and many hotels/guesthouses.Expect to pay considerably more than the cost of a songthaew [S] charter, probably in the order of a few hundred baht. If you are going back to Bangkok [S]
If considering renting a vehicle, bear in mind that traffic in Pattaya [M] can seem very erratic by Western standards, and that driving on the left can be confusing not only for those who have previously only ever driven on the right, but also for those unfamiliar with the common Thai practice (even the police do this) of motorcycling alongside the kerb on the "oncoming" side of the road, or the wrong way up one-way streets. The latter problem is especially prevalent in the Pattaya Bay area, where the majority of the roads in the main tourism zones are one-way; and the northern section [S] of Second Road requires great care as some treat the right-hand "bus" lane as oncoming, while others do not.
Motorcycle rentals are a very popular way to get around [S], but not the safest, especially in the case of visitors with limited previous experience of motorcycling and Eastern traffic habits, and even more so in Pattaya [M] given the large number of motorcycle-mounted holidaymakers who seem hell-bent on a Darwin Award. Also note that a motorcyclist carrying a shoulder bag, and anything placed in the front basket of a motorcycle, makes an especially easy target for bag-snatchers. Also beware the "No Parking" signs - fines are typically 400-500 baht.
Motorbikes can be rented without difficulty at countless locations in Pattaya [M], including many hotels and guesthouses, usually without having to produce a licence; however it's common for foreigners to be asked to deposit their passports as security (to avoid this, simply shop around until you find one of the many places that will accept a photocopy instead); cash deposits are also often required (1000 baht is not uncommon). Motorcycle rentals do not include insurance, and both motorcycling accidents and motorbike thefts are common.some outlets have athird party cover which covers you for medical attention.If motorbikes don't carry this insurance they are illegal and should not be entertained.One renter that has this cover is nittayas who opperate from soi12Naklua.
Noks Bike Rentals..at the "TAKE IT EASY BAR", Soi 7/8.. British [S] managed, open 24hours, also sells European bike helmets.
Cars can easily be rented, and are a good way to explore beyond the city limits, but they are not such a practicable way to get around [S] the busiest central areas as traffic can be congested, and parking spaces can be difficult to find in the evening and weekend periods. However the major supermarkets offer free parking, and low-cost parking is available at the major shopping venues such as Royal Garden Plaza [S], Central Festival [S] & Big C on Second Road.
Rentals without insurance start from around 800 baht/day for small cars, and from as little as 600 baht/day for open-top jeeps; cars with insurance start at just under 1000 baht/day, and come down to around 5600 baht/week or 18000 baht/month in low season. High season prices [S] (from early November) are generally a few hundred baht more.
Getting the correct type of insurance cover on any rental car in Thailand is extremely important. Commerical "Car Rental Company" First Class Insurance provides the absolute full legal cover (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance cover. Request a copy of the policy document and check that it states "For Comercial Use".
ATVs
Bicycles [S] could, until recently, be rented at Jomtien - however due to lack of demand the current options are to either bring your own, or buy one locally - see the Do | Sports | "cycling" [S] section. A few hotels offer free bike hire to guests.
Khao Phra Tam Nak or Khao Phra Bat (เขาพระตำหนัก หรือ เขาพระบาท) This small hill is located between South Pattaya [M] and Jomtien. It is a vantage point for a panoramic view of the whole city of Pattaya and its crescent bay. Many tourists know it as Buddha Hill [S]. Locals and visitors come here to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat atop the hill and the monument of Kromluang Chomphonkhetudomsak, who is regarded as the “founding father of the modern Thai navy.” and Suan Chaloemphrakiat (สวนเฉลิมพระเกียรติ) Khao Phra Tam Nak Road. This is a fitness park at the foot of Khao Pattaya. With an area of 6 acres, the park was dedicated to commemorate His Majesty the King’s sixtieth birthday on December 5, 1988. The gardens of the park boast a wide variety of flowering plants and offer a scenic view of Pattaya. There are also multipurpose grounds and winding trails for walking or jogging and standard exercise facilities. It is not at all obvious how to access the gardens of the park from the summit, and those from overseas should ask a local for guidance.
Hat Jomtien (หาดจอมเทียน) [S] This 6- kilometre-long beach is only 4km from Pattaya [M]. A beach road runs parallel to the shore, along which are hotels and restaurants. Less noisy than Pattaya, it is popular as a site for relaxation, swimming and water-sports.
Hat Wong Phra Chan (หาดวงพระจันทร์) This small tranquil one kilometre beach is on the northern side of Pattaya [M] Bay. The serene atmosphere here is attractive to those longing for a complete rest and privacy.
Underwater World (อันเดอร์วอเตอร์ เวิลด์) is on the Sukhumvit–Nong Prue Road and is an aquarium where there is a collection of marine species in the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can walk through the acrylic pedestrian tunnel and witness various kinds of fish swimming in the 180 degree area. The tunnel is 105 metres long divided into 4 zones; the first zone where there are beautiful and rare fish such as angel fish, cleaning wrasse and butterflyfish, the second zone displays soft-bone ones such as sharks, stingrays, while those in the third zone are the economic ones such as the Napoleonfish, groupers, pomfrets, hawksbill turtles, and green turtles which reside around a replica of shipwreck; the fourth zone is a special one where fish from the Amazon River and the biggest ones are on display. Moreover, there are marine life feeding shows, both on the surface of the water and underwater in each zone. It is open everyday from 9.00AM–6.00PM (the ticket counter is closed at 5.30PM). Entrance fee is 360 baht for the adults and 180 baht for children. For more information, please contact Tel. 0 3875 6879 or Fax. 0 3875 6879.
22/22 Moo 11 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes from town centre); tel. +66-38756879. Aquarium full of tropical creatures. Open 09:00-18:00, last admission 17:30, feeding times 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00. Different prices [S] for Thais (180 baht/adult, 120 baht/child) and foreigners (360 baht/adult, 180 baht/child).
Ban Sukhawadee (บ้านสุขาวดี) [25] is located at 219 Mu 2, Sukhumvit Road. It is the residence of Dr. Panya Chotithewan. Visitors can enter the house to pay respect to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin, to see the spacious conference room and the roof. It is open on M-F from 8.30AM–6.00PM and on Saturday–Sunday and public holidays from 8.00AM-6.00PM Entrance fee is 300 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. How to get there: Ban Sukhawadi is in Bang Lamung District on the beach side near the Cholchan Pattaya [M] Resort and not far from Bang Lamung District Office. For more information, Tel. 0 3822 3536-9.
Institute of Marine Science Aquarium & Museum [S], Burapha University, 169 Long-Hard Bangsaen Road, Bangsaen; tel. +66-38391671 /3 [26] is open 08:30-16:00 (feeding time 14:30), except public holidays (open 08:30-17:00, feeding times 10:30 + 14:30) and Mondays (closed); admission 20 baht/adult, 10 baht/child.
Oasis Seaworld [S], Paknam, Laemsing, Chanthaburi [M] - full day guided trips including 45 minutes swimming with dolphins - approx. 2000 baht/adult 1500 baht/child - available via travel agencies.
There are two submarines (yellow ones, of course!) with tour operators in Pattaya [M]:
Hynix of the Sea [S] [27] - main ticket office at the Second Road end of Tipp Plaza (near Soi 10); tel. +66-38711059 /60
Vimantaitalay [S] [28] contact any Pattaya [M] travel agency; or tel. +66-38415234
Elephant shows & trekking offered by several operators, most located on Sukhumvit Road. These include Ban Chang Thai [S] tel. +66-3870628 /91, Utthayan Chang [S] tel. +66-38716379, Thin Chang Thai [S] tel. +66-38756516 / +66-38756577, Suan Chang [S] tel. +66-38756517, Farm Chang Thai [S] tel. +66-38237825.
Pattaya [M] Elephant Village (หมู่บ้านช้างพัทยา) [29] is Located at km 146, 7km from Central Pattaya [S] on Phonpraphanimit Road., this elephant camp focuses on daily life of elephants and their masters and also offers stage shows demonstrating how to catch wild elephants, elephants-at-work in the jungle, elephants playing football and a grand war elephants parade. The shows are held daily at 2.30PM and last one hour. The ticket costs 500 baht per person [S]. A one-hour elephant ride is available from 8AM-5.30PM at 900 baht and rafting trekking three-hour is available from 10.00AM-3.30PM at 1,800 baht. Contact counter in Tropicana Hotel, Tel. 0 3824 9145-7, 0 3824 9818.
54/1 Moo 2, Tambol Nong Prue; tel+fax. +66-38249818, +66-38249853 [30] offers shows, elephant trekking and jungle tours (including a four-day/three-night tour in Phrae Province [S]).
Monkey Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึก-สอนลิงพัทยา) Located in Soi Chaiyaphruek off Highway No. 3 at km 151, the centre displays the intelligence of monkeys trained to climb and pick coconuts and to undertake other activities [S]. Cock-fighting and snake shows are also staged. Shows times are 9.00AM, 11.00AM, 12.00 noon, 2.00PM and 5.00PM Admission: 250 baht. Tel. 0 3875 6367, 0 3875 6570 for more information.
Soi Chaiyaphruk (off Highway #3) tel. +66-38756367 / +66-38756570. Features monkeys trained to harvest coconuts and undertake other tasks. Also stages cockfighting (a traditional Thai bloodsport) and a snake show. Open daily, shows 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 17:00 - admission 250 baht.
International Snake Show [S], Sukhumvit Road (39/4 Moo 5 - near the junction with North Pattaya [M] Road) tel. +66-38731586 / snake_show@hotmail.com
Khao Kheow Open Zoo [S] (35 km north of Pattaya [M]) tel. +66-38298270 [31]. A huge zoo with about 8000 animals of 300 species. Open daily - 08:00-18:00, 50 baht/adult, 10-15 baht/child; Night Safari 19:00-20:00, 100 baht/adult, 50 baht/child.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo [S] [32], 341 Moo 3, Nongkham, Si Racha [S] (30 minutes from town centre); tel. +66-38296556. A zoo with various shows. 350 baht/adult(foreigner), 120 baht/adult(thai).
Thai Alangkarn Theater - Pattaya [S] [M] [33], Thai Performing Arts in a Panoramic Concept, The entire project includes a prototype 70 meters Hexa Stage Theater with 2,000 seats in tiers, Cultural Rostrum and a Restaurant with 1,000 seats. open daily except Wednesday. Show time 18.00 hrs. Located on km 155 Sukhumvit road from South Pattaya to Sattahip,; tel. +66 (0)38 256007. 038 256 000.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden [S], 163 Sukhumvit Road (15 minutes east of town centre); tel. +66-38429321, [34]. Beautiful gardens with waterfalls, elephant shows, "Cultural Extravaganza" performances 4 times a day, restaurants and so forth - enough to fill an entire day. 200 baht for locals, 400 baht for foreigners.
Siriphon Orchid Farm (สวนกล้วยไม้ศิริพร) is situated at 235/14 Mu 5, Noen Phlap Wan Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Turn left for 800 metres from Sukhumvit Road, diagonally across the Pattaya [M] Klang Intersection. Inside the farm are various kinds of orchids to be admired and purchased such as Pompadua, Vanda, Golden Shower, and Cattleya. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 9013, 03842 1536.
Saithip Butterfly Garden [S], 79/5 Moo 11 Bangpra-Khaokheow Road, Bangpra Sriracha; tel. +66-99365339. Open 8AM-5PM. Admission for foreigners: 100 baht/adult, 60 baht/child.
Bottle Art Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ศิลปในขวดแก้ว) This small museum is located at km 145 on Sukhumvit Road., of Highway No. 3. As its name implies, it specialises in glass bottle containing elaborately crafted creations, including the usual vessels. The exhibits are the works of the Dutch master, Peter Bedelais. Open daily from 8.30AM-20.00PM Admission fee is 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. (the bottle museum is seriously out of service - there are no bottles there at all -- 2009 April 16)
79/15 Moo 9, Sukhumvit Road, Nongpler; tel. +66-38422957, +66-38415783 [35]. More than 300 miniatures in bottles, open 08:00-20:00.
Open Eyes [S], 2nd floor of Pattaya [M] Bazaar, 266/52-53 North Pattaya Road [S]; tel. +66-38362077. "The Great Experience Behind The Magical", a lot of technological magic and illusion shows. Open 15:00-23:00; show time 3PM-11PM; Spy Zone show time 3PM-10PM.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum (tel. +66-38710294 /8) is on the third floor of Royal Garden Plaza [S]. Access from both Second Road (you can't miss this side - there's a large aeroplane protruding from the upper floors) and from Beach Road. Different prices [S] for Thais (280 baht/adult, 230 baht/child) and for others (380 baht/adult, 280 baht/child) not based on citizenship or residency status but race; at the same location there's also a "Haunted Experience" show, a 4D movie theatre and "Infinity Maze" game. Various combination tickets available, all dual-priced - for Thais (480 baht/adult, 380 baht/child) and foreigners (780 baht/adult, 680 baht/child) to enter all four. Open daily from 11AM-11PM.
NOTES: It really is believe it or not, when an American [S] company likes Ripleys have a two-tiered price system!
Other places to go in the Ripley’s World of Entertainment:
The admission fee package is 1,340 baht for adults and 1,240 baht for children. For more information, Tel. 0 3871 0294-8 or Bangkok [M] Office Tel. 0 2247 0777. It is open daily from 11AM–11PM.
Buddha Hill [S] (between Thappraya Road and Phratamnak Road; 5-10 minutes by songthaew [S]
Sanctuary of Truth (ปราสาทสัจธรรม) This gigantic wooden structure is situated by the sea at Laem Ratchawet, North Pattaya [M]. The entrance is at Soi 12, Na Kluea Road. The Sanctuary of Truth was first begun in 1981 by Mr. Lek Wiriyaphan, the founder of the Ancient City in Samut Prakan Province. With exquisite an unique architectural features, the building was conceived out of the vision that human civilisation has been achieved and nurtured by religious and philosophical truth. It is open daily from 9.00AM-6.00PM The basic admission fee is 500 baht.
206/2 Moo 5, Soi 12, Naklua [S] Road, Naklua; tel. +66-38225407 / +66-38367229 [36]. An unfinished project, but worth a visit even now. The main attraction is a huge ancient-style wooden temple; nearby is a small dolphinarium with dolphin shows at 11:30AM and 3:30PM.
Gems Gallery [S], 555 Moo 6, North Pattaya [M] Road, tel. +66-38371222. One of several "World's Biggest" jewelry stores, this one also has a theme park.
The Million-Year Stone Park and Crocodile Farm (อุทยานหินล้านปีและฟาร์มจระเข้พัทยา) (15 minute drive from central Pattaya [M]) [37]. Features an exotic zoo, and crocodile, fire-swallowing and magic shows, as well as the garden and stone park. Open 8AM-18:30PM.
This popular attraction is 9km from Pattaya [M] on Chaiyaphonwithi Road., off Highway No.3 at km 140. Its grounds are landscaped with flowering and rock gardens. Hundreds of crocodiles as well as some rare animals, including albino bears and horses, are kept. There are crocodile shows, magic performances and animal shows 7 times a day from 9.00AM-5.00PM The compound is open daily from 8.30AM - 6.00PM Admission: 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children. Tel. 0 3824 9347-9 or www.thaistonepark.org for more information.
Mini Siam (เมืองจำลองพัทยา) [38] is on Sukhumvit Road, surrounded by Soi 33, and features miniature replicas of iconic structures from Thailand and all over the world. is located at km 143 on Sukhumbit Road., Highway No. 3, North Pattaya [M], Mini Siam is one of famous model villages in the world. It celebrates the heritages of Thailand with miniature replicas of the most famous monuments and historical sites including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Democracy Monument, Bridge over the River Kwai, Prasat Hin Phimai etc. Minature replicas of the Tower Bridge of London, Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty and Trevi Fountain are also displayed in the section called “miniworld”. The compound is open daily from 7.00AM-10.00PM Admission: 250 baht for adults and 120 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1628, 0 3872 6201-3, 0 3872 7333 for more information.
Three Kingdoms Theme Park [S], The Three Kingdoms Park (อุทยานสามก๊ก) is a beautiful attraction full of the Sino-Thai architectural style, covering an area of 36 rai. It was originated from the idea of Khun Kiarti Srifuengfung, a leading Chinese businessman of Thailand. The art objects in this place is in accordance with the Chinese Fengshui, comprising of a 5-storey building, displaying oil paintings of the life story of Kong Ming, as well as, Jiangxi sculptures of leading characters from the chronicle in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The uppermost storey is the Buddha image hall and a sightseeing spot. Moreover, there is another building where there is a 4 metre-marble-engraved Bodhisattva Kwan Yin sculpture, Kuan Yu God, as well as, a fine art corridor where there are paintings on tiles depicting the major episode of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It is open everyday from 10.00AM-5.00PM On Saturday and Sunday, it opens until 6.00PM Entrance fee is 150 baht for adults and 80 baht for children. Tel. 0 3842 1428-9 or Bangkok [M] Office at Tel. 0 2633 8114-5 or www.3kingdomspark.com for more information:
100 Moo 9, Tambon Pong; [39]. Adjacent to Horseshoe Point [S] (20 minutes from Pattaya [M]), this is a Chinese-style garden filled with pagodas, murals and figures from the Chinese epic San Guo Zhi, and more an expression of filial piety than a theme park. Perhaps worth a quick look on a slow day, but unlikely to offer much to visitors not familiar with the story. 60 baht/adult, 30 baht/child.
Liam’s Gallery exhibits and sells original art works from Thailand and the rest of South-east Asia. The center is found at Soi 4 Pratamnak Road, Moo 12 Nongprue, Banglamung, Pattaya [M]. Telephoe (66) 038-251-808. Or see the center’s website: [40]
Cabaret Shows (คาบาเร่ต์โชว์) There are two major venues of transvestite musical theatre cabarets in Pattaya [M].
Alcazar [S] Cabaret (อัลคาซ่าร์ คาบาร์เร่ต์), Pattaya [M] 2 Road., Tel. 0 3841 0225-7, 0 3842 8746. Showtimes: 6.30PM, 8.00PM, 9.30PM Admission: 500 and 600 baht.
Tiffany's Show (ทิฟฟานี่ โชว์), Pattaya [M] 2 Road., Tel. 0 3842 1700-5, 0 3842 9642. Showtimes: 06.00PM, 07.30PM and 09.00PM Admission: 500, 700 and 800 baht. Tiffany's is family-friendly, and the 7.30PM show is usually the most energetic.
Tuxedo Magic Castle (ปราสาทเวทมนต์ ทักซิโด) is located at 78/16-17, on Pattaya [M] Sai 2 Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. It is a magical theater in the form of a split-level restaurant. There are series of shows such as making an umbrella out of cards. It is open everyday, 3 rounds a day at 7.00PM, 8.30PM and 10.00PM On Saturday and public holidays, there is also a 5.30PM round. Admission fee is 450 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 3848 8880 or www.tuxedo-magic.com.
Open Eyes [S] Show (เปิดหู เปิดตาโชว์) is on Pattaya [M] 2 Road, opposite the Tiffany Show. It is a magic performance in various styles such as Aladdin, the Mermaid, Invisible Woman, the Wonderland, etc. Each category of performances will be shown in rotation. The admission fee is 600 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. Tel. 0 3836 2077-79 Fax. 0 3836 2075.
Pattaya [M] Park and Tower (สวนสนุกพัทยาปาร์ค) Pattaya Park Beach Resort and Tower at Chom Thian features a large whirlpool with giant sliders and a tower with a revolving restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy several games and rides on the tower and in its playground. A Ticket for tower visit costs 200 baht. Open daily from 10.00AM-7.00PM On Saturday, it opens until 8.00PM The Entrance fee of tower is 100, 200 baht for adults Tel. 0 3836 4110-20 or 0 2579 9612-4 or [41].
Ko Lan (เกาะล้าน) [S] or Coral Island: This island is 7.5km from South Pattaya [M], about 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by speedboat. Tourists prefer a swim and enjoy watersports along several beaches. Most fine beaches with white sand and clear water are on the western side of the island. Hat Thonglang and Hat Ta Waen are popular beaches for its bustling atmosphere, aquatic sport gear, souvenir shops, and restaurants while Hat Laem Thian and Hat Samae offer a more restful atmosphere. Visitors can choose glass-bottom boats or skin-diving to view coral reefs in front of Laem Thian. At the southend of the island is Hat Nuan, Hat Samae, Hat Ta Waen and Hat Thian where a hotel is situated. It is another spot for viewing corals.
How to get there: A ferry service departs Laem Bali Hai Pier to Ko Lan everyday. Departure time is from 7.00AM-6.30PM, while the arrival trips leave Ko Lan from 6.30AM-6.00PM It costs 20 baht. The boat will stop at Na Ban Pier. In case of going to other beaches, a long-tailed boat can be rented or a taxi can be hired. Furthermore, speed boats for 10 persons are available along Pattaya [M] beach. Visitors can stop at Ta Waen Beach and Thong Lang Beach. The rental fee for the speed boat is 2,500-3,000 baht or depending on the agreement. Prices stated above are subject to change without notice.
Ko Sak (เกาะสาก) [S] Six hundred metres north of Ko Lan is Ko Sak, a small island shaped like an upturn horseshoe. There are two connecting beaches to the north and south. Along the south shore are ranges of corals. Accommodation is available.
Mu Ko Phai (หมู่เกาะไผ่) [S] is 23km from Pattaya [M] beach comprising Ko Phai [S], Ko Man Wichai, Ko Lueam and Ko Klueng Badan. Ko Phai is the biggest one and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy. Along the island lie perfect coral reefs suitable for scuba diving [S]. How to get there: a tour boat can be rented at Pattaya beach. There are those for 20-80 people or speed boats for 20 people. The rental rate depends on the size of the boat and the destination. Visitors cannot stay overnight and ought to prepare food and water by themselves.
Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) (เอนกกุศลศาลา (วิหารเซียน)) whose entrance is a bit prior to Wat Yanasangwararam, 800 metres from the intersection at the reservoir, is the place collecting high-class Chinese architecture and fine arts constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Birthday. Inside is an exhibition displaying precious antiques such as the large white jade Bodhisattva Kwan Yin’s image, terra-cotta soldiers and horses from the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, an emperor’s golden throne, ancient paintings and pottery. It is open daily from 8.30AM-5.00PM The entrance fee is 50 baht. Tel. 0 3823 8367.
Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan (วัดญาณสังวรารามวรมหาวิหาร) covers an area of 366 rai. Turn left from Sukhumvit Road, at Km. 160 for 5km. It was constructed in 1976 for Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the present Supreme Patriarch, and later was supported by His Majesty the King. At the entrance are situated international pavilions presenting each country’s national architectural style around the pond. Within the compound of the temple are the Mondop where a replica of the Buddha’s footprint is enshrined, a large Chedi containing the relics of the Lord Buddha, as well as, his enlightened followers, and Wihan Phra Yanaret. It is open from 8.00AM-4.00PM For more information, Tel. 0 3823 7506. Moreover, there is a place where the Royal Project for Agricultural Training Centre and Wildlife Preservation Area are located. For more information, Tel. 0 3823 8060.
On the last curvy bay of Chon Buri is situated the Royal Thai Nabal Base. Presently Sattahip is simply small fishing town by the sea. Domestic tourists come to pay homage to Wat Luang Pho I, a renowned Buddhist monk. Its big squid pier at Samaesan is still viable.
Alangkarn Theater (โรงละครอลังการ) [42] Located at Km. 155 on Sukhumvit Road, it is a unique Thai performing art collection area which can be divided into 3 parts; namely, Theater comprising of the Glittering Horoscope Balcony and the Bell Tower, “Alangkarn” Restaurant decorated with modern arts and providing visitors with Thai and international cuisines, Cultural Rostrum and Souvenir Shops, an area presenting Thai games, as well as, demonstration of products of local intellect, and “Alangkarn” Lake, reflecting the local Thai lifestyle, with a floating market for visitors to purchase fruits and Thai desserts. The Alangkarn Theater is open everyday except Wednesday from 5.30PM-11.00PM The performance starts from 6.30PM-8.30PM taking about 1¼ hours. The entrance fee is 1,000-1,400 baht. For more information, Tel. 0 3825 6000 or Bangkok [M] Tel. 0 2216 1869-71, 0 2216 1949 or.
The Laser Beams Cast Buddha Image of Khao Chi Chan (พระพุทธรูปแกะสลักเขาชีจรรย์) is on the same route as Wat Yanasangwararam, 6km from Km. 160 of Sukhumvit Road., The image is in the subduing Mara posture, cast by laser beams on the Khao Chi Chan cliff. It is a combination of Sukhothai [M] and Lanna arts with a height of 130 metres and width of 70 metres at the lap of the image. The image called “Phra Phuttha Maha Wachira Uttamophat Satsada” was constructed in 1996 to honour His Majesty the King. Inside the chest of the image resides the Lord Buddha’s relic. Moreover, the garden in the compound is decorated for relaxation and is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Marine Corps, Royal Thai Navy.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden [S] and Resort (สวนนงนุช) About 18km south of Pattaya [M], with a left turn from Sukhumvit Road., at Km. 163, Nong Nooch Garden is a sprawling recreation park in typical Thai settings. Groups of traditional Thai houses and gardens of different plants, for example, an orchid garden, a palm garden, a banana garden, a bonsai garden, a cactus garden and a heliconia garden, are dotted around the beautifully landscaped site. A zoo and a butterfly garden are also in the compound. There are daily cultural and elephant shows attracting crowds of delighted visitors. Show times are 9.45AM 10.30AM 03.00AM 3.45PM and holiday 2.45AM Admission: 400 baht. Tel. 0 3842 9321, 0 3842 9958, 0 3870 9358-62 or Bangkok [M] Tel. 0 2252 1786. The admission fee to the garden is 100 baht, while that including the performance is 400 baht. Moreover, the garden provides a tram for touring around costing 20 baht per one round per person [S]. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 9321, 0 3842 2958 Bangkok Tel. 0 2251 2161, 0 2252 1786.
Bang Sa-re (บางเสร่) [S] This is a fishing village some 16km south of Pattaya [M], with a right turn at km 164. South of Bang Sa-re is a deep bay suitable for angling. To the north are accommodation and dining facilities along the beach.
Wat Sattahip or Wat Luangpho I ((วัดสัตหีบ หรือ วัดหลวงพ่ออี๋) is in Sattahip Sub-district. Its back side is next to the sea. It was constructed during the reign of King Rama V by Luangpho I or Phrakhru Worawet Muni who possessed knowledge of meditation and was the comforter for local in their difficult times. Therefore, the monk was highly respected among the locals. They, therefore, cast an actual-size statue of him residing inside the Ubosot. Hat Toei Ngam (หาดเตยงาม) Lines of toei trees (Pandanus kaida Kurz) on the 200 metre crescent beach add to the tranquillity of the atmosphere. The northern side of the beach is located a naval museum and monument. Toei Ngam Beach is under the navy’s supervision. It is, however, open to the general public from 6AM to 9PM everyday.
Hat Dong Tan (หาดดงตาล) [S] Next to Sattahip Market is the curvy bay with lines of fan-palms call.ed “tan” trees from which the name of the bay is derived. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere of the bay attracts local regulars who would like to take a rest.
Hat Sai Kaeo (หาดทรายแก้ว) [S] is a beautiful beach under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy and is near the Naval Rating School. Accommodation for tourists is provided. For more information, Tel. 0 3843 6187 Ext. 2201-2. Hat Nang Ram (หาดนางรำ) Situated close to the Sattahip deep-water port, Nang Ram beach is about 200 metres long. At the tip of the beach stands the shrine of Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of Royal Thai Navy. The atmosphere is very peaceful with shadowy pine trees and lines of frangipani trees.
Hat Nang Rong (หาดนางรอง) [S] is a little beyond Hat Nang Ram. It is a 200- metre beach with pine trees, suitable for swimming and relaxation. There are various beach accessories for rent such as a hammock for 30 baht, a football for 20 baht and a takro for 10 baht. It is open every Saturday and Sunday, as well as, public holidays. The entrance fee is 20 baht for a car, while 10 baht for a motorcycle.
Hat Thian Tale (หาดเทียนทะเล) is a new tourist destination under the supervision of the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Royal Thai Navy. It is a sandy beach alternating with rocks, covering an area of 900 metres. It is a panoramic sightseeing point, with a bizarre shape of cliffs where a view of the sunset on the horizon can be admired. Moreover, there are various kinds of marine plants for study, kayaks for rent, as well as restaurants for food and beverage. For more information, please contact the Queen Sirikit Hospital, ext. Air and Coastal Defence Command at Tel. 0 3824 5760.
HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) is an offshore Patrol Helicopter Carrier anchored at the Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. His Majesty the King named the ship “Chakri Naruebet” meaning the Sovereign of the Chakri Dynasty. It was constructed in Spain in 1994. It is an 11-storey ship measuring 182 metres in length and 30.5 metres in width. It is equipped with modern weapons, as well as, long-range surveillance radar. The important missions during wartime are the Flagship of the fleet, controlling and commanding the fleet in the sea, as well as the aircraft carrier and air defence mission. It is open daily from 8.00AM-4.00PM It is closed only on Wednesday from 8.00AM-12.00AM It is free of charge. International visitors will have to write a letter to the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, Sattahip, Chon Buri, 20180. For more information, Tel. 0 3843 8547-62 ext. HTMS Chakri Naruebet.
Turtle Conservation Center, the Royal Thai Navy (ศูนย์อนุรักษ์พันธุ์เต่าทะเล กองทัพเรือ) [43] is a source of knowledge on the biology of the sea turtle life cycle for the government agencies and other groups of visitors. The center also provides a lecture for the public and youth, VDO presentation and exhibitions. Visitors can admire the cuteness of the sea turtles in the nursery ponds. Its objective is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles. The Center is open everyday from 8.00AM-5.00PM Please contact in advance at the Air and Coastal Defence Command, Tel. 0 3843 1477ext.1035-6, 0 3824 5760, ext.066-3809.
Chong Samaesan Village (หมู่บ้านช่องแสมสาร) Chong Samaesan is another village offering good fishing opportunities. It is located some 17km further from the Sattahip deep-water port. There are bungalow-type accommodations and tourists can charter boats to enjoy fishing around the nearby islands. These entire small islands are under the jurisdiction of the navy.
Suan Chunlakan Sathit Sathan Banphachon Siam (สวนจุลการสถิตสถานบรรพชนสยาม) is a park built for Admiral Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak in 1995. It is situated at Mu 1, Tambon Phlu Ta Luang where a shrine and statues of Prince Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak and significant persons in Thai history as well as revered Buddhist monks in the past are situated. The park is open daily from 7.00AM-6.00PM
Coral Reef Submarine Tours [S] In Pattaya [M], there are both submarines and semi-submarines for tourists to admire the beauty of the coral reefs underwater in the areas of Ko Lan and Ko Sak. There are private companies providing services as follows:
Pattaya [M] Pakarang Semi-submarine (เรือพัทยาปะการังเซมิซับมารีน) Board a submarine at the company’s Pattaya Office at 125 Soi 4, Beach Road, North Pattaya. Admire the coral reef beauty underwater at Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 1,800 baht for an adult and 900 baht for a child. A lunch is included for every seat. For more information, please contact the Pattaya Pakarang Semi-submarine Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 1001 or Bangkok [M] Tel. 0 2503 3791.
Pirom Submarine (เรือดำน้ำภิรมย์)) [44] is located at 311/7, Mu 10, Pattaya [M] Tai Road, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a ferry to the floating station at Ko Sak to get on a submarine. It is a submarine diving to a depth of more than 25-30 metres to admire the coral reefs underwater at Ko Sak. It costs 2,000 baht for an adult and 1,500 baht for a child. The submarine leaves every hour on Saturdays-Sundays and public holiday. on M-F it leave at 10.30AM, 11.20AM, and 1.00PM For more information, Contact the Vimantaitalay [S] Co., Ltd. at Tel. 0 3841 5234, 0 3841 5335.
Hi-tech Submarine (เรือดำน้ำไฮเทคซับมารีน) is at 212 Mu 9, Pattaya [M] Sai 2 Road, Pattaya Tai, Bang Lamung District. Take a boat at Laem Bali Hai Pier. Tourists will have to take a speed boat to get on a submarine, which will take you to a depth of more than 15 metres underwater to admire the beauty of the soft corals in blue, green and violet colours, and coralline and yellowtail fusilier under the sea between Ko Sak and Ko Lan. It costs 2,500 baht per person [S]. There are 2 rounds at 11.00AM and 1.30PM For more information, Tel. 0 3836 2460-1, 0 3871 1230-1 or E-mail: h.submarine@gmail.com.
The three kilometers long, main Pattaya [M] Beach, runs along the city centre. The beach is full of life with hotels, restaurants, shopping malls all along the road facing the beach. The street south of Beach Road – Walking Street [S] – comes alive with rock music as the night sets in. People throng the street to experience the night life, which is unique in all respects. There are hundreds of beer bars [S], go-go bars, discotheques around the area. Muay Thai, the Thai Boxing, an open arena in some of the beer bars are exciting to the hilt.
Another beach in Pattaya [M], Jomtien Beach, more popular among family vacationers, is on the southern part of the city, and separated from the main Pattaya Bay by a Buddha hill. Jomtien is more calm and serene compared to the crowded Pattaya Beach and a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Jomtien is also popular for its amusement park and tower, to keep children entertained. The one km long, Wong Phrachan Beach, situated on the Northern part of the Pattaya Beach is a favourite among swimmers.
Pattaya's main beaches are popular and busy places. For the thrill-seekers, activities [S] include banana-boat rides, jet-skiing [S], water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and the like; and anyone who just wants to enjoy a simple swim or a good splash around with a frisbee or rented inner tube will always find themselves with plenty of company. However, while in and beyond the surf, a wary eye does need to be kept on the more frenetic elements of the passing traffic.
For those more interested in inactivities [S] there are acres of sand jam-packed with recliners and umbrellas (usually with an "in-house" supply of drinks), serviced by an army of laid-back but tenacious hawkers offering anything and everything from food (especially seafood, fruit, ice cream) to massage, manicure/pedicure, tattoos, lottery tickets, newspapers, herbs, flowers, gems, perfumes, sunglasses, CDs, watches, lighters, clothes, toys, souvenirs, handycrafts (it's a bit like TV shopping - as soon as you've declined one offer, it's time to consider another) and so on. Eventually you buy a very dark pair of sunglasses, and after that you just pretend to be asleep.
Beware of dirty, unclean, unknown objects in the beaches and sand, and pay attention to your children. There have been some cases where medical syringes have been found on beaches. But most of the time beach cleaners will clean and sort out the beaches early at the morning. But still pay attention.
Pattaya [M] Beach is 2.9 km long and bordered by Beach Road. Due to its central location and extreme proximity to several hundred hotels, and because it's a relatively narrow strip of sand, it's crowded at the best of times (and even more so at high tide). Hefty fines for littering help keep the sand neat and tidy, however the sea is not so clean around here.
The northern end of Pattaya [M] Bay is occupied by Wong Amat Beach, which is accessed from Naklua [S]
Jomtien Beach is a 10-15 minute (10 baht) songthaew ride south from the centre of Pattaya [M]. Some 6 km long, it is especially popular with Thai families enjoying day outings. Places to eat and sleep line the opposite side of Jomtien Beach Road and the many sois that lead from it.
Dongtan Beach, at the northern end of Jomtien Bay, has a traffic-free promenade, and the area in front of the Avalon Beach Resort is popular with gay visitors.
Naklua Bay is immediately north of Pattaya [M] Bay, with Rachvate Cape separating the two. Naklua Beach, to the far north, is the main strip, with the smaller Crescent Moon Beach and then Palm Beach further south. Beyond them is Wong Amat Beach which occupies the northern end of Pattaya Bay, but is accessed from Naklua. All are generally cleaner and more suitable for quiet relaxation than Pattaya Beach.
There is lots of culture to see in Pattaya [M]. For tourists there are Thai dance shows, Thai art exhibitions, Thai boxing contests, musical theatre shows, etc.
Most of the officially registered Pattaya [M] residents are of Thai-Chinese ancestory. However, due to the tourist industry many people from the north-east have come to work in Pattaya (north-east is the poorest region of Thailand). So, there is as much chance of hearing spoken Isan dialect (similar to Lao) as you have Thai, especially in the bars etc.
Songkran [S] is the Thai New Year, celebrated primarily by everyone throwing prodigious quantities of water at anything that moves. Pattaya [M] officially celebrates Songkran on later dates (April 18-19) than most of the rest of the country (April 13-15) - but in reality the fun just starts early and keeps on going that much longer. During this period many hotels and guesthouses have high occupancy levels, and public transport services (especially buses to/from Bangkok [M]) are very busy, with more frequent than normal departures but also with appreciable delays due to the general mayhem on the roads.
For more on Songkran [S] in general, including the more traditional religious and spiritual aspects, see Thailand | Holidays
Songkran [S] in Pattaya [M] follows the same overall pattern as seen elsewhere in Thailand, but is especially vigorous in areas such as Soi 7 and Soi 8. Expect to get very wet indeed and you're unlikely to be disappointed - regardless of where you go or what else you actually plan to do. Although things calm down considerably after dusk, it's still worth keeping anything that could easily be damaged (especially cameras, mobile telephones, passports etc) in plastic bags.
As is the case throughout Thailand, Songkran [S] is a particularly dangerous time on the roads, and especially for motorcyclists and moto-taxi passengers. It's also a bad time to get caught without protection for your luggage while travelling in a songthaew, so if arriving or departing during this period, either plan ahead (bin-liners are invaluable) or else take a taxi instead.
Note that the banks in Pattaya [M] close for three days on the "national" Songkran [S] dates (April 13-15) and are open as normal on the Pattaya-specific dates. Pattaya Immigration Office [S] also closes on the "national" dates, and for the rest of the period hands back all passports pre-wrapped in plastic bags, without being asked.
The New Year's Day The International New Year Day has been adopted. On the first of January, people offer food to monks at the temple or at a particular site designated by government offices of private organizations. In Bangkok [M], the Phramaane ground and the lawn in front of the district offices are popular places.
Pattaya [M] Festival, usually held in the mid of April has floral floats, a Miss Pattaya Beauty contest, a traditional aquatic sports competitions, castles, a fireworks display, fire crackers, arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.
Chonburi Buffalo Races [S] are held in Chonburi October every year. This event sees buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. There also beauty contests.
Ancestral Spirits Ceremony Festival [S] It is held at Sri Racha District and based on an old custom of the people from Chonburi. It is held every year between April 19 - 21 on Ko Loy Sri Racha. Activities include: a parade, traditional folk costume, spirit ceremonies, demonstrations and lots of local delicacies.
Koh Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival at Bangsaen [S] It is based on an ancient tradition formerly called the Wan Lai Merit-Making Ceremony. Villagers from various places gather to make merit for the Thai New Year (Songkran [S]). Activities include building sand stupas, water-throwing, games and folk sports.
Boon Klang Ban and Phanatnikhom Basketware Festival It is a festival that dates back several years ago and usually takes place during the 3rd to the 6th month of the Thai Lunar Calendar. The festival’s religious ceremonies are followed by the sharing of meals and performances of folk games.
Cinemas [S] in Thailand tend to be severely air conditioned - bring a long sleeve shirt, or jacket, or both! Otherwise, the three large mall cinemas in Pattaya [M] are mostly up to Western standards. Some (but by no means all) Thai-language films are subtitled in English (check the billing at the theater) and some films will have both subtitled and non-subtitled showings.
Cinema patrons must stand during the King's anthem; singing along is generally frowned upon.
Video games [S] are a popular pastime in Thailand, hence PlayStation and computer game shops are everywhere in Pattaya [M]. The usual rate is 20 baht/hour, making for pretty cheap entertainment, but expect things to get very crowded and loud in the hours after school lets out. There's a big shop on Soi Chaiyaphum (right off Soi Buakhao [S] across from Soi Diana Inn) that's open 24/7 and has more comfortable chairs.
Arcades [S] can be found lurking behind the cinema at Central Festival [S] (Big-C [S]) and in the Tesco-Lotus complex on North Pattaya [M] Road (but neither is worth getting excited about) and touch-screen amusement machines are scattered throughout the shopping malls.
Pattaya [M] has an abundance of massage shops; some are strictly non-sexual, others are not. The most common types of massage include Thai massage, foot massage, oil massage and reflexology massage. Three large "soapy massage" parlors clustered on Second Road, near Big C, offer a combination of bathing with a girl, body-to-body soap massage and sex.
Pattaya [M] can provide for an entire holiday of sports and activities [S].
Pattaya [M] Sports Club, tel. +66-38361167, [46]. Primarily an organisation for local sportsmen/women and has good online resources for those seeking to play golf [S] or other sports while in the area.
Pattaya [M] Marathon 2009, [47]. The Pattaya International Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in Thailand and this year Pattaya Marathon [S] will fall on Sunday July 19, 2009.
Golf is a speciality of the region, with more than 20 courses within an hour's drive (most within 30 minutes) of Pattaya [M], many designed by some of golf's most famous names, including Nick Faldo (Great Lakes), Jack Nicklaus (Laem Chabang), Gary Player (Sri Racha) and Robert Trent Jones (Eastern Star Resort and Country Club). All offer good facilities and value for money in the 500 baht (green & caddy fee) to 2500 baht range. It is advisable to wear long trousers rather than shorts to some of the more upmarket clubs.
Other well-known popular courses in the area Pattaya [M] include: Siam Country Club, Siam Plantation, Khao Kheow, Rayong [S] Green Valley, St. Andrews 2000, Mountain Shadow, Burapha, The Emerald, Eastern Star, The Phoenix, Crystal Bay, and Pattaya Country Club.
Driving ranges:
Thai boxing matches [S] can be seen at numerous locations, including several of the beer bar complexes off Beach Road and one complex on Walking Street [S].
Quite popular in Pattaya [M]. There is a Quiz League which operates on Monday and Wednesday nights at various bars around town. Email quizpattaya@hotmail.comfor details.
Scuba [S] dive training and trips for a wide range of ability levels and interests, certified by a number of different organisations, including both NAUI and PADI, are available through numerous dive shops. Dive sites: [83]
It is situated at Jomtien Beach, at Km. 3, near the fishing pond of the Jomtien Fishing Park. It is a place suitable for those who enjoy excitement. It is open everyday from 9.00AM-6.00PM It costs 1,800 baht. For more information, Tel. 08 6378 3880.
Pattaya [M] Air Park (พัทยา แอร์ พาร์ค) is located at Ban Amphoe, Bang Lamung District, on the way to the Phoenix Golf and Country Club. It is a place providing lessons of aviation and small airplane training to admire the panoramic view around the city of Pattaya and Sattahip. It is 6,500 baht for a round of 20 minutes or 14,500 baht for 5 persons per 1 hour. For more information, Tel. 08 6374 1718.
Chon Buri Flying Club (ชลบุรี ฟรายอิ้ง คลับ) is in Bang Phra District. Visitors can admire the scenery of the city from the 500-1,000 feet bird’s-eye view by a small airplane for 15 minutes a round for 1,500 baht per person [S]. For more information, Tel. 0 3829 8202, 08 1377 8447.
CMT Flying Club (ซีเอ็มที ฟลายอิ้ง คลับ): This is a world-class sports flying complex at Km. 10 of Highway No. 36 on the way to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo [S]. The CMT Flying Club provides a manicured turf runway for use by both light and ultralight aircraft and has designated flying areas for radio-controlled (RC) model aircraft flying. The club also provides comprehensive facilities for its members and visitors, including a government certified flying school, aircraft maintenance centre and RC model shop. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minutes fly on a light aircraft with skilled instructor, which costs 1,500 baht per person [S]
Jo Jo Horse Club (โจโจ้ ฮอร์ส คลับ) [99] is a training place for horse riding. It is located at the entrance of the Marina Inn, Na Kluea Soi 12 Road. The horse riding fee is 600 baht for an hour, 4,000 baht for 10 hours. Tel. 0 3822 5149.
Horseshoe Point [S] Club (ฮอร์สชู พอยท์) [100] is at 100, Tambon Pong. It is a place of horse riding training and accommodation located on Phon Prapha Nimit Road., (the similar entrance as the Siam Country Club), approximately 10km off Sukhumvit Road at Pattaya [M] Klang. It covers an area of 300 rai. There are horse riding training fields for both indoor and outdoor, cross-country jumping and polo, which are up to an international standard. Moreover, the performance of the high-level art of Dressage or horse dance is presented. For more information, Tel. 0 3825 3500.
Pattaya [M] Cart Speedway (พัทยาคาร์ท สปีดเวย์) is at 248/2 Mu 2, Thep Prasit Road which links between Sukhumvit Road and Pattaya Hat Na Jomtien Road, 5km from the centre of Pattaya to the south. It is a cart racing circuit where there are separate lanes for professionals and amateurs. It is open daily from 9.00AM-6.00PM The fee is 250 baht, 300 baht and 500 baht for 10 minutes. For more information, Tel. 0 3842 2044.
Thailand International Motor Sport Complex (TIMC) (ศูนย์กีฬายานยนต์ TIMC) is 20 minutes from the center of Pattaya [M]. There is a 4,200-metre-long road course and a 5,000-square-metre motor sports complex, as well as, an industrial estate for motor sports.
Bira International Circuit [S] (สนามแข่งรถพีระอินเตอร์เนชั่นแนลเซอร์กิต) is an international racing circuit, covering an area of 326 rai on Highway No. 36, 15km from the centre of Pattaya [M]. Races are usually organized on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, Tel. 0 2280 3547, 0 2522 1731-8, 0 2971 6450.
KR Go-cart Grand Prix (สนามแข่งรถเล็ก เค อาร์ โกคาร์ท กรังปรีซ์) is on Thep Prasit Road, prior to Jomtien Beach. It is a standard circuit with a distance of 1,100 metres for professionals and amateurs who are interested in speed challenges. The fees are 200, 300 and 500 baht per 10 minutes. Moreover, there are group seminar rooms and restaurants. For more information, Tel. 0 3830 0347-9.
Fairtex Sport Club and Hotel (แฟร์เท๊กซ์ สปอร์ต คลับ แอนด์ โฮเต็ล) is located at 179/201, Mu 5, North Pattaya [M] Road. It is a sports complex comprising artificial cliff climbing, boxing, yoga, squash, tennis court, etc. Contact Tel. 0 3848 8196, 0 3848 8657 or [101].
You're in Thailand, so you know shopping is never far away. There are numerous large malls, small malls, supermarkets, bazaar-style markets, and thousands of other shops. Sadly, you'll be seeing a lot of the same stuff over and over again - there's no endless variety here.
Pattaya [M] is not a good place to go shopping for hi-tech products such as cameras, computers, etc - as a very rough guide, expect to see prices around 50% higher than the best prices advertised in the west. For Pattaya's best selection of electronics under one roof, see the Tuk.Com [S] (Com City, South Pattaya Road [S]) listing below.
Foreign currency can easily be exchanged for Thai baht at the many exchange booths which can be found in all areas popular with tourists - there are even mobile exchanges/ATMs in specially adapted minivans that are set up as and when and where the need arises. Note that the majority of exchange booths will buy foreign currency but will not sell it - if you need to obtain USD (for example if you're going to Cambodia) use one of the larger branches of a major bank, such as the Bangkok [M] Bank branch on Second Road (almost opposite Soi 6).
Beware of buying fake branded and designer goods, since these are likely to be confiscated by customs officers at the airport. Five tons of counterfeit designer perfume was crushed by a bulldozer in front of press cameras at the airport in 2007.
Local products in Pattaya [M] consist of:
Pattaya [M] has a veritable trolley-load of supermarkets, including:
There are many bazaar-style markets in Pattaya [M] where you can haggle [S] 'till you drop, including...
...any many more, including one on Second Road near Soi 2, next to Tiffany's Show.
Convenience stores [S] are everywhere, especially 7-Eleven [S] and Family Mart [S] shops (all open 24/7), plus countless independents. If you use the family run shops the prices aren't always marked but should be the same, or just a baht or two higher, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing your money isn't flowing back to the USA or Japan.
Gold shops [S] abound, with concentrations around the market on South Pattaya [M] Road and around Central Pattaya Road near Second Road, plus numerous jewelry shops [S] towards the south end of Beach Road. Small jewelry shops can also be found as part of supermarkets.
Art Galleries [S] are also considered to be rising business in Pattaya [M], most of the places will offer variety works and services including custom orders and art reproductions. These galleries in Pattaya have reputations in affordable prices and fine quality artist skills. The best and biggest is KC Gallery [S], located on Walking Street [S]. Also worth mentioning is Narai Art Gallery [S] (local crafts) on Soi 6, Phratamnak Road, which doubles as a nice restaurant.
Tailor shops [S] are everywhere, offering men's clothes, but quality is variable. Ideally, make sure you get two fittings before buying.
You're in Thailand, so you know food is never far away. There are many restaurants, food carts, food courts, food markets, motorcyle-sidecar hotdog and meatball vendors, fruit sellers both mobile and stationary, even a roaming coffee peddling tuk-tuk. OK, so the germ theory of disease doesn't yet seem to be widely accepted but don't let that stop you from ordering the sushi.
Many (although not all) non-Thai-cuisine restaurants also have at least a limited menu of Thai favorites as well.
Chonburi has a lot of fresh seafood and dried fruits. As there are a lot of people from the north-east (ISarn) living and working in Pattaya [M], there is an abundance of north-eastern favourites such as Spicy Papaya Salad (Somtum) and Spicy Sour Chopped Pork Salad (Larb).
Pattaya [M] is internationally known for its nightlife. Although it's famous as a sex tourist destination, there are ample opportunities to dance, drink, and observe humanity even if paid sex is not of interest. Steer clear of the staid hotel bars and head into the warrens of central Pattaya, where discotheques, transvestite cabarets, nightclubs, coffee shops, karaoke bars, open-air bars and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention. Most of these establishments are located along the Pattaya Beach Road., Pattaya 2 Road., and in South Pattaya, which is also the resort’s major shopping area.
prices - a very rough guide: small Heineken (330ml) / Bacardi Breezer (275ml)
In beer bars [S] and go-go bars, drinks bought for employees - "lady drinks" - are (very roughly 50%) more expensive; the actual price is often posted on the wall and/or in the drinks menu.
Pattaya [M] is especially famous for its beer bars [S] (also called bar-beer [S]), staffed by "bar girls" who are "for hire" to the tourists and ex-pats who drink there. Popular beer bar pastimes include pool, connect-four and shut-the-box.
Open-air beer bars [S] can be found all over Pattaya [M], with the biggest and best known concentrations being along and around Soi 7 / Soi 8 and Walking Street, at numerous points on Second Road, Beach Road, Soi Buakhao [S]
Indoor beer bars [S] can also be found all over Pattaya [M], the most notorious areas being Soi Yodsak (Soi 6) [S] and parts of Soi Post Office (Soi 13/2). While some of these bars are much more "bar fine" oriented, in most cases customers who simply want to buy drinks are still welcome.
The official closing time in "entertainment zones" is 1AM (in practice usually somewhere between 1AM and 3AM, depending on the location) and 12AM elsewhere - however "closing" is defined as switching off the music and non-essential lighting, and numerous beer bars [S] remain open 24/7.
Also called a-go-go bars [S], the main concentrations are along Walking Street and the three Pattayaland [S] streets, with more dotted around the most popular beer bar areas; most come to life at around 20:00 and close between 01:00 and 02:00.
Sight-seeing tourists are welcome in go-go bars, however cameras are not. Signs prohibiting photography are widespread, and a minority of venues require patrons to deposit their cameras with security staff as they enter. This rule is enforced [S]: if caught snapping shots, you'll be lucky if you're only thrown out and not beaten up.
So, you're passing through Pattaya [M] and you've set aside a few hours to check out the bar scene - but where to go? The most popular (and generally the most densely concentrated) beer bar and go-go bar locations (listed south to north) are:
Should have been named "Walking, Shopping, Eating, Drinking, Dancing and Ogling Street" as there's plenty of almost everything here - including around 100 beer bars [S] and at least 30 go-go bars, plus many more in the side-sois that lead east towards Pratamnak Road. Worth a look in the daytime, but best visited in the evening, and has loads of restaurants if you're bridging the gap between the two. Gets really packed in places when the discos empty, so watch your pockets.
Soi Pattayaland [S] 2 (Soi 13/4) features on many a Pattaya [M] postcard - when lit up at night, the go-go bar signs are a memorable and photogenic sight, although there are only eight go-go bars here (two of which feature guys, not girls), plus a half-dozen bars and the Penthouse Hotel [S]. Worth a look in the evening (it's almost a ghost town the rest of the time), but get there before 01:00 as that's when the lights go out.
Soi Pattayaland [S]
Between Second Road and Soi Buakhao lies this relatively new complex. Connecting Soi Diana with Soi Buakhao, Soi L.K., as it is called (not to be confused with Soi Leng Kee) is a pedestrianised street for the most part. Cars are parked willy nilly, but that actually serves as a traffic calming system so it is safe to walk down. There are lots of outdoor bars and cafes spilling out onto the street, giving it a "bit" of a European feel. The Metropole Hotel and the Areca Lodge are here.
There's always something going on here - in the evening and early hours, there are about 120 well-staffed beer bars [S]
Imagine a kerb-crawlers paradise - and then pedestrianise it. Arguably Pattaya's most colourful street (as well as most notorious), Soi 6 has about 50 bars (mostly "short time" bars, with names such as "Butterfly", "Love Club", "Route 69" and "The Eager Beaver") which all get going at 13:00 and close pretty much on the dot at 01:00. It's not really a pedestrian-only street (but it is one-way), however walking - preferably in broad daylight - is undoubtedly the best and most popular way to experience it. Go in the middle of the afternoon and just wander from one end to the other (if coming from the south, walk from the Second Road end down to the Beach Road end if you want to get there and back by songthaew). It's much, much more "sex-tourist" than "tourism" oriented, but anyone and everyone is welcome everywhere provided they're buying a drink or three. The curiously named "Hi Boss! 2002 Pub" is where the ladyboys hang out, there's one go-go - "Mandarin" (dancing from 5PM-1AM), plus a couple of "pub" food possibilities; and neighbouring Soi 6/1 has a handful of "ordinary" outdoor beer bars.
On the west side of Second Road opposite the Central Festival Centre [S] is a collection of about 35 very popular beer bars, which start to fill up from about 16:00, and several of which remain open long after the lights go out around 1AM-2AM. "Atlantic Bar", at the far end of the five-bar strip to the south of Soi 2, always draws a substantial crowd. The only go-go ("Classroom 2", 7:30PM-2AM) is a lively one, and while there's not much in the way of food in amongst the bars themselves, there are numerous eating options extremely close nearby (including outlets for most of the major fast-food chains directly opposite on the other side of Second Road).
10 assorted "same-same but different" bar styles [S]
Pattaya [M] is well known for its katoey cabaret (aka ladyboy or transvestite) shows. Two of the best known (expect busloads of Asian tourists) are:
Pattaya [M] has various clubs, of which the "Pattaya City Expat Club" is the oldest ex-pat club in town. They meet 9:30AM-12PM on Sunday mornings at the Henry J. Beans pub at the beginning of Beach Road. Their motto is "Expats helping Expats" and that is what they do. There are various breakfasts to chose from ranging from 65 baht for coffee and toast and up 185 baht for a combination Western/Thai breakfast. All are welcome.
Pattaya [M] has two types of disco - those that are on or near Walking Street, and those that are not.
Those on Walking Street are more popular with Westerners accompanied by bar girls, and with bar girls looking for customers. The best known are:
The ones further away from Walking Street are generally more typical Thai discotheques: no special area for dancing, but lots of shows and great atmosphere. Admission is usually around 300 baht and includes one free drink.
Live music - especially popular rock oldies - can be heard at several open-air venues along Walking Street, and at various bars elsewhere.
Pattaya [M] has an extensive selection of inexpensive mid-range accommodation, and a good variety of more upmarket options. Standard rooms (double bed, air-con, cable TV, refrigerator, hot shower) start from 400 baht/day (2000 baht/week, 6000 baht/month), and rates are invariably per room, not per person. Very cheap (under 400 baht) accommodation can also be found, and generally there's no need to book in advance. For families or small groups, three bedroom bungalows from 30000 baht/month can be found at Jomtien. For better rates for longer stays, enquire at real estate offices.
Soi Buakhao has many relatively cheap guest houses and is popular with long-stay visitors, with other budget places along Soi LK Metro and Soi Honey Inn [S]. Very few of these can be booked online, or appear on hotel booking sites. The cheaper places are often above bars or massage shops, and may therefore be noisy at night.
Unless otherwise noted, prices quoted here are low season. Like all resort areas in Thailand, hotel pricing is highly seasonal. High season dates vary from hotel to hotel, but typically prices go up considerably during the Christmas-New Years period (which co-incides neatly with the season of best weather), and are lower between February and October/November. In addition to higher rates during the holiday period, guests staying over Christmas and New Year's Eve will often be required to pay for "Compulsory Gala Dinners" which can substantially increase the cost of the room. In recent years some hotels have started to insist that March is also covered by 'high season' prices - presumably because professional western men are usually most free to visit during a long Easter holiday break from work, and are happy to do so despite the worsening weather.
With the exception of large resorts or international chains such as the Hard Rock and Marriott, the lowest rates available from abroad are typically those available from the hotels directly. Except for the least expensive, many will handle reservations via email or a web form. Many will expect a deposit, usually by credit card or bank transfer.
While some hotels do not allow prostitutes to accompany guests to their rooms, the majority of hotels in Pattaya [M] are used to (and even expect) it - though some "upmarket" hotels may charge a "joiner fee" for unregistered visitors as discouragement. In most hotels, security staff will keep hold of visitors' ID cards until they leave, to help protect the client from possible theft or assault, and to deter prostitutes under 20 years of age from entering the hotel. On leaving, staff will ask the girl if she had any complaints about the client.
For visitors who simply want to sleep soundly, a box of high-grade foam earplugs is a wise investement when staying at many Pattaya [M] hotels.
Most telephone numbers in this article are shown in "international" format. To dial these numbers locally, replace the +66 with a zero, thus:
Overseas calls can be made from many agencies and Internet shops, as well as guesthouses/hotels and the like - most advertise a rate of 10 baht/minute (or 20 baht/minute to mobile 'phones). Using local SIM card may be cheaper and more convenient alternative, see in Thailand article.
Pattaya [M] Telecommunications Centre (183/44 Soi Post Office - opposite side to the Post Office, about 6 shops east) is open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00. Outside, in the 24/7 payphones booth, there's an International Operator Direct Connection (IODC / Home Country Direct) service 'phone which provides one button press connections (suitable for making collect calls) to operators in: Australia; Canada; Denmark; France; Germany; Hong Kong; Indonesia; Italy; Japan; Netherlands; New Zealand; Philippines (Philcom + PLDT); Singapore; Sweden; Taiwan; UK; USA (AT&T + MCI + Sprint).
Internet access is very widely available, and speed and reliability of connection is generally good; however, as is the case throughout Thailand, some websites are blocked by Thai ISPs - notably gambling sites (as part of the government's tough line on all gambling), pornography portals, and anonymous proxy services.
The majority of Internet shops tend to open late and close late, but many are open 24/7; prices range from 120 baht/hour down to 20 baht/hour. One baht per minute is typical for predominantly tourist-oriented shops, many of which also offer lower rates for pre-paid blocks of time. It's not difficult to find well-equipped, quiet, air-con Internet cafés that charge 30 baht/hour if you shop around a little; likewise shops that can accommodate users who want to hook up their own laptops can easily be found. Printing (black/white) is usually 10 baht/page (30 baht/page for colour).
Many Internet cafés and photo-processing shops have facilities for off-loading digital photos from memory cards and burning them to CD, for which the going rate is 100 baht per CD. As always, carefully verify the integrity of the images on the CD before re-formatting the memory card, and consider having two copies burned to CD - one CD to send home by mail, the other CD to take home in your luggage as a backup.
Pattaya [M] has several post offices, the most central of which can be found (believe it or not) halfway along Soi Post Office (Soi 13/2). As well as the usual postal services, it handles Western Union transactions and hosts a large number of post/security boxes. On weekdays (except public holidays) it's open 08:30-16:30, and on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays it's open 09:00-12:00; tel. +66-38429340 /1
Jomtien Post Office is at Jomtien Beach Road Soi 5 - tel. +66-38231944
One-stop-shops that handle DHL, EMS, FedEx, TNT, UPS etc are relatively common. Try:
"Dental Tourism" is a popular reason for choosing to visit Thailand, and like other major tourist destinations such as Bangkok [M] and Phuket [M], Pattaya [M] has many dentists who advertise in English and are accustomed to treating foreigners.
Pharmacies are plentiful and for most medications a prescription is not required (but when a prescription is required, it must be issued by a Thai doctor - a prescription from abroad won't do). Viagra (etc.) is available from most. The international Boots [S] and Watsons [S] chains each have locations at Central Festival (Big-C [S]) and Royal Garden Plaza [S] malls (Boots also have a store in Walking Street, open 12:00-02:00), and their pharmacists tend to have above-average English skills.
Practice Safe Sex! [S]. This is Pattaya [M], where you can meet thousands of locals and tourists from around the world. So like any other tourist resort it is wise to have good quality condoms, just in case. The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases is very difficult to measure in somewhere as dynamic as Pattaya. The academic paper "Thailand: Country Survey of Infectious Diseases" (Journal of Travel Medicine, March 2006, Vol.8 No.4, pp. 192-203) concluded that for Thailand... "The true incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is not known". The most recent substantial book on the topic with substantial coverage of Pattaya, Working at the bar: sex work and health communication in Thailand (2002) found through in-depth interviews that almost all regular Pattaya bar workers are screened weekly for STDs by the bar mamasans, and sent on an enforced holiday if they contract a disease. The book also reported that the average freelancer in Pattaya will have around 7 clients each two week period. There have been strong sexual health education campaigns in Thailand's resorts since the early 1990s, and most of those who are sexually active are well informed about health issues and practices.
For most people, the most hazardous aspect of visiting Pattaya [M] is the traffic. The top three accident black spots are:
Most accidents in Pattaya [M] involve motorbikes, and are especially common late at night and in the early hours of the morning, when drink-driving is a significant problem. Be careful on the roads, even if you're just crossing one on foot (and be equally careful both on and off pedestrian crossings, as Thai drivers generally ignore them, and many foreigners seem to approach them with the hope of scoring double points); be careful on the pavements too - obstacles apparently purpose-engineered to trip up as many people as possible are commonplace, and motorcyclists use footpaths as short cuts with impunity. When riding in the back of an otherwise empty songthaew, it's probably safest to sit directly behind the cab.
In the event of an accident, the injured are usually bundled into the back of the next available songthaew or pickup truck or even onto the back of a motorbike (now you know why Pattaya [M] has so many songthaews [S], why Thailand is the world's biggest pickup truck market, and why so many Thais ride motorbikes).
A completely different genre of traffic-related accident was highlighted by a fatality in January 2006 when a surfacing diver was hit by a speedboat propeller near Ko Laan [S]. Unfortunately, the popularity of Pattaya's beaches combined with a relatively relaxed attitude to safety concerns in general means that swimmers and divers (and even sunbathers on the beach!) being struck by speedboats and jetskis is not such a rare occurrence.
The main police station [S] is on Beach Road (at the corner of Soi 9); dial 191, or 038420802 /5. For Banglamung Police Station dial 038221331 or 038221800.
The Tourist Police [S] [183] relocated from Second Road to new purpose-built offices on Pratamnak Road in June 2006 - they are now located next door to the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) Information Office, exactly 1 km south of the junction of Second Road and South Pattaya [M] Road - proceed along Pratamnak Road, continue straight up the hill, and where the road bears sharp right part way up, turn sharp left into the small side-soi. Alternatively, their mobile minivan office which sets up every evening at the junction of Walking Street / South Pattaya Road / Beach Road is much easier to reach. Their e-mail address is tourist@police.gov.th - or simply dial 1155
Pattaya [M] Tourist Police [S] advise that in theory foreigners should carry their passports with them at all times, however they also suggest that in practice a good photocopy (personal details page, visa and entry stamp pages, and TM card) is acceptable.
Like most of Thailand, Pattaya [M] is generally safe for tourists and violent crime such as mugging or robbery is unusual, with the exception of jewellery and bag snatching (usually with the thieves on motorcycles, and often with the victims on motorcycles too) which is endemic.
Watch out when doing water sports at the beach areas. There is a common tourist trap where tourists going for jet ski-ing are being forced to pay for equipment damages(which are not caused by the tourists) amounting up to 100k Baht. Even after negotiations and intervention from the related embassies and agencies, a payment of around 10k Baht is still required for the damages. Thus, you must exercise extreme caution when doing equipment loans or doing sports on vehicles provided by the shops.
Swindles and pickpocketing are more commonly encountered by tourists - it is very inadvisable to tell anyone that it is your first visit to Thailand, since you will then be marked down as an 'easy touch'.
The nightlife/entertainment areas have a lot of activity and are generally very safe - however pickpockets [S] are a problem, especially on Walking Street when it's crowded, despite the official Tourist Police [S] patrolling the area at night. For this reason, a visitor should not carry a passport and/or credit card with them, especially at night - these should be left in the safe at your hotel along with the bulk of your cash, or if they must be carried then they should be securely concealed. If you have been pick pocketed and then you actually spot the likely pickpocket departing, do not follow. You could be mistaken, and you almost certainly will be accused of being mistaken. Just put it down to experience, and leave the immediate area.
Never ever 'pick a fight' in any circumstance, no matter how much you have had to drink. Never try to intervene, even verbally, in an argument between two or more Thai people.
No matter how much you are being pestered, just smile and walk on. In cash payments, disputes over the value of notes and the amount of change can be avoided by carrying smaller notes and trying to give near enough the exact amount.
The beach side of Beach Road used to be worth avoiding late at night, however the entire length of both the promenade and beach are now floodlit, and although it's still a popular haunt for "freelance" prostitutes, it's now much busier from dusk through until dawn and by no means a "no-go" area.
Visitors should not visit entertainment venues that do not display a long-standing fixed sign outside, or which appear to be very poorly lit inside. Also; one or two of the hundreds of seemingly bright and established venues may actually be operating as a 'clip joint', offering free admission and then refusing to allow visitors to leave until they have settled a faked bill for non-existent drinks. Again; it is wisest simply pay up, leave and put it down to experience.
As always, travellers should take extra care in all poorly lit or more remote areas, and very late at night. This is especially the case if one has had too much to drink.
Most reputable hotels will require the presentation of ID cards by guests. Throughout Pattaya [M] guests will not be admitted to hotel rooms if they are under the age of 20. This is a useful way for tourists to guarantee that their new-found friend is actually the age he/she says she is, and thus avoid possible police attention.
Drugs [S] - as with all of Thailand, the penalties for possession and/or distribution of drugs are harsh.
Gambling [S] - is illegal in Thailand, and the local press reports Pattaya [M] Police as having a "zero tolerance" policy for gambling offences.
The legal minimum age for customers in drinking establishments and discos is 20. In Pattaya [M] this is rarely enforced for foreigners, but is frequently enforced for Thais, including those accompanying foreigners. Pattaya police conduct raids to check for underage employees (especially in "indoor" and go-go bars) and patrons (especially in discos) from time to time, and less frequently to enforce closing times. Foreign tourists are not the targets of these raids and are usually asked to produce ID (photocopy of photo/ID page of passport will normally suffice) and then allowed to leave, but are sometimes tested for drugs via an on-the-spot urine sample.
Various online and print resources give Pattaya [M] addresses for Kuwait Airways (Marriott Resort), Orient Thai / Orient Express / One-Two-Go (116/7 Moo 9, Central Pattaya Road) and Thai Russian Air Service (Soi Town in Town) - however all these offices have now closed.
(662) 2580300-5 Fax Numbers (662) 2584627, 2621740
Pattaya [M] Immigration Office [190] is now housed in new premises near the inland end of Soi 5, Jomtien Beach Road (most maps show the old Soi 8, Pattaya Beach Road location, which closed in December 2005). Opening hours are 08:30-16:30 weekdays, 08:30-12:00 (extentions/notifications only) on Saturdays (tel. +66-38252750 / fax. +66-38252751-111 / e-mail pattaya_imm@hotmail.com); casual but smart attire is OK, however entry in swimwear or without a shirt is not permitted.
Entry permit extensions [S] are processed on a same day (if applied for before noon - collect after 15:00) or next working day (if applied for after noon) basis. On Saturdays, previous applications can be collected, and new applications can be submitted (for collection next working day). For most nationalities, a 30 day entry permit stamp will usually be extended to 45 days (whereas in Bangkok [M] only an additional 10 days will be given) and a 60 day entry permit stamp will usually be extended to 90 days (further extensions beyond 90 days are also possible). In all cases, the entry permit extension fee is 1900 baht, and two passport photos must be supplied. Photocopies (5 baht) and photos (100 baht for two) are available from a shop inside the immigration office compound (these prices are about four times as much as can easily be found elsewhere). Note that entry permit extensions are discretionary, and must be applied for in person. Shorter extensions are likely to be issued to nationalities who do not qualify for "Visa Free" entry; longer extensions are issued in certain circumstances, such as bereavement, ill health (unable to travel), and for hospital patients (both inpatients and outpatients).
Pattaya [M] Immigration staff also operate a temporary office at Bangkok [M] Pattaya Hospital (on Sukhumvit Road) from 13:00-14:00 on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, which can be used by foreigners who meet certain requirements (essentially, for inpatients and outpatients and their immediate families and/or carers).
Laundry is the least of your worries in Pattaya [M] - small laundry services abound, charging something like 5 baht/underwear, 8 baht/shirt, 10 baht/pants, 15 baht/jeans. All hotels and guesthouses worth their salt also cater for this, although prices tend to be higher (often about double the above, although if you stay somewhere such as the Hilton or Marriot you'll pay just as much as you would in California). In smaller and more informally managed accommodation, the maid who cleans your room will probably welcome the opportunity to boost her meagre salary and do your laundry (by hand), typically for a few baht more than an outside laundry service. Usually it's a next day service, but might take a little longer if it rains.
Pattaya [M] has several foreign language newspapers; most come out weekly. The English newspapers include Pattaya Times, Pattaya Today, Pattaya Mail and Pattaya People Weekly. Additionally, there are French [S], Norwegian [S], German, Russian and Japanese publications. There are several English-language cable television programs with news and video reports from Pattaya. There are also several tourist magazines and nightlife, most of them coming out monthly. 96FM Yes2Day is an excellent, British [S] standard radio station. Available both via conventional radio and worldwide internet streaming, a wide variety of music from the 60's through today can be heard. As well, Johnny Diamond hosts an informative and entertaining morning show from Monday through Thursday.
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