Traveling Pattaya Thailand

On June 29, 1959, a few truckloads of American troops stationed in nearby Isan arrived in overflowing trucks, rented houses along the beach of Pattaya, had such a hoot that they told their friends. Over time, with the word spreading, Pattaya became the R&R capital for war-weary American troops over the next many years.

Tourism boomed in the 1980s, but without the infrastructure upgrades, beaches became veritable toilets of raw sewage. Cleanup projects were put into action later, the beaches recovered from them.

In 2005, over 5 million of Thailand's 11 million foreign tourists visited Pattaya, and as the Suvarnabhumi International Airport is now completed. The number of tourists will only increase.

Pattaya is a stay-up-late kind of town, but wake up earlier than most and there are activities galore to redress your daytime/nighttime balance. If you are here with the family, the kids will find plenty to do to make it a real holiday.

The town's wicked essence remains defiantly intact, but around the fringes it's softening and becoming more inclusive. If you welcome it with a dash of confidence and a pinch of adventure, Pattaya's sun-kissed pursuit of happiness might prove irresistible.

What to see:

If you are not tired of temple visiting, here in Pattaya, Wat Khao Prayai is a small temple complex high above Pattaya to the south, with a 10m gold Buddha surveying the town.

The Pattaya Elephant Village stages elephant shows daily and offers jungle treks as well. Ngong Nooch is a botanical garden with a culture show on the outskirts of town.

Hat Pattaya is the city's showcase stretch of sand, sporting sunbathers, souvenir sellers, and buzzing jet skis& speedboats. The sand is reasonably clean and the water is calm. Over the road, you can get good shopping if you are tired of the above things.

Hat Jomtien is about 1km south of Pattaya, stretches from 6km and is quieter. At this beach, you are relatively removed from the Pattaya's sex scene.

Hat Naklua, a smaller beach north of Pattaya is quiet and a good choice for families.

What to do:

Pattaya is a popular spot to get some underwater action. Nearby Ko Larn, Ko Sak and Ko Krok are good for beginners; accomplished divers may prefer the outer islands of Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin, which have better visibility and marine life.

One of the best dive sites is an old US navy ammunition dump called Samaesan Hole. This advanced dive goes down to 87m and has a gentle slope covered with coral where you can see barracuda and large rays.

Paragliding around the bay behind a motorboat is a popular beachfront activity.

Pattaya offers many sports including bowling, snooker, archery, target-shooting, softball, horse-riding and tennis. Most are available at the Pattaya Sports Club.

About eating:

Busy Pattaya is chock-ablock with small storefront bars and eateries. You'll find the big fast-food chains represented. The Royal Garden shopping complex (south of town) and the large Big C Festival Center support a number of very familiar restaurants.

Nightlife in Pattaya:

Pattaya is all flashing neon and blaring music down to even the smallest soi, an assault on the senses. "Walking Street" is lined with open-air watering holes with bar girls. The nightlife finds you in this town with an imploring glamour. The city is a larger version of Bangkok's Patpong.

The town's campy cabaret shows are touristy good fun. Pattaya's most beautiful katoeys (transsexuals) don sequined gowns and feather boas to strut their stuff for packed houses nightly.