Pattaya, go for it!

Posted by Party Pete on November 10th, 2007 filed in Beach areas, Entertainment, just visiting, nightlife

During the lasts five months I came across dozens of Thailand-related forums on the internet and I immediately noticed a lot of new comers asking advice about where it is better to spend more time, in Bangkok or Pattaya. They often also wanted to know how long they should stay in each place, if they were planning to stay in both cities.
For more than 25 years now I travel to Thailand during the winter season and usually stay for three months in ‘the land of smiles’.

It may sound slightly cynical when I recommend all of these question askers to just head straight for the resort town of Pattaya, which is rightfully nicknamed ‘The Thai capital of fun’! However, it also can be rewarding to stay at least for three days in the Thai bustling capital as there are many beautiful, must-see tourist attractions. I guess I’m getting older and by now I find the city too hectic, difficult to navigate and there’s just too much noise and suffocating traffic. But this is my personal opinion and I also know some ex-pats who live for more than three years in Bangkok and they still know how to find plenty of tranquil and green areas in the city. So recently I’ve slightly toned down my personal travel advice tell the future first-time Thailand visitors to stay in Bangkok for a few days at the beginning of the journey, while they should spend the rest of their well deserved holiday in the highly pleasurable and well-facilitated town of Pattaya. Visitors still have the option to go back to Bangkok in case they prefer this city compared with Pattaya.

Ok, true! There are numerous of sights and attractions to see in Bangkok. However, it is always the question that if you are able to reach the destinations you wish to go to. Endless lines of tormenting slow moving cars and other vehicles try to find their way along the over-crowded roads, while the driver watches stoically how the amount on the taxi-meter keeps increasing all the time. Getting around on foot is not an option as it is simply too hot and the city’s pavements weren’t exactly made for walking as the city’s army of vendors usually block Bangkok’s sidewalks.

Should you think about strolling around during the cooler nighttime hours than there is the danger of being mugged or experiencing an unwanted encounter with a lady-boy, who won’t give up, even after ten times having politely turned her down, offering various oral sexual services. Fortunately, once you’ve survived the unbearable heat and long-lasting taxi rides, there is a great choice of bars, pulsating discos, vibrant clubs, live music venues, naughty go-go entertainment spots, and excellent Thai as well as numerous of international restaurants that probably will make you forget all your previous negative experiences.

However, all these facilities are also available in the much more laid-back seaside resort of Pattaya. About 45 years ago still a sleepy fishing village. Today Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular holiday resorts, ideally positioned along a jaw-dropping bay on the Gulf of Thailand’ eastern shore. Situated within less than 90 miles east of the country’s capital, Pattaya offers a full set of outstanding recreational as well as sports activities. Pattaya is undoubtedly a haven that caters to all sorts of holidaymakers.

Throughout the year huge crowds of visitors from all over the world arrive here to have fun or simply unwind on the splendid beaches. North Pattaya Beach is the most significant sand, sun and fun area. Another attractive beach is known as the Middle Pattaya Beach, and nicknamed ‘The beach of fun’. Those who love to shop will not be disappointed as Pattaya represents several department stores along with many boutiques. The South Pattaya Beach area is renowned for housing the town’s most exciting nightlife venues, including many go-go bars, some lively discos and ‘special massage’ shops.

South Pattaya’s Walking Street

The more serene beaches of Koh Lan, Jomtien and Wong are popular among families. You can find these beaches about four miles off the Pattaya coast. All of the available beaches in Pattaya are safe and neat providing a pleasurable ambience to relax and unwind.