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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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