What do you need to know about Pattaya? Read this guide to learn about the top 6 things that you need to know as a traveler.
Located in eastern Thailand, Pattaya is the eighth-largest city in the country. Nestled on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, this city has become a cultural and entertainment hub for many tourists. The fact is evident by this number: almost 17 million foreigners visit this sin city annually.
With an exotic nightlife and unlimited daytime fun, it is often confusing to explore Pattaya in a limited time frame at cheap Pattaya Holiday packages. If you are a first-time goer and are struggling with this issue, this guide sheds light on the main things that you can do in this city. Let’s dive deep into the details.
The Evolution of Tourism in Pattaya
Pattaya has not always been a city that used to attract tourists. In fact, it was merely a fishing village without even the amenity of speaking almost four decades ago. But, from the 1960s there was a shift in this process. In the course of the Vietnam War, young American soldiers and GIs stumbled on the wilderness of this place and used it as their R&R place. This laid the foundation for the development of tourism in Pattaya.
Originally, there were no amenities and hence, the number of tourists visiting this city was very low. However, the exponential growth in tourism attracted the government of Thailand which decided to stake on this city. The delivery of basic services in Pattaya provided the required push to tourism, and it evolved into a destination for tourists.
Pattaya entered the real phase of development in the 21st century. Modernization and the latest infrastructure that started recently altered the general appearance. The roads were improved, recreational facilities were established, and the drainage system of water was altered. Over time, other factors were added and the focus was placed on the beaches, accommodations, and transportation.
1. Weather in Pattaya
Pattaya is located at 13 degrees north latitude. Therefore, its overall climate is hot and topical throughout the year. The time from November to April is considered the best for tourists as it is relatively less hot and more dry. The temperature stays in the range of 30–35 degrees Celsius during the year. You can expect more rain in the months of May – October.
Tropical cyclones or typhoons are also common in Pattaya, especially in the months of June to December. Therefore, the best time to visit this country is from December to February due to less heat and more dryness.
2. Beaches
The real reason for the attraction of Pattaya is its beaches. There is one official beach, and six other beaches are in the city. These are as given:
- Jomtien Beach
- Pattaya Beach
- Wong Amat Beach
- Bang Saen Beach
- Dong Tan Beach
- Tawaen Beach
- Bamboo Beach
Jomtien is the most famous beach in Pattaya, equipped with cafes and other restaurants. Similarly, Pattaya Beach is also a well-known coastal area famous for its water activities.
3. Nightlife Entertainment
Another reason for the popularity of Pattaya is its nighttime charm and lifestyle. The city is full of nightclubs, bars, pool parties, and rooftop bars. The top areas for entertainment at night are as follows:
- Walking Street: A pedestrian-only alley with hundreds of clubs and go-go bars;
- Soi Beach Road: It has beachfront bars and live music venues;
- Soi Buakhao: A laid-back place with karaoke bars, pubs, and local eateries;
- Gulliver’s Walking Street: This alley is known for live street music where anyone can participate;
- The Pier Disco Club: Go to this club for pool parties and other nighttime fun;
Due to the above places and activities, Pattaya is also known as Sin City. However, the government is also taking initiatives to make this place more family-friendly, with efforts to limit the above activities tonight only.
4. Shopping Opportunities
Pattaya also offers a delightful shopping experience. Whether you want modern fashion or nostalgic art, this place has everything to offer. Let’s explore the shopping options in the city:
- Pattaya Floating Market: Located on Sukhumvit Road, the Floating Market gives a traditional shopping experience. It is Thailand’s largest folk market, with thousands of fruit and vegetable centres. Being a tourist, you can buy souvenirs, silk wear, and Thai snacks.
- Central Festival Pattaya Beach: This region is the mecca of fashion and modern designs. Many famous brands, such as Calvin Klein, Zara, and Nautica, are located here. Besides, you can also find a movie hall and food galleries in this market.
- Royal Garden Plaza: Present on Beach Road, this place is a hub of luxury shopping and dining. Further, you can find many attractions here, such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
5. Famous Places to Visit in Pattaya
- Wat Yansangwararam: Located a 30-minute drive from central Pattaya, Wat Yansangwararam is a Buddhist temple. This architectural marvel has so much to offer, from respecting the local culture to meeting with real monks.
- Sanctuary of Truth: It is an unfinished Hindu-Buddhist museum in Pattaya. The attractive thing is that it is entirely made of wood, including the sculptures and idols.
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden: It is a 500-acre and 2-kilometre-long park with a variety of plants and almost 50 gardens. This oasis has flowers, trees, and rare herbs that you can admire.
- Art in Paradise: This is a 3-D art museum. Despite just looking at the pictures, you can even interact with them or become a part of these paintings.
- Underwater World: It is an indoor, underwater aquarium. Containing a 105-metre-long tunnel, this place has over 140 species of marine life. You can engage with these animals and learn about them via educational talks.
6. Island Hopping
The prime way to explore Pattaya is by island-hopping. If you are tired of the daily and busy life, try visiting the nearby islands. There are almost 11 islets near Pattaya, and 7 are around it. The most famous ones from them are mentioned below:
- Koh Pai (Bamboo Island);
- Koh Rin;
- Koh Ped (Monkey Island);
- Larn Island;
- Koh Sak Island;
- Ko Lan;
- Ko Sak;
The best ways for island hopping are speed boots and ferries. Speed boats are fast, but they can charge up to 300 Thai Baht and deliver you to nearby islands like Ko Lan in under 15 minutes. On the other hand, ferries only charge 30 Thai baht, but it will take up to an hour to reach your destination.
Conclusion
Pattaya is a tourism hub, as it attracts many visitors everywhere. If you are also travelling to this city, you need to know these six things about it. For instance, learn about its weather patterns to find a suitable time to visit, beaches to find the perfect one for you, and activities that you can take part in to double your fun.
If you need all-inclusive luxury Pattaya packages, Virikson Holidays can help you. They offer the best Pattaya holiday package deals at competitive prices. On top of that, their deals are ATOL-protected, and you’ll get the best price in the market.
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