| |
 The Most Famous Beach Resort on the East |
|
Pattaya is 147 km. southeast of Bangkok and adjoins the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand's premier and most successful beach resort which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors from all over the world.
Being close to the sea, the adjoining beaches of Pattaya City, from Naklua Bay to Wong Phrachan (Crescent Moon) and Wong Amat beaches in the north down to Jomtien beach in the south, cover a total length of about 15 km. But only the area of Pattaya Bay plays an important role in the tourism aspect, and this area is called "Pattaya Beach".
|
For the past centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But after its beauty was discovered by the first group of American servicemen from Nakhon Ratchasima in 1961, the sleepy Pattaya gradually became a famous beach resort. Fishermen's huts along the beach were replaced by a full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses. And the quiet powdery golden beaches are frequented by swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world.
Moreover, with the recent establishment of the industrial estates of Laem Chabang to the north and that of Map Ta Phut to the south, Pattaya has been developing to be a major business centre and pleasing residence for western expatriates. |
| |
|
| |
For sun lovers and water-sports fans, Pattaya's sunny climate provides ideal conditions for swimming and all other imaginable water activities, including fishing, boat sailing, speed-boating, water-scooter riding, water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and windsurfing.
For those who do not want to get drenched, Pattaya also has gyms and health clubs for exercise and many kinds of land sports and games to choose from, such as shooting, car racing, horse riding, archery, golf, bowling, tennis, go-kart, paintball, etc.
|
|
For shoppers, fashionable boutiques and shops of ready-made garments, silk, paintings, handicrafts, gemstones, jewelry and trinkets are centred in the main street of Central and South Pattaya and also in the luxurious hotels. And the prices are fair.
For gourmets, Pattaya's cookeries offer at reasonable prices a wide range of superlative fresh seafood and various styles of cuisine -- Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, German, Scandinavian, Mexican, American, Indian, Russian, etc. And for night owls, Pattaya's lively nightlife caters for every taste. The most brightly colourful spot is South Pattaya where all kinds of nightly entertainment are offered.
In short, Pattaya is the place for all. No wonder it has remained popular among those who come to spend their holidays from far and near alike. |
| |
Starting from Dusit Resort Hotel in the area called North Pattaya to the small hill in the South, Pattaya beach and its parallel beach road is about 3 kilometres long. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, the beach also offers excellent facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all kinds.
|
| |
The northern part is a more quiet area of resorts while the southern part is a place of hustle and bustle, where both sides of the street are lined up with department stores, restaurants, discotheques, bars and nightclubs and shops of all kinds.
For taxi : |
| |
The former paddy fields have turned into a thriving beach. Only 3 km. down Pattaya Beach, Jomtien is highly recommended to those who seek a quieter resort, where the golden sand, bright sun and blue clear sea are always pleased to welcome all vacationers.
It is a good place for relaxation with modern comforts and accommodation. Its long straight coastline of 6 kilometres with a fringe of coconut and palm trees offers vacationers a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing and viewing the sun setting in the sea.
|
|
| |
Its calm sea is also suitable for swimming and playing all kinds of water sports for the whole year. Jomtien Beach is especially the best spot for windsurfing and instruction is widely available for beginners.
|
