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About Pattaya
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Pattaya lies 130km to the southeast of Bangkok, less than two hours by road, and stretches for some 15km along the Eastern Seaboard. Thailand's largest resort, it shares the coast with traditional fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centers, the towns of Chonburi and Sriracha, and the port and naval base Sattahip. Pattaya beach is a palm-fringed, sandy bay with a view of coral islands on the horizon. Nearby are other cliffs and other bays and the region is rich in agricultural products as sugar cane, tapioca, pineapple, rubber and other fruits.
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Pattaya in the 1960s was just a little fishing village, until a few Bangkok residents began to take their weekends here, generating a modest local tourist industry. Even so, the only hotel was the Nipa Lodge. Other accommodation tended towards holiday bungalows and beach huts. The Vietnam saw the start of Pattaya's international reputation, The fledging resort was used as an official R&R center for the US forces. They were flown into U-Tapao airport, which was built for American use at the time. Shops, services, bars and hotels grew to meet the demand. Pattaya is now a city in its own right, with its own mayor and its own administration. |
This is not all due to tourism. The government development program for the Eastern Seaboard has transformed the region, and this rapid industrial and commercial expansion has led to many expatriates coming to live in the area.
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There is a new deep-sea port at Laem Chabang, 20km north of Pattaya with a vast industrial estate, and another development zone at Map Ta Phut near Rayong to the south. Pattaya city is well located to be a major business center serving these two giant industrial communities. There are five international schools and four international hospitals in the area. As a beach resort with city status Pattaya has something for everyone. Whereas most beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings, In Pattaya there is just everything what you can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun. Such is his variety that it is ideal for all kind of visitors. While there is plenty to keep the children happily occupied, there is also everything for the sports enthusiastic, for couples of all ages seeking rest and relaxation and for those who are simply looking for warm sunshine. |
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After dark options include open-air bars,
nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos. The nightlife center is South Pattaya,
popularly know as "The Stripe", but if this is a trifle brash and noisy for
some taste, there are alternative, quiet spots for evening fun in 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 like silk, gems and jewllery, tailor-made clothing, handicrafts and more. |
Pattaya has three seasons. November to March, when it's hot and dry, April to June, when it's hot and humid and July to October when it's hot and wet.
Dress as lightly as possible. Because of the heat and humidity, man-made fibers are not recommended. Pack some cool cottons, and if you find you are changing your clothes at an alarming rate you will be able to buy locally made clothing very cheaply. Shorts and sandals are usual daytime wear. In better restaurants wear smart casual. If visiting a temple the usual dress rules apply: gentlemen no shorts please, ladies no shorts, short skirts and T-shirts.
The Thai currency is the Baht. Along the shopping streets there are many small exchange offices where you can change your cash or your traveler cheques. The most restaurants and in the shopping centers accept also the major credit cards.
The actual exchange rates
are as follows:
1 Euro ~ 46 Baht
1 US$ ~ 33 Baht
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For getting around Pattaya area you can take minibuses. They are everywhere present and charge a flat fare of 10 Baht within Pattaya, to Jomtien Beach 30 Baht. To make round trips consult travel agents. They offer roundtrips with minibuses to many places like Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Bangkok, etc. |
You can rent also a motor cycle. It costs between 100 and 200 Baht per day for a small motor cycle and about 500 Baht for a big motorcycle. Wearing a helmet is obligatory and the police is only waiting to fine 200 Baht.
If you bring your own computer you can log
into the internet directly on your room. We provide you with a local access
number and also with an Email address if you want.
There are also many Internet cafes available. Most post their rates in the
window and as competition is intense the prices are relatively low.
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.
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.
Medicines for minor ailments are readily available at many drug stores in the city and a high standard of medical treatment for more serious problems can be expected from most of the clinics and hospitals. General practitioners, dentists, opticians and pharmacies are available.
Pattaya has many expatriate residents and is essentially an international tourist resort and expanding city. So the Thai population is itself very internationalized. Most notices are in English as well as in Thai and you will find plenty of signboards in German and even in Russian. Most vendors are used non-Thai 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
Most tourists don't require to apply for visa in their country if they stay not longer than 30 days. However not citizens of every country can enter without visa. If in doubt, individuals should check prior to travel. Thai embassies would be the best bet, although information is generally available from travel agents. For example citizens of .the UK, the USA, Australia, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy will generally awarded a 30 day visitor's visa upon arrival.
Longer tourist visas can be obtained from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These are typically 90 day visas.
Warning! Under no circumstances must you allow any agent to extend your visa for you. Although certain unscrupulous individuals will offer such a service, it is illegal.
Attention! Always carry your passport! The immigration service can fine you for not having a passport with you at any time. Although a good quality photo copy should usually be acceptable so long as it includes the title page, the visa page, the last entry stamp and the immigration departure card.
Thai websites Web directory for Thailand and search engine:
http://www.thaiwebsites.com.
Suvarnabhumi Airport:
http://www.airportsuvarnabhumi.com/
THAI Airways:
http://www.thaiairways.com/
Hotel Thailand Blog:
http://www.hotel-thailand.eu/blog/
Thailand Guesthouses:
http://www.thailand-guesthouses.com
Pattaya Guesthouses:
http://www.pattaya-guesthouses.com/
Bangkok Guesthouses:
http://www.guesthouses-bangkok.com/
Phuket Guesthouses:
http://www.guesthouses-phuket.com
Pattaya Plaza:
http://www.pattayaplaza.com
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