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Pattaya Overview
Pattaya information guide
Pattaya is 150km southeast of Bangkok, about 2 hours by road. Thailand's largest resort, Pattaya beach is a palm-fringed, sandy bay with a view of coral islands on the horizon. Nearby are other cliffs and bays, while inland, the region is rich in agricultural products including sugar cane, tapioca, rubber, and fruit trees.
Getting to Pattaya
Pattaya, 150km southeast of Bangkok, is one of the easiest cities to get to, as it is well connected via Highway 7 (Motorway) and Highway 3 (Bangna-Chonburi route). Several long-distant buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) every half hour. And should you wish to arrive in style, you can even fly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to U-Tapao Airport in Sattahip.From Bangkok, buses leave every 30 minutes from Ekkamai Bus Terminal (near Ekkamai BTS), and the Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal (best known as Mochit Mai).
A taxi from BKK (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Pattaya should cost no more than 1,500 baht.
From Pattay to BKK is only 800 baht (plus tolls) for limo (nice car or clean taxi). You can book these almost anywhere in Pattaya (sidewalk-hotel etc.). So - book only one-way from BKK to save money! Pattaya is a year-round holiday destination, though the best time to go is between November and April. This is the tourist season and getting accommodation can be difficult, especially during New Year, Thai New Year (Songkran Festival, April 13 – 15), and at long weekends. A three-day Pattaya Music Festival is held yearly in March. The three main areas in Pattaya are Pattaya Beach, Na Klua and Jomtien Beach, and each features its own unique charm and individual characteristics. High-rise-lined Pattaya Beach is more chaotic, packed with modern shopping malls, fine-dining outlets, and best known for its raunchy nightlife scene, while Na Klua is a quiet beach off the beaten path. Family-oriented activities and water sports can be found in Jomtien, only 10 minutes from Pattaya Beach.
Accommodation
Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every budget. Facilities range from luxury hotels with private beaches to bayside hotels and bangalows, and inland, economy class hotels and guest houses.
Most of Pattaya Beach’s hotels, clubs, bars and shops are condensed into an area that spans little more than a few kilometres, so it’s perfectly possible to get around entirely on foot. However, the transport facilities here are so regular, reliable and affordable that you’ll probably see little point. Getting to anyone of the nearby beach areas, like Jomtien or Naklua, is also a cinch.
For getting around the main bay area, the minibuses and baht buses charge a flat of Bt10. The run to Naklua is also Bt10, and to Jomtien Bt30. Drivers usually ask for Bt40 to travel up the hill to the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Songthaew (The minibuses and baht buses)
The most common form of transport in Pattaya is a songthaew, a dark blue pick-up truck with two benches in the back and a cover on top. Called 'baht buses' by most people, the official fare within Pattaya is B10, The fixed fare only applies when the songthaew is following a set route like a bus. If you want it to take you somewhere off its route, you'll have to negotiate a price.
The most frequently used route is a circular one along Beach Road, then left on South Pattaya Road to Second Road where it again turns left and travels parallel to Beach Road. When it reaches the Dolphin Circle roundabout, it travels back to Beach Road and begins the journey again. At Dolphin Circle some songthaews head to Naklua Beach and others up North Pattaya Road to the a/c bus terminal and Sukhumvit Road. Songthaews from the North Pattaya Road bus station to points along Beach Front and Second Road are B20. Songthaews to Jomtien can be boarded at the intersection of South Pattaya and Second Road.
For trips up and down Sukhumvit Road (the main highway to Bangkok) including trips to and from the airport at U-Taphao, the songthaew are white and cost B20. Songthaew from the North Pattaya Road bus station to points along Beach Front and Second Road are B20.
Motorbike and Car Rentals
Motorcycle hire will cost you between Bt150 and Bt700 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 Bt1000 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 licence, 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 attendant's pocket or shoulder bag and travel around with him.
Bicycles can be hired from beachside vendors at Bt100 a day, or Bt20 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 based 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 then Image 5 Star Taxi Company offers 1 way/return trips throughout Pattaya or hour by hour hire. They will pickup at your hotel or condo with their door to door service.
Pattaya has three season: November to February, when it's hot; March to May, when it's hot and humid, and June to October, when it's hot and wet.The Cool Season
November through to February sees the perfect weather combo: very little rain and hot but not too hot temperatures (average highs of 31degrees Celsius, lows of around 21-22C). This is the busiest time on the Pattaya tourist calendar, so expect high season prices.
The Hot Season
March, April and May are the hottest months, temperatures averaging highs of 33 degrees Celsius and lows of between 25 and 27. It is scorching hot and sticky; often unpleasantly so. The sea breeze helps but the humidity is very high. Often there is a bit of rain to clear the air, especially toward the end of April and into May.
The Rainy Season
The intense but usually brief downpours between June and October make this low season for tourists (and breeding season for mosquitoes). Rarely, though, does it rain all day or night. Temperatures fluctuate in the low 30s during the day; and between 25-27degrees Celsius at night. Still a good time to come as the bars and beaches are less crowded, hotel rates lower and there’s still lots of tenacious sunshine.
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 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 the 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 & 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 also several privately run long-distance phone centres, most notably along Beach Road. These will be slightly more expensive than the government service.
Opening Hours: From 8.00 am - 4.30 pm (monday - friday), and 9.00 am - 1.00 pm (saturday)
Visit Website: www.thailandpost.com
Internet Servies
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 & 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.
Medicine for minor ailments are readily available at the 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 readily available. Each of the private hospitals has its own ambulance service and 24-hour emergency facilities. Most medical specialties are represented: neurology, orthopedics, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, urology, dentistry. Bangkok Pattaya Hospital is the referral hospital for cardiac patients as well as for other severe traumas and injuries. 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 8.30 am until 4.30 pm. Tel (038)428 750 or 429 113.