The Pattaya Guide

Over the years, Pattaya has had to overcome a lot of adversity, 2008 being particularly difficult with the airport closure and the global economic meltdown. The latest this year is Swine Flu. But Pattaya somehow bounces back. What is it about the place that keeps people coming back for more? Here are some reasons in no particular order.

1/ There is something irresistible about a tropical seaside resort and the lifestyle that goes with it. It is an exciting environment. I have noticed in my travels that there is a unique relationship between the sea and those who choose to live next to it.

2/ Pattaya is a bizarre mixture of chilled and frantic and you can switch between either with extreme ease is also a totally different place at night, more of a transformation than anywhere else have been.

3/ The Thais are generally the most laid-back people on the planet. Great if you are on vacation, not quite so great if they are your staff! For me though, the Thai people are what make this country such a joy to visit.

4/ The climate, I even enjoy the rainy season with its dramatic storms. I went back to the UK (Norfolk) last year for my first winter in many years. It was -7! Froze my lungs!…don’t miss that. What’s not to love about feeling warm every day?

5/ Company. There really is ‘someone for everyone’ in this town, with all 3 genders well represented. Be sure to check that you have the right one, it can be confusing.

6/ Iif you like bars or pubs, this is kind of a pre-heaven experience. Around 1,200 of them in a relatively small area! My personal favourite is The Sportsman in Soi 13. A great little pub with nice staff, superb pub grub, friendly regulars, wide selection of drinks, pool table and all the sport you can watch. What more could you ask?

7/ Food. If you like your food, there can be few places on earth that offer such a range of fantastic restaurants. Stick a pin into a map of the world and chances are you will find that country’s cuisine here. Everything from 5 star Western restaurants to great Indian and Mexican food, some of the best Thai cuisine and of course the Seafood is sumptuous.

8/ Activities. Where to begin? Apart from all the great bars and restaurants and the world famous nightlife and cabaret shows there are top quality golf courses, watersports, shooting, horse riding and so much more. Some examples can be found in this booklet.

9/ Fabulous beaches can be found not far from town if you really want to chill for the day. Cozy beach on Pratamnak hill is the closest and the Navy beach before you get to Sattahip is a beauty.

10/ Because Pattaya is always evolving (it can now really claim to cater for families particularly with the developments around Jomtien and beyond) there will always be that great mixture when you return of familiar faces and places and new and exciting things to see and do.That’s it for now. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about Pattaya. If there is something I don’t know, can find someone who does!