Pattaya, in the province of Chon Buri, is located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, 160 km from the capital Bangkok . The city is notorious as a party stronghold. Nowhere else are so many trendy clubs, bars and restaurants lined up as here, on the east coast of central Thailand. But the region has many surprises in store. A holiday in Pattaya promises variety, fun and cultural diversity.
Pattaya – From fishing village to party mile
Before tourism arrived in Pattaya, the city was a sleepy fishing village with only a few inhabitants. At that time, the locals still lived in small wooden huts that stood on stilts. People secured their livelihood by selling fish and other marine animals. Others worked in nearby salt fields.
The upswing did not begin until the 1960s. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy built a large naval base and airport in nearby Sattahip. US Marines visited the surrounding towns in their free time and came to the beach of Pattaya more and more often. Soon after, Pattaya Bay was officially designated an R&R area.
The Nipa Lodge Hotel was built. This is where the U.S. Marines recovered from their deployments in Vietnam. After the war was over, the US base was dismantled and the soldiers withdrew. But the first tourist groups had long since become aware of the wonderful sandy beaches of Pattaya. Pattaya developed rapidly in the years that followed. Today, Pattaya is one of Asia’s tourism strongholds.
The climate in Pattaya
The tropical climate in eastern Thailand divides the year into three seasons: November to February is pleasant, warm temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees. The humidity of 50% is bearable for Europeans. From the end of February to the end of May, it gets very hot in the city. Temperatures will rise to up to 40 degrees, and humidity will reach 75%. This is followed by the hot rainy season. It lasts from June to October. Now the humidity rises to 90%, with temperatures between 25-35 degrees. The most popular travel time for Europeans is therefore from December to January.
Surroundings and sights
Party lovers will feel right at home on Pattaya’s lively waterfront. On one side, the sea beckons you to swim, relax and water sports, and on the other side of the road, it’s hot around the clock. Well-attended clubs, an atmospheric nightlife and delicious drinks lure visitors out onto the streets of the city day in and day out. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for extensive shopping trips in Pattaya. The city’s shopping malls are similar to the huge shopping mall in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, the Mahboonkrong. There are countless small shops here for shopping, strolling and lingering.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours, you can go on excursions inland. Neighboring regions include Si Racha, Ban Chang and Nikhom Patthana. In the hinterland, the landscape becomes hillier and there are tropical forests to discover. If you are looking for relaxation on quiet beaches, you should take day trips to the nearby islands of Koh Chang or Koh Samet. Here you will find beautiful, beautiful sandy beaches – a real postcard panorama. The small islands are within sight of Pattaya. Excursion boats depart daily from Pattaya City Beach. Another excursion island is Koh Lan – here the water is crystal clear. Therefore, the island is a popular spot for divers. Colourful coral reefs and white sandy beaches make a holiday trip to Pattaya an unforgettable adventure for active holidaymakers.
Popular excursion destinations in Pattaya
Na Kluea is located in the north of Pattaya. The place tells the story of the old salt fields, where people used to mine sea salt purely by hand. The extraction of salt was the main source of income for the inhabitants of this area of Thailand, along with fishing. Even today you can visit the salt fields and small wooden huts, where artisan workshops and traditional pasta restaurants have settled over the years.
Outdoor enthusiasts should hike to the top of Phra Tamnak Mountain. From the hill you have a fantastic view of the city and the Gulf of Thailand. Another highlight is a visit to the wooden temple “Sanctuary of Truth”. The Sanctuary of Truth, as the temple is translated, is located in the province of Chonburi. It impresses with its elaborate, hand-carved woodwork on the outer façade. The temple complex is reminiscent of the centuries-old art style Rattanakosin and was donated by the married couple Lek and Prapai Wiriyaphan. In the adjacent museum, guided tours of the history of the impressive temple complex take place.
Pattaya is also known for its diverse golf courses. The choice is wide and the view fantastic. In addition, there are countless amusement parks around Pattaya such as the Underwater World. Here, visitors walk through a 100-meter-long, underground passage. Above them the sea and 4,500 sea creatures. The tiger zoo in Si Racha, on the other hand, is home to tigers and other alligators. The Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is also well worth seeing. 15 kilometers away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a botanical garden awaits visitors with a charming orchid farm and a large butterfly garden.
Vacationers who want to get to know the country’s cuisine are in the right place in Pattaya. There are Thai restaurants on every street corner that cook according to traditional recipes. Here it is home-style. On the other hand, if you want to experience the fine cuisine of Thailand, you should visit one of the five-star restaurants. Here, international chefs conjure up true works of art on the plates and corresponding wines skilfully round off the culinary experience. A trip to Pattaya is an unforgettable experience and provides insights into a foreign culture.
