Information
Pattaya is one of the most rapidly expanding cities in Thailand and is the Kingdom’s most popular tourist destination. The city is approximately one and a half hours drive away from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok with the local airport at U-Tapao being around 40 minutes away.
Over the years, the city and the surrounding areas has developed a large resident expatriate community. As a result, Pattaya is noted as being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Southeast Asia and has emerged as a city renowned for offering services to expats of all nationalities. Employees speak high levels of English language in most establishments with other languages such as German, Russian and Chinese also relatively common. Expatriate families that live here enjoy a high standard of living.
Pattaya is now regarded as a beachfront city which caters not only for tourists, but large political and commercial conventions along with international sporting events. All this is a far cry from the sleepy fishing village of the 1960s.
Local Weather
One of the most appealing things about Pattaya is the weather. The city enjoys year-round sunshine with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Evening temperatures remain warm, which help to facilitate a healthy outdoor lifestyle.
Thailand has three seasons, the cool season from December to February, the hot season from March until July and a rainy season from August until November. The Gulf of Thailand is sheltered, so extremes of bad weather that are experienced in other tropical locations are rare.
Beaches
The main beaches in Pattaya are Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach, Cozy Beach and Wongamat Beach with the beautiful and clean beaches of Na Jomtien and Bang Saray being only around a 20-minute drive away. Pattaya, Jomtien and Wongamat Beaches are all long and relatively wide beaches where you can soak up the sun, enjoy water sports, buy clothes and other items from friendly hawkers as well as ordering food and drinks while people watching from a rented sun lounger.
Golf
Pattaya is a haven for golf with over 25 championship standard golf courses within an hour’s drive of Pattaya. The courses are designed by golf’s greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo and are all kept in exceptional condition. Novice golfers and professionals alike enjoy playing the courses, which allow you to witness some experience some magnificent scenery. Golf in Thailand is relatively cheap compared to the West and some other parts of Asia. There are several local golf societies which means that you can play 7-days a week as well as making new friends.
Water Sports
There are several PADI dive shops in and around Pattaya offering Scuba Diving lessons and boat trips. Pattaya, unlike popular diving sites in the south of the Kingdom, offers safe diving throughout the year. Corals and marine life are an undeniable attraction, while the shipwrecks are also fun to explore.
Other water sports such as wakeboarding, windsurfing and kiteboarding are available in the Na Jomtien area with parasailing available along Pattaya Beach and from Bali Hai Pier. Fishing trips and hire of speedboats if also relatively easy to organise at many places in the city.
Pattaya Attractions
Pattaya has become far more family-orientated in recent years with many of Pattaya’s attractions now focused more on this group. The Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens have long been popular along with The Sanctuary of Truth. Tiffany’s is still a top-rated show with Art in Paradise, also attracting increasing numbers. The modern Ramayana and Cartoon Network water parks are some of the best in Asia. Other attractions include:
- Mini Siam
- Ripley’s “Believe it or not” Museum
- Underwater World
- The Crocodile Farm and Million Years Stone Park
- Khao Keow Open Zoo
- Sriracha Tiger Zoo
- Harbor Mall
Nightlife
Pattaya’s nightlife is probably what the city is most famous for and is diverse and amazing. There are some excellent elegant and relaxed dining experiences. There are the Thai boxing arenas, the delights of Walking Street, the raunchy go-go and beer bars also we have some superb music bars, jazz clubs and discos not to mention the fantastic ladyboy shows. All of these activities are considerably cheaper than what you would pay in the West.
Shopping
Pattaya is a shopaholic’s paradise with some fantastic shopping malls including Terminal 21, Central Festival and Central Marina. Also, we have the Tukcom IT Centre for all your electrical needs, Harbor Mall, Outlet Malls as well as an array of local shops and markets where you can buy some cheaper items.
Thai Law and Lawyers
The law in Thailand is very similar to western counterparts. The most significant difference is that all documents are prepared in the native Thai language. Here at Alan Bolton Property Consultants, we can introduce you to respected and trusted law firms who will be able to assist you with any legal requirements.
Post Offices & Utilities
Local Post Offices, mobile phone providers, the Provincial Electric Authority (PEA) and Water Supply Authority are all easily accessible and have competent and helpful staff.
TV Service Providers
Local television is broadcast in the Thai language although English news channels such as the BBC, CNN and Fox are available on the local cable networks. True Vision and cable networks give you access to over 100 channels in a variety of different European and Asian languages. The subscription charges are comparable with what you would pay back home.
Transportation
There is a wide selection of taxi services in Pattaya including taxi (cars), motorbike taxis, Grab Taxi, Songthaews (baht buses), private hire limousines and buses. We can advise you on car and motorbike rental companies as well as how to purchase a car or motorbike. We can also assist you in getting a Thai driving license. We can provide maps and details of motor insurance requirements on request.
Supermarkets & Food Supplies
All along the Eastern Seaboard, you will find some first-class supermarkets including Villa Market, Foodland, Tesco Lotus, Big C and Friendship Supermarket. All of these supermarkets stock an extensive range of local produce and imported products with some open 24-hours a day. You will also find a selection of local foreign-owned grocery shops, butchers and bakers. Unlike in the past, purchasing your home comforts is now very straightforward.