About Pattaya.

Pattaya Overview

Pattaya lies 147km southeast of Bangkok on the northeast coast of the Gulf of Thailand. In 1950 there was little here other than a small fishing village. It was unspoiled and unsophisticated yet in 40 short years it has become a city in its own right.

Development started during the Vietnam War when the US constructed a naval base in the area that is still visited by war ships today. Currently used by the Thai Royal Navy, Thai soldiers are often seen in town.

More than 30 offshore islands stretch around Pattaya within a radius of some 48km, from around Si Racha in the north to Sattahip in the south. A few islands are off-limits as they are under the control of the Royal Thai Navy. Most others have fascinating dive sites. The waters are rich in various coral species and tropical fish.

Today, Pattaya is one of Thailand's premier beach resorts and annually attracts thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over the world. Despite the wide range of excellent facilities for tourists with legitimate interests, Pattaya in particular has, like Thailand in general, an image problem, caused by the so-called sex industry.

Reports in the international media have long overemphasized the sex-related negative sides of the city and these reports, fueled by the local media haven't helped the situation. Prostitution is practiced and perverts coming to Pattaya has made sensational international coverage, enticing people to come with the sole purpose of bedding pre-teenagers of either sex.

True, there has been a problem, but things are improving here as well as other known 'sex trade' areas in Thailand. It is regularly raided by both the Thai and international police. The future for Pattaya is looking bright being encouraged and although the industry still exists, and already there are major changes to the area. Wholesome, family entertainment is on.

Not that Pattaya lacks in attractions. It has good beaches, though the actual Pattaya beach is not the cleanest anymore, others are pristine and the water crystal clear. Beach related activities are extensive and you are sure to find something to suit you.

Pattaya is located within easy reach from the Bangkok as well as Don Muang International Airport. It has an excellent accommodation infrastructure, which are of international standard and restaurants and entertainment for all tastes. Because of its good accessibility from Bangkok, Pattaya remains one of Thailand's most important and popular dive centers.

Climate

Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: Hot (March-May), Rainy (June-October) and Cool (November-February). It is hot all year round, there is little difference between the hottest and coolest months, and average temperatures are around 27 deg.C.

The months with the most rain are July, August and September. Pattaya's coastal location means more breezes than say Bangkok and the rain tends to come in short and heavy bursts rather than prolonged over days, but no matter when you come, you'll have a good time. Lightweight casual clothing is recommended.

History

Pattaya was little more than a fishing village before it came to the attention of American GI's in the 1960's as a good R&R getaway. Things simply developed from there, with the local Bangkok population also frequenting Pattaya for a quick weekend break. Although some professional fishing is sure to still occur, Pattaya's sole focus is as a resort town. It is thought that one third of Thailand's tourists make the trip to Pattaya. Certainly many of these are men looking to enjoy the blatant sex industry that flourishes in Pattaya. That said, many moves have been made in recent years to ensure that Pattaya is a destination that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

People

Pattaya is primarily a tourist destination, so if you have any grand ideas of getting away from the hordes you can forget it. But it is international in the crowds that it attracts Americans, Europeans, Asian families on holiday and the largest concentration of Middle Eastern visitors in Thailand, Pattaya is nothing if not cosmopolitan. Most Thai locals are also not native to Pattaya but have moved to the area for the good tourism work opportunities. They are, as always, friendly and polite (definitely more so than in Bangkok) and the level of English spoken is also very high.

Nightlife

Pattaya is often referred to as the Las Vegas of Thailand and undoubtedly many visitors are put off by the stories of prostitution that abound about Pattaya. It would be a lie to say that sex tourism is not one of Pattaya's largest industries, but it is not the only attraction of the resort town. Much of the prostitution has recently been restricted to South Pattaya, leaving the north clean of such activities and therefore highly suited for family getaways. Also of note is the friendliness of the red light district. Women are made to feel comfortable and although touts operate they are more polite than pushy.