Pattaya Travel Guide GENERAL INFORMATION Pattaya is Asia's premier beach resort and annually attracts millions of pleasure-seekers from all over the world. Pattaya's sunny world is synonymous with pleasant beaches, every conceivable water sport from windsurfing to scuba diving, alluring offshore coral islands, excellent accommodation lining the resort's palm-fringed, crescent bay, superb seafood, a colourful, relaxing tropical ambiance and, after sunset, all the magic and enchantment of an almost legendary nightlife. For families, sportsmen and independent travelers, Pattaya offers all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday. HOW TO GET THERE Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, a comfortable 2-hour drive along Highway No. 3 via Bang Na, Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Siracha. Airconditioned and non-airconditioned coaches regularly leave Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal, at the mouth of Soi Ekkamai (Soi 63) on Sukhumvit Road, throughout the day. ACCOMMODATION Pattaya offers accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from the airconditioned, beachside opulence of some of Asia's finest hotels to the basic simplicity of friendly guest houses. Major hotels occupy spacious, gorgeously landscaped gardens where swimming pools, tennis court and jogging trails are commonly featured. Essentially, visitors have the choice of luxury hotels with private beaches; bayside hotels and bungalows; and 'inland' economy-class hotels, inns and guest houses. DINING Some of Thailand's choicest seafood is found in hotel buffets and several specialty restaurants. Steak houses, coffeeshops and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives. Gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in innumerable restaurants featuring French, Swiss, Italian, German, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Arabic, Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and regional Thai cuisines. WATER SPORT Pattaya's major water sports (entailing rented equipment), and venues, are as follows: Windsurfing: instruction and rental equipment is available at all major beaches, particularly at Chomthian. Sailing: Hobby Cats and rindles are available for rent mainly at Chomthian. Game Fishing: Fishing expeditions regularly depart from Bang Sare fishing village, some 17 kilometers south of Pattaya, in search of marlin, king mackerel, sharks and barracuda. Parasailing: several outfits offering 5 - 10 minute flights operate on major beaches and Lan island. Water-skiing: speedboats and skis are widely trips available for rent. Return water-skiing trips to Lan island are very popular. Scuba-diving: several reputable dive shops offer neophyte divers comprehensive courses with accredited instructors. They, and experienced divers, can join regular trips to Lan, Lin and Phai coral islands, some 1-3 hours by boat from Pattaya. LAND SPORTS/RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT Pattaya's major land sports , and venues, are as follows: Golf: Bangphra, a 4-kilometre drive from Km. 112 on Highway No. 3, and the Siam Country Club both offer challenging 18-hole courses within 30 minutes of Pattaya. Horseback Riding: The Reo Park Ranch, 5 kilometers from Highway No. 3 along the Siam Country Club road, offers daytime and enchanting moonlight trail rides on thoroughbreds imported from Australia. Motor / Motorcycle Racing: The 2.4 kilometer Pattaya Circuit, at Km. 14 on Route 36 to Rayong, regularly features exciting local and international races. Tennis: Major hotels open their courts to non-guests. Some have resident local professional who offer hourly instruction. Pattaya's major recreation and entertainment complexes are: Pattaya Park: a water amusement park beside Chomthian Beach which features colourful water slides and whirlpools, and where accommodation is available. Pattaya Elephant Kraal: a daily afternoon show with broad popular appeal features elephants bathing and exhibitions of obedience, strength and forestry skills. Nong Nooch Village: a 600-acre, artfully landscaped country features orchid nurseries, an arts & crafts centre and a popular cultural show of folk dances, traditional ceremonies and martial arts displays. PATTAYA BY NIGHT/SHOPPING Major hotels operate gourmet restaurants, cocktails lounges, discotheques, nightclubs and supper clubs which offer excellent food, drinks, music and entertainment. Such establishments are ideal for family entertainment. Nightlife beyond Pattaya's hotels is more liberated and exciting. Discotheques, cabarets, nightclubs, coffeeshops, open-air bars, massage parlours and restaurants with live music and entertainment compete for attention. Such establishments are located mostly along the beaches and in South Pattaya, major shopping area for beachwear, souvenirs, films, tapes, pharmaceuticals and liquor, and where major gem, tailors and boutiques are located. TRANSPORTATION Motorcycles, jeeps and automobiles are widely available on a daily self-dive basis. Mini-buses perpetually complete counterclockwise circuits around the Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road. Fares are 5 - 10 baht. Fares beyond the main bay area are negotiable. TOURIST INFORMATION/ASSISTANCE The Tourism Authority of Thailand's beachside office at 382/1 Beach Road is next to the Tourist Police Center. The TAT office provides authoritative information on local events and is well stocked with complimentary tourist publications. Pattaya's Tourist Police render visitors speedy assistance in times of emergency.