• Introduction

Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors.

Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.

Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthouses.

Sporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia.

Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members.

And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets.

Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can.

Pattaya History

Fifty years ago Pattaya was a sleepy little fishing village, dwarfed by her neighbors to the North, Na Klua, to the South, Rayong.

Its only claim to fame being that it had, in the 13th century, been a resting place for the battle forces of the great King Narai during his campaign to oust the Burmese invaders. From that overnight bivouac, Pattaya derives its name.

Then came the Vietnam war and incursion of more benign foreign troops. Thailand supported the American efforts in the area! providing bases, manned by thousands of young America requiring rest and recreation.

How is it possible to fix the date of an historical trend? Whilst Pattaya had achieved some popularity with a few adventurous souls who braved the rough road from Bangkok to take advantage of the crystal waters, great diving and soon following them, beach bars and restaurants, let us take the time when, on the 29th June 1959, four or five transport trucks loaded with American G.I.'s arrived in the village of Pattaya on leave from their base at Nakhon Ratchasima.

On arrival in Pattaya they rented houses belonging to Phraya Sunthorn which were along the southern end of Pattaya Beach, now know as the "Strip". The marines stayed for about a week and returned to base.

Having had a great time in Pattaya With the friendly residents, they spread the word. A new group of marines kept arriving periodically and the village geared up to cater to their every need. This can be considered as the birth of Pattaya as a tourist resort.

Pattaya continued to grow in popularity at such a rate with both Thai and foreign tourists, that the local government could not cope with the administration.

Administrative and infrastructure combination with Na Klua, took place in 1976 and the government promulgated the Pattaya City Act in 1978, there by joining Na Klua and Pattaya to form the fifth local government municipality. Thus was Pattaya City born, and thus, with an ever - increasing influx of visitors and residents from the burgeoning surrounding industrial estates, has she developed into what she is today.

Transportation

Pattaya can be reached in a comfortable 2-hour drive along the Bang Na-Trat and Sukhumvit Highways (Highway No. & Highway No 3) via Bang Pakong, and Si Racha. One can also avoid a lot of traffic on Bang Na-Trat Highway by opting for Motor Way (new Bangkok-Chon Buri - Pattaya route).

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned coaches regularly leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet Road throughout day.

Departure times and fares may be obtained by telephoning the Eastern Bus Terminal (391-9829) for air-conditioned coaches and 391 -2504 for regular coaches and the Mochit 2 Bus Terminal at 936-3509 for air-conditioned coaches.

The State Railways of Thailand offers daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 6.55 a.m.
The journey takes about 3.30 hours. Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020

Thai Airways operate an air-conditioned limousine service between Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport and Pattaya. Booking in Pattaya may be made by telephoning (038)423140-1

Travel within the Resort

Travelling around Pattaya is most convenient by mini-buses that continually ply the Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road in counterclockwise circuits. Fares are 5 baht per person per ride, fares beyond main bag one negotiable.

Those who wish to be independent and explore Pattaya's surrounding countryside and beaches at leisure, can hire motorcycles, jeeps or cars.

The visitor is advised to shop around and consult local tourism publications, for different companies offer different prices and conditions.

Major Events

Wan Lai Festival

The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes.

People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year.

In the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day).

Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.

Pattaya Festival

usually held at the middle of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets.

The Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held as well as traditional aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles.

A spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale,

Chonburi Buffalo Races

is held in Chon Buri during October every year.
The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man.

Beauty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.