Pattaya 1966
Pattaya, with a population of around 130,000 (unofficially it is estimated, that 600.000 or more people living in Pattaya area) and about 60,000 guest beds, is located approximately 130 kilometers from Bangkok on the eastern coast of Thailand, in the province of Chonburi, on the seafront and is a stronghold of tourism. It is easily accessible from Bangkok via the new Highway in approximately 1-1.5 hours. Air-conditioned buses run every “every 30 minutes” between the two cities – a (bad) rail link exists. But there is a plan for a high speed railway link on the way, estimated to start operation in 2017. Pattaya including environment is not typical for Thailand.
Many farangs did settle in the city over the last decade(Farang = Thai term for foreigners – mostly with “long-nose” translated). So there are plenty of international restaurants, in which almost every traveler’s meal is offered from home. “Wiener Schnitzel”, “noodles”, “pork knuckles”, “pizza”, “wine from France”, “McDonalds” and much more. Well-known international companies (including supermarket operator) are present in Pattaya and offer goods from all over the world. In several private hospitals you will find the best medical care around the clock. About what is happening in this city you will be informed by several newspapers.
Pattaya 2013 – from a village to a tourist hot spot
Pattaya got its name from the commander and later King Taksin, as this with his troop of 500 soldiers hit a resting place in this area. There was always a cool breeze from the southwest to the southeast, which was known as “Patthaya”. Only long after the town developed to a small fishing village. 1959 Pattaya was discovered by American soldiers in the military camp of “Korat” (Nakorn Ratchasima) were stationed, on a vacation trip. The soldiers rented houses of landlords and spent their holidays by the sea. Pattaya quickly became the epitome of relaxation and fun for the American GIs. 1956 Pattaya belonged to the district of Pattaya “Naklua”. During the Vietnam War the first hotels and bars emerged, principally for the American Soldiers who wanted to escape the harsh war everyday.
1978 Pattaya got its first city council, including the mayor. 1997 Pattaya was granted the status of an independent city. Meanwhile, the city is a popular international beach resort. They brought in recent years, the infrastructure up to scratch. The new beach promenade is impressive. The main street of the popular shopping and entertainment districts was declared a pedestrian zone years ago and is the center of the “night life”. Thus, the pedestrian must-at least in this part of town no longer jump in front of the oncoming motor vehicle or have to worry about their health.
Several small islands (up to Koh Larn all uninhabited) are upstream. You can access them with the speedboats on the beach or the ferry from the pier. The city’s beaches are well maintained, although there are much nicer beaches in Thailand. At “Wong Amat beach” is for families, the “Jomtien beach” (right of the police box for “Pattaya Park”) very cheerful (international public / Gay area etc.). In the high season (December to March = = cool dry season), it looks like on a crowded beach in Italy. Deckchairs are occupied by lots of tourists. They come from pretty much every country in the world. Well represented are the Europeans.
An alternative tothe Bay of Pattaya (from Jomtien, on Beach Road up to the Wong Amat beach), is the “Samae Beach” on “Koh Larn”. Rather than take a taxi to Baht 30, – to go to the crowded main beach, you pay around 30 baht, – more and can be found in the quiet western part of the island.
In “South – Pattaya” is a pedestrian zone (Walking Street) and the Gay – Area with “Boys Town” and “Sunee Plaza”. To the north are lined up between “Beach Road” and “3 nd Road” beer bars, shops, hotels, restaurants, Go Go bars, etc. to each other. Shops close usually at 23:00 clock, the legal closing time for all entertainment is 02:00 am (outside the zones at 24:00 clock), but some bars are even open until 4 am.
The somewhat preferred over the town park on Pratamnak Road (at the entrance to the “Great Buddha) is always worth a visit, even if it is increasingly fitted with high-rise buildings. shark and some Farang operate in the early evening sports. In the well maintained park numerous benches invite to sit down and take a look of the city justifies the approach.
The sports offer is varied, such as Fishing, Badminton, bowling, go-karts, golf, jogging, racing, parasailing, horseback riding, shooting, squash, diving and snorkeling, tennis, waterskiing, windsurfing.
