All the most interesting things about Pattaya
What makes Pattaya, one of the most popular resorts in Thailand, so special? Every year, hundreds of thousands of people choose to visit, winter or even make it their permanent residence. Located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya offers well-maintained beaches and a wide range of entertainment options. In this article, we’ll share some interesting facts about Pattaya that will make your trip there more interesting and memorable.
Culinary Delights
Thai cuisine, particularly street food, is immensely popular and deserves special attention. The Gulf of Thailand is abundant in a variety of fish, squid, shrimp, eel, shellfish, lobsters, crabs, small sharks, and sea urchins.
You can sample fresh seafood almost everywhere – on the streets, in restaurants, makashnits, or even at the beach. Gourmets are encouraged to visit the fish market, where there are reasonable prices and a wide selection of fresh mussels, shrimp, snails, crab, and more. For an additional fee, you can have them prepared on-site. In addition to seafood delicacies, the market offers a plethora of vegetables, fruits, and various pre-made sauces.
A large selection of water activities
One of the most popular water parks, Ramayana, is a 20—minute drive from Pattaya. According to tourists, they put this entertainment even on a level above island tours or elephant rides. First of all, we pay attention to the terrain. The water park is located next to vineyards and the largest rock image of the Buddha, so the trip will also be a great introduction to the history of Thailand. And, of course, you will find more than 50 types of water activities, including 21 world-class slides. There are also many other activities on the territory: two huge children’s areas, three swimming pools, a 600-meter artificially created “Lazy River” with a current.
Also, the leaders of water entertainment include the Columbia Aquavers water park. To explore the nearby islands and enjoy the beautiful views of the coast, you can go on a variety of boat tours. For thrill seekers, parasailing and water skiing are suitable. To explore the coral reefs and see the many marine life, you can go diving and snorkeling. If you want to try your hand at professional fishing, use an individual boat rental or choose a group tour. Dolphin and seal shows are very popular as family entertainment.
Floating Market
There is a building on Sukhumvit that looks like a ship. This is the entrance to the Floating Market. The place is notable not only for the fact that you can buy traditional local dishes, souvenirs and various authentic products here. Many tourists are attracted by the special flavor. The area is more reminiscent of a Thai village, so unlike modern areas. Original photos are obtained on small wooden bridges. And along the entire market there is a water channel through which you can travel by boat.
We recommend visiting this place both during the day and in the evening. The market is open until 21:00. You can arrive at 17:00 to take beautiful photos in the light of the setting sun.
The largest shopping center in the city is the Central Festival Mall
It was built in 2009. The area of the shopping center is more than 30 thousand square meters. m. It occupies 7 floors, if you count the underground one. You can buy clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics, accessories, electronics from world famous brands.
The fifth floor is completely devoted to restaurants and cafes, where cuisines from various countries of the world are presented. It is believed that it is in the Central Festival Mall that one of the best viewing platforms in Pattaya is located. There is a buffet restaurant upstairs, which offers stunning views.
The city of beer bars
Pattaya has a very developed nightlife. Local bars can compete even with German and English cities. Oktoberfest fans can safely come here to celebrate the beer festival with dignity. In pubs you can try the traditional Erdinger and Warsteiner. Many institutions organize the broadcast of significant sporting events.
Lack of central water supply
Tap water should not be drunk or used for cooking. Let’s explain why this is so. There are no services in Thailand that monitor water quality. In general, the water supply system is very different from Europe. It resembles a “cycle”. For example, there is a water tank on the roof of the building, which is added as needed. It goes through pipes, is used for household purposes, then is chemically cleaned and re-enters the initial container. Locals are used to this and sometimes just use boiling. But for all tourists and visitors, the safest, most affordable and acceptable option is to buy bottled distilled water. There is also a specially organized set of bottling machines within walking distance. To buy water here at the best price, it is enough to come with your own capacity.
The city of skyscrapers
From a bird’s eye view, Pattaya appears to be a large metropolis with many high-rise buildings. The city is literally growing up. So, on the border of Jomtien and Jomtien is the tallest building in the city at the moment — Reflection Jomtien Beach Oceanfront Tower. Its height is 234 meters, or 58 floors.
Until 1960, there was a small village on the site of Pattaya
It’s hard to believe, but until relatively recently, the famous resort was just a deserted beach, almost wild. Such pristine, dense vegetation with a strip of snow-white sand attracted some vacationers very much. The crystal clear waters of the bay and excellent conditions for diving and swimming lured the first tourist flow here, which then consisted mainly of the American military, who settled nearby at a military base.
Gradually, the village began to grow, local residents came here to earn money. And a new name “Pattaya” has already been fixed for the small settlement of Thap Praya. Further, the Vietnam War served as a strong impetus to the development of local tourism.
Sukhumvit Road is the longest street in Asia
A highway runs through almost the whole of Thailand. Its length is 488.4 km. It originates in Bangkok, stretches 147 km to Pattaya and ends in Trat. In the resort town itself, the street is far from the sea and does not stand out for attractions, but it can be called the largest shopping area. The local population mainly lives around it, there is an abundance of various supermarkets. The motorway allows you to quickly and conveniently reach the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Mini Siam Park and Dolphinarium. All this is located 5-20 km from the city.
April is the hottest month of the year
It is in the middle of spring that the heat comes to Pattaya. The air temperature rises to +36 °C, the sea temperature is +30 °C. There are mostly cloudless days in April. The sweltering heat, high humidity and lack of wind make this time a little popular for recreation. But the month is suitable for lovers of noisy holidays, because the Thai New Year is coming. The most favorable period for vacation is from November to March.
We have listed the most fascinating facts about Pattaya that will help you make your trip unforgettable and significantly diversify it. The city attracts tourists not only with its rich local culture, but also with a huge amount of entertainment. Let your journey become an unforgettable adventure filled with only positive emotions.