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Located 140km south-east of Bangkok, on the Eastern Seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is popular with both residents of Bangkok and international tourists. Over one million people visit this beach resort every year to sample the sun, sand, sports facilities and many fine attractions. After dark Pattaya really comes alive and the city takes on a party atmosphere which lasts until the early hours.
Getting There
From Don Muang airport (Bangkok) there is a bus service run by Thai International. Tickets can be purchased just outside the customs hall. Two limousine services also offer transport to and from the International airport, at a cost of 1500 Bahtone way. Transfer times from the airport vary from 2 - 2½ hours depending on traffic conditions.
From Ekami Bus Terminal in Bangkok air-conditioned buses run every 20 minutes to Pattaya, and are clearly labelled in English. A taxi ride from a central Bangkok hotel to Ekami will cost 100 - 150 Baht.
Orient Thai Airlines have flights from Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket to U-Tapao airport, which is a 45 minute taxi ride from Pattaya.
Bangkok Airways have a service from Koh Samui to U-Tapao.
Getting around
Around Pattaya mini buses cruise the main bay area for a set fare. Just jump on, call out your destination and pay as you alight. For longer trips to say Jomtien beach you will have to bargain for the fare.
Bus Service (Jan 2005)
They will begin servicing 3 main roads with 5 routes;
Route 1: (Yellow) From Kratinglai 3-way intersection to Wat Intanararam to Jomtien Beach via Thappraya Road, Pratamnak Road, Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua market, Banglamung district office and to the Kratinglai 3-way intersection (6 buses).
Route 2: (Green) North Pattaya bus station, North Pattaya Road, along Sukhumvit Road to Jomtien Beach, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Third Road and along North Pattaya bus station (5 buses).
Route 3:(Red) From Soi Potisan (Naklua) along Sukhumvit Road, South Pattaya Road, Chaiyamongkhol Temple, along Pattaya Second Road and Pattaya Naklua Road to Soi Potisan (7 buses).
The bus service is scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to midnight daily with adjustments to be made according to demands.
Proposed ticket prices are: One way - 30 Bahtfor the entire length of route; One day ticket - 90 Baht; Three day ticket - 180 Baht; Monthly ticket - 900 Baht. City administrators have suggested that Pattaya residents be eligible for a discount of 50 percent of the monthly ticket purchase, bringing the price down to 450 Baht, as well as provide a student monthly ticket for 350 Bahtas part of the New Year gift.
Car Rental
There are several car and motorcycle rental services in Pattaya. The larger firms offer full insurance, but many only have third party cover. You may find yourself having to pay for any damage or mechanical problems with the vehicle. Read the terms of the contract carefully before renting a vehicle, and don't forget your international driving permit.
Accommodation
Pattaya has more than 340 hotels with a total of 23,000 rooms, and the visitor can choose from 5 star luxury to a simple room with fan.
Pattaya Park beach Resort 
Pattaya Park beach Resort is only a walk away from Pattayas main shopping hot spots and night life. We offer all that you need to complete your ideal holiday. The hotel is fully facilitated with banquet and conference rooms, fitness center, sauna, snooker room, shopping arcade and exclusive bathing area by the beach. For children we have a water park and a childrens playground, that will entertain for hours on end. Rooms are well sized and equipped with all the necessary amenities for your needs as well as views of Pattaya city and bay.
Royal Garden Resort
This "family-friendly" resort hotel is in the very heart of exciting Pattaya, yet the same time one is surrounded by peaceful tropical gardens and lily ponds. The 300 superbly-appointed guest rooms and suites all command fine balcony views of Pattaya Bay, and the largest hotel swimming pool in the city.
218 Beach Road
Pattaya, Chonburi
Tel:(6638) 428126-7 Fax: (6638) 429926
Email: royalgardenrpty@minornet.com
Summer Place Hotel
Economy class hotel 500 meters from beaches, banks, restaurants, bars, shopping center, and entertainment complex. Special rates for Amazing Thailand years
379 Soi Sukrudi, Central Road
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel:66 38 428659, 426924 Fax: 66 38 428139
Email: summer@loxinfo.co.th
Siam Bayshore Resort
Siam Bayshore resort is nestled on the quiet southern tip of Pattaya Bay, yet just a short walk from the centre of town.
One of Pattaya's original and most distinctive resorts, Siam Bayshore Resort comprises 12 four-storey wings connected by covered walkways, secluded amidst 20 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.
Pattaya Beach
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel: 66 38 428678-81 Fax: 66 38 428730
Email: siambayshore@siamhotels.com
Siam Bayview Hotel
Saim Bayview Hotel is located right in the middle of the beach front promenade and only a short walk from Pattaya's centre. A contemporary hotel with a friendly atmosphere, the Siam Bayview is an excellent place for relaxing vactions, or meetings and seminars where business and pleasure can be combined.
Beach Road
Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260
Tel: 66 38 423871-7 Fax: 66 38 423879
Email: siambayview@siamhotels.com
Jomtien Plaza Condo
406/1 Jomtien, Soi 1. Jomtien Beach Road
Jomtien, Pattaya
chonburi
Tel: 66-38-233-297~8
Food and Drink
There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from with cuisine from almost every continent, and Western visitors seeking their favourite fast food will not be disappointed.
Patrick's Belgian Restaurant
Belgian Restaurant(Aircon) with all Belgian specialities,European and also the Real Thai kitchen plus outdoor eating area(terrace)
216/51-52,Moo10,off 2nd Rd,Opp.Mike Shopping Mall
Pattaya
Tel: 038/720 300 Fax: 038/720 300(after 11pm)
Email: tedpole_98@yahoo.com
Beaches
Pattaya bay has its own beach which has become much cleaner over the past year. Most visitors prefer the nearby Jomtien beach which is a short bus ride from the centre of Pattaya. Wind surfing, para-sailing, water scooters, and swimming are some of the more energetic activities on offer, or you may prefer a relaxing massage. Food and drink can be ordered from nearby vendors.
Entertainment
There are several cinemas complexes showing the latest movies, and many caberat shows to keep you entertained. Classical Thai dancing is a feature at some restaurants.
Night Life
Pattaya has no shortage of night life and you will find many bars and discos which stay open until the early hours. South Pattaya has a mixture of open air bars, Go Go bars, restaurants and shops. It is closed to traffic from 7pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and is a good place to start if you are in the mood for a little bar hopping.
Shopping
There are several shopping malls in the centre of Pattaya, plus two super centres which sell everything from instant noodles to TV sets. Beach Road and south Pattaya has many shops where you can buy clothing, jewellery, leather goods, paintings, bronze ware and a host of other things. Don't be afraid to bargain at these shops it's all part of the fun. Every Sunday there is an excellent market at Naklua, just north of Pattaya city.
Sunny Online - Fashion Shopping
179/108, Moo 5, Nakula Rd, Pattaya, 20260. Tel 038-370457 Fax : 038-370434.
sunny@sunnyonline.com
Miscellaneous
Noi & Sister's Beauty Salon
Full Salon Services for both Men and Women. Offers Manicure, Pedicure and facial services. Referal services for massage are available.
437/135 Soi Yossak (6)
Pattaya Beach
Tel: 01-305-5944 Fax:
papi@ats0.attnet.or.jp
K T Internet Cafe
437/13 Soi Yotsak (Soi 6) Seabeach Rd
Pattaya 20260
Tel: +66 38 423 286 Fax: +66 38 423 286
SUNNY ONLINE - Internet Cafe
380, Moo 9, Soi 2, Pattaya, 20260. Tel +66 38 900033, Fax: +66 38 900033.
sunny@sunnyonline.com
SUNNY ONLINE - Travel Agency
380, Moo 9, Soi 2, Pattaya, 20260. Tel +66 38 900033, Fax: +66 38 900033.
sunny@sunnyonline.com
Kids Stuff
If the kids get bored with the hotel pool you should have no trouble finding something to keep them occupied. The shopping plaza in central Pattaya has several attractions which children should enjoy, then there is a water park near Jomtien beach, go-karting, paintball, and......
Sight Seeing
Boats leave every morning for day trips to one of the coral islands, or you can take a short ride down the coast to Ban Pha and hop on the ferry to Koh Samet. Sattahip and Rayong are within easy reach.
In the opposite direction is the towns of Sri Racha, with Ang Sila and Bang Saen a little further up the coast. Most hotels will be able to arrange day trips.
Sports
Many larger hotels have tennis courts and fitness centres. You could try a spot of sea fishing, or spend a day at a fishing park. Scuba diving offers a chance to the visit the fish at home, and tuition by qualified instructors is available if required.
Shooting, bowling, snooker, darts , squash, badminton, bungee jumping, karting and golf are some of the other sports available.
Balloon flights in Pattaya are a "once in a lifetime" experience and a through highlight to any vacation in Thailand.
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