Pattaya [พัทยา], is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung (Banglamung) in the province of Chonburi. The fate of Asia's longest beach attract families, couples and individuals.
Relaxing tropical Pattaya offers all the ingredients for a memorable vacation. Accommodations range from luxury hotels with superb convention facilities to simple hostels. There are plenty of sports on land and water sports, including golf fishing and diving. Theme and amusement parks, museums and botanical gardens offer an unusual variety of leisure activities and entertainment for all family members.
The City of Pattaya is a self governing municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. The City is situated in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi. It has a population exceeding 100,000 (2007). Pattaya is also the center of the Pattaya-Chonburi Metropolitan Area, the conurbation in Chonburi Province, with a total population exceeding 1,000,000 (2010).
History
The name Pattaya evolved from the march of Phraya Tak (later
King Taksin) and his army from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi, which took place before the fall of the former capital to the Burmese invaders in 1767.
When his army arrived at the vicinity of what is now Pattaya, Phraya Tak encountered the troops of Nai Klom, who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak's dignified manner and his army's strict discipline. He then surrendered without a fight. The place the two armies confronted each other was called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which means the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the city is internationally known as "Pattaya" while the still correct and official transliteration "Phatthaya" is seen on many roadsigns.
For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village. But a change occurred on 26 April 1961, when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who were fighting in the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. From this beginning, Pattaya became a popular beach resort which now attracts over 4 million visitors a year. Fishermen's huts along the beach were replaced by resort hotels and retail stores, including Asia's largest beachfront shopping mall, the CentralFestival Pattaya Beach Mall and hotel (Hilton) situated on Beach Rd in central Pattaya.
Sister City is
Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Beaches and islands
The main sweep of the Bay Area is divided into two main beachfronts. Pattaya Beach is parallel to the city center, and runs from Pattaya Nuea south to Walking Street. Along Beach Road are restaurants, shopping areas and nightlife.
Jomtien Beach in the south of the Bay area is separated from Pattaya beach by the promontory of Pratumnak Hill. It consists of high-rise condominiums, beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, shops, bars and restaurants. On weekends, it is becoming increasingly crowded, with many Thai visitors from Bangkok. It offers water sports like jet skiing, parasailing and small sail boat rental.
Offshore islands include "Near Islands," Ko Larn (main island), Ko Krok, Ko Sak located 7 km western coasts of Pattaya Ko Larn, or "Coral Island", Mu Ko Phai, the "Far Islands" , Ko Phai (main island), Ko Man Wichai, Ko Hu Chang and Ko Klung Badan, located offshore further west of the "Near Islands", and Ko Rin, located offshore to the southwest, south of Mu Ko Phai. Some of the group of islands are accessible by boat in less than 15 minutes by ferry takes about 45 minutes. The names "Near the Islands," "Far Islands" and "Coral Island" are used for tourism purposes and do not correspond to the naming conventions of the island groups and are not represented on nautical charts published by the Hydrographic Service of the Royal Thai Navy. Many of these islands have public beaches and offer diving activities.
Sports & Activities
Muay Thai
Muay Thai or Thai kickboxing is a martial art and national sport of Thailand, which has been practiced by generation after generation. Muay Thai also refers to the art of 8 Limbs. The fighters use punches, kicks, elbows, kicking, knees, feet thrust, Clinch and neck fight to wear down and knock out their opponent. It can be practiced as a martial art and sport. It is one of the most popular sports watched and practiced in Pattaya. There are several schools of boxing and fitness center offers classes from beginner to professional level and open to all ages, men and women. I hope you'll enjoy Muay Thai.
Spa and Massage
Spa and massage has been on 'to do list' when visiting Thailand thanks to the ancient knowledge of massage that has been heritaged over centuries and those that have been combined with more modern approaches. The gentle nature of the Thais is unquestionable. Pattaya is one of the destinations that cater a various types of massage and spa. Treatments range from one-hour to a full day and it can be tailored to focus on one area or to be more holistic at competitive prices. Whether you prefer luxurious atmosphere in a hotel, in garden settings, beachfront surroundings or just modest massage shops, Pattaya has all to offer.
Alcazar Cabaret Show
First opened on 8 November 1981, Alcazar Cabaret's theater features 1,200 seats and a small team of 400 male and ladyboy artists who give dazzling and fantastic performances including impersonation, comedy and other delighting performance. Not only the unique performance that will entertain the audience but well-designed backdrops, lighting, sound and embellishing outfits.
Tiffany Cabaret Show
The Tiffany Show is original transvestite cabaret in Pattaya and Thailand which started from a show in a small bar in South Pattaya in 1974. It has received an overwhelming attention from both Thai and foreign tourists. It was awarded 4th rank of the Top Ten Show around the world by TravelCom Magazine in 2001. The show is presented with talented artists, beautiful costumes, great choreography, special lighting and effects and music specially written for the show.
Thai Alangkan Show
On the area of 32 acres, the entire project includes hexa stage theatre, cultural rostrum and a restaurant of 1,000 seats. There are performances of Thai culture to tourists from all walks of life. It features state-of-art sound system, pyrotechnic, multi-dimentional coloured laser system and decorated in lavish traditional Thai style. The performances include 9 sets of imaginarily historical performances in different periods such as the origin of the world, the stone age, the Sukhothai period, the Ayutthaya period, the Rattanakosin period. Thai games, Thai martial arts and combat skills such as Thai boxing, sword fighting are also presented. The performances are presented with the state-of-art techniquue instead of the traditional style which makes this theatre different from others. The theatre can cater up to 2,000 guests.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Cycling or biking is an activity performed on a bicycle, unicycle, trycicle or quadracycle as sport, leisure or race. It normally takes place on paved surfaces. Bicycle rentals are available in Pattaya in bicycle rental shops. Some hotels also offer this service for their customers.
Mountain biking is riding a bicycle offroad and rough terrain. The used bike for mountain biking is specially designed to improve durability and performance. Knowledge of certain technical skills such as up, down dirt jumping, or aerial maneuvers are necessary. The bikers may need special gear such as protective gear, including helmet, body armour and pad, gloves, pump, etc.
Meditation
A hustle and bustle of the city may have influence ones to seek the serenity and peace. Different religions have their shape and the way they practice. It is discipline involving the invocation and the culture of the internal state, a very effective way to be at peace. Pattaya as a hobby and festive entertainment in the city, on the contrary offers meditation retreats located in a peaceful temples, fitness centers and hotels. Most practices are based on Buddhism. It can be done by oneself or guided by teachers in centers. Courses are also available. Locals and tourists of all ages and faiths are welcome. You will find peace of mind here.
Rock Climbing
Climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport that requires strength of body in private hands and arms to support the weight back and a stiff object, natural rock formations or artificial rock walls. It also requires endurance, balance and agility. It can be a dangerous sport and knowledge of climbing techniques and equipment use is very important.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving which has become very popular. Scuba divers need take their own source of breathing gas contained in a tank into underwater which allows driver to have more freedom / flexible while stay underwater. Swimfins are used to help divers swim. There are many types of scuba diving nowadays such as open water diving which is the most common one, wreck diving, nitrox diving, recue diving etc. Dive centres are located throughout Pattaya. PADI dive training courses are available at all levels from amateur divers to diving instructor. Pattaya is a year- round diving destination with similar temperature, visibility and diversity of dive sites from shallow coral dive to wreck dive. There are 4 wreck dive sites and many small nearby islands to explore. There are something waiting you to explore.
Thai Language School
Thai language is a national and official language of Thailand. Even though English is understood by people in tourist towns, language learning is a way to learn about the culture, lifestyle. It acts as an access to a deeper understanding of the nation and contributes to travel more easily. Thai language courses are offered in the largest cities in Thailand. There are intensive courses for tourists, more depth for expatriates or complete courses for linguists and language enthusiasts. The first words you'll hear from the mouth of the Thai people is Sa Wad Dee Kab / Sa Wad Dee Ka ^^.
Thai Cooking Course
Thai cuisine has been internationally well-known of its delicacies. As its popularity, people are more interested in cooking it, not only eating it. Thai cooking classes are available throughout the Kingdom including Pattaya. There are schools specialised in Thai cooking. Cooking classes are also run in hotels, resort as well as language schools. The length of the course varies from a wrap-up 2-3 hours course to 2 weeks course or more.
Fishing
Fishing techniques includes hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping. Fishing could also include catching other aquatic animals such as shellfish, crustaceans and echinoderms in the sea or lake. Pattaya offers opportunities to go fishing in the deep water as well as freshwater. Fishing gear shops are available throughout. Boat services to the sea can be arranged through sport club or tour agencies.
Aerial Sports
Paraglide is a free-flying, foot-launched aircraft comprised harness and a fabric wing. The shape of the wing is formed by suspension lines and the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing. Other instruments include variometer, radio and GPS unit. Skydiving or parachuting is the activity of jumping from an airplane at approximately 4,000 metres altitude and free-falling before activating a parachute to slow the landing. There are several aerial sport operators in Pattaya.
Bowling
Bowling is a sport that the players can score points by rolling a bowling ball on a flat surface into the rows of pins or to get close to a target ball. Since the sport has been popular in Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand, more and more shopping complexes feature bowling in their entertainment section. It is not only beneficial to the body by helping burning calories and work the muscle group that are not usually exercised, it is also a social sport which people can make friends and socialise amongst each other while playing.
Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping is an activity performed by jumping from a tall structure while the jumper is connected to a large elastic cord. Normally, the structure is fixed such as bridge, building or crane but jumping from movable object is also possible. When the jumper jumps off the structure for free-falling, hovering above the ground and the rebounds, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upward again then falling back down. Some Bungy jumping offers a jump with a dunk in the water. Pattaya offers international standard bungy jumping with a view of the lake.
Horse Racing & Riding
Horse racing is an equestrian sport. Its type and distance of racing vary by country. The track is normally in oval shape and the race is based on speed and stamina. Horse racing is the only legal gamble allowed in Thailand. It began in Thailand 100 years ago. In Pattaya, there are some sport clubs offering horse-riding as well as training for first-timers before taking the horse for a stroll on the beach or on the track.
Go-Karts / Motorsports
Go-karting is an open-wheel motor sport. It is a smaller scale of car-racing and considered a first step to serious motor car racing. The kart has simple, small four-wheels with kart or gearbox. The circuits are scaled-down from motor-racing circuits. The track or speedway is normally asphalt, clay oval track with sharp and wide corners. Pattaya caters speed-lovers at all ages.
