The popular beachside resort of Pattaya overlooks the blue waters of the Bay of Bangkok which forms the northern extension of the Gulf of Thailand, and lies approximately 145 kilometres south-east of the capital of Bangkok. Pattaya stretches along the 4 kilometre long, broad, curving Pattaya Beach, and continues northwards along the Naklua Beach. From the coastline, the city extends eastwards and forms part of the Pattaya-Chonburi metropolitan area, the second largest conurbation in Thailand outside of Bangkok, with an estimated population exceeding 1 million residents. Pattaya is located in the Province of Chonburi within the region of Eastern Thailand.
Pattaya is Thailand's oldest international beach resort, and was once a small fishing village until the early 1960’s when it was ‘discovered’ by American servicemen who were on ‘R & R’ (Rest and Relaxation) during the Vietnam War. Initially Pattaya developed to fulfill the needs of the servicemen who flocked here, and gradually became renowned for being one of Thailand's seedier beach resorts. Even today the livelier parts of the beach remain in the original southern and central areas where densely packed bars, nightclubs and restaurants attract a multitude of visitors, while the northern end of Pattaya Beach is generally considered to be the more sedate and quieter area. Due to Pattaya’s notoriety as an alternative to Bangkok’s ‘Red Light’ district, local authorities have in recent years made great efforts to rectify this situation through the creation of more family based activities. This change has created a more diverse tourist destination and Pattaya is today becoming better known for its variety of attractions which include the Pattaya Elephant Village, which provides a range of shows and elephant activities - the Pattaya Underwater World, that is recognised as one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Asia – the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden – the Sanctuary of Truth – Ripley’s Believe it or not Museum – Three Kingdoms Theme Park and the Pattaya Floating Market to name just a few.
Pattaya's main attraction still remains its long, curving beach, at the northern extremity of which the Dusit Resort occupies a small promontory, and at the southern extremity the summit of a small hill is dominated by a large seated Buddha and creates a headland which leads to the long sandy beach of Jomtien. From this elevated location, visitors can enjoy some of the best views over Pattaya Beach and the waters of the beautiful bay which are now well supplied with numerous water-based sports. These include banana rides, jet skiing, windsurfing and paragliding, or if the fancy takes you, take a boat out to fish, dive or snorkel around one of the several offshore coral islands in the area. Popular diving locations include the Hardeep Wreck, which was sunk during World War II, and the nearby Ko Larn which offers clear waters and good snorkelling.
|