Pattaya has a side to it that not many are aware of or want to know. I have seen this place by night and by day and honestly, I liked the day version better!
Let me clarify that my opinion may be slightly coloured on the subject, because I was in Thailand on my first ever solo backpacking trip. I had picked Thailand because it was the last minute decision and I didn’t require a prior visa – I think that decision to go to Thailand and what I experienced there, changed my view of traveling solo. I have not looked back since then!
The beaches of Pattaya are great, you can rent a hammock and lie in it all day and watch the people frolicking in the sea, jet ski, beach-comb or sun bathe, but then it is like any other beach destination. To be honest if a beach holiday is all that you are looking for, then Pattaya might be the best choice (there is Phuket for that) – Pattaya, coupled with other activities can easily keep you occupied for a while.
Pattaya has a reputation. What makes it special is the other associated “things”. Pattaya does not frown on what, say the Middle East would consider ‘public display’ of affection, which is one major reason for the number of tourists thronging it, from the young to the old.
By day, I found it hard to imagine it to be the place where the world’s ugliest men converged with their young Thai boys and girls, throwing caution and modesty to winds while meandering through the streets in an interesting exhibition of human oddity.
In Pattaya alone, there are numerous Buddha statues and if you calculated the statues-to-population ratio, it would be a clear 1:1 for sure.
Why is Pattaya called the Sin City?
Pattaya, whether you are experiencing it by or night, it all boils to one Big Happy Ending – the reason why it is often called the Sin City. Don’t be shocked or surprised to see scantily clad women/girls and often Lady Boys strut their stuff in public and it is not uncommon to hear a fierce “bargain” take place. At first, I did find it a little weird – but soon enough I got the hang of it. If it was the thing that happened, who was I to feel offended when someone asked me “my price”!!! I have heard, it is pretty common to be hit upon in Pattaya!
How to get there
- Pattaya is not very far from Bangkok
- Well connected by road.
- Buses run from the airport or from any of the other bus stations.
- Plenty of alternatives, such as taxi or hired motorbikes
Handy tips
- Accommodation is in plenty. Usually the tuk tuk wallahs would help you find one
- Keep your wits about you and try not to get angry at suggestions
- Check what you are eating, especially when you decide to eat street food. Thais eat insects, scorpions etc. You will find one such place behind Walking Street.
- Everything is open to bargain, do so shamelessly
- Cabbages & Condoms restaurant is located in the Birds & Bees Resort hotel, located on Soi 4 of Pratumnak Road.
- Take extreme care when crossing roads. Drivers are notorious for their lack of skills.
- Beware of unofficial people offering services as tour-guides
Don’t miss
- Fish pedicure
- Shopping (fake designer wear) a
- Jet skiing
- Nightlife
- Tattoo
Other attractions
- The stone park and crocodile farm
- Underwater world
- Pattaya Water Park
- The night market
- Jomtien Beach
Super Like.. !
very much true….
hi! 😉 i am at the office at the moment, thus i do not have very much time to write… but! I really appreciated reading this post. It was a bunch of great stuff. thank you! Best regards!
I was very pleased to find this web site. I want to to thank you
for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!!
I definitely loved every bit of it and i also have you saved as
a favorite to check out new stuff on your blog.
Nice post!