About Pattaya City
Pattaya is a city in Thailand, a beach resort which is popular with tourists and expatriates. It is on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
Pattaya City is an independent municipal area which covers the whole Nong Prue District, Nakluea and parts of Huay Yai and Nong Pla Lai. The city is in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chonburi.
The name Pattaya evolved from the march of Phraya Tak (later King Taksin) and his army from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi.
He came face to face with another leader, but they joined forces. The place where the two armies confronted each other was subsequently known as Thap Phraya, which means ‘army of the Phraya’. This later became Pattaya.
Pattaya was a small fishing village until the Vietnam War when American servicemen, who were stationed at nearby U-Tapao or other US bases in Thailand, began visiting Pattaya. They began to turn it into a well-known recreational centre. Starting in 1959 with a group of American G.I’s arriving for a week of rest and relaxation, this sleepy little village by the ocean has developed and changed significantly into one of Thailand’s popular tourist destinations. The opening of the Suvarnabhumi Airport in 2006 has made it easier to get to and from Pattaya City.
This premier beach destination has lots to offer families, couples and single visitors. The accommodation ranges from luxurious hotels to simple guesthouses for those on a budget. There are plenty of sporting activities on offer, such as scuba diving, golf, horse-riding and yachting. There are theme parks and botanical gardens offering entertainment for all the family. Pattaya also has an excellent range of eating options from local Thai cuisine to international gastronomy.
Pattaya City is easy to get around, there are local ‘baht buses’ which are very cheap. They are in abundance and you can flag one down, hop on, and then simply ring the bell when you arrive close to your destination. They are generally dark blue pick-up trucks with a canopy on the top with two rows of seats. They will pick up other passengers along the way. The routes do vary so it is best to check before boarding. You can hire a baht bus for a private group or alone, but it is wise to negotiate the fare beforehand.
