Proper Pattaya

Pattaya, the Sodom and Gomorrah of Thailand, is the first stop for old white men in their quest for cheap escorts and beer. Or is it? Though the seediness that gives Pattaya its reputation still exists, these days there are more and more opportunities for some clean fun, from grape picking to a creepy house of wax.

The Great Outdoors

Only a few minutes from Central Pattaya, the Pattaya Floating Market (Talad Nam Si Pak, 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvi Rd., Pattaya, 038-706-340, www.pattayafloatingmarket.com) recently opened on an old, abandoned pond. Custom-built for tourists in search of a slice of the old Thailand, its four sections represent the kingdom’s four regions: North, Central, Northeast and South. Each region sells its own food, from Isaan somtam to sai-oua sausage from the North.

For a European day trip, head to the 10-year-old Silverlake Vineyard (same entrance as Khao Chee Chan Buddha Mountain, 31/62 Moo 7, Na Jomtian, Pattaya, Chonburi, 038-938-250, www.silverlakethai.com), 20 minutes from downtown Pattaya. Go Sideways with a stroll through the vineyard and a visit to the winery while enjoying the 1,500 rai of beautiful rolling hills surrounding a lake.

We recommend renting a bicycle, but the lazy can opt for an ATV. Admission is free.

Bang For Your Baht

The beachfront Central Festival Pattaya Beach (Pattaya Beach Rd., between Soi 9-10, 038-930-999, www.centralpattana.co.th) has the same brands as every other mall but the sea views are pretty unique. Every Friday sees the front square host Indie in Town, the same flea market concept as Bangkok's CentralWorld, where teenagers and young adults come to sell their quirky merchandise. It pales in comparison to the original, but, hey, you're on holiday, right?

For something a bit more offbeat, try your luck at Naklua Walking Street, which runs from the front of the Government Savings Bank to Saphan Yao (Pattaya-Naklua Rd.). Every weekend from 2pm-10pm, this century-old local market becomes a more civilized walking street, offering local merchandise and street food, from vintage toys to T-shirts and deep fried chicken to mango salad.

Real or Fake?

For kicks without the ping pong balls, there's always Ripley’s (2/F, Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Moo 10 Beach Rd., 038-710-294/8. Open daily 11am-11pm), though we've been told that it's not a "real" Ripley’s Believe it or Not. But that’s not the only fake in Pattaya. Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks (2/F, Royal Garden Plaza, 218 Moo 10 Beach Rd., 038-710-294/8. Open daily 11am-11pm.) is banking on the fame of the real deal Madame Tussaud, but is not affiliated with the London wax museum. One visit, and this will be painfully clear to you. Tata Young looks like she’s 200 years old.

Where to Sleep

Recognised as one of Pattaya’s most outstanding and established properties, the Siam Bayshore Resort & Spa is nestled in 20 acres of lush, tranquil greenery. Guests enjoy an exclusive location on the peaceful southern end of Pattaya’s world-famous Beach Road. Twelve low-rise pavilions comprise the resort, including seven bars and restaurants, two swimming pools (garden & beach), children’s playground, games room, six tennis courts, fitness centre, meeting rooms and Lotus Spa of Siam. Rates are from Bht 3,900 including taxes and breakfast.

The Siam Bayview Hotel epitomises the best in beachfront boutique living. Steps away from all the fun on lively Beach Road, the 250-room hotel fuses together a relaxing tropical seaside holiday and vibrant city living. A world of stylish and artistic comfort awaits you in thus sumptuous, modern and relaxing hotel. Best of all it’s located right next door to Asia’s largest beachfront shopping complex – CentralFestival. The Siam Bayview Hotel is an oasis of calm amid the hurly-burly of Pattaya. Rates are from Bht 3,200 without taxes and breakfast.

How to get there

Bus: Large buses leave from Ekamai Bus Terminal (BTS Ekamai) every hour and take about 1.5-2 hours. They run from roughly 5am-8pm and cost around Bht 150-200.

Vans: You can get a mini-van (16 seats) from Century Movie Plaza beside BTS Victory Monument (just up the road from Siam City Hotel). Only Bht 120 for a single trip (discounts for students) taking 1.5 hours.

 

Shopping Up a Storm in Pattaya

In Pattaya one of the best things you can do practically 24hrs a day is shop! The city caters to all tastes and budgets and never fails to offer that perfect souvenir, gift or personal memento. Here we list for you some of the biggest and brightest of the bunch.  

CentralFestival Pattaya Beach is the city’s newest kid on the block. This mega seven-storey shopping mall is located next door to the Siam Bayview Hotel in the centre of Beach Road. Opened just 12 months ago in January 2009, it’s Asia's largest beachfront shopping complex. Built on prime beachfront land over 220,000 m², this 7-billion-Baht megaproject features more than 200 fashion outlets and boutiques (such as Top Shop, MNG, Esprit, Miss Selfride), countless restaurants (Sizzler, A&W, The Pizza Company, Starbucks, Swensen’s), a Central Food Court, international supermarket, fitness centre and spa, large SFX cinema (with 10 screens), bowling alley and more.

Down the road about a km you’ll find the old Royal Garden Plaza shopping mall. This place is well known as a family oriented retail and entertainment destination, equally popular with Thai and foreign tourists. The small complex is home to many national and internationally recognised brands including Guess, Esprit, Timberland, Swarovski, Boots, Asia Books and CD warehouse, not to mention Thailand’s most common food chains: McDonalds, Sizzler, Swensen's and The Pizza Company. Besides that, the site’s main draw card is the world renowned Ripley's Believe It or Not! on the top level. This is where kids young and old come to marvel at persons and feats of daring that boggle the mind.

The Avenue is a centre for lifestyle and entertainment in a space of 40,000 square meters on Pattaya 2nd Road. The project was designed by a team of architects, from Contour Company, who put emphasis on bright and airy buildings, highlighting a large walkway which connects each shop. Notable shops include Starbucks and an Apple Store. At night the space comes alive with a bubbly night market selling clothes, brick-a-back, accessories and so on.

Mike Shopping Mall, located between CentralFestival and Royal Garden, commands a prime location in the heart of the city. There are over 200 shops here with decent prices. This is truly a shopper’s paradise for all tourists and local people alike. You might have to fight your way through a gauntlet of tour buses and then a hoard of Taiwanese tourist, but once in you’ll have limitless opportunities to spend, spend, spend! Supposedly the price for expats, tourists and Thai is same, but I have my doubts and suggest you haggle hard. On offer are knock-off bags, watches, clothing, accessories, beach paraphernalia and so on; the perfect place to pick up holiday souvenirs and presents.

Tesco Lotus is related to the Tesco retail chain based in the U.K. It is the leading retailer of consumer goods in Thailand, with a network of stores and hypermarkets throughout the country. A great place to pick up sporting equipment, household good, basic clothing, cosmetics and IT equipment.

Big C Supercenter emerged with a new concept for retail business under the theme "super center", which means the stores main focus is food and non-food items. It is simply a combination of discount store and food outlets that provide utmost customer satisfaction and quality products at very low everyday prices under one convenient roof. I good place to browse if you need foodstuffs or are just interested in seeing what the locals like to shop for.

Another new (2009) entertainment area in Pattaya is the Pattaya City Walk. This is a wide lane between Beach Rd and Second Rd. Inside the lane are small shops, an open air entertainment area, a hotel and restaurants. Over the Beach Rd entrance hangs this large and colourful sign inviting in people passing by... Not a bad spot for a leisurely evening stroll, window shop, cooling beverage and spot of people watching (always a worthwhile pursuit in this part of the world!).

Last, but not least, a little ways (about 5km) out of town can be found the Outlet Village, stocking brands like Adidas, Esprit, Callaway, Nike and a slew of local and international gold brands. Worth the trek out if you’re in the market for genuine designer threads and would appreciate a modest discount. That said, discounts can get over 50% during the Thailand’s annual Sale Season.