Introduction.
Pattaya is located 140 kilometers (90 miles) south of Bangkok on the
eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand.
Thirty years ago Pattaya was a small fishing village with a population
of a couple of hundred Thai people. Any tourist who happened by
had probably made a wrong turn. The Vietnam war and rapidly growing
tourism changed all that. Pattaya is now a thriving city with some
450,000 locals and an uncountable number of tourists at any one
time.
The city has a well deserved reputation as the entertainment capital
of Thailand. There are well in excess of 3000 bars where western
tourists can discover the allure of Singha Beer and Thai bar girls.
Although the beautiful beach at Pattaya has been spoiled by unfettered
growth and pollution, just a few kilometers to the south, Jomtien
Beach remains relatively clean and unspoiled. The island of Larn
(Koh Larn) is a 30 minute boat trip away from the center of Pattaya
and has miles of virgin beaches and is virtually undeveloped. Some
effort is now being made to clean up the main beach at Pattaya and
with the installation of proper sewage and storm water facilities,
rapid progress is being made.
There are many activities for tourists in Pattaya. From spectacular
scenery, beautiful beaches, elephant shows, beautiful temples, Buddhist
shrines, shopping, and cabaret shows to an endless list of eateries,
both foreign and local.
Jomtien Beach is just 3 kilometers (2 miles) to the south.
Jomtien Beach
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