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Pattaya, Thailand is the "Las Vegas" of southeast Asia. If you are looking for a party spot in this part of the world, this is the place to go. Although it's situated on the beach about 1 and a half hour's drive southeast of Bangkok, the main attractions in Pattaya are the nightlife and the shopping. Pattaya has now become even more accessible wtih the opening of Suvarnabhumi (pronounced soo-won-a-poom) airport, the new Bangkok airport. The airport is situated to the southeast of Bangkok so Bangkok city traffic is avoided if you head straight there from the airport. I recommend the use of the taxi stand immediately outside of arrivals area. Avoid the touts who throng the customs area trying to get you to use their service. Cost of a taxi is around 1500 baht. You can find cheaper ways to get there (min-vans, buses, etc.) but this is the most convenient. Once in Pattaya, stay somewhere within walking distance of beach road which runs along the length of Pattaya bay. There are literally hundreds of hotels in this area catering to every price range. If you are going there during the Christmas period, advance reservations are recommended. Otherwise, you can easily find a place to stay upon arrival.
This is a shopper's paradise for those who are into this activity. A brand new shopping complex just opened up at Soi 8 and beach road (November, 2008) that caters to well heeled tourists. But there are plenty of places nearby that will appeal to the budget traveler.
As mentioned earlier, the main attraction in Pattaya is the nightlife. It is concentrated primarily along beach road and second road (which runs parallel to beach road several hundred yards back), but walking street, at the south end of Pattaya beach, is where most folks seeking nightlife activities eventually end up. Go go bars, open air beer bars, restaurants, discos, etc. are conentrated in this area. The place doesn't really get going until 9 PM or so and carries on until 3 or 4 AM. Some places stay open all night. Pattaya, for the most part, is quite safe and you can walk around by yourself (even at 3 AM) on walking street with no problem.
So, if you are seeing a place with a party atmosphere, then head to Pattaya! You will find no better in southeast Asia.
Top Attractions in Pattaya
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There are 283 Hotels and Hostels in Pattaya
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Travel Tips from people who've been to Pattaya
22423Pattaya was a disappointment for me.
I'm an asian girl and i was traveling alone in Pattaya.
Does this alone necessarily mean i'm looking for someone??? Pattaya's swarmed with dodgy old blokes and putas. I really disliked the atmosphere there and ended up staying in the hotel's swimming pool for 4 days!
Pattaya is an oversized red light district.
Unless your interest is in prostitution, go somewhere else!
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52027634While in Pattaya, you must attend the Alcazar Cabaret Show. It's performed by lady-boys. No way to guess that those gorgeous, talented people are men unless somebdy tells you. The show is brethtaking and extremely rich; the songs, the light, the decoration, the clothes are bewildering. The show is divided into several parts that take place in different countries. When you go out you can take photos with the lady-boys.
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0115Whenever possible in pubs or bars, order your drink in uncorked bottle and never take your eyes off of it. Even after just one beer you may end up waking next morning with no money and no recollection of last night. I learned this lesson in hard way.
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