One of my favorite places to visit is Pattaya Thailand.  It is known for it’s crazy nightlife, bars, and debauchery.   I have to say it deserves its reputation.  It is located about an hour and a half drive southeast of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand.  The drive is quite pleasant by taxi or by hired car, my preferred method of transport.

I first started coming to Pattaya Thailand back in November of 2007.  Since then I have made many trips and had more than a few crazy adventures.  Getting to Thailand from the states takes a full days worth of travel.  It is 18+ hours of flying, plus you cross over the international dateline where you lose a full day.  Luckily you get it back on your return.  My first few trips Thai Air had a nonstop from LA to Bangkok.  However they have since canceled that route, and you will have to connect through one of the many Asian gateways.

Finding a hotel in Pattaya is not a problem, the city is packed with them.   During the high season of November through February, you will need to plan ahead and reserve a room.  If you go during low season, most hotels will have some room available.  I prefer to book online, directly with the hotel if possible.  There are also a few reputable sites that specialize in southeast asia where you might be able to find a pretty good deal.  One site to look into is Agoda dot com.

Once you check into your hotel, there are more than enough things to keep you entertained both day and night.  If you’re like me, you enjoy getting out and seeing some of the tourist sites during the day.  There are many different options to go and see.  You can check out the Sanctuary of Truth, Sri Racha Tiger Zoo, Crocodile Farm, or Nong Noch Tropical Gardens.  If you want a super touristy thing to do,  head over to the Royal Garden Mall and check out the Ripley’s Believe it or Not tour.  It is not that exciting, but it is a fun way to kill a couple of hours.

If your muscles are tense, you can find a massage parlor on almost every corner.  Massage is a revered art in Thailand, and you will feel very relaxed after your session.  Make sure you make the correct choice when choosing your shop.  This is Pattaya, so you can either find a place that gives a traditional Thai massage, or one that offers up a happy finish.  A Pattaya soapy massage is an erotic massage, so only choose that if you are looking for a little something extra on the menu.

The dining in Pattaya is as international as the clientele.  You can find English and Australian pubs, American sports bars, fine French dining, and of course traditional Thai fare.  I have found a British style pub and an American Sportsbar that I like to come back to again and again.  If you want a place that gives you a mix of western and Thai cusine and a cheap price, check out The Diners at the Avenue Shopping mall.   It is quite good and the price is right.

As the sun goes down, the Pattaya nightlife starts to come alive.  Pattaya Thailand is known to have some wild and crazy nightlife.  From beer bars to Go Go bars to Disco clubs, Pattaya at night is something to experience.  I heard a figure that there is around 17,000 bars in Pattaya.  Now I don’t know if this is true, but it sure seems believable once you start walking around.  Whole Soi’s (streets) are just lined with them.  Walking Street alone is one giant mad house of adult fun.

For the newbie or tourist, Walking Street can be a little overwhelming at first.   Loud booming music, bright neon lights, and scantily clad ladies calling you a handsome man while trying to get you in their beer bar for a drink.  There are some areas, like the Simon Bar Complex that have 14 bars under one roof.  Each beer bar is tiny, and packed with 20 or so women each.  When you walk in the complex they all start screaming and waving trying to get you to stop and have a drink with them.  You can’t help buy have a smile on your face.

Pattaya Thailand is a relatively safe place, but it is always best to use good judgement to not make yourself a target.   Don’t flash a lot of cash or jewelery.  Have a good time but don’t get so drunk you can’t take care of yourself.  Be careful walking Beach Road alone in the wee hours of the morning.  Don’t pickup a freelancer from Beach Road early in the morning.  Be on your guard for pick pockets.  Just use some common sense and all will be fine.

This is still one of my favorite places to visit to blow off some steam.  I week or two in Pattaya Thailand will be a fun and crazy time that you will not forget.  Just remember to be safe, enjoy the tourist sites and the nightlife.  And take plenty of photos to share when you get back home.