Everything a tourist needs to know about Pattaya: historical past, location of the city, what kind of vacation you can expect from the resort, and much more.
Modern Pattaya has evolved into a popular resort destination in the beautiful kingdom of Thailand, attracting an increasing number of tourists from all around the world.
History of Pattaya
Only about 60 years ago, Pattaya was a quiet and relatively unknown village. Prior to its transformation into a resort town, the local population primarily relied on activities such as coconut picking and fishing for their livelihood.
In the 18th century, this village had a different name, known as Thap Praya. It later received its current name, "Pattaya," which translates to "the wind blowing from the southwest at the beginning of the rainy season." Pattaya remained part of Chonburi without municipal status until the year 1956.
The Emergence of Pattaya as a Resort Destination
June 29, 1959, is a date that marks a significant turning point in the history of the resort town of Pattaya. American soldiers stationed at Nakhon Ratchasima were granted a week's vacation, and during their travels along the coastline, they discovered Pattaya. The natural beauty and crystal-clear sea captivated these soldiers, leading them to spend their entire leave in this picturesque locale.
Upon their return to their units, these American soldiers enthusiastically shared their newfound paradise with others, resulting in hundreds of U.S. servicemen choosing Pattaya as their vacation destination. This marked the beginning of Pattaya's journey as a resort town. Recognizing the economic potential of this influx of visitors, the Thai authorities began investing in the development of the village's infrastructure.
In 1960, the Nautical Inn, the resort's first hotel (which remains operational today), was established, along with various restaurants and cafes.
In 1964, the Nova Lodge Hotel (now known as Basaya Beach Hotel & Resort) opened the resort's first bar.
Pattaya in the Mid-60s to 70s
During the mid-60s to the 70s, Pattaya's transformation continued as it gained popularity among American military personnel stationed at bases in Thailand, including one just a 20-minute drive away. These military personnel frequently visited Pattaya for its beautiful beaches and relaxation opportunities. This period witnessed a rapid expansion of hotels, bars, and nightclubs:
The southern end of the beach saw the emergence of the Marine Bar, marking the beginning of Pattaya's Red Light District, catering primarily to the military.
Notably, this era also saw the establishment of the first dive center in the entire Kingdom of Thailand.
In the 70s, American tourists and affluent residents from Bangkok began flocking to Pattaya for vacations. Many of them built cottages for weekend getaways. In response to this growing demand, the village's first restaurant was opened to serve these visitors.
Pattaya: A New History
On November 29, 1978, Pattaya was officially granted city status, marking a significant milestone in its history. By the end of the twentieth century, the resort had become a popular destination not only for American tourists but also for visitors from Europe, Russia, China, Japan, India, and Arab countries.
The resort continuously expanded in size, encompassing areas like Naklua and Jomtien.
Today, local authorities have plans to restore the main beach's width to its original 30 meters.
Furthermore, there is ongoing development of affordable housing in Pattaya.
As evident from its history, the resort has evolved significantly from a small village into a thriving tourist town. Pattaya now covers an area of slightly over 22 square kilometers, with a population (as of 2010) of approximately 100 thousand people.
Truths and Myths About Pattaya
Popular statements about the resort can only be confirmed or refuted through personal experience. Let's explore and assess some of these claims.
The Tourists Are Said to Be Everywhere in Pattaya
It can be asserted that this statement holds true, particularly during the peak tourist season. Pattaya attracts a diverse range of visitors, including Russians who come for varying durations, from 2 weeks to several months or even half a year. In addition to tourists, Pattaya is home to many expats - foreigners who have chosen to settle abroad for various reasons, such as employment, housing, business opportunities, and their children's education.
Over the past 15 years, the presence of Russians and Ukrainians in Pattaya has significantly increased. The city now offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the Russian-speaking community, including access to products, kindergartens, schools, restaurants, and cultural centers.
In Pattaya, You'll Only Be Fed Rice with Hot Sauce
Such a belief is far from the truth and only held by those who haven't experienced the culinary diversity of Thailand. Pattaya offers a wide range of dining options that are both affordable and delectable. Local chefs are skilled in preparing dishes from around the world:
Western European cuisine (Italian, French, German, etc.)
Traditional Thai dishes
Asian flavors (Japanese, Chinese)
Indian specialties, and more.
You'll find extensive menus with hundreds of items to choose from. Talented chefs can whip up virtually any dish you desire, and the friendly staff will brighten your day. In Pattaya, it's customary to leave a small tip as a token of appreciation. Additionally, you can enjoy a home-cooked family meal by shopping for quality European products at stores like Foodland, Central Festival, or Big C.
Pattaya is also renowned for its abundance of seafood. It's important to note that dairy products tend to be pricier, and items like cottage cheese and sour cream can be challenging to find. However, bargaining is a common practice in local markets.
Prices in Pattaya Are Very Low
The statement that Pattaya offers an affordable vacation is partly true. What makes this resort more budget-friendly compared to European countries are factors like:
Lower costs for clothing and food
Affordable transportation fares
Reasonable prices for rent and utilities
Lower business taxes
Cost-effective higher education
Lower mortgage interest rates
So, there's no need to hesitate about exploring a new country for your vacation. It can be an exciting and educational experience. Simply conduct thorough research about your chosen destination to ensure a great trip.
