Pattayaa . . .

    
       Pattaya   is a popular tourist resort on the Gulf Coast of Eastern Thailand, about 150 km south-east of Bangkok. Pattaya is most famous for its go-go and beer bars, but local authorities have made efforts to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities. Although the sex industry is still going strong and sex tourism remains the key money earner for Pattaya, the resort also attracts local families and holidaymakers from far and wide. If you are going to be offended by the sight of fat old men hand in hand with young Thai women (and/or men), then Pattaya is probably not the place for you.
Efforts by the local authorities over the past few years have improved the quality of the beaches, but they are still lacklustre by Thailand's standards, and over-development has long since destroyed some of the natural charms the area once had. However, the plethora of hotels and guest houses, and easy access from the capital and airport, make it a popular weekend getaway. Catering for over five million tourists yearly, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see. Its population is a colorful mix of nationalities and ethnicities from near and far.
"Greater Pattaya" occupies most of the coastline of Banglamung (one of the eleven districts that comprise Chonburi Province). It is divided into a larger northern section which spans the areas to the east of Naklua Beach (the most northern beach) and Pattaya Beach (the main beach) plus the Buddha Hill headland (immediately south of Pattaya Beach), and a smaller southern section covering the area to the east of Jomtien Beach (which lies directly south of Buddha Hill) including Dongtan Beach. The beaches of Jomtien are much broader and generally in better shape, and the atmosphere locally is more sedate and family-oriented, than at Pattaya Beach.






North Pattaya

       North Pattaya  is adjacent to Haad Wong Ammat. Specifically, it starts from Dolphin roundabout or in front of Dusit Resort. It is the most quiet beach of all the three beaches of Pattaya. The gradual slope makes it a nice spot for swimming, while brown-red sand and light blue sea offers beautiful view. Moderate amount of the beach chairs, beach umbrellas and food stands can be found on this beach, whereas some hotels, restaurants clubs and bars are located along the seaside road. This area is more upmarket than other parts of the city in terms of accommodations and dining options.


Pattaya 2nd Rd. in the northern part of Pattaya, there is venue for some lively entertainment. It is where you can find the awe-inspiring and most spectacular performance in Pattaya, Alcaza and Tiffany Shows offering glamorous and dazzling shows by lady boys. There is also a shopping mall at the intersection between North Pattaya and Central Pattaya.



South Pattaya

     South Pattaya is not the southern-most part of Pattaya as the name suggests but the are is next to the southern end of Pattaya Beach. It extends inland to the north and south of South Pattaya Rd. Buddha Hill headland and Jomtien are the most south but they are not included in South Pattaya. This area includes Pattayaland and Walking Street. Despite the fact that there is only one sandy beach for swimming in South Pattaya, the area has myriads of leisure and entertainment activities to offer to the tourists along its 500 meters long walking street which is the main tourist area. There are shops stores, restaurants, bars, discotheques and nightclubs, opening until very late at night.






Jomtien Beach

     Jomtien Beach  is a straight 6 km sandy beach located about 2 km from South Pattaya and 4 km from Pattaya City. It has been a spot for those who enjoy tranquility and would like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the entertainment area. Despite the fact that property development of high-rise condominiums, hotels and resorts is burgeoning in this area, Jomtien beach is still peaceful and popular amongst the locals, Bangkokians, family travellers and retired expats.


Its sandy beach is fringed with pine trees, quite narrow and has a small slope into the sea. There are restaurants and cafes along the beach for tourists to enjoy fresh seafood and drinks while looking out into the sea. Entertainment and leisure activities are ample to enjoy a lively nigh tout. A galore of water sports are available including kite surf, para sail, jet ski and windsurf.






Bangsaen Beach

       Bangsaen Beach is situated approximately 100 km southeast of Bangkok and 13 km from Chonburi town. Often, the beach is crowded with tourists, especially Thai families on weekends and national holidays. The beach stretches approximately 2.5 km long. It was once one of the popular destinations but with the eclisp by Pattaya, it has become the destination for locals rather than international ones. The beach now attracts those who enjoy strolling along the long sandy beach and tasting the delicious seafood available from vendors along the pavement. The color of the sand is not white as the sediments from Bang Pakong River are mounted here. However, the texture of the sand is fine and the gradual slope makes it nice and safe to swim. There are reasonable-priced accommodations along the beach. At the northern end of the beach, there is Laem Taen cape that serves as a public park. The nightlife here is more peaceful and easy-going compared to Pattaya beach. Therefore, it is a great spot for those who seek tranquil night by the beach. The residents of the town are young as it is a home to a university.

Thai Food 

            Thai food is one of the world's famous cuisine which use a variety of herbs and spices giving aromatic tastes and smell. Thus, its chilli-hot flavour is well-known worldwide. However, there are more than the spicy tastes. Thai cuisine uses balance, variety and detail in principle. The flavours, spicy, sour, salty, sweet and sometimes bitter are found in Thai food. Nonetheless, each region also has unique ingredients and ways in preparing the food giving a wide variety from the north to the south. Generally, meat and vegetable are cooked together in one dish which gives variety in nutrition.

Sea Food

     Seafood includes aquatic animals such as fish and shellfish including edible seaweed. Seafood is a source that provides protein as well as other nutritions that our body needs. It has high protein that is easily digested, vitamins, minerals, low calories and low cholesterol. Seafood is particularly beneficial to heart, brain and joints. A lot of seafood gives tasteful flavours and texture without a ot of preparation or ingredients to make a dish. Seafood is different from meat, still animal. Therefore, it is excluded in vegetarian diet. Seafood in Thailand is abundant with species, used in many dishes and is made as processed products. It is available at all main tourist destinations.

Thai Crafts

          It is undeniable to leave Thailand without buying souvenirs. One of the best memories of Thai culture is handicraft. Different regions have a unique way of crafting and materials vary depending on local resources. Thailand has a wide range of handicrafts such as nielloware, bronzeware, weaving, lacquerware, enamelware, ceramics, silverware.

Abundant with lime stone, Chonburi, in particular Ang-Sila has produced the lime stone mortars as well as decorative items such as jewellery and home decorative ornaments.