A thriving, imaginative playground for those travelling with children, a paragon of ultimate clubbing experiences for night owls, and a city of sin for others, Pattaya is many things to many people. Pattaya can also be a relaxing home-away-from-home for expats and those in their retirement. Because everything is so cheap and the smoky-eyed Pattaya girls are so friendly, it is a paradise for those who decide to settle down here.
Only a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Bangkok, or about 150kms, this exciting oasis provides a cheap and comfortable home for all ‘farangs.’ Pattaya has everything, from lip-smacking, inexpensive food, to vibrant nightlife, top-notch golf courses and a wide range of other spine-tingling indoor and outdoor activities, not to mention a lot of hanky panky business.
If living in Bangkok is paradise, living in Pattaya is seventh heaven. The cost of living isn’t as expensive as in Bangkok or Phuket, with the price of food commonly very low. The most authentic food can be found at local street vendors, which are everywhere in Pattaya.
A plate of famous phad thai noodles with big, yummy shrimps and egg costs less than £1 (about 70 baht), while less than £2 (about 140 baht) can get you a sumptuous plate of chicken fried rice and a big bowl of tom yum kung spicy soup. If you are lucky, you might be able to throw in a watermelon shake with this budget. For more information about sumptuous Thai food,
If your stomach cannot adjust to spicy Thai cuisine, McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut serve the same food as your hometown, but at much lower prices. Pattaya is also home to a dizzying array of authentic Western restaurants. From tangy American prime rib, and creamy and cheesy French onion soup, to English fish and chips delights, you can find everything in this city of food-a-plenty.
Finding a place to stay in Pattaya isn’t exactly a Herculean task. Guesthouses and cheap condominiums have been mushrooming in Pattaya in recent years. There are many studios that start from 5,000 baht per month, but if you are picky and would like something overlooking the water, several apartments in Jomtien are up for grabs for about 10,000 baht per month.
Shopping in Pattaya proves to be a fun experience. A great number of fresh markets are scattered around the city while there is also a wide range of chain supermarkets and Westernised department stores. Tesco Lotus and Big C are very popular among locals and expats, where you can buy goods at wholesale prices.
Foodland and Tops supermarkets have good quality food and many imported products while Pattaya Outlet is where you can buy both local and brand name clothes at a discount. For an all-in-one department store, nothing beats the newest addition to the shopping scene, Central Pattaya, a big shot store that monopolises the shopping scene in major cities in Thailand.
Pattaya boasts tip-top infrastructure, with good and inexpensive transportation operating throughout the city. If you have the privilege of staying downtown, several places are located within walking distance. However, if you feel the need for a ride (no pun intended), Pattaya has a wide range of transport options such as songthaew taxis or pick up truck taxis which have padded rail seats and go all over Pattaya for less than 20 baht.
Motorbike taxis are also a popular mean of travelling when you are in a hurry. With a skilled biker, you will be able to zip through the traffic and reach your destination within a wink of an eye. Just remember to hold on tight and wear a helmet.
