At the east coast resort of Pattaya, the countdown celebrations focus on a small strip of real estate at the southern end of the bay. Known as the Bali Hai Cape habour it will be transformed by thousands of street lights and decorations, for continuous live concerts by singers leading up to the midnight firework display.

Pattaya 2009 Countdown
Date : 25th - 31st December 2008
Venue : Pattaya Pier (Bali Hai Cape) south Pattaya, Chonburi
Activities : - On Christmas’eve : Street Lights decoration
- Pattaya Countdown 2009 : Live Concert of singers from all music record companies
and Fireworks
For more information :
TAT Pattaya Office, Tel. 66 (0) 3842 3990, 3842 7667, 3842 8750
TAT Call Center 1672

If you are the person who has visited Thailand, now you may have heard about Pattaya City. It is the major city of Chonburi province. It is one of the most popular destination of eastern part of Thailand. Each year, Pattaya gain quite number of tourist and it is considered as the tourism hub of eastern region. The very beautiful cosy beach and variesty of nightlife and activities bring very enjoyable activities. According to this reason, the hotel industry in Pattaya is also become popular and it is the most profitable business in the city.

Hotel business in Pattaya is never enough, even though there are increasing in number of tourists, but number of hotels in this city is never enough. There is variety of hotels size and style available in Pattaya, from very cheap guest house to very expensive and luxurious hotel, which you have to consider carefully.

However, there are some basic guidelines for you in case you have to choose different types of hotels. As because the price is not only the key indicator to decide whether which hotel is good or not. You have to consider other factor like location, service or other facility etc.

About the location In case if you want to stay at only simple and cheap guesthouse, you may not have to worry too much about the location of the hotel because in Pattaya, there are small guesthouse every where from near the beach coast to central market. The price ranges are only from 10-20 USD per night. However, you have to be a little bit careful if you want to stay in guest house. Some guesthouse located in the area that quite not easy to access like deep small street so you will have difficulty on taking public transportation.

If you are considering to stay in five stars luxurious hotel, it is really important to decide about the hotel’s location. This is because when you have to pay for such an expensive room so you naturally expecting the great service and comfortable. Pay for high room rate for five stars hotel located in city central is may not worth your money. Try to look for the hotel that locate on beach side or if they have private beach will be really perfect.

However, no matter which type of the hotel you are looking for, you have to be sure that you can get the best deals of the hotel price. This is because there are so many travel agents who are offering best deal of the price. Even though there are millions of the websites that you can find cheap price on the internet but just try to search for Pattaya local travel agents first. Because from my experience, there are a lot of them that can offer the price much cheaper than internet rate.

Finally, just enjoy your stay and your trip. The more information you get from research the more enjoyable your trip. Particularly for Pattaya, the city that never sleep with superb clam beach and environment.

Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao, Chiang Rai Province

25 – 26 October 2008

The “Chulakathin Arete Authoritative Ceremony” appearance arete authoritative activities, rituals, and assorted forms of ball all on the aforementioned day. The accomplished accident starts from aurora to dusk (the night of Saturday, 25 October, 2008) and the kathin offerings are presented to the monks on 26 October, 2008. Accompanying activities in this accident include:

Chulakathin Exhibition : Be afraid by the complete action of the assembly of the Chulakathin robes. The accomplished action starts with the acrimonious of cotton, amid it, and spinning until the final action if it is angry from affection into fabric. This is done brief starting from 19.00 hours. There are aswell 9 amazing exhibition zones or khuang in the arctic dialect.

1. Khuang Khan Toke – a archetypal northern-style meal.

2. Khuang for Affection Collecting – acrimonious of affection to aftermath affection fibre.

3. Khuang for Refining – amid the affection seeds from the cotton

4. Khuang for Mixing - to activity the affection to accomplish it loose

5. Khuang for Threading – to accomplish affection into thread

6. Khuang for Aberrant – aberrant the cloth

7. Khuang for Bed-making – acid and bed-making of the actual into fabric

8. Khuang for Dyeing – dyeing the fabric

9. Khuang for Authoritative Great Arete of Chulakathin – alms of kathin robes

The Arete Authoritative Commemoration of Chulakathin

Kathin arete authoritative is a Buddhist ritual that has to be agitated out aural 1 ages starting from the aboriginal crumbling day of the eleventh lunar ages until the fifteenth waxing day of the twelfth lunar ages (the ritual acquire to alone be done during this aeon of time).

Kathin Alms Commemoration : Alms bolt or laying of apparel in foreground of the monks to let them aggregate it to lay by the Sadueng anatomy of the bathrobe shape. The section of bolt would again be tailored into the anatomy required.

An important actual for the kathin commemoration is the “kathin cloth”. The kathin commemoration has to be completed aural a specific period. In the past, bolt was deficient and it had to be alloyed from cotton. The continued action started from the spinning of cotton, putting it into a loom, weaving, cutting, and bed-making till it became a section of bolt to be offered as a kathin cloth. This attitude has been affiliated as a allotment of Thai ability for generations.

Chulakathin is a mini kathin : With the bound time, the commemoration has to be agitated out as bound as possible; thus, it has to be completed aural a day. The commemoration begins with spinning the affection to accomplish cilia until bed-making it into a bathrobe and alms it to the monks.

The alertness of the Chulakathin commemoration begins anon afterwards midnight.

- Collecting affection for weaving; the picker acquire to be a abstinent babe that signifies the abstention of the kathin cloth, which is fabricated of cotton.

- Using the calm affection to be spun and fabricated into thread, accessible for weaving. The actual that would be acclimated for spinning and aberrant has to be of assorted sets to ensure the assembly of the 3 capital pieces of the apparel or at atomic one continued bathrobe to be able to backpack out the commemoration aural a day.

- Acid the alloyed actual in to pieces as designed. It is again anchored on the Sadueng copse anatomy and the pieces are stitched calm as a monk’s robe.

- Dyeing the actual with accustomed dyes from plants as a robe’s colour should be. At present, banal colour is used.

- Drying and alignment it into a set is the endure footfall and again it is accessible for the ceremony. The a lot of important footfall in the alertness is accepting acceptable accoutrement and artisans to backpack out the assembly action and finishing it in time.

Chulakathin Alms Commemoration : The being who is the host of the commemoration has to seek for a acceptable temple. The temple acquire to acquire at atomic 5 monks residing. These monks acquire to be the ones blockage in the temple during the 3-month Buddhist rains retreat. The addict has to do the afterward preparation:

- Booking the kathin is to acquaint the abbot of the temple the ambition of accustomed out the kathin commemoration in that temple. Already the booking is made, the temple would not acquire addition host unless there is a action that the antecedent host is accommodating to acquire anyone abroad accompany as a co-host.

- The host has to adapt all the all-important raw abstracts and added accessories bare in the commemoration afore the action of assembly begins. Skilled weavers are commonly arrive to undertake the aberrant process. Already accepting the baby pieces of the material, they would be stitched calm as a robe. It would again be absolute and ironed as the final process.

- Alms of the Chulakathin bathrobe – the advantageous day for the commemoration commonly avalanche on the fifteenth waxing day of the twelfth lunar month. The commemoration is like a accepted kathin alms in that already all august accessories are completed, participants would accompany them into the temple. They would recite the words of alms to the monks in chorus, and the monks would accept the robe, recite prayers for the alcohol of the asleep ancestors, and achieve the ceremony.

Are you planning to visit Pattaya in the near future? Do you have all the details that you need of the city? What are its main attractions and how can you get the most from your holiday at Pattaya? If you do not have this knowledge then you might miss something important when you are there. The city has an abundance of activities and tourist attractions, and shows in Pattaya are one of the major attractions.

The city has a number of things that attract tourists and cause them to return. These include sport activities, nightclubs, cabaret dances, different cuisines, multiple choices for accommodation and the sandy beaches. Along with these activities, there are also a number of different shows playing in the city and these shows have become one of the main attractions in Pattaya.

One famous show is the elephant show. The city proudly possesses a million year 'Old Park' and here they organize elephant show everyday. There is a crocodile farm in the city which organizes crocodile roundups daily. This park is not far away from the center of the city, so be sure not to miss these shows when you visit the city.

Another show that is famous in this city is the light and sound show in one of the museums. The museum that holds this show is situated in the Royal Garden Plaza building. This show is a walk-through, which tests the perception limit of tourists. It is an interesting show and you are sure to enjoy it, so do not miss it!

There is another animal show, which is one of the favorites here. This also includes elephants and crocodiles. The show is organized in the Sriracha Tiger Zoo and it is one of the more outlandish shows in Pattaya. It takes thirty minutes to reach the location as it is not close to the city centre. In this show you can see elephants playing with basketballs and women wrestling with crocodiles. Doesn't that sound interesting? So be sure not to miss these shows.

Besides these shows, you can also see Thai dances, as well as Muay Thai at the Noong Noonc Tropical Gardens. These gardens exhibit a vast variety of Thai history and culture. The Muay Thai is a boxing game which has become very popular in recent years. The culture center of the city holds exhibitions on a daily basis, with an emphasis on the Thai culture.

Pattaya is not just the best beach resort in the world, but it also offers some of the best shows. The shows in Pattaya are different and can be enjoyed by everyone at affordable prices. All you have to do is to have knowledge of these shows and be at the right place at the right time!

How can you find out about these shows? You can use a travel guide or use the internet. Find out the details and watch these shows during your stay in Pattaya!

Are you planning your next holidays? Pattaya is one of the most loved places by the tourists. So, if you too are planning to have great holidays try Thailand’s best beach resorts. Pattaya is Thailand’s capital and is famous for the resorts. A highly popular location amongst the tourists, it is a lively place, which is situated at the east coast of the gulf of Thailand.

Pattaya resort is considered one of the world’s best beach resorts and it is just 150 kilometers from Bangkok. The popularity of the resort can be evaluated by the numbers of visitors – fresh and repeat- who visit this place every year. It have been estimated that millions of people love to visit the Pattaya resort every year. These visitors include a people from different strata of society – families, retired coupes and even professionals.

They are so famous because of a number of elements present here. Here, you will find fine sandy beaches along with sports facilities as well as other fine attractions. So, the tourists have a lot of things to do here and unwind themselves. You can have loads of fun here during a memorable holiday and can find a good range of possibilities.

It is much loved by Europeans who have made it Asia’s premier beach resort. People say that this is the place where the East meets the West in the true sense. Once you get here, you are welcomed by a tropical ambience, which has got every component to provide you an exotic holiday experience. You have vibrant nightlife and you get the best hotels here. Additionally, you have a vast variety of cuisines along with the best dining facilities.

Besides this, if you are a sporty kind of person, you can give wings to your passions at this place. Here you get the finest of the sports activities. You can try your hand on game fishing, golfing and even scuba diving. Have you ever tried scuba diving! It is a great experience, so if you visit this place, do remember to have an experience of scuba diving – it would be a memorable moment. You should also find time to check out the various museums and amusement parks. There are places in the city where you can satiate the craving for cultural entertainment.

The resort comes to life after the sunset. The place has an abundance of discotheques, bars and nightclubs and you can check out some of them and burn the floor! This beach resort offers you a bold and beautiful holiday experience. All you have to do is willing to have this experience!

Also, most of the shops are open till late night and you can easily get the Thailand’s best buy here in the market. You can shop for jewellery, silk, tailor-made clothing, gems and handicrafts. For all these reasons Pattaya resort is considered a good retreat for anybody who is having a hectic life-schedule. So, visit Thailand’s capital and get the best holidays ever! What are you waiting for - pack your bags for Pattaya!

Pattaya, in Chonburi province of Thailand, is about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. It is probably the most well-known destination in Thailand for foreigner alike. The Pattaya city and its three beaches – Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua – grew rapidly during and after the Vietnam War, when the Americans built a naval base and American GIs invaded the town for “Rest and Recreation”

Today Pattaya boasts dozens of Five-star hotels, luxurious resorts, and a vibrant nightlife with hundreds of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Pattaya has a large foreigner’s community, with Americans and Brits topping the list. There’s a sizeable population of assorted Europeans and Australians, as well. Two foreigners’ Clubs organize a host of activities for the foreigners. There’s a various of activities going on in the Pattaya city every day. There are two daily English-language newspapers-The Pattaya mail and Pattaya Today-and one free bi-weekly magazine which is called EXPAT.

Pattaya is a prime tourist destination for the pleasure-lover, and lies along the gulf of Thailand 150 km southeast of Bangkok. U-tapao airport is nearby. A taxi to bangkok is Bt 1,200 - 1,500. Buses and trains are much cheaper and service is virtually continual.

But a reasonable drive down the coast brings the visitor back into contact with Thailand. Sattaheep, Chantaburi and Trat are much more traditional.

Here are the comparison between benefit and drawback of retiring in Pattaya.

Benefit of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Pattaya has foreigners’ clubs that meet every Sunday. They provide an extensive support network. Each club has a host of special interest groups. One of them provides cheaper health insurance for foreigners.

2. Easy access to Bangkok and all its attractions.

3. Three beaches offer a host of water sports for the active resident.

4. The city is one of the most entertainment capitals of Thailand, with hundreds of beer bars and A-go-go bars that are open to the small hours.

5. A heaven for gay residents for foreigners and gay-lovers.

6. Amazing array of restaurants, especially for sea-food and international cuisine; five-star hotels for comfortable dining and night-life entertainment.

7. Some of the best sailing and yachting in the country; also a big-game fisherman’s paradise.

8. Well over 20 golf courses in the nearly area.

9. Lots of clubs to join: five Rotary Clubs, a Lions Club, a Sportsman’s club and two prominent yacht clubs.

10. Many business centers to take care of financial and property needs.

Drawback of Retiring in Pattaya, Thailand

1. Up to a million tourists during the November to March. There are a lots of people around here.
2. Overcrowding of beaches during the tourist seasons.
3. Inflated prices for foreigners.
4. Pattaya residents usually get mistaken for tourists until the locals get to know you better and see you frequently.
5. Rush-hour traffic can be as suck as other metropolis, especially during holidays and festivals.
6. Although improvement of environment, the beaches are still polluted with garbage all the times.
7. Booming tourism has caused much environmental degradation of the area.
8. High rate of Crimes.
9. Pattaya continues to have the image of being a city of sin and sex.

Located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya today ranks as one of the best destination, apart from the capital city, Bangkok. Among various beach resort of Thailand, this destination is the most closest to the capital city. With a combination of wide beaches, water sports, interesting attractions, sightseeing, shopping, international dining facilities as well as great hotels and resorts in Pattaya, this place has attained a position of favorable tourists' destination.

Pattaya is not known only as a beach resort and for its entertainment, nightlife, and shopping, but in fact is also very popular as a conference, convention, and seminar venue for the business travelers. Other treasure troves that lie in the lap of this scenic beauty land which attract number of travelers include various festivals (Wan Lai Festival, Pattaya Festival etc.) and interesting attractions like Bottle Art Museum, Buddha Hill etc. Hence, each feature of this scenic land of Thailand has enough charm and magnificence to attract you. And to captivate the travelers in a comfortable manner, there are hordes of hotels in Pattaya that cater every budget and taste.

Pattaya also offers an excellent range of eating choices and a wide variety of things to do and see. From golf and horseback riding to bungee jumping, karting and shooting to a wide variety of water sports such as scuba diving, jet-skiing, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and kite surfing, to lot more can be enjoyed and get involved in at Pattaya.

And apart from these enthralling activities, there is also a wonderful dinning opportunities in the city. The range of food available here is as diverse as the people who flock here. From curbside cuisine and greasy burgers to five-star gourmet, and from schnitzel, falafels and kebabs, to British pub grub, homely Italian pasta and fresh seafood, everything can be found in most of the city's assorted restaurants. However, the true color of this dynamic destination of Thailand comes alive in the evening. Besides these the city is internationally famed for its dazzling nightlife scene especially for its go-go and beer bars. So, even the nightlife in Pattaya gives you a gamut of recreational means to have a blast.

Setting a perfect example of quality and great hospitality, hotels in Pattaya cater your every need with ease and give you moments to rediscover the treasures of life. Besides different kinds of hotels located in various areas, which include business and budget hotels as well as luxurious resorts, the beach hotels of this city has special significance. Pattaya Beach's hotels come in all shapes and sizes, from budget favorites short on frills to five-star luxury resorts that spoil you.

Those giving massages in Pattaya are properly trained and very skilled with their hands, offering a genuine muscle rehabilitation service. If you are more interested in massage as a ‘naughty’ activity, you should rather visit our page on dirty massages.
Thai massage is ancient and respectable art
Thai massage is ancient and respectable art

Thai massage has been a special art for hundreds of years. It has been refined by practice and passed down through generations throughout Thailand. In Pattaya, massage is still alive and well and enjoyed by thousands of visitors and locals every day. The methods used today are traditional and date back to Indian Ayurvedic practice originally developed by Buddhist monks almost 2000 years ago. All across Thailand, particularly in tourist areas such as Pattaya, you will find massage shops.

Spending an hour or two having your muscles pushed, pulled kneaded and relaxed is an invigorating experience and eradicates all the aches and pains you get from travelling, water-sports and sitting on long bus and air journeys. In Pattaya, Thai massage is liberally offered and this is one experience you should certainly indulge in; the whole two hour experience will cost you less than the price of a gym work-out at home. See list of recommended massage shops, further down this page.

Thai massage is liberally offered and this is one experience you should certainly indulge in; the whole two hour experience will cost you less than the price of a gym work-out at home. See list of recommended massage shops, further down this page

Thai massage explained
There are three popular choices of massage in Pattaya.

Thai traditional massage: which involves the vigorous treatment of more than 100 areas of the body. Using hand pressure and the masseuse’s own body to apply forces, they aim to work specific pressure points and re-align energy lines in the body. Ideally, this process takes at least two hours and can be rather uncomfortable at times, but leaves you feeling very relaxed.

Oil massage: is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Of course it leaves you a little oily afterwards, and you’ll need a shower to freshen up, but this type of massage can be a very sensual experience.

Foot massage: works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in a very similar way to that of reflexology. This is another skill that has been passed down for hundreds of years and can be quite effective in producing a relaxing effect on the whole body. On the beach and at the Tuesday and Friday market on Soi Buakao, as it joins South Pattaya Road you can find foot massage widely available.

Many places also offer massages specialising in specific areas of the body such as the hands and head.

Thai massage primarily concentrates on 10 energy points in the body, known as ‘sen’, though there are over 70,000 recorded sen in all. It differs from other forms of massage in that there is a focused spiritual aspect involved, and most properly trained masseuses will say a short prayer before commencing in order to focus their own energy on your body.
The positions are based on Ayurvedic yoga asanas
The positions are based on Ayurvedic yoga asanas

Some aspects of yoga are incorporated in the massage, bending and twisting the torso to ‘reset’ the muscular-skeletal position. The procedure is a slow and patient one, with most attention given to areas which are most muscular, such as the thighs. There aren’t many sudden brutal movements in this type of massage, but the kneading can be quite painful, especially if your muscles are all tensed up. The masseuse will usually ask you if you prefer softer or harder massage.

The most active tool in the masseuse’s repertoire is the thumb, however, as with the fingers, indirect pressure is applied and the ball of the digit is used rather than the tip. A properly trained Thai massage practitioner will avoid sensitive areas such as the knees. Should you have ailments or chronic problems sensitive to body pressure such as a history of back pain, you are advised to receive your massage from a professional spa, where the masseuse will usually discuss with you beforehand any existing problems so as to avoid anything painful or harmful. It’s also not advisable to go for a massage directly after eating or if you are pregnant.
Thai massage shops in Pattaya

In Pattaya, you can find plenty of massage shops liberally scattered throughout the tourist centres, often advertising themselves with a large reflexology diagram outside. There are a profusion of large and popular ones around the junction of Beach Road and South Pattaya Road, where twenty or more clients can be catered for at the same time. Other massage shops in Pattaya are very simple, consisting of a few mattresses on the floor, with clean linen, though this doesn’t suggest that the massage will be inferior. In general, older women are the most experienced and skilled at giving massage. Those that display a selection of young girls outside are less likely to give you a real Thai massage.

Hotels and spas offer a more luxurious environment, often with nicely decorated and scented private cubicles with soft music, as well as more of a guarantee that the masseuse is a good one. However, they are typically at least twice as expensive and not necessarily any better. Usually a Thai massage in Pattaya will cost 200 baht an hour and a foot or oil massage is 300 baht an hour in the small shops. On the beach, most of the ladies are mature masseuses and will settle for 200 baht even if they start off by asking you for 300 or 400 baht for one hour.

Although there are plenty of massage shops in Pattaya to choose from, we have recommended a few for you. When looking for a massage shop it’s worth looking out for the certificates on the wall which show that the masseuses have been properly trained. Some locals have a favourite place they regularly go, often due to the friendly and relaxed character of the masseuse. Most masseuses are ladies. Foot massages are always offered at the Tuesday and Friday market off South Pattaya Road, on the beach and at popular events.

Updated and correct as at: Jan. 2008.

CNRI ‘n’ spa is one at the top end of the scale for facilities, and has a wide variety of massage treatments, including professional Thai massage, foot massage, yoga and beauty treatments. 414/5 Moo12, Tappraya Road, North Pattaya, +66 (0)87 800 2450.

Chaan Massage and Spa is newly opened and will give you a Thai massage with a good masseuse for only 150 baht per hour. A whole spa package is available for 800 baht. 33/35 Moo. 10, Soi Diana Inn, Pattaya, +66 (0)38 720 465.

Anong Thai Massage is very popular with locals and ex-pats and very easy to get to. Traditional Thai massage costs 200 baht, aromatherapy 250 baht and foot reflexology 250 baht, all by highly trained staff. 30/2-3, Moo 10, Near Soi Valida, South Pattaya, +66 (0)38 423 049.

Pha's Original Thai Massage, as the name suggests, has experienced masseuses and also offers foot massage, oil massage and facial treatment services. 144/99 Thappraya Road. +66 (0) 38 250 591

Suriree Sauna Herbal Steam Bath Traditional Thai Massage is another favourite of locals and ex-pats to soothe away the aches and pains. 172/6 Moo 5, Soi Ping Pah, Pattaya - Naklua Road, Banglamung, +66 (0)38 423 794.

At the Walking Street end of South Pattaya Road and round the corner in Beach Road there are several Thai massage shops to choose from, all equally well patronised. They will all charge you about 200 baht for Thai, 200 baht for foot and 300 baht per hour for oil massage. Face, hand or head massage will also cost around 300 baht for an hour. Most open at around 10.00 am and close at 12.00 midnight.

Pattaya offers many condominiums which can be rented and/or purchased. There are several reasons why foreigners buy condos in Pattaya, yet the main reason is because foreigners can not own land. Owning a condominium is the only way to own real estate in Thailand up to this point in time.

Location, Location, Location

Like with any Real estate purchase the main value is in the location of the condo no matter where one chooses to buy real estate. The closer the condo is located to the sea, and the more breathtaking the view, the higher the purchase price. Most people think that condominiums with sea view are extremely pricey but that is not necessarily true in Pattaya.

There are condominiums for sale for under one million Baht or around $ 30,000 depending on the exchange rate at the time of purchase. For a Condo close to the beach in an exotic location like Pattaya, that is not a lot of money. Thailand is a very attractive option for retirees because of the low cost of housing and living.

Monthly rent for newly updated, fully furnished, one million Baht Condominium in Pattaya starting at around 10,000-12,000 Baht, which makes it attractive for investors as well. Renting a condo in Pattaya is a great option for people who are not sure if they want to buy.

Condominiums usually offer the convenience of a modern building in close proximity to shopping and services. Amenities and low maintenance make condos the number one choice for people who do not want to have to deal maintenance that comes with owning a house.

Amenities In Condominium Complexes Might Include :

* Health club facilities or Gym
* Garages and/or parking
* Community centers
* Swimming pools
* 24/7 security
* Party rooms
* Maintenance

Even for tourists coming to Pattaya for more than a month, renting a condo may be a great alternative compared to staying in a hotel. Not only is staying in a Hotel usually more expensive than staying in a condo but living in a condominium complex is also a great opportunity to meet other people who may be retirees or long term residents.

Most Condo Complexes Offer :

* Attorney and translation services
* Convenience stores
* Laundry services
* Massage parlors
* Maid services
* Restaurants
* Car rentals

Live in a condo next time you visit Pattaya and get to know a different side of the city. Away from the hustle and bustle yet close to everything.

Here are some factors that will “Pre-qualify” you and help you decide whether or not you are a retiree candidate for Pattaya Thailand

1. You have to be open to new adventurers; Pattaya is a fantastic beach for visitors. There will be many new things for your experience. It’s a unique country in Southeast Asia, with its own culture quite difference from other countries in Asia.

2. You love to travel. There are countless things for you to see and do in Pattaya, Thailand.

3. You have to be able to adapt to a new lifestyle and be tolerant of others. Your life and the people around you will be very different from you as at your country.

4. You have to be enthusiastic about new things in a different culture. Thais people have their own way and their own culture. You will have to learn to adjust. Many foreigners are shocked when they discover that things are done in a certain way in Thailand. You have to be open-minded.

5. You should be able to make and enjoy with your new friends. This is important point for you. You will need new comrade so you won’t feel bored.

6. You should have to learn the basics of the Thai language. Try to be fluent, or at least competent, in the types of phrases you‘ll need it in you new life.

7. You have to be healthy enough mentally and physically. Living in Pattaya is hard for foreigners at first. You will need to be strong in both body and mind to make the most of your time.

8. You have to accept your status of being a foreigner in Pattaya, Thailand. You won’t be able to vote, and the Thais are not usually interested in listening to your point of view on the country’s politics or economy.

9. You should appreciate a slower pace of life if you choose to retire in one of the smaller towns. Boredom is not something you often find in the Land of Smiles, but when you are away from the cities, you will find life moves more slowly. Make sure you are involved in enough leisure activities to avoid boredom.

10. You have to be optimistic minded. Foreigners who don’t know Thailand may try to talk you out of moving there. Studying as much as possible before you go. Don’t let negative opinion like prostitution, the insufferably hot weather, or dirt and disease turn you off. Pattaya is rich in beauty and culture and famous for its friendly people.

11. You will have to deal with a different type of bureaucracy. It takes longer to get simple things done in Thailand. You’ll have to get used to its ways.

12. You must be financially stable without needing to work. If you want to work part-time in Pattaya, make sure you are up to date on the continually changing laws regarding work permits or business ownership, and have a good fall-back plan for your future life in Pattaya, Thailand.

Pattaya (sometime spelled “Pataya” or “Phattaya”)

Pattaya lies around 150km to the southeast of Bangkok, Thailand. This is Less than 2 hours by road, and stretches for some 15km along the Eastern Seaboard. Thailand ‘s Largest resort, it shares the coast with traditional a fishing villages, other resorts such as Bang Saen and Rayong, new industrial centers, the town of Chonburi and Sriracha, and the port and naval base of Sattahip.

Pattaya in the past was just a little fishing village. Until 1960s, American servicemen form the U.S. Air Force base at Utapao in neighbouring Rayong Province began using the area for “Rest and Recreation” (R&R) , causing a huge boom in entertainment business. When the Americans left following the end of the Vietnam War, the city fell into a crisis. However, modern mass tourism brought a new life to Pattaya. The city is considered heaven or hell on the Earth, depending on how you look at it.

More than 35,000 hotels’ rooms were available in Pattaya. It is an eapecially popular vacation destination for families from Russia, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and other countries. It also a large international expatriate population and many services meet international standards In recent years, new shopping malls, outlet stores and jewelry stores have sprung up like mushrooms, which have helped in increasing the length of stay of visitors to the city.

Pattaya’s main attractions are its beaches. Pattaya Beach stretches out along the central city close to shopping, hotels and bars. The section of beach from Central Road (Pattaya Klang) south to the harbor is adjacent to the core of Pattaya’s abundant nightlife area, hence it is less family-oriented than the North Pattaya, Na Klua and Jomtien beaches.

Pattaya is now a city in its own right, with its own mayor and its own administration. This is not all due to tourism. The government development programmed for the Eastern Seaboard has transformed the region, and this rapid industrial and commercial expansion has led to many expatriates coming to live in the area. There is a new deep-sea port at Laem Chabang, 20 km north of Pattaya with a vast industrial estate, and another development zone at Map Ta Phut near Rayong to the south. Pattaya city is well located to be a major business centre serving these two giant industrial communities. There are five international schools and four international hospital in the area.

However Pattaya has multi-cultural quintessentially Thai visitors, and although the convenience foods of the West are readily accessible, the Thai culture is everywhere and most visitors embrace the easy-going way of life readily. Over 95 per cent of people who live and work here are Thai and even a couple of blocks away from the beach the culture takes over from the holiday atmosphere by the sea and the beach. Despite this, the ex-pat community here is a perhaps the least assimilated of all the foreign communities in Thailand, and you’re more likely to feel like you’re in Tenerife than Thailand, with all the footage on TV, English style pubs and nary a word of Thai spoken in the many bars that service the full-time early retirees who favor this atmosphere.

Pattaya Travels guide,Smile Thailand
Pattaya (Thai: พัทยา, RTGS: Phatthaya) is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand (12°55′39″N, 100°52′31″ECoordinates: 12°55′39″N, 100°52′31″E), about 165 km southeast of Bangkok located within but not part of Amphoe Bang Lamung in the province of Chon Buri.

Meaning the 'south-west monsoon wind" and correctly pronounced "Patti-yah" not "Patt-eye-yah" this lively destination located roughly 150 kilometres from Bangkok ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005. The city is chiefly infamous as a sex tourism destination. In fact, Pattaya is one of the most prostitution based economies of any city in the world in terms of sheer number of establishments, sex tourists, and regular sex workers.

Pattaya receives a large number of repeat visitors - professional people, families, and retired couples. Increasing numbers come from the former Soviet Union and East Asia.

The city of Pattaya is a self governing special municipal area which covers the whole tambon Nong Prue and Na Kluea and parts of Huai Yai and Nong Pla Lai. It is located in the heavily industrial Eastern Seaboard zone, along with Si Racha, Laem Chabang, and Chon Buri. However, it remains mostly a tourist city, with very light industry.

Pattaya is second only to Bangkok in high rise buildings, as many condos for foreign residents are built, and has a modest skyline. The city's economy benefits from its relative proximity to Bangkok.

Pattaya History
Pattaya was simply a small fishing village until it was discovered as a beach resort by Bangkok residents in the 1960s. Soon thereafter, American servicemen from all over Southeast Asia, including the United States Air Force base at U-Tapao in neighbouring Rayong province began using the area for "rest and recuperation" (R&R), causing a huge boom in prostitution. When the Americans left following the end of the Vietnam War, the city fell into a crisis. However, modern mass tourism, particularly single men looking for companionship, from Europe and America, brought a new lease of life to Pattaya.

The rapid growth of tourism brought about many negative consequences, such as pollution and petty crime. In 1976, the Pattaya City Act was passed by the Thai legislature, making Pattaya a self-administrating municipality governed by a Council-manager government. However, many argue that this administration system has drawbacks (for example, the mayor may disagree with the city manager). Critics have recommended abolishing the system.

In recent years the city has pushed hard to clean up its image, and family-focused entertainment is increasingly available; however, the core sex-industry has ensured that Pattaya retains its position as one of the world's most renowned party destinations. In 2005, more than 35,000 hotel rooms were available in Pattaya and it has seen a large increase in family tourism in recent years, thanks to efforts to present a more wholesome image. Despite these efforts, Pattaya's sex industry is the city's raison d' etre. Pattaya is an especially popular vacation destination for families from Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Pattaya also has a large international expatriate population, especially British and Russian residents.

During the Thai economic boom of the middle of 1980s to 1990s, hotels have been over-built in Pattaya, Chonburi. As a result, prices are very reasonable compared to most other countries given the high quality of accommodations and services offered.

But if visitors plan to visit Pattaya, it is highly recommended to make hotel reservations well ahead of time, since most hotels there are fully overbooked in these popular tourists destination.

Pattaya has an excess of accommodation in every price bracket. Yet tourist are advised to always take a look at the room (or better still several rooms) before agreeing on a price. However, tourist can see hotel review in more internet websites.

Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit for every traveler. Facilities range from luxury hotels with private beaches to bayside hotels and bungalows, and inland, economy class hotel and guest houses.

For backpackers and adventurous tourists, guesthouses are usually the cheapest option, costing fewer than USD 10 per night (or less for a dorm bed). This gets you a room with a fan, a squat toilet (often shared) and not much else.

Pattaya hotels start around USD 10 and go up to around USD 300. The upper end of this range will be air-conditioned or more facilities , the lower with not. The primary difference is that with a hotel room, your bathroom should be more private, beautiful, luxurious, bed linen and towels should be provided and there may be a hot shower. Moreover, some hotels provide other facilities such as satellite televisions, WIFI internet and more.

Tourist hotels are generally around USD 25-40 and offer the basics for a beach vacation: swimming pool, room service and cable television. Business and luxury hotels, more than USD 50, offer every modern amenity you can think of and are largely indistinguishable from hotels anywhere else in the world.

Some notably Pattaya’s The Hard Rock hotel are the world’s best hotels which is win the award “Hard Rock Hotel of The Year”. The most luxurious resorts also fall in this price category, with some of the very best and most private.

With a projected 15 millions plus visitors to Thailand predicted in 2006, it is expected that many of the hotels in Pattaya will have high occupancy rates throughout the year.

For those who are not familiar with the Pattaya geography. The South and Central Pattaya located hotels are the ones to choose if you are looking to be in the center of the “action”. There are lots of restaurants, bars, shopping and etc.

For those looking for perhaps a quieter night’s sleep chose North Pattaya or Naklus, where there are several quality hotels down by the beach at Wongamart.

The beach is better than that in Pattaya and the congestion of both people and vehicles is a lot less than in Pattaya. It is however, easier to travel to Pattaya for the evening by taking one of the many “baht buses” which is Thai people called “Song-Thaew”. They congregate at several points along the Pattaya Beach Road

Do you want to go for Vacation ? If you have sometimes May I suggest you the place that will make you happy and relax?

Pattaya is the City of Chonburi located near Bangkok, Thailand (147 km) It's the city of joy & nightlife entertainment . You can always have beer 24 hour a day and sit on the beer counter enjoy drinking with the pretty Pattaya Girl.

Walking Street is the one place that you have to visit once in your life. The place are surrounded with many restaurant, pub & bar.

Especially, Thai food and sea food. it's very delicious and the price is also reasonable. After finished your meal you can sit back, relax or go for a walk to any pub that have live music or the Karaoke night club also available.

During the day times, you can enjoy your sun bahting or there's a lot of attracting place that you should visit such as the mini siam, Royal garden pattaya, Believe it or not by Ripley, Alangkarn Show, Tiffany & Alcaza Show, under water world.

If you want to visit the natural place there's "Suan Nong Nuch Garden" it's very beautiful garden also you can enjoy your life on the beach all day long especially, Jomtien beach it's very quite beach.

Why I suggest you to Pattaya? at this point you might know or not quite sure yet. Another thing that will make you want to go to Pattaya during your vacation is the Accomodation.

There's a lot of Accomodation type you can choose to stay in Pattaya. If you have a lot of times of your Vacation. (mostly do)

I suggest you to stay in the longstay apartment or guest house and bargain them for the best price, Acutally the price will range between 300-500 USD per month(included everything). It will make you save extra money to use for other things rather than paying for the hotel charge rooms and you can enjoy everything exactly the same as one who choose to live in hotel as well as the service.

Till now it's all up to you where you should to go, but for me I think Pattaya is the place to go & visit once in the life times.

You have decided to visit Asia for your next vacation and have decided to go to Pattaya, Thailand. Your flight is booked but you are still looking for a hotel. But, how do you decide which hotel to stay at?

Your decision should be based on what you plan to do while you are Pattaya. Will you be spending most of your time sightseeing, shopping or enjoying the nightlife? Most likely you will be enjoying the nightlife and will want to be located in the heart of it.

There are three main areas in Pattaya – North, South, and Central and all three have their plusses and minuses. Getting a hotel in any of the three will boil down to a personal preference.

North Pattaya is in the Soi 2 area or even a little further North called Naklua. Most of the tourists here are from Europe and the nightlife is adequate but not spectacular. I rarely go to the Naklua area but I do enjoy the Soi 2 nightlife area.

South Pattaya is very good and includes the area around the infamous Walking Street. There are many hotels available from Soi 13 to Walking Street and also along the side streets between 2nd Road and Walking Street. Many are small pubs with a handful of rooms above the bar.

To me, Central Pattaya is where to stay. The location is perfect as I can walk or catch a baht bus to anywhere in a matter of minutes. Beach Road, 2nd Road or even down to Soi Buakhao are perfect locations as long as the hotel is between Central Road and Soi 13.

Most of the hotels in Pattaya are in the 2 – 4 star range with the occasional 5 star (Marriott) but a 2 – 4 star in Pattaya is definitely a cut above similar hotels in the states. I prefer the smaller, pub places that have a handful of rooms upstairs. Most are owned by a couple and really do their best to make your stay a great one.

Do your research, and look for a discount Pattaya hotel, and enjoy your stay in the Land of Smiles. It won’t be hard to find your Asian hotel in Pattaya at all.

To attract a major influx of tourists and to promote tourism, there are a number of hotels in Pattaya. Often identified as a gem in the crown, this land of serene beauty is a hidden beauty. The natural beauty of the land, the extensive beaches makes it a hideaway from the maddening crowd. Though the exotic beauty of the land weaves its magic on you, the vibrant night life of Pattaya also wins the heart of many. It is a city for people of all tastes. So select one of the several Pattaya Hotels and explore this exotic paradise.

There are several places of accommodation all across the city. No matter if you prefer to stay in Northern Pattaya or in the central part of the city, you can easily spot a hotel. There is also no dearth of hotels in South Pattaya, Jomtien Pattaya and outer Pattaya. The Best Western Bella Villa Cabana in Northern Pattaya is one of the top rated hotels in Thailand. One of the exclusive of LK Group, the LK Royal Suite is a good option for both business and leisure travelers. Bella Villa Prima hotel is a boutique hotel which hosts a number of modern amenities.

There are many hotels that offer special packages to travelers. As the packages and the deals vary from one another, you can choose the one that best suites you. Most of the luxurious hotels and resorts and a few moderately priced hotels offer facilities for on-line booking. Thailand is renowned worldwide for varied massages. The city offers several rejuvenating massages. Pattaya Marriott Resort & Spa, one of the properties of the Marriott International brands, provides its travelers with many types of traditional and ayurvedic massages. There are several therapists to deliver these kinds of treatments.

Travelers staying Hotels in Pattaya feature many spacious rooms and suites. Decorated with elegant wooden furniture or modern interiors, the rooms and the suites offer you the scope to relax. During your stay you can marvel at the panoramic surroundings. Equipped with the best of amenities, the hotels in Pattaya offer a number of facilities. What impresses guests the most is dedicated service of the staff.

During your stay do not forget to relish the traditional dishes that are prepared with extreme care. Though you can indulge in a number of water sports and beach activities, the hotels offers myriads recreational facilities. There also several hotels to meet the business requirements of the guests. Apart from business and pleasure the hotels offers a lot more.

Can you really get pizza in Pattaya, Thailand? Absolutely. Is it any good? Superb! Does this sound strange to you? It shouldn’t. Some of the finest chefs in the world have made their homes in Thailand and have set up shop cooking some of the finest cuisine in the world.

I love Thai food and eat my share of rice and noodles with all the other spicy goodies that go along with them, but I also like to sample food from around the world. Pattaya is the perfect place to do this.

You can go to Don Joe’s on Walking Street for an excellent pizza, The Sportsman Club for a superb “Full English” breakfast, or to the Big Horn restaurant for a 1 Kilogram steak.

If you have a craving for American food, it is readily available at Bob’s BBQ and also at the New Orleans Café – ribs that will make your mouth water all the way home.

German, Swiss and Belgian foods are readily available too. It seems like there is another fine restaurant every 10 feet in Pattaya. Mexican food can be had at the Tequila Reef and also at the Blue Parrot. You would never know that you are in Thailand with all the fine choices at these great restaurants.

And, if it is seafood that you crave, just walk along Beach Road or Walking Street and you will find quite a few restaurants with seafood on ice or swimming around waiting for you to make your catch. King’s Seafood is one of the better restaurants with excellent tiger prawns and a beautiful view of the Gulf of Siam.

So, don’t go to Thailand if you are planning on losing any weight. Go there to have a great vacation and a fine sampling of some of the culinary arts of Asia.

1. Happy - The Best of my favorite go go bar. There are beautiful girls, friendly staff, good set up- one main stage and seats all around it and one off stage to the left when you enter. This place is always busy, so if you can, get there early.

This place probably has the most talent I've seen in a go go bar. Typical go go bar music but are we there for the music? No! I’m there for beautiful women and this place has it. I don’t have anything bad to report about this bar because I've always had a great experience there. They have shows (I have no idea how often) girls come out, dance naked- good stuff. One thing I love about this bar, aside from the stunners who dance on the main stage, are the girls in the big white boots, black skirts and little boob tops.

2. Living Dolls LD - Great places, it reminds me a lot of Peppermint, just a lot smaller, but definitely has some talent walking around and other types. Typically, it is a really fun place to hang out. I met a bunch of really fun girls from there. I saw a handful of guys get shot down by the main performers, which honestly, I've never seen in other places. I guess it really can happen. The top performers are some beautiful girls; a little heavy on the tats, but if that's your thing, there's a girl with leg tats that's just ridiculously hot while dancing. I met a main performer who spoke great English, no tats and could move up on the dance floor like no other nice girls and if you expect me to remember her name, you're dreaming

3. Boesche - Beautiful girls everywhere and they have a great show in the Jacuzzi in the back. Girls eating each other as they put the back of their heads into your lap and you drink a brew with a girl eating downtown at the Y below you. Good stuff. Nothing to report here, this place can get very crowded, but seems to be a late night crowd (gets busy after 11pm). Main stage dancers are usually top notch.

4. Peppermint - Peppermint is a great place to start the West Side Crawl. All the girls I've ever met there were a lot of fun, spoken English and were a blast. It does have a mix of everything; some really smoking hot girls, some mediocre, but the place is so big, it really just houses any kind of girl so it doesn't really matter. There is nothing but great times there and some great talent walking around. Find the stunners they are there, but will go quickly at this bar.

5. Windmill - This place brings a tear to me eye back in April 2007, this place seemed to have so much young, amazing talent that my neck was on a swivel and I met a stunner who was a 12 on the looks department my favorite all-time girl. Since then, Windmill has seemed to go downhill, not so many stunners and while they are wearing plaid semi-school girl outfits, it is just not the stunner quality girls you'd expect. So sad because it used to be such an amazing haven and I used to run to it (imagine a foreigner running down Walking Street in slow motion, with a tear coming down his cheek). The show is great, but if the girls aren't hot.

Pattaya City is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand roughly 160 kilometers (two-hour drive) southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 60's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation spot, at all times sunny beach resort in particular admired by Europeans. A fascinating escape where pleasure-seeking tourists, holiday-makers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during exotic holiday on much fun and comfortable beach vacations.

Pattaya is a place of never-ending spirit, and fun. A true paradise destination with excellent world-class hotels, and resorts, fabulous golf courses, delightful gourmet, and shopping experience, plenty of water sports, and sleepless nightlife is what Pattaya have in its lap. Pattaya also houses plethora of hotels including various luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, business hotels and inexpensive yet comfortable budget hotels. Hotels in Pattaya also includes some world famous groups like Sheraton, Marroitt, Best Western and many more.

Hotels of Pattaya are worth reckoning when it comes to offering classic accommodation along with excellent hospitality services to the guests. Say for the low cost hotels in Pattaya, even if you don't want to spend abundantly for your stay, the budget hotels of Pattaya are there to offer you the outstanding and top-class facilities without being too expensive. The hotels are absolutely clean and roomy where you can only expect to have comfortable rooms with cozy interiors. Most of these hotels serve you with complimentary breakfast and other associated services to ensure a memorable stay.

Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets.

Find more about pattaya hotels in competitive prices.

To promote tourism in the area, Pattaya Carnival is held annually around the end or the beginning of the year at Pattaya Pier, Bali Hai Cape. At the event, a spectacular float of flora, beauty pageant, cultural shows and music performances as well as various exciting water sports competitions take place. Fireworks are also displayed on the beach.

Pattaya is notorious for the go-go girls that swarm Walking and South streets, however, this self-acclaimed sin city isn’t all about hanky-panky business. There are a wide range of activities to be had while amazing performances await your visit both in the daytime and nighttime.

Nothing can put a huge smile on your children’s face like entertaining animal shows and Pattaya is definitely an ideal place for it. Perfect for a family day out is the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm where you can gasp at rare species like albino bears and other ubiquitous animals like elephants, tigers, lions and crocodiles. Animal shows include mind-blowing performances of crocodiles and elephants doing tricks. The farm is also home to fantastic collections of flowers, plants and rocks. Guide to Pattaya attractions.

If gigantic, big-eared, friendly animals are your thing, Elephant Village is a must-visit venue. It’s a fun village where you can have fun with everyone in your family. Expect a variety of shows that will wow tourists away including well-trained elephant shows and spectacular ancient ceremonial re-enactments. You can also hop on the back of the elephant and take a ride around the village or opt for a longer trek.
A great opportunity to see Asian Tigers close up
A great opportunity to see Asian Tigers close up

Your boys will be over the moon to get a glimpse at these fascinating animals and their cubs at Sriracha Tiger Zoo, only half an hour away from Pattaya. Your little girls will probably have something to boast to their friends about to see relatives of Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine’s Bengal. Sriracha Tiger Zoo isn’t only for children as adults will enjoy extraordinary shows like elephants playing basketball and jaw-dropping crocodiles wrestling with women.

If the shows of wild animals aren’t too appealing to you, you can always opt for gracious horse shows at the Horseshoe Point. Series of impressive shows await curious tourists including a matador show which uses a horse instead of an angry bull and a horse giving out red roses to the ladies.

After a packed day of children-friendly animal shows, you would think that would be all for your family fun vacation, think again. Surely your children won’t be too interested in a-go-go, pole-dancing performances but quality musical shows performed by skilled transvestites might do the trick. Pattaya is home to several cabaret shows, including Tiffany shows, which put together the humour of your lovely Thai drag queens and awesome musicals. It’s not exactly West End production but it will definitely jazz up your evening. Pattaya night shows.

Those wishing to soak up on Thai culture will be very pleased to know that Pattaya is also home to the state-of the-art theatre, Alankarn, which boasts a fantastic combination of a 70-metre long show-stage, huge movie screens, a fascinating 30-metre of water track for performances on water and advanced sound systems. Here, you can gasp at one-of-a-kind spectacular cultural shows with skilled performers in their dazzling costumes. The theatre seats up to 2,000 visitors and also serves delectable Thai-styled dinner.

Mini Siam is one of several great theme parks With a plethora of fun animal shows by day and fascinating cabaret and cultural shows by night, Pattaya is in fact one of the places where you can have hearty, unadulterated family fun. Even though it is more famous among those looking for ultimate nightlife and naughty business, Pattaya definitely has its friendly, child-centred sides to attract the innocent minds. Simply ignore the aforementioned t-shirt and enjoy your quality weekend in Pattaya with your family. Of course, you can always come back on your own and get yourself one of those black tees.

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament in Pattaya, Asia’s longest running women’s professional tennis event opens a new chapter in its history in 2009.

As a result of changes implemented by the WTA, the tournament has been upgraded to be part of the new international series with prize money of a minimum of US$220,000. It has also been re-named the PTT Pattaya Open and will be played at Dusit Thani Pattaya from 7 – 15 February 2009.

The PTT Pattaya Open has attracted an exciting line-up of players including one top ten player and three top twenty players, all of whom have risen dramatically up the rankings in 2008. With entries open until the end of December this year, more tennis stars are expected to enter the tournament in the coming weeks.

To meet the standards for the new international series, there have been several improvements made to the venue, with the addition of a fourth court on-site, improved lighting, expanded stadium capacity and better facilities for officials, the players and the media.

Qualifying matches will be played from 7 – 9 February, with the main draw starting on 9 February and running through to the finals on 15 February.

There will be 2 days of “live” TV coverage on Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February from 15.00 – 17.00. As well as Thailand, the live coverage will include Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East and Europe. Negotiations are continuing with other countries.

Tickets for the tournament are on sale at the following prices:

Saturday 7 February – Sunday 8 February: (qualifying rounds) – 200 baht
Monday 9 February – Thursday 12 February: (1st and 2nd rounds of main draw) - 300 baht and 500 baht
Friday 13 February – Sunday 15 February: (Quarter-finals, semi-finals and final)-300, 500, 800 and 1000 baht.

The PTT Pattaya Open is supported by PTT Public Co., Ltd, Pattaya City, Sports Authority of Thailand, Chonburi Provincial Administration, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Dusit Thani, Pattaya, Sony Ericsson, Wilson, Yonex, and J C Ferrero Equelite.

King Mangrai established this small town, which is similar to Pai as far as the available activities goes, after coming across the site in a hunt for his favourite elephant, which had run away. Although the town itself is nothing special, many better-funded travellers will appreciate the better selection of up-market accommodation available in the surrounding countryside, which includes the infamous Golden Triangle, a formerly lawless drug-running area. For camping as you have never known it before, try the five-star Four Seasons Tented Camp Resort, where the only similarity with Western camping is a canvas and, a novelty for Thailand, a log fire. Another major draw is the world-class Santiburi golf course.

Why bother to go to Chiang Rai when you can access pretty much all the same attractions from Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is a fairly big place and to get anywhere out of the city requires a bit of a journey there, then back, which for most people entails a group tour. From Pai or Chiang Rai you can be more impulsive and relaxed. Instead of signing up for group-tour cultural voyeurism, you can just jump on your bike and disappear into the landscape, which is an infinitely more authentic experience than traipsing around after a tour guide while people attempt to sell you things – why not have a cup of tea or a cigarette with a hill-tribe lady or gentleman, rather than just taking their picture? Don’t be fooled by the happy smiles on these peoples’ faces, though, as the hill tribes are some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. The reason you don’t see many young women is because so many of them are off working flat out in Patpong, Patong and Pattaya.